Key module for keyboard and keyboard
阅读说明:本技术 用于键盘的按键模块和键盘 (Key module for keyboard and keyboard ) 是由 爱德华·鲁夫 于 2018-07-27 设计创作,主要内容包括:本发明涉及一种用于键盘的按键模块(120)。按键模块(120)具有:引导装置(230),该引导装置(230)用于在所述按键模块(120)被操作时引导所述按键模块(120)的移动;至少一个弹簧元件(240),该至少一个弹簧元件(240)用于在所述按键模块(120)被操作时提供复位力;支撑元件(250),该支撑元件(250)用于支撑所述引导装置(230);和开关单元。所述开关单元具有壳体(270)和被至少部分地被布置在所述壳体(270)中的接触装置(280),该接触装置(280)用于在所述按键模块(120)被操作时建立电接触。所述接触装置(280)包括具有第一触点的固定接触件,并且具有接触传递器,该接触传递器具有支撑第二触点的第一弹簧耳片,并且该接触传递器具有用于产生操作噪声的第二弹簧耳片并且/或者具有至少一个操作部。所述接触传递器一体地形成。(The invention relates to a key module (120) for a keyboard. The key module (120) has: a guide means (230) for guiding movement of the key module (120) when the key module (120) is operated; at least one spring element (240), the at least one spring element (240) being adapted to provide a return force when the key module (120) is operated; a support element (250), the support element (250) being adapted to support the guide means (230); and a switching unit. The switch unit has a housing (270) and a contact means (280) arranged at least partially in the housing (270), the contact means (280) being used to establish an electrical contact when the key module (120) is operated. The contact device (280) comprises a fixed contact piece having a first contact point and has a contact transmitter having a first spring tab supporting a second contact point and having a second spring tab for generating an operating noise and/or having at least one operating section. The contact transmitter is integrally formed.)
1. A key module (120) for a keyboard (100), wherein the key module (120) comprises:
a guide (230), the guide (230) for guiding movement of the key module (120) upon actuation;
a support element (250), the support element (250) for supporting the guide (230); and
switch unit (260), wherein the switch unit (260) comprises a housing (270) and a contact arrangement (280) arranged at least partially in the housing (270), the contact arrangement (280) being used for establishing an electrical contact when actuating the key module (120), wherein the contact arrangement (280) comprises a stationary contact (1482) and a contactor (1484), the stationary contact (1482) having a first contact (1583), the contactor (1484) having a first spring clip (1486) and/or a second spring clip (2387) and/or at least one actuating portion (1488), the first spring clip (1486) carrying a second contact (1585), the second spring clip (2387) being used for generating an actuating sound, wherein the contactor (1484) is formed in one piece.
2. The key module (120) of claim 1, wherein the contact (1484) of the contact arrangement (280) comprises the first spring clip (1486) carrying the second contact (1585) and the at least one actuation portion (1488).
3. The key module (120) of claim 1, wherein the contact (1484) of the contact arrangement (280) comprises the first spring clip (1486) carrying the second contact (1585), the second spring clip (2387) for generating an actuating sound, and the at least one actuating portion (1488).
4. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (270) comprises an actuation opening (2371) for exposing the at least one actuation portion (1488) of the contact device (280) and/or a deflection portion (3373) for deflecting the second spring clip (2387) of the contact device (280) upon actuation of the key module (120), wherein the deflection portion (3373) is formed to be obliquely deflected with respect to a movement of the key module (120) upon actuation.
5. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, the key module (120) having an auxiliary actuator (2392), the auxiliary actuator (2392) being for actuating the contact means (280), wherein the housing (270) comprises at least one holding portion (2375), the at least one holding portion (2375) being for holding the auxiliary actuator (2392), wherein the secondary actuator (2392) comprises at least one attachment portion (2794) and/or at least one nose portion (2796), the at least one attachment portion (2794) is for movably attaching the secondary actuator (2392) to the at least one holding portion (2375) of the housing (270), the at least one nose (2796) is used to deflect the first spring clip (1486) and/or the second spring clip (2387) of the contact arrangement (280) upon actuation of the key module (120).
6. The key module (120) of claim 5, wherein the secondary actuator (2392) includes at least one securing portion (2798), the at least one securing portion (2798) for securing the secondary actuator (2392) to the guide (230).
7. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact arrangement (280) comprises a soldering surface (582) or a connector pin for attaching the switch unit (260) to a circuit substrate (110) of the keyboard (100), and/or wherein the contact arrangement (280) is formed to establish the electrical contact while creating friction between the first contact (1583) and the second contact (1585).
8. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (270) is formed at least in a sub-portion (1376) from a transparent or opaque material and/or at least in a sub-portion (1376) as at least one lens, and/or wherein the housing (270) comprises a receiving compartment (574) for a light source, and/or wherein at least one recess (272) is formed in the housing (270), the at least one recess (272) being adapted to receive at least one sub-portion of at least one spring element (240) in an actuated state of the key module (120) for providing a resetting force upon actuation of the key module (120).
9. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (250) comprises a soldering surface (554) or a connector pin for attaching the support element (250) to a circuit substrate (110) of the keyboard (100) and/or wherein the support element (250) is made of a metallic material.
10. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (230) comprises a first wing element (230) and a second wing element (230), wherein each wing element (230) comprises a rod (1335), a first arm (1337) and a second arm (1339), wherein the arms (1337, 1339) extend away from the rod (1335), wherein a mounting portion (232) is formed on the rod (1335), wherein a first support portion (234) for supporting the wing element (230) is formed on the first arm (1337), wherein a second support portion (234) for supporting the wing element (230) is formed on the second arm (1339), wherein the first wing element (230) and the second wing element (230) are mechanically couplable to each other, wherein at least one spring element (240) for providing a reset force upon actuation of the key module (120) is mountable to the first wing element (230) of the first wing element (230) A mounting portion (232) and a mounting portion (232) of the second wing element (230), wherein a plurality of receiving portions (252) are formed in the support element (250), the plurality of receiving portions (252) for receiving the bearing portion (234) of the wing element (230).
11. The key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one spring element (240), the at least one spring element (240) being adapted to provide a return force upon actuation of the key module (120), in particular wherein the at least one spring element (240) is formed as an extension spring or a compression spring.
12. A keyboard (100), wherein the keyboard (100) comprises:
at least one key module (120) according to one of the preceding claims; and
a circuit substrate (110), wherein the at least one key module (120) is arranged on the circuit substrate (110).
Technical Field
The invention relates to a key module for a keyboard and a keyboard having at least one such key module.
Background
In keyboards such as those used in conjunction with computers, for example, various key systems may be employed.
EP 1612821 a2 discloses a key switch, a keyboard and a key switch assembly jig.
Disclosure of Invention
Against this background, the present invention provides an improved key module for a keyboard and an improved keyboard according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and the subsequent description.
According to embodiments of the method described herein, a key module may be provided with a switch unit or a switch mechanism, wherein an electrical contact may be established and optionally also an actuation sound may be generated by means of such a switch unit. For example, the switching unit may fulfill the function of establishing electrical contact and optionally also acoustic feedback. This may be achieved in particular by the contact being formed integrally with at least one spring clip. Furthermore, the switch unit, for example in combination with a suitable guiding unit of the key module, may also be configured to provide a reset force with respect to the actuation of the key module, and additionally or alternatively to provide a specific force path characteristic and make it adjustable.
Advantageously, a very flat mechanical switch module may be provided, for example for gaming applications, high-end office applications, etc. For example, the switch module may be used in a notebook computer and a flat keyboard. The electrical contact can be established in a reliable manner, wherein the force path characteristics of the actuation can be influenced by a suitable design of the contact means. In addition, the actuation sound can also be optionally easily realized. The switching unit can in particular be capable of an electrical function and optionally also an acoustic function by means of the contactor. Such a key module can, for example, meet the requirements with regard to very flat construction dimensions, for example block sizes of 1-4 mm, in particular up to about 2 mm. It is also possible, for example, that the lifetime of the key module can be in the range of a classical mechanical key module.
A key module of a keyboard is proposed, wherein the key module comprises:
a guide for guiding the key module to move when actuated;
a support member for supporting the guide; and
a switch unit, wherein the switch unit comprises a housing and a contact device arranged at least partially in the housing for establishing an electrical contact when actuating the key module, wherein the contact device comprises a fixed contact with a first contact and a contactor with a first spring clip with a second contact, and additionally or alternatively the contactor has a second spring clip for generating an actuating sound, and additionally or alternatively the contactor has at least one actuating portion, wherein the contactor is integrally formed.
For example, a keyboard may be provided for a computer or the like. The keyboard may include at least one key module. The key module may be a part of the key or may represent the key. Thus, each key may provide a key module. The key module may also be referred to as a mechanical button. The housing may comprise at least one wall or wall portion. The housing may be formed as a cage, or the like. The housing may comprise one part or a plurality of parts. The at least one actuation portion may be pressed by a top of the secondary actuator or key. The electrical contact between the first contact and the second contact may be established in one contact point. Each contact may be formed to be elongate and additionally or alternatively may include a linear contact region. The contact region of the first contact and the contact region of the second contact may cross each other. Each contact region may extend obliquely with respect to an extending longitudinal axis of the first spring clip. The second spring clip may include an angled, curved, or bowed actuation portion. The second spring clip may be formed to produce an actuating sound when rebounding against the housing or another component.
According to one embodiment, the contactor of the contact arrangement may comprise a first spring clip carrying the second contact and the at least one actuation portion. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable and robust switching unit with electrical function can be realized in a constructionally simple manner without affecting the costs.
Alternatively, the contactor of the contact arrangement may comprise a first spring clip carrying the second contact, a second spring clip for generating the actuating sound and the at least one actuating portion. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable and robust switching unit with electrical and acoustic functions can be realized in a constructionally simple manner without affecting the costs.
According to an embodiment, the housing may comprise an actuation opening for exposing the at least one actuation portion of the contact device. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may comprise a deflection portion for deflecting the second spring clip of the contact device upon actuation of the key module. The deflection portion may be formed obliquely biased with respect to the movement of the key module upon actuation. The deflection may be curved, slightly stepped, formed as a nub or cam, etc. The deflection portion may be formed to cause the second spring clip to deflect or deflect laterally or obliquely relative to movement of the key module upon actuation when the key module is actuated. The inclination angle of the deflection portion with respect to the movement of the key module upon actuation may here be smaller than the inclination angle of the angled or curved actuation portion of the second spring clip. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the contact means can be actuated simply and reliably by actuating the opening. Additionally or alternatively, for the purpose of generating noise, a defined and low-friction deflection or offset of the second spring clip can be achieved in order to cause a rebound of the second spring clip.
Furthermore, the key module may comprise a secondary actuator for actuating the contact means. The housing may comprise at least one holding portion for holding the secondary actuator. The secondary actuator may comprise at least one attachment portion for movably attaching the secondary actuator to the at least one holding portion of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary actuator may comprise at least one nose for deflecting a first spring clip of the contact arrangement and additionally or alternatively a second spring clip upon actuation of the key module. Using the holding portion and the attachment portion, a movable attachment of the secondary actuator to the housing may be achieved, wherein the movable attachment may be hinged or translated, for example. The second spring clip may be formed to produce an actuation sound when rebounding against the secondary actuator. The secondary actuator may include a nose for deflecting the first spring clip and additionally or alternatively the second spring clip, or at least a first nose for deflecting the first spring clip and a second nose for deflecting the second spring clip. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the contact arrangement can be actuated in a robust and easy manner, wherein variants of contactors having one or two spring clips can be considered inexpensively in terms of construction.
Furthermore, the secondary actuator may comprise at least one fixation for fixing the secondary actuator to the first wing element or the second wing element. The auxiliary actuator may be pulled or moved by the at least one wing element on the at least one fixed part in at least one direction of movement when actuating the key module. The at least one fixing portion may be formed as a protrusion. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that electrical contact can be established in a reliable and robust manner upon actuation of the key module and that additionally or alternatively actuation sounds can be generated integrally. Furthermore, this can be achieved in a simple manner in terms of construction using a minimum number of components.
Furthermore, the contact means may comprise a soldering area or a connector pin for attaching the switching unit to the circuit substrate of the keypad. Additionally or alternatively, the contact means may be formed to establish electrical contact while creating friction between the first contact and the second contact. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that contact degradation due to contamination by particles can be avoided.
Furthermore, in at least one sub-portion, the housing may be formed of a transparent or opaque material, and additionally or alternatively may be formed as at least one lens. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may comprise a receiving compartment for the light source. Additionally or alternatively, at least one recess for accommodating at least a sub-portion of at least one spring element for providing a restoring force upon actuation of the key module in the actuated state of the key module can be formed in the housing. The at least one groove may also be referred to as a depression, oblong depression or notch. The at least one lens may be configured to distribute light from the light source over the top of the key module and additionally or alternatively over the keycap. The at least one lens may be configured to focus or scatter light. For example, the at least one lens may be an optical diffuser. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the illumination of the keys can be realized in a space-saving manner and additionally or alternatively, since the at least one spring element is at least partially plugged into the recess, space for the key module can be saved. Furthermore, the key module may support a uniform and economical illumination of the key cap or component by means of a light source or a light source that can be integrated.
According to one embodiment, the support element may comprise a soldering surface or connector pins for attaching the support element to a circuit substrate of a keyboard. Additionally or alternatively, the support element may be formed from a metallic material. Such an embodiment provides the following advantages: direct attachment of the key module to a circuit board or the like may be achieved. Furthermore, the support element can be made robust.
In particular, the guide may comprise a first wing element and a second wing element. Each wing element may comprise a rod, a first arm and a second arm. The arm may extend away from the rod. A mounting portion may be formed on the rod. A first support for supporting the wing element may be formed on the first arm. A second support for supporting the wing element may be formed on the second arm. The first wing element and the second wing element may be mechanically coupled to each other. Furthermore, at least one spring element for providing a reset force when the key module is actuated may be mounted on the mounting portion of the first wing element and the mounting portion of the second wing element. A plurality of receiving portions for receiving the bearing portions of the wing elements may be formed in the support element. The receiving portion of the support element may be formed as a bearing groove, a recess, or the like. In other words, the receiving portion of the support element may be formed in a trough shape, a V-shape and additionally or alternatively in a dovetail shape. The support element may be integrally formed. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that a mechanical system or guiding mechanism comprising a double wing unit and an elastic means coupled to the double wing unit may be provided. Thus, an equilateral, synchronous and play-free or reduced-play guiding or parallel guiding of the top of the key module can be achieved. Also, the force path characteristics of the key module with respect to actuation may be adjusted by the manufacturer, customer, and additionally or alternatively by the user. For example, the key module may allow further processing to be customized by the user.
The key module may further comprise at least one spring element for providing a reset force when the key module is actuated. In particular, the at least one spring element may be formed as a tension spring or a compression spring. The at least one spring element may also be referred to as a spring device. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that a defined force path characteristic of the actuation and reset forces of the key module can be provided in a constructionally simple and reliable manner by exchanging the at least one spring element. Further, the compression spring may also be used as a bending guide, alternatively.
Furthermore, a keyboard is proposed, wherein the keyboard comprises:
at least one item of an embodiment of a key module as described above; and
a circuit substrate, wherein the at least one key module is disposed on the circuit substrate.
Thus, at least one key module as described above may be employed or used in conjunction with a keyboard. The at least one key module can be directly attached to the circuit substrate, for example by soldering or inserting connector pins.
Drawings
The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a keyboard having a key module according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a key module according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a partially exploded view of a portion of the key module of FIG. 3;
fig. 5 shows an oblique top view on the switch unit and the support element of fig. 3 or 4 in a partially assembled state;
fig. 6 shows the contact arrangement of fig. 3, 4 or 5;
fig. 7 shows the auxiliary actuator of fig. 3 or 4 in an oblique bottom view;
FIG. 8 shows the secondary actuator of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 or FIG. 7 in an oblique top view;
FIG. 9 shows a partially exploded view of portions of the key module of FIG. 4 in a partially assembled state;
FIG. 10 shows an oblique top view of the key module of FIG. 4 or 9 in an installed and unactuated state;
FIG. 11 shows an oblique top view of the key module of FIG. 4, FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 in an installed and actuated state;
FIG. 12 shows a side view of the key module of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the key module of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 illustrates an oblique bottom view of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 illustrates an oblique view of a sub-portion of the key module of FIG. 14; and
fig. 16 illustrates an oblique view of one sub-portion of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals will be used for the elements having similar functions depicted in the respective drawings, wherein repeated description of these elements will be omitted.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a
The
Further, according to the embodiment shown and described in fig. 1, a
FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a
The
According to the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 2, the switch unit 260 comprises a
The
FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of a
In particular, fig. 3 shows a
According to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the
According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 3, the
Each
For example, according to the embodiment shown and described in fig. 3, each
Each
The
The
The set of components comprising the
In addition, the
According to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, for example, only one
According to the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, for example, two actuating
The
According to the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, the
The
FIG. 4 shows a partially exploded view of a portion of the
Fig. 5 shows an oblique top view of the switching unit 260 and the
Fig. 6 shows the
The
The first contact 1583 includes a linear or elongated contact region having a first axis of extension. Even though only shown implicitly in the illustration of fig. 6, the second contact 1585 includes a linear or elongated contact region having a second axis of extension. The first and second axes of extension cross each other, wherein an electrical and mechanical contact can be established between the first and second contacts 1583 in point-like contacts. According to the embodiment shown here, each extension axis extends obliquely, in particular at an angle of 45 degrees, for example with respect to the longitudinal or transverse axis of
First and
Fig. 7 shows the
An
The
The securing
Fig. 8 illustrates the
FIG. 9 illustrates a partially exploded view of a portion of the
FIG. 10 illustrates an angled top view of the
FIG. 11 illustrates an angled top view of the
FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the
FIG. 13 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the
As can be seen, a
During actuation of the
FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom oblique view of a
Here, the
The brazing surface 554 of the
According to the embodiment of the invention shown here, a receiving compartment 574 for accommodating the light source is formed in the
As can be seen in the illustration of fig. 14, the switching unit with the
According to another embodiment, in particular as an alternative to the soldering surface 554 and the soldering surface 582, the support element and the switching unit may be attachable to the circuit substrate of the keyboard by means of connector pins.
Fig. 15 shows an oblique view of one sub-portion of the key module of fig. 14. The sub-portion of the key module shown in fig. 15 comprises guiding mechanisms, namely
The
FIG. 16 illustrates an angled view of a sub-portion of a key module according to one embodiment. The sub-portion shown in fig. 16 corresponds to the sub-portion shown in fig. 12, with the difference that two
Each
If an embodiment comprises an "and/or" relationship between a first feature and a second feature, this relationship is to be understood as meaning that the embodiment comprises both the first feature and the second feature according to one variant of the embodiment and the first feature or the second feature according to another variant of the embodiment.
Reference numerals
100 keyboard
110 circuit base board
120 key module
125 keycap
230 guide
232 mounting part
234 supporting part
236 connecting part
238 end portion
240 spring element
250 support element
252 receiving part
260 switch unit
270 shell
272 groove
280 contact device
554 braze surface
574 receiving chamber
582 brazing surface
731 first coupling part
733 second coupling part
1335 rod
1337 first arm
1339 second arm
1376 sub-part
1482 fixed contact
1484 contactor
1486 first spring clip
1488 actuating section
1583 first contact
1585 second contact
2371 actuating opening
2375 holding part
2387A second spring clip
2392 auxiliary actuator
2794 attachment portion
2796 nose
2798 fixed part
3373 deflection unit
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