Device for resetting a key

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (42) for resetting a key along a guide direction (8), comprising: two holding posts (44) spaced apart in a tensioning direction (6) transversely to the guide direction (8) and extending in this direction for absorbing a first force (46) running parallel to the guide direction (8), each having a holding form-locking element (48) acting counter to the first force (46) and around which a viscoelastic element (50) is tensioned; two counter posts (52) spaced apart in the tensioning direction (6) for absorbing a second force (57) opposite the first force (46) and running parallel to the guide direction (8), each having a counter form-locking element (54) acting counter to the second force (56), wherein the viscoelastic element (50) is arranged in the guide direction (8) between the holding and counter form-locking elements (48, 54);and at least one return projection (56) which is held stationary relative to the counter posts (52) and which acts on the viscoelastic element (50) for deflection in or against the guide direction (8) in response to the first and / or the second force (46, 57);

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for resetting a button and a remote control comprising the device.

[0002] US 2014 / 305 250 A1 discloses an operating device with at least one key that is mounted in a housing for displacement in a direction perpendicular to the housing surface. The key has at least one hook with a lug projecting transversely to the direction of displacement. An elastic element acts to prevent the key from protruding from the housing. The key's movement is limited by the lug in combination with a removably mounted rod inserted into the housing and running parallel to the housing surface. The rod, together with the lug, forms a retaining means that limits the key travel against the action of the elastic means.

[0003] A device for resetting a key is known from WO 93 / 10 650 A1.

[0004] The object of the invention is to improve the known device for resetting a key.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a device for resetting a key along a guide direction comprises two holding posts spaced transversely to the guide direction and extending in this direction for absorbing a first force running parallel to the guide direction, each with a holding form-locking element acting counter to the first force, around which a viscoelastic element is tensioned; two counter posts spaced in the tensioning direction for absorbing a second force opposite to the first force and running parallel to the guide direction, each with a counter form-locking element acting counter to the second force, wherein the viscoelastic element is arranged in the guide direction between the holding and counter form-locking elements;and at least one return projection held stationary relative to the counter posts, which is configured to deflect the viscoelastic element in or opposite to the guide direction in response to the first and / or second force;

[0007] The device is based on the consideration that conventional key reset devices, such as the space bar on a computer keyboard, consist of several components that can generate noise when the key is pressed and released. A return element, such as a spring, is usually located beneath the key to return the key after it has been pressed. However, these return elements are often not sufficiently dampened, resulting in noise when the key strikes the socket and when the key returns. To reduce this noise, additional damping materials, such as O-rings or special damping pads, are often placed beneath the key or around the return element. However, these conventional approaches have the disadvantage of making the design more complex and costly.

[0008] For this reason, the device for resetting a key along a guide direction integrates the damping material directly into the return element. For this purpose, the viscoelastic return element is integrated between the movement-limiting form-lock elements, so that on the one hand it can cause the return and on the other hand it can effectively dampen noise. By integrating the damping material directly into the return element, the number of required components is reduced. This simplifies the overall design and assembly of the keyboard, leading to lower production costs and faster production times. In addition, the viscoelastic material, which serves as both the return element and the damping material, is less susceptible to wear compared to separate damping elements such as O-rings. This increases the lifespan of the keyboard because there are fewer wearing parts.

[0009] Because the damping material is tightly integrated into the return element, the damping performance remains consistent throughout the keyboard's lifetime. Conventional damping materials can shift or wear over time, resulting in inconsistent performance. Reducing the number of components also requires less space inside the keyboard. This enables more compact designs and can promote the miniaturization of keyboards and other input devices.

[0010] Fewer components also mean fewer potential points of failure. This leads to greater reliability and lower maintenance costs. Should replacements become necessary, the components are easier to handle and replace. The use of viscoelastic material as an integral part of the reset mechanism also ensures a more stable and consistent key reset. This improves haptic feedback and the user experience, as each keystroke is precise and consistent.

[0011] Reducing the number of components and using durable materials reduces resource consumption. This contributes to more sustainable production and reduces the keyboard's environmental footprint. Simplifying the design and production processes also reduces the keyboard's manufacturing costs. These savings can be passed on to the end user or used to increase profit margins.

[0012] In a further development of the specified device, the holding form-locking elements and the counter-form-locking elements are designed as interlocking hooks. This creates a particularly stable connection between the holding and counter-form-locking elements. This stability ensures that the viscoelastic element remains firmly in place and can act evenly on the forces, which increases the precision and consistency of the key actuation. Furthermore, the hook design ensures simple and reliable assembly of the device. The interlocking hooks can be connected to each other without additional fastening elements such as screws or adhesive, which shortens assembly time and further reduces production costs. This simple assembly also facilitates any maintenance or repair work, as the hooks can be easily detached and reconnected.Another advantage of the interlocking hooks is the ability to securely tension the viscoelastic element. The hook connection effectively secures the viscoelastic material between the retaining and counter-locking elements, optimizing the damping properties and evenly distributing the restoring force. This results in improved noise dampening and smooth key actuation. Additionally, the hook design offers design flexibility. It can be easily adapted to different key sizes and shapes, enabling the application of this technology to various types of keyboards and input devices. This adaptability facilitates integration into existing product lines and the development of new designs.

[0013] In another embodiment of the specified device, the viscoelastic element can be designed as a rubber band wrapped around the retaining elements. A key advantage of a rubber band as a viscoelastic element is its flexibility and adaptability. Rubber bands are able to stretch under load and return to their original shape after being released. This property makes them ideal for key resetting, as they provide a consistent and reliable return force. The elastic nature of the rubber band also provides effective noise dampening by absorbing shocks and vibrations. Another advantage is its ease of handling and installation. Rubber bands can be easily wrapped around the retaining elements, simplifying and speeding up the assembly process. This reduces production costs and the complexity of the device.Compared to other return elements, such as springs, rubber bands are inexpensive and readily available in various sizes and thicknesses, increasing flexibility in keyboard design and customization. The rubber band, as a viscoelastic element, also contributes to the durability and reliability of the device. Rubber is a robust material that retains its elastic properties even with frequent use. This extends the lifespan of the keyboard because, unlike mechanical springs, the rubber band is less prone to wear or breakage. Another advantage of the rubber band is its ability to evenly distribute both tensile and compressive forces. This ensures consistent key return and prevents jamming or skewing during actuation. This improves the user experience, as each keystroke is precise and smooth.

[0014] In a further development of the specified device, the return projection can be wall-shaped and oriented transversely to the tensioning direction. The wall-shaped return projection, oriented transversely to the tensioning direction, ensures increased stability and supports the even distribution of forces on the viscoelastic element. The wall-shaped return projection acts as a fixed reference point against which the rubber band works, ensuring that the key returns precisely and efficiently to its original position. This additional stability prevents the key from tilting or skewing during actuation, which improves the consistency and precision of the key actuation. The transverse arrangement of the return projection to the tensioning direction also strengthens the structural integrity of the entire device.This configuration allows for more effective utilization of the viscoelastic element's restoring force, as the forces are evenly distributed and better controlled. This contributes to improved noise dampening, as the wall-shaped protrusion helps absorb and dampen the vibrations and shocks generated during actuation. Furthermore, the wall-shaped design of the restoring protrusion facilitates integration and assembly of the device. A solid protrusion aligned perpendicular to the clamping direction provides a clear and stable mounting option for the viscoelastic element, simplifying the assembly process and increasing the overall stability of the keyboard.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the device for resetting a key can additionally comprise a tensioning wall arranged between the holding elements and held stationary in the tensioning direction. This tensioning wall is configured to tension the viscoelastic element in the direction of the first force. The reset projection is arranged between one of the holding elements and the tensioning wall. By integrating a tensioning wall that tensions the viscoelastic element in the direction of the first force, the restoring force of the viscoelastic material is optimized. The tensioning wall ensures that the viscoelastic element is evenly stretched, guaranteeing consistent and reliable resetting of the key. This leads to smooth key actuation and improves haptic feedback, which improves the overall user experience.The placement of the return projection between one of the retaining elements and the clamping wall provides additional stability and precision. This configuration ensures that the viscoelastic element remains firmly and securely tensioned, preventing unwanted movement or displacement. This not only contributes to noise reduction but also prevents the button from jamming or tilting during actuation. Another advantage of this design is ease of assembly and maintenance. The clamping wall provides a clear and stable structure for attaching the viscoelastic element, simplifying and accelerating the assembly process. This reduces production costs and increases manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the stable attachment facilitates maintenance and component replacement, if necessary.The use of a tensioning wall to tension the viscoelastic element also allows for finer tuning of the return force. Precise positioning and tensioning of the viscoelastic material allows the return properties of the key to be precisely adjusted to the desired specifications. This increases flexibility in designing and adapting the keyboard to different requirements and applications.

[0016] In a particular development, the specified device for resetting a key can additionally comprise an additional reset projection arranged between the other of the retaining elements and the clamping wall. The integration of an additional reset projection on the opposite side ensures the symmetrical tension of the viscoelastic element. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that the reset force is evenly distributed, enabling even more precise and consistent key actuation. This improves the haptic feedback and ensures consistent key operation, regardless of where it is pressed. A further advantage of this design is the improved stability of the entire device.The arrangement of the return protrusions on both sides of the tension wall ensures even tension and prevents the viscoelastic element from shifting or being subjected to uneven loading. This increases the service life of the viscoelastic element and prevents mechanical wear, thus increasing the durability of the entire keyboard. In addition, this symmetrical arrangement enables better noise dampening. Because the return protrusions evenly tension the viscoelastic element, vibration dampening is more effective, and less noise is generated during key actuation and return. This is particularly advantageous in environments where quiet keyboards are preferred, such as offices or libraries. The integration of an additional return protrusion also simplifies the design and assembly of the device.The uniform tension of the viscoelastic element simplifies the assembly process, as fewer adjustments are required to achieve the desired tension and alignment. This reduces production costs and increases manufacturing efficiency.

[0017] In a preferred development of the specified device, the clamping wall can be constructed in two parts, with a first guide element held between the clamping wall parts. This first guide element is configured to guide a second guide element, which is held stationary relative to the counter-form-locking elements, in the guide direction. The two-part design of the clamping wall and the integration of a first guide element between the clamping wall parts optimizes the guidance and stabilization of the key during actuation. The first guide element ensures that the second, stationary guide element is precisely guided in the guide direction. This precise guidance prevents lateral displacement or tilting of the key, which increases the accuracy of key actuation and ensures consistent haptic feedback. A further advantage of this design is the increased stability of the entire device.The two-part clamping wall and guide elements ensure a robust and stable structure that evenly distributes mechanical stress during actuation. This contributes to the longevity of the device, as the components are less susceptible to wear or damage. The guidance of the button along the guide direction by the guide elements also ensures consistent and reliable return. The stationary second guide element is precisely guided in the guide direction by the first guide element, which optimizes the return force of the viscoelastic element and enables consistent and precise return of the button. This design also facilitates assembly and maintenance of the device. The two-part clamping wall and guide elements can be designed for easy assembly and adjustment, simplifying and accelerating the assembly process.This reduces production costs and increases manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the modular design of the clamping wall and guide elements facilitates the replacement and maintenance of individual components, if necessary. Another advantage is improved noise dampening. The precise key guidance and the stable structure of the clamping wall and guide elements help minimize vibrations and noise generated during keystrokes. This ensures quiet and comfortable use of the keyboard.

[0018] In a further development, the specified device for resetting a key can be constructed symmetrically to the clamping wall. A key advantage of a symmetrical design is the even distribution of forces. The symmetrical arrangement of the holding and counter-form-locking elements as well as the return projections and guide elements on both sides of the clamping wall distributes the forces acting on the device evenly. This ensures even loading of the components and prevents uneven wear or deformation. This significantly increases the service life of the entire device. A symmetrical design also contributes to the stability and precision of key actuation. Because the forces are evenly distributed, the key remains stable and centered every time it is actuated, preventing it from jamming or tilting.This results in more precise and consistent key actuation, improving haptic feedback and optimizing the user experience. Another advantage is simplified assembly and manufacturing. A symmetrical design allows for the use of identical components on both sides of the clamping wall. This reduces the number of different parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering production costs and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the assembly process is simplified, as symmetrical parts can be aligned and fastened more easily and quickly. The symmetrical arrangement of the components also improves noise dampening. The even distribution of forces and the stable guidance of the key better absorb and dampen vibrations and shocks that occur when the key is pressed.This results in quieter keyboard operation, which is particularly beneficial in noise-sensitive environments such as offices or libraries. Additionally, the symmetrical design offers design flexibility. Since the fixture is identical on both sides of the clamping wall, it can be easily adapted to different keyboard sizes and layouts. This facilitates the integration of the fixture into various products and enables easy scaling when developing new keyboard models.

[0019] In an additional development, the specified device for resetting a key can be designed such that a stop shoulder is arranged opposite the viscoelastic element, opposite each other in the guide direction, at a distance from the guide direction. By arranging stop shoulders at a defined distance from the viscoelastic element, the maximum movement of the key in the guide direction is controlled. These stop shoulders act as limit points that prevent the key from being moved beyond a certain point. This protects the viscoelastic element from excessive stretching and possible damage, which increases the longevity of the device. A further advantage of this design is the improved return accuracy. The stop shoulders ensure that the key returns precisely to its original position after each actuation.This is achieved by the impact shoulders serving as fixed reference points for the end position of the key. This precise reset improves haptic feedback and ensures consistent and reliable key actuation. In addition, the impact shoulders contribute to the stability of the entire device. They provide additional structural support that distributes mechanical stress evenly across the device. This prevents the key from tilting or skewing and ensures smooth and stable movement in the direction of travel. This stability is particularly important for smooth and comfortable use of the keyboard. The arrangement of the impact shoulders also offers advantages in terms of noise dampening. By limiting the maximum movement of the key, the impact shoulders reduce the impact force when the key is actuated, which minimizes the resulting noise.This contributes to quieter keyboard operation and improves the user experience in noise-sensitive environments. Another advantage is the increased flexibility in the device's design. The stop shoulders can be positioned and dimensioned to meet the specific requirements of different keyboards and input devices. This allows the device to be easily adapted to different products and applications.

[0020] In yet another development, the device can be designed such that each counter-form-locking element has a slot running in the guide direction, into which a stop shoulder engages. This design offers several advantages that further improve the functionality and efficiency of the device. By integrating slots into the counter-form-locking elements, into which the stop shoulders engage, the movement of the key in the guide direction is precisely guided and controlled. These slots serve as guide channels that ensure that the key is moved along a clearly defined path. This prevents lateral displacement or tilting of the key, which increases the stability and accuracy of the key actuation. A key advantage of this design is the improvement in return accuracy.The stop shoulders, which engage the slots of the counter-locking elements, ensure that the key returns precisely to its original position after each actuation. This is achieved by clearly limiting the maximum movement of the key in the guide direction. This precise return results in uniform haptic feedback and consistent key actuation, which improves the overall user experience. The use of slots in the counter-locking elements also offers advantages in terms of noise dampening. Because the stop shoulders limit the movement of the key, the impact force when the key is actuated is reduced, which minimizes the resulting noise. This noise dampening is particularly beneficial in noise-sensitive environments such as offices or libraries. Another advantage of this design is the increased stability and durability of the device.The slots and the engaging stop shoulders provide additional structural support that evenly distributes mechanical stress across the fixture. This protects components from excessive wear or damage and extends the life of the keyboard. The integration of slots into the mating interlocking elements also increases the design flexibility of the fixture. The slots can be sized and positioned to meet the specific requirements of different keyboards and input devices. This allows for easy adaptation of the fixture to different products and applications.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the specified invention, a remote control comprises a housing with an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell held movably against the upper housing shell in a guide direction, a printed circuit board arranged in the housing with an electronic circuit for controlling an electrical device and one of the aforementioned devices which supports the upper housing shell against the lower housing shell movably in the guide direction.

[0022] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of a remote control from a first direction, Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the remote control Fig. 1 from a second direction, Fig. 3 a sectional view of the remote control Fig. 1 in a composite representation,

[0023] In the figures, identical technical elements are provided with identical reference symbols and are described only once. The figures are purely schematic and, above all, do not represent the actual geometric relationships.

[0024] It will be Fig. 1 to 3, which show a perspective exploded view of a remote control 2 from two different directions and a sectional view of the remote control 2. The remote control 2 is viewed in a space spanned by a longitudinal direction 4, a transverse direction 6 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 4, and a height direction 8 running transversely to the longitudinal direction 4 and transversely to the transverse direction 6.

[0025] The remote control 2 comprises a housing 10 with an upper housing shell 12 and a lower housing shell 14 which is held movable relative to the upper housing shell 12 in the vertical direction 8. The movement of the upper housing shell 12 relative to the lower housing shell 14 is guided in the vertical direction 8 in a manner to be described below, which is why the vertical direction 8 is referred to below as the guide direction 8.

[0026] A printed circuit board (not shown in detail) with an electronic circuit for controlling an electrical device (also not shown in detail) can be arranged at any desired location in the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the housing upper shell 12 is designed in two parts: an input frame 16 with a plurality of compression sleeves 18 and a pressure receiving frame 20 with a plurality of compression pins 22. Placed on the pressure receiving frame 20, the printed circuit board is held in the housing upper shell 12 by placing the input frame 16 on the pressure receiving frame 20 and pressing the compression pins 22 into the compression sleeves 18. For the sake of clarity, not all of the compression sleeves 18 and the compression pins 22 are provided with their own reference numerals in the figures. The input frame 16 can basically be connected to the pressure receiving frame 20 in any way.The so-called tenon / sleeve connection, as shown in EP 2 620 044 A1, is only one example of the connection.

[0027] The circuit board has, in a manner known per se, a position sensor on a side facing the input frame 16, which detects the position of a user's finger on the input frame 16, and a pressure sensor on a side facing the pressure-receiving frame 20, which detects a pressure movement of the lower housing shell 14 in the guide direction 8 against the upper housing shell 12. For orientation for the user, structural elements 24 extending in and against the guide direction 8 are formed on the input frame 16, not all of which are provided with their own reference numeral in the figures for the sake of clarity. The user grasps the remote control 2 and positions their thumb on one of the structural elements 24, which in turn is detected by the electronic circuit.He then presses the lower housing shell 14 against the upper housing shell 12 with his fingers and thus triggers a function on the electronic device to be controlled, which is assigned to the position at which the user has positioned his thumb on the input frame 16.

[0028] The housing lower shell 14 has a battery frame 26 with a battery receptacle 28 and a battery cover 30, which closes the battery receptacle 28 on a side opposite the housing upper shell 12, as viewed in the guide direction 8. Retaining slots 32 are formed on the pressure-receiving frame 20, into which retaining springs (not shown) can be inserted. These retaining slots 32 are inserted into the battery receptacle 28 together with the retaining springs during assembly of the remote control 2, so that batteries for supplying electrical power to the electronic circuit on the circuit board can be inserted into the battery receptacle 28.

[0029] To enable the housing lower shell 14 to move relative to the housing upper shell 12 in the guide direction 8 or vice versa, the two shells 12, 14 are mounted relative to one another at a rear end as seen in the guide direction 4. For this purpose, the housing lower shell 14 has retaining pins 34 on the battery frame 26, which are inserted into corresponding retaining sleeves 36 on the pressure-absorbing frame 16 of the housing upper shell 12. Via this connection, the housing lower shell 14 is positioned relative to the housing upper shell 12 in a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction 4 and the transverse direction 6. For positioning in the guide direction 8, the housing lower shell 14 has latching pockets 38 on the battery frame 26 into which latching hooks 40 can be inserted. These latching hooks 40 are formed on the pressure-absorbing frame 16 of the housing upper shell 12.In this way, the housing upper shell 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the housing lower shell 14 about the rear edge of the two housing shells 12, 14, as seen in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] On this suspension consisting of locking pockets 38 and locking hooks 40, a device 42 is arranged at the other end of the remote control, as seen in the longitudinal direction 4, which device 42 movably supports the housing upper shell 12 against the housing lower shell 14 in the guide direction 8.

[0031] For this purpose, the device 42 on the pressure-receiving frame 16 of the upper housing shell 12 has two holding posts 44 for absorbing a thumb pressure force 46 running parallel to the guide direction 8, which the user exerts on the input frame 16 during the above-described operation of the remote control 2 in order to perform a function on the electronic device. At the lower end of each holding post 44, viewed in the guide direction 8, a holding form-locking element 48 is formed, which blocks movement counter to the thumb pressure force 46 and thus counter to the guide direction 8. The two holding form-locking elements 48, viewed from the interior of the remote control 2, are directed outwards in or counter to the transverse direction 6 and thus away from each other.In this way, each holding post 44 together with its holding form-locking element 48 forms an outwardly directed locking hook, which is constructed analogously to the locking hooks 40 at the rear end of the remote control 2 as seen in the longitudinal direction 4.

[0032] The two support posts 44 are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction 6, wherein a viscoelastic element, here in the form of a rubber band 50, can be stretched around the two support posts 44. Since the two form-fitting retaining elements 48 are directed outwards, the rubber band stretched over the two support posts 44 cannot slip off them contrary to the guide direction 8. The rubber band 50 is stretched primarily in the transverse direction 6, which is why the transverse direction 6 is also referred to below as the tensioning direction 6. The rubber band 50 placed around the support posts 44 is in Fig. 3 shown.

[0033] Furthermore, analogous to the holding posts 44, two counter posts 52 are held on the battery frame 26 of the housing lower shell 14, spaced apart in the clamping direction 6, at each of whose upper ends, as seen in the guide direction 8, a counter form-locking element 54 is formed. Unlike the holding form-locking elements 48, however, the two counter form-locking elements 54 are directed inwards, viewed from the interior of the remote control 2, and thus toward one another. Each counter form-locking element 54 is designed to absorb a finger pressure force 57 that is opposite to the thumb pressure force 46, and thus also acts parallel to the guide direction 8, but in the opposite direction to the respective holding form-locking element 46.

[0034] The rubber band 50 is held in the assembled remote control 2 in the guide direction between the holding form-locking elements 48 and counter-form-locking elements 54. In this way, the rubber band 50 can be clamped and released between the two form-locking elements 48, 54 by the movement of the lower housing shell 14 toward the upper housing shell 12, and dampens mechanical shocks of the form-locking elements 48, 54 in or against the guide direction 8. At the same time, however, the rubber band 50 can also achieve a restoring effect in or against the guide direction 8, the effect of which is utilized in the remote control 2 as follows: Viewed in the clamping direction 6, two reset projections 56 are held between the two counter posts 52, which are also arranged at a distance from one another as seen in the clamping direction 6 and are designed as walls aligned in the longitudinal direction 4. Therefore, if the lower housing shell 14 is moved towards the upper housing shell 12, the wall-shaped reset projections 56 touch the rubber ring 50 and press it towards the upper housing shell 12. With this movement, the user pushes a release pin 58 through a release opening 60 and thereby actuates a push button on the circuit board to trigger the function on the electronic device in the manner described above. The two housing shells 12, 14 therefore act like a button. If the user releases the pressure, the rubber ring 50 pushes the two housing shells 12, 14 apart again. In this way, the rubber ring 50 has a dampening but also a reset function.

[0035] To increase the restoring effect of the rubber band 50, a tensioning wall 62 oriented in the longitudinal direction 4 is positioned on the pressure-absorbing frame 16 of the housing upper shell 12 between the two support posts 44, opposite to the guide direction, over which the rubber band 50 is placed and stretched. In this way, the effective path of the rubber band 50 is shortened and its hardness increased.

[0036] The clamping wall 62 is composed of two clamping wall parts 64 arranged in series with one another in the longitudinal direction 4, with a guide sleeve 66 between the clamping wall parts 62. A guide pin 68 is guided in this guide sleeve 66 in the guide direction 8, which guide pin is held on the housing bottom shell 14 on the battery frame 26 extending in the guide direction 8. In this way, forces transverse to the guide direction 8 are absorbed, which forces are introduced into the remote control 2 by a user due to shaking or the like.

[0037] Furthermore, a stop shoulder 70 is arranged on the input frame 16 for each holding form-locking element, opposite the rubber ring 50 as seen in the guide direction 8. A slot 72 extending in the guide direction 8 is formed in each counter post 52, into which one of the stop shoulders 70 engages.

[0038] The entire device 42 is constructed symmetrically to the clamping wall 62.

Claims

[1] Device (42) for resetting a key along a guide direction (8), comprising: two holding posts (44) spaced apart in a tensioning direction (6) transversely to the guide direction (8) and extending in this direction for absorbing a first force (46) running parallel to the guide direction (8), each with a holding form-locking element (48) acting counter to the first force (46) and around which a viscoelastic element (50) is tensioned; two counter posts (52) spaced apart in the tensioning direction (6) for absorbing a second force (57) opposite the first force (46) and running parallel to the guide direction (8), each with a counter form-locking element (54) acting counter to the second force (57), wherein the viscoelastic element (50) is arranged in the guide direction (8) between the holding and counter form-locking elements (48, 54);and at least one return projection (56) which is held stationary relative to the counter posts (52) and which is designed to deflect the viscoelastic element (50) in or against the guide direction (8) in response to the first and / or second force (46, 57); [2] Device (42) according to claim 1, wherein the holding form-locking elements (48) and the counter form-locking elements (54) are designed as interlocking hooks [3] Device (42) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the return projection (56) is wall-shaped and is oriented transversely to the clamping direction (6) and transversely to the guide direction (8). [4] Device (42) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a clamping wall (62) which is arranged between the holding form-locking elements (48, 54) and is held in a fixed position relative to them as seen in the clamping direction (6), and which is designed to clamp the viscoelastic element (50) in the direction of the first force (46), wherein the restoring projection (56) is arranged between one of the holding form-locking elements (48) and the clamping wall (62). [5] Device (42) according to claim 4 comprising a further return projection (56) arranged between the other of the retaining elements (48) and the clamping wall (62). [6] Device (42) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the clamping wall (62) is formed in two parts (64) and a first guide element (66) is held between the clamping wall parts (64), which first guide element (66) is designed to guide a second guide element (68) held stationary relative to the counter-form-locking elements (52) in the guide direction (8). [7] Device (42) according to one of claims 4 to 6, which is constructed symmetrically to the clamping wall. [8] Device (42) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each holding form-locking element (48) is arranged opposite the viscoelastic element (50) at a distance from the guide direction (8). [9] Device (42) according to claim 8, wherein each counter-form-locking element (52) has a slot (72) extending in the guide direction (8) into which a stop shoulder (70) engages. [10] Remote control (2) comprising a housing with an upper housing shell (12) and a lower housing shell (14) held movably against the upper housing shell (12) in a guide direction (8), a printed circuit board arranged in the housing with an electronic circuit for controlling an electrical device and a device (42) according to one of the preceding claims which supports the upper housing shell (12) against the lower housing shell (14) movably in the guide direction (8).

Images