阅读说明：本技术 用于键盘的键模块、键盘和用于识别键盘的键模块的致动的方法 (Key module for a keyboard, keyboard and method for recognizing an actuation of a key module of a keyboard ) 是由 爱德华·鲁夫 于 2019-09-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于键盘的键模块(110)。键模块(110)具有键挺杆(220)。键模块(110)还具有模块外壳(230)。模块外壳(230)被设计成以可移动方式容纳键挺杆(220),以便允许键挺杆(220)相对于模块外壳(230)在静止位置和致动位置之间的平移致动运动。键模块(110)进一步具有触发元件(240),用于响应于致动运动而触发键模块(110)的致动信号。触发元件(240)附接到键挺杆(220)。触发元件(240)被设计为接触传感器,该接触传感器用于使键盘的电路基板的接触表面电短路。触发元件(240)具有两个以上的可弹性变形接触指状物,用于在致动运动的过程中根据不同前进路径接触接触表面。(The invention relates to a key module (110) for a keyboard. The key module (110) has a key tappet (220). The key module (110) also has a module housing (230). The module housing (230) is designed to movably accommodate the key lifter (220) in order to allow a translational actuation movement of the key lifter (220) relative to the module housing (230) between a rest position and an actuation position. The key module (110) further has a triggering element (240) for triggering an actuation signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation motion. The trigger element (240) is attached to the key lifter (220). The trigger element (240) is designed as a contact sensor for electrically short-circuiting a contact surface of a circuit substrate of the keyboard. The trigger element (240) has more than two elastically deformable contact fingers for contacting the contact surface according to different advancement paths during the actuation movement.)

1. A key module (110) for a keyboard (100), wherein the key module (110) comprises:

a key lifter (220);

a module housing (230), wherein the module housing (230) is formed to movably accommodate the key lifter (220) so as to enable a translational actuation movement of the key lifter (220) relative to the module housing (230) between a rest position and an actuated position; and

a trigger element (240) for triggering an actuation signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation motion, wherein the trigger element (240) is attached to the key lifter (220), wherein the trigger element (240) is a contactor for electrically short-circuiting a contact pad (303a, 303b, 303c) of a circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100), wherein the trigger element (240) comprises two or more elastically deformable contact fingers (341, 342, 343) for contacting the contact pad (303a, 303b, 303c) after different advancement paths during the actuation motion.

2. A key module (110) according to claim 1, wherein the contact fingers (341, 342, 343) are formed to contact at least two of the contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) at a distance offset from each other and/or in a freely predeterminable order during the actuation movement.

3. Key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger element (240) comprises three elastically deformable contact fingers (341, 342, 343), wherein a first contact finger (341) is formed to contact a first contact pad (303a) after a first forward path, wherein a second contact finger (342) is formed to contact a second contact pad (303b) after the first forward path, wherein a third contact finger (343) is formed to contact a third contact pad (303c) after a second forward path, wherein the second forward path is longer than the first forward path.

4. Key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger element (240) comprises three elastically deformable contact fingers (341, 342, 343), wherein a first contact finger (341) and a second contact finger (342) are bent at a first angle with respect to the body of the trigger element (240), wherein a third contact finger (343) is bent at a second angle with respect to the body of the trigger element (240), wherein the first angle is larger than the second angle.

5. Key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger element (240) comprises three elastically deformable contact fingers (341, 342, 343), wherein a first contact finger (341) and a second contact finger (342) are formed as sub-sections of a first finger portion (644) of the trigger element (240) and a third contact finger (343) is formed as a second finger portion (645) of the trigger element (240), and/or wherein a separation gap between the first contact finger (341) and the second contact finger (342) is smaller than a separation gap between the second contact finger (342) and the third contact finger (343).

6. A key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the contact fingers (341, 342, 343) comprises a bent end for contacting one of the contact pads (303a, 303b, 303 c).

7. Key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, having a wire mount (650) for providing a tactile and/or audible feedback, wherein the wire mount (650) is elastically deformable during the actuation movement, wherein the wire mount (650) is bent with an overall bending angle of less than 360 degrees, wherein the wire mount (650) is fixed to the key tappet (220).

8. The key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (230) is integrally formed, wherein the module housing (230) comprises at least one positioning protrusion (634) for positioning the key module (110) on a circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100), wherein the module housing (230) comprises at least one mounting portion (636) for mounting the key module (110) in the keyboard (100) by form-locking and/or non-form-locking.

9. The key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (230) comprises an abutment surface (931), wherein the trigger element (240) is arranged to abut on the abutment surface (931) in a rest position of the key tappet (220).

10. A keyboard (100), wherein the keyboard (100) comprises:

at least one key module (110) according to one of the preceding claims; and

a circuit substrate (102), the circuit substrate (102) having contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c), wherein the at least one key module (110) is arranged on the circuit substrate (102).

11. The keyboard (100) of claim 10, comprising a device (770) for identifying actuation of the key module (110), wherein the device (770) is connected to the circuit substrate (102) for signal transmission, wherein the device (770) comprises: a detector (772) for detecting the number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) of the circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100) contacted by the contact fingers (341, 342, 343); a provider (774) for providing a first actuation signal (781) in response to a detected first number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) contacted by the contact fingers (341, 342, 343), and for providing a second actuation signal (782) in response to a detected second number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) contacted by the contact fingers (341, 342, 343), the second number being different from the first number, wherein each of the actuation signals (781, 782) represents an identified actuation of the key module (110).

12. The keyboard (100) of claim 11, wherein the detector (772) is configured to detect at least one time interval between contact instants when the contact fingers (341, 342, 343) are in contact with different contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c), wherein the provider (774) is configured to provide at least one further actuation signal (783) depending on the at least one detected time interval using a determination rule, wherein the at least one further actuation signal (783) represents an identified actuation of the key module (110).

13. The keyboard (100) of one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) are electrically insulated from each other and/or arranged along a straight line.

14. Keyboard (100) according to one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one key module (110) and the circuit substrate (102) are connected to each other only by shape-locking and/or non-shape-locking.

15. The keyboard (100) of one of claims 10 to 14, the keyboard (100) comprising a fixing element (104) for fixing the at least one key module (110) to the circuit substrate (102), wherein the fixing element (104) is a key frame between the circuit substrate (102) and a keyboard top or a keyboard top.

16. Method (800) for identifying an actuation of a key module (110) of a keyboard (100) according to one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the method (800) comprises the steps of:

detecting (810) a number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) of the circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100) contacted by the contact fingers (341, 342, 343); and

providing (820) a first actuation signal in response to a detected first number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) contacted by the contact finger (341, 342, 343), and providing a second actuation signal in response to a detected second number of contact pads (303a, 303b, 303c) contacted by the contact finger (341, 342, 343), the second number being different from the first number, wherein each of the actuation signals represents an identified actuation of the key module (110).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a key module for a keyboard, a keyboard having at least one such key module, and a method for recognizing an actuation of a key module of a keyboard.

Background

Different types of key switches may be employed in a keyboard that is illustratively used in computers. In particular, the mechanical key module may be used as a key switch. In particular, the mechanical key module may be used as a key switch. There are different types of mechanical key modules. A key module having a cover element, a tappet, a contact element unit, a contact and a housing element is described in published DE 102017106406 a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved key module for a keyboard, an improved keyboard and an improved method for identifying actuation of a key module of a keyboard, wherein the key module has a wire mount for providing tactile and/or audible feedback, according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments can be seen from the dependent claims and the subsequent description.

In particular, according to embodiments, a type of actuation may be provided in a key module for a keyboard, in which a plurality of switch points may be reached successively during an actuation movement in order to realize a number of different actuation signals for a number of different functions. This may be achieved, for example, by a contactor having three or more contact fingers formed and arranged to cause different contacts to make contact after different forward paths of actuation motion.

Advantageously, in particular, several switching points may be realized by a single key module in order to perform several functions, commands or actions, for example by actuating a single key module. Thus, in particular, an earlier contact may be established after a shorter forward path for frequently and additionally or alternatively quickly required functions, and a later contact may be established after a longer forward path for less frequently and additionally or alternatively later required functions. The several switching points can be realized in particular by space-saving, low-cost and easy-to-manufacture components in a robust and reliable manner.

There is provided a key module for a keyboard, wherein the key module includes:

a key lifter;

a module housing, wherein the module housing is formed to movably house the key lifter to enable translational actuation movement of the key lifter relative to the module housing between a rest position and an actuated position; and

a trigger element for triggering an actuation signal of the key module in response to the actuation motion, wherein the trigger element is attached to the key lifter, wherein the trigger element is a contactor for electrically short-circuiting a contact pad of a circuit substrate of the keyboard, wherein the trigger element comprises two or more elastically deformable contact fingers for contacting the contact pad after different advancement paths during the actuation motion.

For example, the keyboard may be provided for a computer or the like. The keyboard may include at least one key module. The key module may be part of a key or may represent a key. Thus, one key module may be provided for each key. The key module may also be referred to as a mechanical button or a mechanical button switch. The circuit substrate may be a circuit board. The keyboard may include a circuit substrate. The circuit substrate may include a plurality of contact pads. The key lifter may be integrally formed. The key lifter may include a coupling portion for coupling with a keycap of the key module. The contactor or the triggering element may be integrally formed. At least the contact fingers may be formed of a conductive material. In particular, the contactor may be integrally formed as a stamped and bent portion. The contact fingers may have a linear or progressive spring characteristic when deformed. In the rest position, the contact fingers may be spaced apart from the circuit substrate. In the actuated position, the contact fingers may contact pads of the circuit substrate. Friction may be generated while contact between the contact fingers and the contact pads is achieved. After the first advancement path, a subset of the contact fingers may contact a subset of the contact pads, and after the second advancement path, all of the contact fingers may contact the contact pads. Here, the second advancing path may be larger than the first advancing path. After the second advancement path, the key lifter may be disposed closer to the actuation position than after the first advancement path. Upon contact between the contact fingers and the contact pads, different circuits in the circuit substrate may be contacted.

According to one embodiment, during the actuation movement, the contact fingers may be formed to contact the at least two contact pads at a distance offset with respect to each other and additionally or alternatively in a freely predeterminable sequence. Thus, at least two different contact pads may be contacted by the contact finger to each other during the actuation movement up to the actuation position. Here, the contact sequence can be determined arbitrarily by the corresponding shape of the contact fingers. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the key module can be configured with functionality in a simple, application specific and flexible way.

According to one embodiment, the trigger element may comprise three elastically deformable contact fingers. Here, the first contact finger may be formed to contact the first contact pad after the first advancing path. The second contact finger may be formed to contact the second contact path after the first advance path. Further, the third contact finger may be formed to contact the third contact pad after the second advancement path. The second advancement path may be longer than the first advancement path. The first and second contact fingers may contact the first and second contact pads before the third contact pad is contacted by the third contact finger. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the switching or actuation points of the key module can be realized in a simple and reliable manner.

According to one embodiment, the trigger element may comprise three elastically deformable contact fingers. Here, the first contact finger and the second contact finger may be bent at a first angle with respect to the body of the trigger element. The third contact finger may be bent at a second angle relative to the body of the trigger element. The first angle may be greater than the second angle. The first angle and the second angle may be presented in a rest position. An advantage of such an embodiment is that the contact to the contact pad that occurs after different paths of travel can be achieved in a cost-effective and fatigue-resistant manner by the differently bent contact fingers.

According to one embodiment, the trigger element may comprise three elastically deformable contact fingers. Here, the first and second contact fingers may be formed as subsections of a first finger portion of the trigger element, and the third contact finger may be formed as a second finger portion of the trigger element. Additionally or alternatively, a separation gap between the first contact finger and the second contact finger may be smaller than a separation gap between the second contact finger and the third contact finger. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that a short circuit between the first contact pad and the second contact pad can be permanently realized simultaneously or within small time tolerances, wherein the different bending of the third contact finger relative to the other two contact fingers can be simplified.

Further, each contact finger may include a bent end for contacting one contact pad. In particular, the first contact finger may include a first bent end for contacting the first contact pad, the second contact finger may include a second bent end for contacting the second contact pad, and the third contact finger may include a third bent end for contacting the third contact pad. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that contact safety may be enhanced.

According to one embodiment, the key module may comprise a wire mount for providing tactile feedback and additionally or alternatively audible feedback. Here, the wire carrier can be elastically deflected during the actuating movement. The wire rack may be bent at an overall bend angle of less than 360 degrees. The wire mount may be fixed to the key lifter. The wire bracket may be bent from a metal wire having a predetermined diameter. The wire mount may be formed to provide tactile and/or audible feedback during the actuation motion. The overall bending angle may correspond to the sum of the bending angles of the wire rack at all bending positions where the wire rack is bent. Wire stents may also be referred to as clips, click stents, or collectively as resilient devices. The wire rack may be formed of metal wire or plastic wire. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that both tactile feedback and additionally or alternatively audible feedback may be provided in a low cost, robust, uncomplicated and reliable manner.

According to one embodiment, the module housing may be integrally formed. The module housing may include at least one positioning protrusion for positioning the key module on the circuit substrate of the keyboard. The module housing may comprise at least one mounting portion for mounting the key module in the keyboard with form-locking and additionally or alternatively with non-form-locking. The positioning protrusion may be formed as a stud, a pin, or the like. The mounting portion may be formed as a flange and additionally or alternatively as a snap fit or the like. The key module may be connected to the circuit substrate while avoiding adhesive bonding between the key module and the circuit substrate of the keyboard. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that a solderless connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be realized in a cost-effective manner. Cost can also be saved because a wider range of materials (including materials with lower heat resistance) can be used for the key module depending on the ambient temperature of the operating environment. Furthermore, the solderless connection allows easy replacement of the key module by a professional or directly by the end user. This provides another possibility for a unique keypad design that is particularly advantageous for game users.

The key lifter may further include an elastic means. The resilient means may be formed to bias the key lifter to the rest position in the key module assembled state. The resilient means may be formed as a compression spring. The elastic means may serve as a return spring of the key module. The resilient means may achieve a linear force-displacement characteristic during the actuation movement. In other words, the elastic means may have a linear spring characteristic. Alternatively, the resilient means may have a progressive spring characteristic. In particular, advantageously, the force-displacement characteristic of the key module actuation can be adjusted as desired by elastic means.

Further, the key lifter may be formed of a semi-light transmissive material or a non-light transmissive material. The module housing may be formed of a semi-transparent material or an opaque material. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a uniform illumination of the key cap coupleable to the key tappet can be achieved from the circuit substrate. Furthermore, if desired, illumination of the entire module housing, and thus the keycap environment, may be allowed.

According to one embodiment, the module housing may comprise an abutment surface. The trigger element may be arranged to abut on the abutment surface in the rest position of the key lifter. The abutment surface may be formed at least such that the triggering element and thus the key lifter may be prevented from sliding back to a position prior to the first actuation. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the return vibrations (damping vibrations) of the trigger element after returning from the actuated position to the rest position can be damped.

There is also presented a keyboard, wherein the keyboard comprises:

at least one example of a previously proposed key module embodiment; and

a circuit substrate having contact pads, wherein the at least one key module is disposed on the circuit substrate.

Thus, at least one previously proposed key module may be employed by or in conjunction with a keyboard. The at least one key module may be directly attached to the circuit substrate. The contact pads may be electrically connected to each other via contact fingers when the at least one key module is actuated. In this case, the respective circuit in the circuit substrate can be switched on.

According to one embodiment, the keyboard may comprise a device for recognizing actuation of the key module. The device may be connected to a circuit substrate for signal transmission. The apparatus may include: a detector for detecting the number of contact pads of a circuit substrate of the keyboard contacted by the contact finger; and a provider for providing a first actuation signal in response to a detected first number of contact pads contacted by the contact finger and a second actuation signal in response to a second number of contact pads contacted by the contact finger, the second number being different from the first number. Each of the actuation signals may represent an actuation of an identified key module. The device may be arranged inside or outside the housing of the keyboard. The actuation signal may be a processed signal. Alternatively, the actuation signal may be a contact signal indicating that a circuit or an electronic circuit in the circuit substrate is completed. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that key actuations can be identified in a reliable and accurate manner and also enables a differentiation of different types of key actuations to obtain different actuation signals.

The detector may be configured to detect at least one time interval between contact instants in which the contact finger is in contact with different contact pads. The provider may be configured to provide at least one further actuation signal in dependence of the detected at least one time interval using a determination rule. The at least one further actuation signal may represent an actuation of the identified key module. More specifically, the detector may be configured to measure at least one time interval between circuit-on processes occurring upon contact between the contact pad and the contact finger. Since the respective advance paths in which the contact pads are contacted by the contact fingers are known, the device may also be configured to determine the speed and additionally or alternatively the acceleration of the actuation motion. The determination rules may include threshold comparisons, look-up tables, use of kinematic physical equations, and the like. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a specific actuation signal may also be triggered depending on the user-induced actuation motion dynamics, e.g. different actuation signals at different actuation speeds or accelerations.

The contact pads may also be electrically isolated from each other. Additionally or alternatively, the contact pads may be arranged along a straight line. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a simple and widely available design of the circuit substrate can be used.

According to one embodiment, the at least one key module and the circuit substrate can be connected to each other only with a shape-locking and additionally or alternatively with a non-shape-locking. The form-locking and additionally or alternatively the non-form-locking between the key module and the circuit substrate can be realized by at least one positioning projection and at least one mounting section of the module housing. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a reliable, low-cost connection can be achieved, which can be simply detached for replacement.

Furthermore, the keyboard may comprise a fixing element for fixing the at least one key module to the circuit substrate. The fixing element may be formed as a key frame between the circuit substrate and the top of the keyboard, or as a top of the keyboard. The fixing element can be configured to engage with at least one mounting portion of a module housing of the key module in a form-locking and additionally or alternatively non-form-locking manner. An advantage of such an embodiment is that a keyboard can be realized at low cost, wherein long-life and robust key modules can be easily replaced and allow precise actuation.

A method for recognizing an actuation of a key module of an embodiment of the aforementioned keyboard is also proposed, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

detecting a number of contact pads of the circuit substrate of the keyboard contacted by the contact fingers; and

providing a first actuation signal in response to a detected first number of contact pads contacted by the contact finger and providing a second actuation signal in response to a detected second number of contact pads contacted by the contact finger, the second number being different from the first number, wherein each actuation signal represents an actuation of the identified key module.

Advantageously, the method may be performed in conjunction with or using an embodiment having at least one of the aforementioned keyboards of at least one of the aforementioned key module embodiments. The first actuation signal and the second actuation signal may be different from each other. Here, the first actuation signal and the second actuation signal may have different signal values. The first number of contact pads may correspond to a subset of contact pads contacted by a subset of the contact fingers after the first path of advancement. The second number of contact pads may correspond to all contact pads contacted by all contact fingers after the second advancement path. Here, the second advancing path may be longer or larger than the first advancing path. The first actuation signal may be configured to trigger a first function when used by a device connected with the keyboard for signal transmission. The second actuation signal may be configured to trigger a second function different from the first function when used by a device connected to the keyboard for signal transmission. The actuation signal may be a processed signal. Alternatively, the actuation signal may be a contact signal indicating that a circuit or an electronic circuit in the circuit substrate is completed.

According to an embodiment, at least one time interval between moments when different contact pads are contacted by a contact finger may be detected in the detecting step. Furthermore, in the providing step, at least one further actuation signal may be provided in dependence on the at least one detected time interval using a determination rule. The at least one further actuation signal may represent an actuation of the identified key module.

Drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example on the basis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a key module according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show schematic views of the keyboard sub-section of FIG. 1 and the key module sub-section of FIG. 2 in a rest position or a contactless state;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show schematic views of the keyboard and key module sub-sections of FIGS. 3A and 3B in a first actuator position or at a first switch point;

fig. 5A and 5B show schematic views of the keyboard and key module sub-sections of fig. 3A and 3B or of fig. 4A and 4B in a second actuating position or at a second switching point;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a key module according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic bottom view of a key module sub-section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a keyboard sub-section according to an embodiment of the present invention prior to key module assembly or first actuation;

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard sub-section of FIG. 10 with the key modules in an actuated position; and

fig. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard sub-section of fig. 10 or 11 with the key module in a rest position.

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 shown in the respective drawings, wherein repeated description of these elements will be omitted.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a keyboard 100 having a key module 110, according to one embodiment. For example, the keyboard 100 is part of a notebook computer, laptop computer, or the like. Alternatively, the keyboard 100 is designed in particular as a peripheral device of a computer.

The keyboard 100 includes a circuit substrate 102. The circuit board 102 is, for example, a circuit board, a conductor plate, or the like. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the keyboard 100 comprises a plurality of key modules 110. The key module 110 is disposed on the circuit substrate 102.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the keyboard 100 further comprises a fixing element 104 for fixing the key module 110 to the circuit substrate 102. More specifically, the fixation element 104 is formed to establish a form-locking with the key module, and additionally or alternatively to establish a non-form-locking. Here, the fixing element 104 is formed merely as a key frame by way of example. Alternatively, the fixation element 104 may be formed as a keyboard top.

Further, according to the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 1, keycaps 106 are attached to respective key modules 110. Each keycap 106 is coupled to its own key module 110. Each element of key module 110 and keycap 106 represents a key of keyboard 100. Alternatively, each key module 110 represents a key of the keyboard 100. In particular, the key module 110 will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Keycap 106 represents a portion of a key that is visible and touchable to a user of keyboard 100. Actuation of the key module 110 is achieved by pressing onto the keycap 106. Each key module 110 is configured to react to an actuation force with a force-displacement characteristic of a resistive or reset force. Furthermore, each key module 110 is configured to establish an electrical connection in a predefinable actuation path in response to an actuation, so that a switching process is performed after different forward paths with several switching points.

According to one embodiment, the circuit substrate 102 may include a hole into which the at least one protrusion of the key module 110 may be inserted. In particular, a shape lock between the key module and the circuit substrate 102 can be achieved. Additionally, at least one light emitting diode may be disposed on or in the circuit substrate 102 for illuminating at least one key module 110, as well as additionally or alternatively other electronic devices. The at least one light emitting diode and/or the other electronic device may be arranged by a surface mounting process or a soldering process. The other electronic devices may be resistors, diodes, etc.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a key module 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. The key module 110 corresponds to or is similar to one of the key modules in fig. 1. The key module 110 is provided for a keyboard similar to the keyboard in fig. 1. In the illustration of fig. 2, the key tappet 220 with the coupling 222, the module housing 230 and the triggering element 240 of the key module 110 and the key cap 106 are shown.

The module housing 230 is formed to movably receive the key lifter 220 to enable translational actuation of the key lifter 220 relative to the module housing 230 between a rest position and an actuated position. In the illustration of fig. 2, the key lifter 220 is shown in a rest position, wherein the key lifter 220 is partially received in the module housing 230. In other words, the first sub-section of the key lifter 220 is received in the module housing 230 in the rest position. A second sub-section of the key lifter 220 is received in the module housing 230 in the actuated position, wherein the second sub-section is larger than the first sub-section.

The trigger element 240 is attached, disposed, or mounted to the key lifter 220. The trigger element 240 is formed as an actuation signal that triggers the key module 110 in response to an actuation motion. More specifically, the triggering element 240 is a contactor for electrically shorting the contact pads of the circuit substrate of the keyboard. Even though not explicitly shown in fig. 2, the trigger element 240 comprises more than two elastically deformable contact fingers for contacting the contact pad after different advancement paths during the actuation movement. In other words, during the actuation movement from the rest position to the actuated position, an increasing number of contact fingers come into contact with the contact pads of the circuit substrate. In particular, the trigger element 240 will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

The key lifter 220 includes a coupling portion 222. The coupling portion 222 is formed to be mechanically couplable to the key cap 106 for the key module 110. The coupling 222 extends along the movement axis of the actuating movement. According to one embodiment, the coupling portion 222 may have a cross-shaped cross-sectional profile.

Fig. 3A and 3B show schematic views of the keyboard sub-section of fig. 1 and the key module sub-section of fig. 2 in a rest position or a contactless state. Here, fig. 3A shows the key lifter 220 and the trigger element 240 of the key module and the circuit substrate 102 of the keyboard in the rest position of the key module. Here, the key module is in a non-contact state in which the trigger element 240 and the circuit substrate 102 are spaced apart from each other. Trigger element 240 includes three resiliently deformable contact fingers 341, 342, and 343. In the rest position, the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 are bent at a first angle relative to the body of the trigger element 240. In the rest position, the third contact finger 343 is bent at a second angle relative to the body of the trigger element 240. The first and second contact fingers 341, 342 are bent at a first angle relative to the body that is greater than a second angle at which the third contact finger 343 is bent relative to the body. By way of example only, the first angle is an obtuse angle and the second angle is a right angle. Fig. 3B shows a schematic top view of the circuit substrate 102 of the keyboard with three contact pads 303a, 303B and 303 c. The contact pads 303a, 303b and 303c are arranged along a straight line. In particular, the contact pads 303a, 303b and 303c are also electrically insulated from each other. The first contact pad 303a may be contacted by the first contact finger 341, the second contact pad 303b may be contacted by the second contact finger 342, and the third contact pad 303c may be contacted by the third contact finger 343.

Fig. 4A and 4B show schematic views of the keyboard and key module subsections of fig. 3A and 3B in a first actuator position or at a first switch point. The first actuation position represents a partially actuated state of the key module. In this case, a first switching point of the key module is reached or realized. Starting from the rest position of fig. 3A, the key lifter 220 with the trigger element 240 is moved in the illustration of fig. 4A in the direction of the circuit substrate 102 by a first advance path or first actuation distance relative to the circuit substrate 102. Here, fig. 4A corresponds to fig. 3A, with the difference that the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 are arranged to be in contact with the circuit substrate 102. The first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 are configured and formed to achieve a first switching point. The third contact finger 343 is spaced apart from the circuit substrate 102. In fig. 4B, the first contact finger 341 is shown contacting the first contact pad 303a, and the second contact finger 342 is shown contacting the second contact pad 303B. Here, the first contact pad 303a and the second contact pad 303b are short-circuited by the trigger element 240, in particular by the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342.

Fig. 5A and 5B show schematic views of the keyboard and key module subsections of fig. 3A and 3B or fig. 4A and 4B in a second actuating position or at a second switching point. The second actuated position represents a fully or substantially fully actuated state of the key module. In this case, the second switching point of the key module is reached or realized. Starting from the rest position of fig. 3A, the key lifter 220 with the trigger element 240 moves a second advance path or second actuation distance relative to the circuit substrate 102 in a direction toward the circuit substrate 102 in the illustration of fig. 5A. The second forward path is greater than the first forward path of fig. 4A. Fig. 5A here corresponds to fig. 4A, with the difference that the first contact finger 341, the second contact finger 342 and the third contact finger 343 are arranged to be in contact with the circuit substrate 102. The third contact finger 343 is configured and formed to achieve a second switching point. Fig. 4B shows the first contact finger 341 contacting the first contact pad 303a, the second contact finger 342 contacting the second contact pad 303B, and the third contact finger 343 contacting the third contact pad 303 c. Here, the first contact pad 303a, the second contact pad 303b and the third contact pad 303c are short-circuited by the trigger element 240, in particular by the first contact finger 341, the second contact finger 342 and the third contact finger 343.

With reference to fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, it can be concluded that the trigger element 240 comprises three elastically deformable contact fingers 341, 342 and 343. The first contact finger 341 is formed to contact the first contact pad 303a after the first advancing path. The second contact finger 342 is formed to contact the second contact pad 303b after the first advancement path. The third contact finger 343 is formed to contact the third contact pad 303c after a second advancing path, which is longer than the first advancing path. Thus, two switching points can be easily realized for different actuation signals depending on the forward path.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a key module 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. The key module 110 corresponds to or is similar to the key module of one of the previous figures. In fig. 6, the key module 110 is shown in an oblique bottom view. Here, the following parts of the key module 110 are shown: a key lifter 220 having a protrusion 625; a module housing 230 having at least one positioning protrusion 634, at least one mounting portion 636, and a flange 638; a trigger element 240 having a first contact finger 341, a second contact finger 342, a third contact finger 343, a first finger portion 644, and a second finger portion 645; a wire support 650; and a resilient means 660.

According to the embodiment shown here, two cutouts are formed in the bottom of the module housing 230, which can be made to face the circuit substrate. Through one of the cutouts, contact fingers 341, 342, and 343 of contact 240 are formed to make contact with the circuit substrate to short the contact pads. Through the further cut-out, the key module 110 may be illuminated, for example, by means of light emitting diodes attached to the circuit substrate, in particular from inside the key module 110 or via inside the key module 110.

The trigger element 240 is mounted in the key lifter 220. The trigger element 240 includes a first finger portion 644 and a second finger portion 645. The first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 are formed as a first finger portion 644. The third contact finger 343 is formed as a second finger portion 645. The first and second finger portions 341 and 342 are separated by a separation gap that is shorter than another separation gap between the second and third contact fingers 342 and 343 or between the first and second finger portions 644 and 645. Each of the contact fingers 341, 342, and 343 includes a bent end portion for contacting one of the contact pads of the circuit substrate. When at least one of the contact fingers 341, 342, and 343 contacts the corresponding contact pad, its bent end contacts the corresponding contact pad. In the illustration of fig. 6, the contact fingers 341, 342, and 343 are shown in a second switch position similar to that in fig. 5A or 5B, by way of example only.

When the key module 110 is actuated, the key lifters 220 are translationally movable relative to the module housing 230 between a rest position and an actuated position. This is referred to as an actuation motion of the key lifter 220. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the key lifter 220 is integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the key lifter 220 is formed of a semi-light-transmissive material. In this way, uniform illumination of the keycap can be achieved. According to another embodiment, the key lifter 220 is formed of a light-impermeable material.

According to the embodiment shown here, the module housing 230 is integrally formed. The module housing 230 is formed to movably accommodate the key lifter 220 such that actuation movement of the key lifter 220 relative to the module housing 230 can be achieved. According to one embodiment, the module housing 230 is formed of a semi-opaque material. In this way, ambient illumination of the keycap may be achieved. According to another embodiment, the module housing 230 is formed of a light-impermeable material. In this way, illumination of the key module 110 may be limited to the keycap.

The module housing 230 includes at least one positioning protrusion 634. According to the illustrated embodiment, the module housing 230 includes two positioning tabs 634. The positioning protrusions 634 are formed to position the module housing 230, and thus the assembled key module 110, on the circuit substrate of the keyboard. The positioning protrusion 634 is formed as a stud or pin. The positioning protrusion 634 extends along the actuation motion axis. According to the embodiment shown here, the positioning protrusion 634 is formed by a projection of the module housing 230.

According to the embodiment shown here, the module housing 230 further comprises a mounting portion 636, the mounting portion 636 being for mounting the key module 110 in a keyboard with a form-locking and/or a non-form-locking. The mounting portion 636 comprises a latching projection or a snap nose for snapping into a fixing element of the keyboard, in particular into a holding opening of a fixing element of the keyboard. A flange 638 is formed around the module housing 230 to act as an additional mount or stop with respect to the form-locking and/or non-form-locking.

The wire mount 650 is fixed to the key lifter 220. The wire mount 650 is at least partially disposed within an interior of the key lifter 220, which is surrounded by an outer wall of the key lifter 220. The wire mount 650 is arranged and formed to provide tactile and/or audible feedback when the key module 110 is actuated. To this end, the wire mount 650 may be elastically deflectable during the actuation motion. The wire rack 650 is bent at an overall bending angle of less than 360 degrees.

The key lifter 220 includes a protrusion 625, the protrusion 625 having a striking surface that is normally inclined with respect to the actuation motion axis. The protrusion 625 is formed as a nose. The striking surface of the protrusion 625 and the wire support 650 are formed and arranged to implement and impinge the wire support 650 on the striking surface of the protrusion 625 during the actuation motion for audible and/or tactile feedback.

Further, the key lifter 220 may include a fixing portion for fixing the wire bracket 650 to the key lifter 220. Here, the fixing portion may include two bearing recesses for supporting the wire supporter 650. Each of the bearing recesses may open at an angle of less than 180 degrees. The wire bracket 650 may be wedged into the fixation portion. The wire mount 650 may be press-fit, slidable, or insertable into the fixture. Thus, the fixation portion may serve as a slide-in compartment for the wire rack 650. The key lifter 220 may further include an inclined surface inclined askew with respect to the actuation movement axis. Here, the module housing 230 may include a rib inclined askew relative to the actuation movement axis having a nose and an abutment surface inclined at a normal to the actuation movement axis. The ramped surfaces, ribs, abutment surfaces and nose may be formed to resiliently deflect and abruptly release the wire mount 650 during the actuation motion.

Moreover, the key lifter 220 may include a retainer for retaining the wire carrier 650 from moving away from the wall of the key lifter 220, and additionally or alternatively, for retaining the wire carrier 650 from moving transverse to the axis of actuation motion of the key lifter 220 during actuation motion. The retainer may be formed as a protrusion or a guide protrusion. Sub-sections of wire mount 650 may be received or receivable between the retaining portions and the walls of key lifter 220. The retainer may be formed and arranged to return the free end of the wire holder 650 onto the striking surface of the protrusion 625 of the key lifter 220 cooperating with the inclined surface and the rib after the actuating movement. Thus, the elastic deflection of the key lifter 220 during the actuation movement can be achieved in a precisely reproducible and reliable manner. In particular, since the free end of the wire holder 650 can be reliably returned to the striking surface, a click sound that can be reliably reproduced can be realized.

According to the embodiment shown here, the resilient means 660 of the key module 110 is a compression spring. In the assembled state of the key module 110, the resilient means 660 is configured to deflect the key tappet 220 in the rest position. The elastic means 660 can slide on the guide post of the key lifter 220. Accordingly, the elastic means may be disposed between the key lifter 220 and the module case 230. The elastic means 660 may also be referred to as a return spring. According to one embodiment, a linearly progressive force-displacement characteristic can be obtained in the actuation motion. The elastic device 660 includes a linear force-displacement characteristic. Starting from the switching point of the key module 110, the triggering element 240 is increasingly preloaded and changes the force-displacement characteristic of the key module 110.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The keyboard 100 here corresponds to or is similar to the keyboard of fig. 1. The circuit substrate 102, the exemplary only one key module 110, the device 770 with the detector 772 and the provider 774, the actuation signals 781, 782 and 783 of the keyboard 100 are shown in the illustration of fig. 7. More specifically, the keyboard 100 corresponds to the keyboard in fig. 1, with the difference that the keyboard 100 further comprises a device 770.

The device 770 is configured to recognize actuation of the key module 110. The device 770 is connected to the circuit substrate 102 for signal transmission. The detector 772 of the device 770 is configured to detect the number of contact pads of the circuit substrate of the keyboard contacted by the contact fingers. The provider 774 of the device 770 is configured to provide a first actuation signal in response to detecting a first number of contact pads contacted by a contact finger. Further, the provider 774 is configured to provide a second actuation signal in response to a second number of contact pads detected to be contacted by a contact finger, the second number being different from the first number. Each of the actuation signals 781 and 782 represents an actuation of the identified key module 110. Further, each of the actuation signals 781 and 782 are adapted to trigger a different function of the device coupled to the keyboard, or to trigger a different function of an application coupled to the keyboard.

According to one embodiment, the detector 772 is configured to detect at least one time interval between contact instants when different contact pads of the circuit substrate are contacted by a contact finger. Here, the provider is configured to provide at least one further actuation signal 783 in dependence on the at least one detected time interval using a determination rule. The at least one further actuation signal 783 represents an actuation of the identified key module 110, in particular an actuation with a specific speed or acceleration.

According to the embodiment shown here, the device 770 is disposed within the housing of the keyboard 100. According to another embodiment, the device 770 may also be arranged outside the housing of the keyboard 100. For example, the device 770 may be part of a computer to which the keyboard 100 is connected for signal transmission.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method 800 for identification, according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the method 800 may be performed to identify actuation of a key module of a keyboard, where the keyboard corresponds to or is similar to the keyboard of one of the previously described figures. In other words, the method 800 may be performed to identify an actuation of a key module, where the key module corresponds to or is similar to the key module of one of the previously described figures.

The method 800 for identifying comprises a detecting step 810 and a providing step 820. In a detecting step 810, the number of contact pads of the circuit substrate of the keyboard contacted by the contact fingers is detected. In other words, it is detected, in particular in the detection step 810, whether the contact finger touches a subset of the contact pads or a plurality of contact pads. In response to the detected first number of contact pads contacted by the contact finger, a first actuation signal is provided in a providing step 820. In other words, in the providing step 820, if a first number of contact pads (e.g. a subset of contact pads) contacted by a contact finger is detected in the detecting step 810, a first actuation signal is provided. Further, in response to detecting a second number of contact pads contacted by the contacting finger, a second actuation signal is provided in the providing step 820, the second number being different from the first number. In other words, in the providing step 820, a second actuation signal is provided if a second number of contact pads (e.g. all contact pads) contacted by the contact finger has been detected in the detecting step 810. Thus, each actuation signal represents an actuation of an identified key module. For example, the first actuation signal indicates that a first advancement path is actuated, on which the contact fingers contact the first number of contact pads. For example, the second actuation signal indicates that a second advance is actuated in which the contact finger contacts a second number of contact pads.

According to an embodiment, in the detecting step 810, at least one time interval between contact instants in which different contact pads are contacted by a contact finger is detected. Here, in a providing step 820, at least one further actuation signal is provided in dependence on the detected at least one time interval using a determination rule. The at least one further actuation signal represents an actuation of the identified key module, in particular an actuation with a specific velocity or acceleration.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic bottom view of a key module sub-section according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustration of fig. 9, the trigger element 240 of the key module (e.g. with only two contact fingers 341 and 342) and the abutment surface 931 of the module housing are shown. The key module in fig. 9 corresponds to the key module in one of the previous figures, with the difference that the triggering element 240 comprises for example only two contact fingers 341 and 342, and the module housing comprises an abutment surface 931. The abutment surface 931 is formed and arranged such that in the rest position of the key tappet of the key module, the trigger element 240 is arranged to abut the abutment surface 931.

According to the embodiment shown here, one contact finger (by way of example only, the second contact finger 342) is arranged to abut against the abutment surface 931 in the rest position of the key tappet of the key module. For this purpose, the trigger element 240 has a rest 947 on the contact finger 342 in question. In the rest position, there is mechanical contact between the rest 947 and the abutment surface 931. In other words, in the rest position, the rest portion 947 abuts on the abutment surface 931.

By the trigger element 240 or the contactor abutting in the rest position on the abutment surface 931 as a stop, undesired vibrations of the trigger element 240, in particular of the contact fingers 341 and 342, can be damped or prevented.

Fig. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a keyboard sub-section according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the key module is prior to assembly or first actuation. The keyboard is the keyboard of one of the preceding figures. Which corresponds or is similar to the key module of fig. 9, wherein in fig. 10 the side wall of the module housing 230 of the key module and the activation element 240 are shown, the side wall of said module housing 230 having a damping portion, wherein the damping portion comprises an abutment surface 931 and an inclined surface 1033, and the activation element 240 having for example only two contact fingers 341, 342 and a rest portion 947, and furthermore the two contact pads 303a and 303b of the circuit substrate of the keyboard are shown.

In fig. 10, the key module of the keyboard is shown in a state prior to assembly or first actuation. Prior to assembly or first actuation, a damping portion having an abutment surface 931 and an inclined surface 1033 is arranged between the trigger element 240 and the contact pads 303a and 303 b. The inclined surface 1033 is formed to allow or cause a first and non-repeated sliding of the trigger element 240. The abutment surface 931 may be oriented at an acute angle relative to the inclined surface 1033 or parallel to the inclined surface 1033. The abutment surface 931 is formed at least so as to prevent sliding back to a position prior to assembly or prior to first actuation.

During assembly or first actuation of the key module, the trigger element 240 may deflect along the inclined surface 1033 and be guided past the damper for the first time and only this time thus sliding past the damper. Additionally or alternatively, the damping portion, in particular the inclined surface 1033, may deflect when the trigger element 240 slides on the inclined surface 1033. Thus, the damping portion may also comprise a flexible material in addition to or instead of the trigger element 240.

Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard sub-section of fig. 10 with the key modules in an actuated position. Here, the illustration in fig. 11 corresponds to the illustration in fig. 10, with the difference that the key module is shown in an actuated position, in which an electrical contact is established between the contact fingers 341, 342 and the contact pads 303a, 303 b. Here, the contact fingers 341, 342 and the rest 947 are arranged between the contact pads 303a and 303b and the damping portion, wherein the abutment surface 931 and the inclined surface 1033 are formed on the module housing 230. Furthermore, here, the rest 947 is spaced apart from the damping portion, in particular the abutment surface 931. Starting from the state shown in fig. 10 and then moving to the state shown in fig. 11, the rest 947 of the trigger element 240 has slid past the inclined surface 1033 and the abutment surface 931 for the first time and only this time.

Fig. 12 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard sub-section of fig. 10 or 11 with the key module in a rest position. Here, the illustration in fig. 12 corresponds to the illustration in fig. 11, with the difference that the key module is shown in a rest position, in which the rest 947 of the trigger element 240 abuts on the abutment surface 931. Thus, noise caused by the vibration of the trigger element 240, in particular of the contact fingers 341, 342, may be prevented. The trigger element 240, more specifically the rest 947, cannot slide through the damping portion again to reach the state shown in fig. 10, for example. The rest 947 engages behind the abutment surface 931, for example.

According to an embodiment and referring to the foregoing drawings, in an assembling method for assembling the key module 110, the key lifter 220 arranged with the trigger element 240 may be inserted into the module case 230. Here, the relative movement of the key tappet 220 with the trigger element 240 relative to the module housing 230 can be realized along an actuation movement axis. The triggering element 240 and/or the damping portion or inclined surface 1033 are also deflected during this relative movement, so that the triggering element 240 is guided past the damping portion and slides past the damping portion for the first time and only this time. This relative movement occurs when the key lifter 220 including the trigger element 240 is inserted into the module housing 230, at least until the rest position is reached. By the trigger element 240 abutting on the abutment surface 931, the key lifter 220 or the trigger element 240 is prevented from returning to a position similar to that before assembly (see fig. 10).

Embodiments of the invention are explained again below in brief and in other words in general terms with reference to the aforementioned figures.

The key module 110 or key element includes a key tappet 220 and a module housing 230. In addition, the key module 110 includes a click mechanism. According to the embodiment shown, the click mechanism includes a wire support 650 and a projection 624 that stops against a striking surface. Further, the key module 110 includes a contact mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the contact mechanism comprises a trigger element 240 having three contact fingers 341, 342 and 343. According to another embodiment, more contact fingers may be provided. In the final actuated state of the key module 110 or in its actuated position or at its second switching point, all three contact fingers 341, 342 and 343 are arranged in one plane perpendicular to the actuation movement axis. In the non-actuated state of the key module 110 or in its rest position, the key tappets 220 protrude furthest from the module housing 230 and the contact fingers 341, 342 and 343 are freely arranged in the key module 230 without contacting the circuit substrate 102 of the keyboard 100, wherein the contact fingers 341, 342 and 343 are spaced apart from each other along the actuation motion axis. The first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 of the contact realize a first switching point stop. In the mounted state of the keyboard 100, they are arranged closer to the circuit substrate 102 of the keyboard 100 than the third contact finger 343, which realizes the second switching point.

The actuation process of the key module 110 is briefly described below. First, the key module 110 is in a non-contact state, as shown in fig. 3A. Resilient means 660 pushes key lifter 220 from the housing bottom to a housing stop (not shown). The three contact fingers 341, 342 and 343 are freely arranged in the key lifter 220 and are not in contact with the circuit substrate 102, wherein the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 are spaced apart from the third contact finger 343 along the actuation movement axis. During the actuation process or actuation movement, first, the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 strike the circuit substrate 102 or strike the first contact pad 303a and the second contact pad 303 b. The first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342 should be regarded as an electrical bridge and electrically short-circuit the first contact pad 303a and the second contact pad 303b at the first switching point or after the first forward path. When the key lifter 220 is further actuated, a second switching point may be achieved. Here, the third contact pad 303c on the circuit substrate 102 is electrically shorted by the third contact finger 343 in combination with the first contact finger 341 and the second contact finger 342.

In summary, it is noted that two switching points can be realized by three contact fingers 341, 342 and 343 spaced from each other along the actuation movement axis. The first switching point can be reached after a short forward path and allows fast contact. The second switching point may be reached after a longer forward path.

If an embodiment comprises an "and/or" connection between a first feature and a second feature, this is to be understood as comprising both the first feature and the second feature according to one embodiment, whereas according to another embodiment, this is to be understood as comprising only the first feature or only the second feature.

Reference numerals

100 keyboard

102 circuit board

104 fixing element

106 keycap

110 key module

220 key tappet

222 coupling part

230 module case

240 trigger element

341 first contact finger

342 second contact finger

343 third contact finger

303a first contact pad

303b second contact pad

303c third contact pad

625 projection

634 positioning projection

636 mounting part

638 Flange

644 first finger portion

645 second finger portion

650 wire rod support

660 elastic device

770 identification device

772 detector

774 provider

781 first actuating signal

782 second actuation signal

783 additional actuation signals

800 identification method

810 detection step

820 providing step

931 abutting surface

947 shelf part

1033 inclined surface