Dual Optical Path Key Switch for Stable PCB Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical keyboards with metal-contact switches face issues of damaged components, complex disassembly, and limited service life due to varying elasticity, and are cumbersome for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A split type dual optical path key switch design featuring an LED emitter and light receiver on a PCB, with separate light guiding bodies and a light blocking component, allowing for efficient backlighting and improved assembly and maintenance, and enabling two-color injection molding for reduced costs and enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-contact mechanical key switch is used, then the keyboard can achieve basic on/off function, but the metal contact is easily damaged and service life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional metal-contact mechanical switching system with an optical detection system. An LED emitter emits light that passes through the keycap and key switch body to a light receiver on the PCB. When the key is pressed, the optical path is blocked, triggering the switch signal. This eliminates metal contact wear and significantly extends service life.
2Ease of repair
If traditional optical axis mechanical keyboard is used, then the keyboard can achieve optical switching function, but the disassembly and repair process is complex and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the key switch into separate modular components: the key cap, key switch body, and PCB with integrated light receiver. Each component can be independently removed and replaced. The key switch body is fixed to the PCB through a simple snap-fit structure without requiring soldering or complex fastening, enabling easy disassembly and repair.
3Volume of moving object
If LED emitter is used for both backlight and switching function, then space can be reserved in housing, but light transmission stability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light guiding bodies (light guiding columns or light guiding plates) as intermediary structures between the LED emitter and the light receiver. These light guiding components efficiently direct and concentrate the light emitted by the LED, ensuring stable optical path transmission while allowing the LED to serve dual purposes of backlighting and switching detection, thereby saving housing space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances light transmission stability, reduces production costs, improves service life, simplifies maintenance, and provides a more precise and durable mechanical keyboard experience.
Implementation Method 1
By LED emitter, it can not only realize the function of backlight
Implementation Method 2
a first light guiding body is disposed above the LED emitter... the light transmitting portion is used for transmitting the light emitted by the LED emitter
Implementation Method 3
connect the switch with the help of the light receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a split type dual optical path key switch and a mechanical keyboard. The key switch comprises a key switch body, an LED emitter and a light receiver disposed on the PCB, wherein the key switch body comprises a housing and a handle disposed on the housing. The LED emitter and the light receiver are separated by a first light blocking component; a first light guiding body is disposed above the LED emitter, and a second light guiding body is disposed above the light receiver. The first guiding body is provided with a light transmitting portion and a first light reflecting portion, the second light guiding body is provided with a second light reflecting portion, and the handle is provided with a second light blocking component. The key switch can not only realize the function of backlight through the LED emitter, but also connect the switch with the help of the light receiver, so that the entire housing can reserve a sufficient space. In addition, transmitting light through the two light guiding bodies improves the stability of transmission, reduces the cost and process requirements of the key switch, and greatly improves the precision and service life of the mechanical keyboard.