Key and slip-on element for a key module

Abstract

The invention relates to a key (10) and to a slip-on element (12) for a key module (6). The key (10) comprises a key module (6) having a housing (11) and a plunger (7) that is linearly movable relative to the housing (11), and a key cap (1) for actuating the plunger (7). The key according to the invention is characterised in that the key cap (1) is attached directly or indirectly to the key module (6) so as to be pivotable relative to the housing (11).

Description

[0001] Description: BUTTON AND ATTACHMENT ELEMENT FOR A BUTTON MODULE

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a key and a plug-on element on a key module, in particular for forming the aforementioned key.

[0004] Key modules, also called keyboard modules or key switches, or switch modules, form the basis of the keys in keyboards that a user can operate. A computer keyboard typically has around 100 key modules. Keyboards are typically subject to intensive use and must therefore handle a very high number of actuation cycles with reliable activation.

[0005] A key module comprises a housing and a plunger that can move linearly relative to the housing. The plunger is typically pushed into an initial position by an elastic element, such as a spring, located in the housing. An actuating force exerted by a user moves the plunger linearly, reversibly compressing the elastic element. The user actuates the plunger via a key cap, which, in the case of known keys, is attached, in particular plugged, to the plunger.

[0006] The comfort and speed with which a keyboard is used depend on how precisely and comfortably the key modules work. Key modules, for example, are based on mechanical or other physical switching principles. Also known are key modules that have several switching positions on a defined actuation path and thus create several switching points (key modules with multiple switching points). A disadvantage of these key modules is the requirement for linear actuation of the keys in order to effect the linear movement of the plunger relative to the housing of the key module and thereby trigger the switching process(es). Especially with key modules with several switching points, it is often difficult for a user to reliably reach certain switching positions by means of linear actuation of the key. The key caps that the user operates move linearly to an end position when actuated.This linear actuation, for example, limits the speed with which a user can actuate the plunger. This limits the speed of switching operations the user can perform.

[0007] Another disadvantage of linear actuation is that the associated actuation is fixed. The switching characteristics of the button are thus fixed. Mechanical adjustment of the switching characteristics is not possible.

[0008] Another disadvantage is that linear actuation by a user is often not performed precisely. This can lead to jamming of the plunger and / or increased friction of the plunger during its movement. This, in turn, can distort the switching properties and actuation characteristics of the key module.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of specifying a key with a key module and a plug-on element for a key module, in which the aforementioned disadvantages are at least partially overcome and, in particular, compared to known keys, a faster actuation of the plunger and a higher speed of switching operations are enabled.

[0010] This object is achieved with respect to the button by a button having the features of claim 1 and with respect to the plug-on element by a plug-on element having the features of claim 14. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0011] The key according to the invention and / or the plug-on element according to the invention can also be referred to as a trigger key. The key according to the invention comprises a key module with a housing and a plunger that is linearly movable relative to the housing. Furthermore, the key comprises a key cap for actuating the plunger.

[0012] The key according to the invention is characterized in that the key cap is attached or arranged directly or indirectly on the key module so as to be pivotable relative to the housing.

[0013] In other words: The keycap is attached or arranged directly or indirectly to the key module in such a way that the keycap can perform a pivoting movement, i.e. a rotational movement about a pivoting or rotational axis, relative to the housing of the key module, whereby this pivoting movement leads to an actuation of the plunger, i.e. a linear movement of the plunger relative to the housing.

[0014] The key module can, for example, be a mechanical, inductive, capacitive, optical, piezo-based or other physical switching module.

[0015] The advantages of the invention lie in particular in the fact that the pivoting movement of the keycap enables an alternative to the conventional linear actuation of the key, comparable to the tilting movement of an accelerator pedal in a car. In areas of the keycap that are further away from the pivot axis than the plunger, the actuation path is longer. The pivoting movement of the keycap enables a user, particularly in key modules with multiple switching points, to control and reach specific switching positions more reliably and precisely than with the conventional linear actuation of the key. Furthermore, the pivoting movement of the keycap, for example the associated possibility of utilizing different movement paths of different areas of the keycap, enables greater actuation compared to linear actuation and thus a higher speed of switching operations that the user can effect.These advantages are particularly important for gaming keys and keyboards. Another advantage is that the pivoting movement, unlike linear movement, is adjustable, for example, by adjusting or changing the keycap's inclination and / or the pivot stop positions, and / or by selecting the keycap's surface shape in the area that transfers the keycap's movement to the plunger, and / or by selecting the plunger's surface shape that interacts with the keycap and / or any interposed key adapter.

[0016] A further advantage is that the pivoting movement of the keycap is precisely predetermined when the user actuates the keycap. The aforementioned disadvantages of linear actuation, which can lead to inaccurate guidance of the plunger, which in turn can cause the plunger to jam and / or to increased friction of the plunger during its movement, are avoided. The pivoting bearing of the keycap decouples non-linear and / or non-vertical components of the actuation forces due to its separate bearing, which is not present in keycaps that are simply plugged on. The invention thus helps to avoid or at least reduce distortion of the switching properties and the actuation characteristics of the key module due to imprecise actuation of the key by a user.

[0017] A further development provides that the key comprises a single-part or multi-part hinge rod by means of which the key cap can be pivoted relative to the housing.

[0018] One embodiment provides that the keycap has one or more receptacles, in particular holes, for attaching the hinge rod to the keycap. For example, the one or more receptacles, in particular holes, can be arranged on one or more projections of the keycap.

[0019] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the keycap forms the hinge rod. For example, the hinge rod can be a continuous hinge rod formed on the keycap, in particular formed integrally with the keycap. Alternatively, the hinge rod can also be a multi-part, in particular two-part, hinge rod that comprises or consists of two hinge rod sections formed on the keycap and protruding from the keycap, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections lie spaced apart from one another on a straight line.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the keycap interacts directly or indirectly with the plunger in a central region and the hinge rod is arranged on the keycap between the central region and a first side of the keycap.

[0021] A further development provides that the keycap has a first adjustment device on the side of the hinge rod opposite the central region, which interacts directly or indirectly with the base body and / or the housing of the key module to adjust the inclination of the keycap when not actuated. Alternatively or additionally, the keycap can have a second adjustment device in the central region, which interacts directly or indirectly with the plunger to adjust the distance between the plunger and the keycap. Alternatively or additionally, the keycap can have a third adjustment device between the central region and a second side of the keycap opposite the first side, which interacts directly or indirectly with the base body and / or the housing of the key module to adjust a first pivot stop position of the keycap when actuated.

[0022] The pivot stop position is the end position of the key cap when actuated; further pivoting movement is not possible.

[0023] The first, second, and third adjustment devices can each be, for example, an adjusting screw inserted into a thread in the keycap. The position of the adjusting screw within the thread can be adjusted by turning it, for example, using an Allen key if the adjusting screw is designed accordingly. The adjusting screw can be, for example, a grub screw. To ensure a sufficiently long and robust thread, a receiving dome for the thread can be provided on the keycap.

[0024] The first adjustment device, particularly when designed as an adjusting screw, can simultaneously serve as a locking device for the hinge rod, preventing it from slipping out of its mounting. For this purpose, the hinge rod can have a circumferential groove in a central area into which the first adjustment device, particularly the adjusting screw provided for this purpose, engages.

[0025] A further development provides that the base body and / or the housing of the key module has a fourth adjustment device, which interacts directly or indirectly with the key cap upon actuation in a section between the central region and a second side of the key cap opposite the first side to set a second pivot stop position. The fourth adjustment device can be provided, for example, as an alternative to the third adjustment device, i.e., either the third or the fourth adjustment device, and thus either the first or the second pivot stop position, is implemented.

[0026] The fourth adjustment device can be, for example, a set screw inserted into a thread in the base body or the housing of the key module. Its position in the thread can be adjusted by rotation, for example, using an Allen key if the set screw is designed accordingly. The set screw can be a grub screw, for example. To ensure a sufficiently long and robust thread, a receiving dome for the thread can be formed on the base body and / or the housing of the key module.

[0027] One embodiment provides that all of the aforementioned adjusting screws are locked after adjustment by turning the respective adjusting screw. This can be achieved, for example, by a clamping effect between the respective adjusting screw and the respective thread. This clamping effect occurs, for example, when the keycap and / or base body and / or housing of the key module are made of plastic.

[0028] The aforementioned adjustment devices make it possible to adjust the actuation and / or switching characteristics of the key, in particular the position and / or inclination of the key cap as well as the key travel and thus the switching point, continuously adjustable. In this case, in particular by means of the first and / or second adjustment device, the plunger can already be partially depressed in the unactuated state, so that the actuation travel that the plunger must travel upon actuation until reaching the switching point(s) is shortened. Finally, the adjustment devices enable the switching behavior of the key to be adjusted, in particular the adjustment of the pre-travel, the adjustment of the switching point(s), and / or the adjustment of the overtravel.

[0029] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the hinge rod can be attached or arranged directly on the housing of the key module. According to one embodiment, the key module can be designed such that it can be mounted on a circuit board in at least two different positions, in particular rotated by 180°. When mounting the key module, it is thus possible to arrange the pivot axis of the pivoting movement of the key cap on the side of the key facing the user or on the side facing away from the user. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately arranging the connection pins of the key module.A further embodiment provides that the housing of the key module is formed in at least two parts, wherein the hinge rod is attached or arranged directly on an upper part of the housing, and the upper part can be assembled with a lower part in at least two different positions, in particular positions rotated by 180°, during assembly of the key module. With a corresponding design of the key module, it is also possible to select and determine whether the pivot axis runs on the left or right side of the key from a user's perspective by appropriate alignment during mounting on the circuit board and / or during assembly of the key module.

[0030] For example, the hinge rod can be a continuous hinge rod which is mounted as an independent component in receptacles, in particular bores, in or on the housing, in particular in receptacles, in particular bores, in or on projections of the housing.

[0031] The hinge rod can also be, for example, a continuous hinge rod which is formed on the housing of the key module, in particular formed in one piece with the housing.

[0032] The hinge rod can also be a multi-part, in particular two-part, hinge rod, which comprises or consists of two hinge rod sections formed on the housing of the key module and protruding from the housing, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections lie spaced from one another on a straight line.

[0033] A second, alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the hinge rod is attached or arranged on a base body that is plugged onto the housing. In particular, the base body encloses the key module in a frame-like manner and can therefore also be referred to as a frame.

[0034] For example, in the second embodiment, the hinge rod can also be a continuous hinge rod, which in this case is mounted as an independent component in receptacles, in particular bores, in or on the base body, in particular in receptacles, in particular bores, on or in projections of the base body.

[0035] The hinge rod can also be, for example, a continuous hinge rod which is formed on the base body, in particular formed in one piece with the base body.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the hinge rod can also be a multi-part, in particular two-part, hinge rod, which comprises or consists of two hinge rod sections formed on the housing of the key module and protruding from the housing, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections lie spaced apart from one another on a straight line.

[0037] A further development provides that the keycap, the base body and the hinge rod form a plug-in element that is plugged onto the housing by means of the base body. For example, the base body can have locking elements that are locked to the housing of the key module to form a fixed connection. According to one embodiment, the plug-in element can be designed such that it can be plugged onto the key module in at least two different positions, in particular rotated by 180°. This makes it possible for the user, for example, to arrange the pivot axis of the pivoting movement of the keycap on the side of the key facing towards them or on the side facing away from them. With a corresponding design of the plug-in element, the user can also select whether the pivot axis runs on the left or right side of the key from their perspective by appropriately aligning it when plugging it on.

[0038] One embodiment provides for the base body to have release elements designed to release the locking elements from the housing and thus the fixed connection between the base body and the housing. Thus, the base body, optionally with the hinge rod and / or keycap, can be removed from the housing. This enables the removal or replacement of the component comprising the base body and any hinge rod and / or keycap attached thereto, for example, to replace a worn component or to attach a component with a different functionality to the key module, or to provide the key module with a conventional keycap that is attached to the plunger.

[0039] The locking element can be, for example, a locking lug, a locking lever and / or a spring pin.

[0040] The release mechanism can be, for example, a release lever, a slider, and / or a push mechanism. The locking element and release mechanism can also be implemented in a single component.

[0041] One embodiment of the key according to the invention provides that an integrated lubricant reservoir is assigned to at least one receptacle for the hinge rod in the keycap and / or to at least one rod bearing in the base body and / or housing of the key module. Alternatively or additionally, a drip catcher for lubricants can be assigned to at least one receptacle for the hinge rod in the keycap and / or to at least one rod bearing in the base body and / or housing of the key module.

[0042] The lubricant reservoir enables continuous, automatic lubrication of the respective receptacles and rod bearings, thus ensuring the permanent pivoting mobility of the keycap. The lubricant reservoir can be integrated, for example, into the keycap and / or the base body and / or the housing of the key module. The drip catcher catches released and / or leaking lubricants in the area of ​​the receptacles and / or rod bearings, thus preventing lubricant contamination of the keys and keyboards.

[0043] A further development of the key according to the invention provides a key adapter for mounting on the plunger. The key adapter provides a surface via which the pivoting movement of the key cap is transferred to the plunger for executing a linear movement relative to the housing of the key module. The aforementioned surface can be flat, but it can also have a contour or shape, for example, a curvature or one or more waves. It can also be an inclined plane.

[0044] In particular, the key adapter can have a shaped contour on its side opposite the aforementioned surfaces, which corresponds to the shaped contour of the plunger and thus enables in particular a fixing and / or rotation-proof, but detachable placement of the key adapter on the plunger.

[0045] In particular, the key adapter can be mounted on the plunger in an interchangeable manner. By replacing it with a key adapter with a different surface, the movement transmission from the key cap to the plunger and thus the actuation and / or switching characteristics of the key can be changed.

[0046] The key adapter is designed specifically for smooth actuation of the plunger. By exchanging the key adapter, different shapes and / or contours of the aforementioned surface can be created. This allows for different actuation and / or switching characteristics. This advantage is further enhanced when using a key with multiple switching points.

[0047] Through the interaction of the adjustment devices explained above and the selection of a key adapter with a desired surface, almost any switching characteristics of the key can be individually set for a user. This can also enable comparatively fast switching operations, for example. According to a development of the key according to the invention, the key cap has one or more openings into which light guides are inserted. This can cause light emerging from the key module to serve for illumination and / or to signal operating states and / or to display a symbol on a visible side of the key cap facing the user. For example, color changes can signal to the user that the key has been pressed and / or how hard it has been pressed.The key module can, for example, be a translucent key module, so that light emanating from a light source shines through the key module and illuminates the key cap.

[0048] One embodiment of the key according to the invention provides that the keycap has tactile bars and / or tactile nubs on a visible side facing the user, in particular made of a material softer than the material of the keycap, in particular plastic. This provides the user with haptic feedback that allows them to identify the key being pressed or to be pressed and / or to check the position of their finger on the key. The tactile bars and tactile nubs can be arranged in corresponding recesses and / or openings in the keycap.

[0049] According to one design variant, the keycap can consist of only one material, for example, plastic or metal. An alternative design variant provides for the keycap to consist of or comprise two or more materials, for example, a hard plastic and a soft plastic component, for example, to form the aforementioned tactile bars and / or tactile nubs. This alternative design variant can be manufactured, for example, using two-component injection molding.

[0050] The base body and / or housing of the key module can be made of or comprise plastic. The hinge rod can be made of plastic or metal.

[0051] The plug-in element according to the invention is designed and intended for a key module with a housing and a plunger that is linearly movable relative to the housing, in particular for forming the above-described inventive key. The plug-in element comprises a key cap for actuating the plunger, a base body for attaching the plug-in element to the key module, and a single- or multi-part hinge rod. The key cap is pivotably attached to the key module by means of the hinge rod relative to the base body for actuating the plunger.

[0052] The base body can also be called a frame because it encloses the key module like a frame.

[0053] The advantages of the plug-in element according to the invention arise from the advantages of the key according to the invention described above. Furthermore, the plug-in element enables the retrofitting of existing conventional key modules to equip them with a key cap that can be pivoted relative to the key module housing.

[0054] A further development of the plug-in element according to the invention provides that the keycap has one or more receptacles, in particular holes, for attaching the hinge rod. For example, the one or more receptacles, in particular holes, can be arranged on one or more projections of the keycap.

[0055] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the keycap forms the hinge rod. For example, the hinge rod can be a continuous hinge rod formed on the keycap, in particular formed integrally with the keycap. Alternatively, the hinge rod can also be a multi-part, in particular two-part, hinge rod that comprises or consists of two hinge rod sections formed on the keycap and protruding from the keycap, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections lie spaced apart from one another on a straight line.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the keycap is designed and intended to interact directly or indirectly with the plunger in a central region when plugged in. Furthermore, the hinge rod is arranged on the keycap between the central region and a first side of the keycap.

[0057] A further development provides that the keycap has a first adjustment device on the side of the hinge rod opposite the central region, which is designed and intended, when plugged in, to interact directly or indirectly with the base body and / or housing of the key module to adjust the inclination of the keycap when not in use. Alternatively or additionally, the keycap can have a second adjustment device in the central region, which is designed and intended, when plugged in, to interact directly or indirectly with the plunger to adjust the distance between the plunger and the keycap.Alternatively or additionally, the keycap may have a third adjustment device between the central region and a second side of the keycap opposite the first side, which is designed and intended to cooperate, in the plugged-on state, directly or indirectly with the base body and / or housing of the key module for adjusting a first pivot stop position of the keycap upon actuation.

[0058] The pivot stop position is the end position of the key cap when actuated; further pivoting movement is not possible.

[0059] The first, second, and third adjustment devices can each be, for example, an adjusting screw inserted into a thread in the keycap. The position of the adjusting screw within the thread can be adjusted by turning it, for example, using an Allen key if the adjusting screw is designed accordingly. The adjusting screw can be, for example, a grub screw. To ensure a sufficiently long and robust thread, a receiving dome for the thread can be provided on the keycap.

[0060] The first adjustment device, particularly when designed as an adjusting screw, can simultaneously serve as a securing device for the hinge rod, preventing it from slipping out of its mounting. For this purpose, the hinge rod can have a circumferential groove in a central region into which the first adjustment device, particularly the adjusting screw provided for this purpose, engages. A further development provides that the base body has a fourth adjustment device which interacts directly or indirectly with the keycap in a section between the central region and a second side opposite the first side to set a second pivot stop position of the keycap upon actuation.The fourth adjustment device can, for example, be provided as an alternative to the third adjustment device, i.e. either the third or the fourth adjustment device and thus either the first or the second pivot stop position is realized.

[0061] The fourth adjustment device can, for example, be a set screw inserted into a thread in the body, whose position in the thread can be adjusted by rotation, for example, using an Allen key if the set screw is designed accordingly. The set screw can, for example, be a grub screw. To achieve a sufficiently long and robust thread, a receiving dome for the thread can be formed on the base body.

[0062] One embodiment provides that all of the aforementioned adjusting screws are locked after adjustment by turning the respective adjusting screw. This can be achieved, for example, by a clamping effect between the respective adjusting screw and the respective thread. This clamping effect occurs, for example, when the keycap and / or base body are made of plastic.

[0063] The aforementioned adjustment devices make it possible to adjust the actuation and / or switching characteristics of the key, in particular the position and / or inclination of the key cap as well as the key travel and thus the switching point can be continuously adjusted. In this case, in particular by means of the first and / or second adjustment device, the plunger can already be partially depressed in the unactuated state, so that the actuation path that the plunger must travel upon actuation until the switching point(s) is reached is shortened. Ultimately, the adjustment devices enable the switching behavior of the key to be adjusted, in particular the adjustment of the pre-travel path, the adjustment of the switching point(s) and / or the adjustment of the over-travel path. According to one embodiment, the plug-on element can be designed such that it can be plugged onto the key module in at least two different positions, in particular rotated by 180°.This allows the user, for example, to position the pivot axis of the keycap's pivoting movement on the side of the key facing toward or away from them. With the appropriate design of the snap-on element, the user can also select whether the pivot axis runs on the left or right side of the key from their perspective by adjusting the orientation when snapping it on.

[0064] A further development provides that the hinge rod is attached or arranged on the base body.

[0065] For example, the hinge rod can be a continuous hinge rod which is mounted as an independent component in receptacles, in particular bores, in or on the base body, in particular in receptacles, in particular bores, on or in projections of the base body.

[0066] The hinge rod can also be, for example, a continuous hinge rod which is formed on the base body, in particular formed in one piece with the base body.

[0067] The hinge rod can also be a multi-part, in particular two-part, hinge rod, which comprises or consists of two hinge rod sections formed on the housing of the key module and protruding from the housing, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections lie spaced from one another on a straight line.

[0068] One embodiment provides that the base body has locking elements for forming a secure connection to the housing of the key module. Furthermore, the base body can be provided with unlocking elements designed to release the locking elements from the housing when the plug-in element is plugged in, thus releasing the secure connection between the base body and the housing. Thus, the plug-in element can be removed again after being plugged into the housing of the key module. This enables the removal or replacement of the plug-in element, for example, to replace a worn plug-in element or to plug a plug-in element with a different functionality onto the key module, or to provide the key module with a conventional key cap that is plugged onto the plunger.

[0069] The locking element can be, for example, a locking lug, a locking lever and / or a spring pin.

[0070] The release mechanism may, for example, be a release lever, a slider and / or a pressure mechanism.

[0071] One embodiment of the plug-in element according to the invention provides that an integrated lubricant reservoir is assigned to at least one receptacle for the hinge rod in the keycap and / or to at least one rod bearing in the base body. Alternatively or additionally, a drip catcher for lubricants can be assigned to at least one receptacle for the hinge rod in the keycap and / or to at least one rod bearing in the base body.

[0072] The lubricant reservoir enables continuous, automatic lubrication of the respective mounts and rod bearings, thus ensuring the permanent pivoting mobility of the keycap. The lubricant reservoir can be integrated into the keycap and / or the base body, for example.

[0073] The drip catcher catches released and / or escaping lubricants in the area of ​​the receptacles and / or rod bearings and thus prevents contamination of the keys and keyboards with lubricants.

[0074] According to a further development of the plug-in element according to the invention, the keycap has one or more openings into which light guides are inserted. Thus, when the keycap is in place, light emerging from the key module can serve for illumination and / or to signal operating states and / or to display a symbol on a visible side of the keycap facing the user. For example, color changes can signal to the user the actuation and / or the force of the keystroke.

[0075] One embodiment of the plug-in element according to the invention provides that the keycap has tactile bars and / or tactile nubs on a visible side facing the user, in particular made of a material softer than the material of the keycap, in particular plastic. This provides the user with haptic feedback that allows them to identify the key being pressed or to be pressed and / or to check the position of their finger on the key. The tactile bars and tactile nubs can be arranged in corresponding recesses and / or openings in the keycap.

[0076] The inventive clip-on elements enable simple installation, and even simple retrofitting of keypad modules is possible. The simple installation can even be carried out by non-specialists.

[0077] The proposed solutions also have the advantage that they do not require any spaces provided between the individual key modules in a keyboard; the keyboard structure is not changed in this regard.

[0078] According to one design variant, the keycap can consist of only one material, for example, plastic or metal. An alternative design variant provides for the keycap to consist of or comprise two or more materials, for example, a hard plastic and a soft plastic component, for example, to form the aforementioned tactile bars and / or tactile nubs. This alternative design variant can be manufactured, for example, using two-component injection molding.

[0079] The base body and / or the housing of the key module can be made of or comprise plastic. The hinge rod can be made of plastic or metal. The invention will be explained in more detail below with regard to further features and advantages based on the description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0080] FIGS. 1a / 1b show perspective views of a keyboard with an embodiment of a key according to the invention in an unactuated state (FIG. 1a) and in an actuated state (FIG. 1b),

[0081] FIG 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a key according to the invention with a plug-on element according to the invention,

[0082] FIG 3a / 3b / 3c an exploded view of the key according to FIG 2 in three different views,

[0083] FIGS. 4a / 4b / 4c / 4d show a first embodiment of a base body of a plug-on element according to the invention,

[0084] FIG 5a / 5b two views of a first embodiment of a key adapter of a key according to the invention,

[0085] FIG 6 shows a second embodiment of a key adapter of a key according to the invention,

[0086] FIG 7 shows a third embodiment of a key adapter of a key according to the invention,

[0087] FIG 8a / 8b / 8c / 8d a second embodiment of a base body of a plug-on element according to the invention,

[0088] FIGS. 9a / 9b / 9c / 9d show a third exemplary embodiment of a base body of a plug-on element according to the invention, FIGS. 10a / 10b / 10c show an exemplary embodiment of a key cap of a plug-on element according to the invention,

[0089] FIG 11a / 11b / 11c show a further embodiment of a key according to the invention with a plug-in element according to the invention in a non-plugged state (FIG 11a), in a plugged and unactuated state (FIG 11b) and in a plugged and actuated state (FIG 11c),

[0090] FIG lld / lle the embodiment according to FIG lla / l lb / llc in two further

[0091] Views in the inactive state,

[0092] FIGS 12a / 12b / 12c schematically show exemplary setting states of setting devices of the key cap of a key according to the invention,

[0093] FIG 13 / 14 two further embodiments of an inventive

[0094] Button in sectional views,

[0095] FIG 15 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of a key according to the invention to illustrate adjustment devices of the key caps,

[0096] FIG 16 / 17 in perspective view two further embodiments of a key according to the invention,

[0097] FIGS 18a / 18b / 18c show a perspective, side and sectional view of another embodiment of a key according to the invention,

[0098] FIG 19 / 20a / 20b Examples of unlocking elements for releasing a plug-on element from the key module,

[0099] FIG 21a / 21b in perspective view and in exploded view a further embodiment of a key according to the invention, in which the hinge rod with the key cap is not plugged onto a key module as part of a plug-on element with a base body, but directly on the housing of the

[0100] button module is attached, and

[0101] FIG 22 shows a further embodiment of a key according to the invention in an exploded view, in which the hinge rod with the key cap is not plugged onto a key module as part of a plug-on element with a base body, but is attached directly to the housing of the key module.

[0102] Corresponding parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0103] FIGS. 1a and 1b show perspective views of a keyboard 50 with an exemplary embodiment of a key 10 according to the invention in an unactuated state (FIG. 1a) and in an actuated state (FIG. 1b). The key 10 comprises a plug-in element 12 mounted on a key module (not shown), which in turn comprises a key cap 1 and a base body 2.

[0104] FIG 2 to FIG 22 show various embodiments of buttons 10 and plug-on elements 12 according to the invention as well as individual or multiple components of these buttons 10 and plug-on elements 12.

[0105] The keys 10 each comprise a key module 6 with a housing 11 and a plunger 7 that is linearly movable relative to the housing 11. Furthermore, the keys 10 each comprise a key cap 1 for actuating the plunger 7. The key cap 1 is attached directly or indirectly to the key module 6 so that it can pivot relative to the housing 11. Furthermore, the keys 10 each comprise a hinge rod 3, by means of which the key cap 1 can pivot relative to the housing 11.

[0106] FIGS. 2 to 20b show embodiments of the plug-in element 12 according to the invention or embodiments of keys 10, in which embodiments of the plug-in element 12 according to the invention are plugged onto the respective key module 6. Here, the hinge rod 3 is attached or arranged on the base body 2 of the plug-in element 12. The base body 2 is designed to be plugged onto the housing 11 of the key module 6. FIGS. 21a to 22 show alternative embodiments in which the hinge rod 3 is attached or arranged directly on the housing 11 of the key module 6. Thus, the base body and its plugging onto the housing of the key module are omitted.

[0107] In all cases, the hinge rod 3 can be designed in one or more parts.

[0108] For example, the hinge rod 3 can be a continuous hinge rod 3 which, as an independent component, is mounted on the one hand in rod bearings 26 (also referred to as receptacles, for example bores) in or on the housing 11 or in or on the base body 2, in particular in or on projections 29 of the housing 11 (see FIG. 3a) or base body 2 (see FIG. 21b and FIG. 22), and is received in receptacles 15 of the keycap 1. Such a hinge rod is shown, for example, in FIG. 3a, FIG. 21b and FIG. 22. A keycap 1 with such receptacles 15, which are designed here as holes (also referred to as bores), is shown, for example, in FIG. 10a, FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c.

[0109] The combination of hinge rod 3, rod bearing 26 in the base body 2 or housing 11 and receptacles 15 for attaching the hinge rod 3 to the key cap 1 enables the pivotability of the key cap 1 relative to the housing 11 of the key module 6 as provided according to the invention.

[0110] The hinge rod 3 can also be a two-part hinge rod 3 comprising two hinge rod sections formed on the keycap 1 and protruding from the keycap 1, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two hinge rod sections are arranged opposite one another at a distance from one another and lie on a straight line. Such a hinge rod is shown, for example, in FIG. 13. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the two hinge rod sections are mounted in rod bearings 26 in the base body 2.

[0111] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c show various views of an embodiment of the keycap 1. In addition to the receptacles 15 for the hinge rod 3, sensing bars 31 can be seen on a visible side of the keycap 1 facing the user. This provides the user with haptic feedback, which allows the user to identify the key 10 that has been actuated or is to be actuated and / or to check the position of their finger on the key 10.

[0112] In the embodiments with a plug-in element 12, the keycap 1, the base body 2 and the hinge rod 3 form the respective plug-in element 12. If necessary, further components and parts can be added.

[0113] The plug-on element 12 is plugged onto the housing 11 of the key module 6 by means of the base body 2. For this purpose, the base body 2 can have locking elements 13 that are locked to the housing 11 of the key module 6 to form a fixed connection. Such locking elements 13 are shown, for example, in FIG. 4c, FIG. 11a and FIG. 19, 20a, 20b. In the examples shown, the locking elements 13 are designed as locking lugs that interact with the shape of the housing 11 and engage behind it in the locked state. In order to be able to detach the plug-on element 12 from the housing 11 of the key module 6, the base body 2 can have unlocking elements 14 that are designed to release the locking elements 13 from the housing 11 and thus the fixed connection between the base body 2 and the housing 11. FIG 19 and FIG 20a, 20b show examples of such unlocking elements 14, which are designed as unlocking levers.

[0114] When executing the pivoting movement, the keycap 1 interacts directly or indirectly with the plunger 7 in a central region 16 of the keycap 1, so that the pivoting movement leads to a linear movement of the plunger 7. The central region 16 of the keycap 1 is shown, for example, in FIG 10b, FIG 10c, FIG 11a, FIG 15, and FIG 16. These figures also show that the hinge rod 3 is arranged on the keycap 1 between the central region 16 and a first side 17 of the keycap 1.

[0115] Various adjustment devices can be provided for adjusting the actuation and / or switching characteristics of the key 10. For example, the keycap 1 can have a first adjustment device 4 on the side of the hinge rod 3 opposite the central region 16, which interacts directly or indirectly with the base body 2 and / or housing 11 of the key module 6 to adjust the inclination of the keycap 1 when not actuated. The keycap 1 can also have a second adjustment device 5 in the central region 16, which interacts directly or indirectly with the plunger 7 to adjust the distance between the plunger 7 and the keycap 1. The first adjustment device 4 and the second adjustment device 5 are shown, for example, in FIG. 10c, FIG. 11a, FIG. 12a, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 21b, and FIG. 22.The setting options of the first setting device 4 and the second setting device 5 are shown by way of example in FIG 12a, FIG 12b, FIG 12c as well as FIG 15 and FIG 18c.

[0116] It can also be provided that the keycap 1 has a third adjustment device 20 between the central region 16 and a second side 21 of the keycap 1 opposite the first side 17, which interacts directly or indirectly with the base body 2 and / or housing 11 of the key module 6 to adjust a first pivot stop position of the keycap 1 upon actuation. The third adjustment device 20 is shown, for example, in FIG. 15, FIG. 21b, and FIG. 22. The adjustment options of the third adjustment device 20, in addition to the first adjustment device 4 and the second adjustment device 5, are shown by way of example in FIG. 15.

[0117] Furthermore, the base body 2 and / or the housing 11 of the key module 6 can have a fourth adjustment device 22, which interacts directly or indirectly with the key cap 1 in a section between the central region 16 and a second side 21 opposite the first side 17 to adjust a second pivot stop position of the key cap 1 upon actuation. The fourth adjustment device is shown, for example, in FIG. 17, FIG. 18a, FIG. 18b, and FIG. 18c.

[0118] The first adjustment device 4, the second adjustment device 5, the third adjustment device 20, and the fourth adjustment device 22 can each be, for example, an adjusting screw that is inserted into a thread in the keycap 1 and whose position in the thread can be adjusted by rotation, for example using an Allen key if the adjusting screw is designed accordingly. The adjusting screw can be, for example, a grub screw (see FIG. 15, FIG. 18c, FIG. 21b, FIG. 22). In order to obtain a sufficiently long and robust thread, a receiving dome for the thread can be formed on the keycap (see the example of the second adjustment device 5 in FIG. 10b).

[0119] The first adjustment device 4, designed as an adjusting screw, can simultaneously serve as a securing device for the hinge rod 3, preventing it from slipping out of the mounting. For this purpose, the hinge rod 3 can have a circumferential groove 25 in a central region, into which the first adjustment device 4 engages. This is shown, for example, in FIGS. 15 and 18c.

[0120] The interaction of the adjustment devices described above with a key adapter 27 provides further options for individually adjusting the switching characteristics of key 1 for each user. The key adapter 27 is provided as a separate component.

[0121] The key adapter 27 is removably attached to the plunger 7, meaning the key adapter is replaceable. For this purpose, the key adapter 27 has a contoured shape 30 that corresponds to the contour of the plunger 7 (see FIG. 5b).

[0122] The key adapter 27 provides a surface 28 via which the pivoting movement of the key cap 1 is transmitted to the plunger 7 for performing a linear movement relative to the housing 11 of the key module 6. Different shapes of the surface 28 can lead to different actuation and switching characteristics of the key 1, so that the selection of the surface shape serves to set a desired actuation and switching characteristic. The surface can be flat, as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b as well as FIG. 6, but it can also have a contour or shape, for example a curvature or one or more waves, as shown in FIG. 7. The distance between the key cap 1 and the plunger 7 can also be changed using the key adapters 27. For example, FIG. 6 shows a higher key adapter 27 than FIG. 5a, which leads to a smaller distance between the key cap 1 and the surface 28.The attached key adapter 27 is shown, for example, in FIG 2, FIG 15, FIG 17, FIG 18a, and FIG 21a. FIG 17 shows the key adapter 17 with a flat surface 28, while FIG 18a shows the key adapter 27 with a corrugated surface 28. An integrated lubricant reservoir 23 can be assigned to the receptacles 15 of the hinge rod 3 in the key cap 1 and / or the rod bearings 26 in the base body 2 and / or housing 11 of the key module 6. This is schematically shown using the example of the rod bearing 26 by a reference numeral 23 designated by a dashed line in FIG 16, FIG 17, and FIG 18a, although the integrated lubricant reservoir itself cannot be seen.

[0123] A drip catcher 24 for lubricants can also be assigned to the receptacles 15 of the hinge rod 3 in the keycap 1 and / or the rod bearings 26 in the base body 2 and / or housing 11 of the key module 6. This is shown using the example of the rod bearing 26 in FIGS. 16, 17, 18a, and 18b.

[0124] FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 22 show embodiments in which the hinge rod 3 is attached or arranged directly on the housing 11 of the key module 6. The exploded view in FIG. 21b shows a housing 11 of a key module 6 composed of a lower part 6a and an upper part 6b, with the plunger 7 arranged between the lower part 6a and the upper part 6b. In the assembled state, the plunger 7 protrudes from the upper part 6b, with the key adapter 27 being plugged onto the plunger 7 (see FIG. 21a). FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 22 each show that the housing 11 of the key module 6 forms two projections 29 into which rod bearings 26 for receiving the hinge rod 3 are inserted. In the example shown, the rod bearings 26 are holes (also called bores) in the projections 29 of the housing 11.In FIGS. 21b and 22, the first adjustment device 4, the second adjustment device 5, and the third adjustment device 20 are schematically indicated in the form of adjusting screws. These may, but do not have to, be present. For example, all three adjustment devices may be present, or only the first and second adjustment devices may be present.

[0125] The key modules 6 shown in FIGS. 21a, 21b, and 22 can be configured such that they can be mounted on a circuit board in at least two different positions, in particular rotated by 180°. When mounting the respective key module 6, it is thus possible to arrange the pivot axis of the pivoting movement of the key cap 1 on the side of the key 10 facing toward or away from the user. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately arranging the connection pins of the key module 6.

[0126] The housing 11 can also be composed of the lower part 6a and the upper part 6b, as shown in FIG. 21b, with the hinge rod 3 being arranged directly on the upper part 6b of the housing 11. In this case, the lower part 6a and the upper part 6b can be configured such that the upper part 6b can be assembled in at least two different positions, in particular positions rotated by 180°, when assembling the key module with the lower part 6a.

[0127] Reference symbol list

[0128] 1 keycap

[0129] 2 basic bodies

[0130] 3 hinge rod

[0131] 4 first adjustment device

[0132] 5 second adjustment device

[0133] 6 key module

[0134] 6a Lower part of the key module 6

[0135] 6b Upper part of the key module 6

[0136] 7 plungers

[0137] 10 buttons

[0138] 11 Housing of the key module 6

[0139] 12 clip-on element

[0140] 13 locking elements

[0141] 14 unlocking elements

[0142] 15 Holder for attaching the hinge rod 3 to the keycap 1

[0143] 16 central area of ​​the keycap 1

[0144] 17 first side of keycap 1

[0145] 20 third adjustment device

[0146] 21 second side of the keycap 1

[0147] 22 fourth adjustment device

[0148] 23 integrated lubricant reservoir

[0149] 24 drip catchers

[0150] 25 circumferential groove of the hinge rod 3

[0151] 26 Rod bearing for receiving the hinge rod 3 in the housing 11 of the key module 6 or in the base body 2

[0152] 27 key adapters

[0153] 28 Surface of the key adapter 27

[0154] 29 projection of the base body 2 or the housing 11

[0155] 30 Shape contour of the key adapter 27

[0156] 31 Keycap tactile bar 1

[0157] 50 keyboard

Claims

Patent claims 1. Key (10) comprising a key module (6) with a housing (11) and a relative to the housing (11) linearly movable plunger (7) and a key cap (1) for actuating the plunger (7), characterized in that the key cap (1) is attached to the key module (6) directly or indirectly so as to be pivotable relative to the housing (11).

2. Key (10) according to claim 1, characterized by a single-part or multi-part hinge rod (3) by means of which the key cap (1) can be pivoted relative to the housing (11).

3. Key (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the key cap (1) has one or more receptacles (15) for attaching the hinge rod (3) or forms the hinge rod (3).

4. Key (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the key cap (1) cooperates directly or indirectly with the plunger (7) in a central region (16), and that the hinge rod (3) is arranged between the central region (16) and a first side (17) on the key cap (1).

5. Key (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the key cap (1) has a first adjusting device (4) on the side of the hinge rod (3) opposite the central region (16), which directly or indirectly interacts with the base body (2) and / or housing (11) of the key module (6) for adjusting an inclination of the key cap (1) when not actuated, and / or that the keycap (1) has a second adjustment device (5) in the central region (16), which interacts directly or indirectly with the plunger (7) to adjust the distance between the plunger (7) and the keycap (1), and / or that the keycap (1) has a third adjustment device (20) between the central region (16) and a second side (21) of the keycap (1) opposite the first side (17), which third adjustment device (20) interacts directly or indirectly with the base body (2) and / or housing (11) of the key module (6) to adjust a first pivot stop position of the keycap (1) when actuated.

6. Key (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the base body (2) and / or the housing (11) of the key module (6) has a fourth adjusting device (22) which cooperates directly or indirectly in a section between the central region (16) and a second side (21) opposite the first side (17) with the key cap (1) for adjusting a second pivoting stop position of the key cap (1) when actuated.

7. Button (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the hinge rod (3) is attached or arranged directly on the housing (11).

8. Button (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the hinge rod (3) is attached or arranged on a base body (2) which is plugged onto the housing (11).

9. Keys (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the key cap (1), the base body (2) and the hinge rod (3) form a plug-on element (12) which is plugged onto the housing (11) by means of the base body (2).

10. Button (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the base body (2) has locking elements (13) which are locked to the housing (11) of the button module (6) to form a fixed connection.

11. Button (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the base body (2) has unlocking elements (14) which are designed to release the locking elements (13) from the housing (11) and thus the fixed connection between the base body (2) and the housing (11).

12. Key (10) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, characterized in that an integrated lubricant reservoir (23) is assigned to at least one receptacle (15) of the hinge rod (3) in the key cap (1) and / or at least one rod bearing (26) in the base body (2) and / or housing (11) of the key module (6), and / or that a drip catcher (24) for lubricants is assigned to at least one receptacle (15) of the hinge rod (3) in the key cap (1) and / or at least one rod bearing (26) in the base body (2) and / or housing (11) of the key module (6).

13. Key (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a key adapter (27) for placement on the plunger (7), wherein the key adapter (27) provides a surface (28) via which the pivoting movement of the key cap (1) is transmitted to the plunger (7) for performing a linear movement relative to the housing (11) of the key module (6).

14. Plug-on element (12) for a key module (6) with a housing (11) and a plunger (7) which is linearly movable relative to the housing (11), characterized in that the plug-on element (12) comprises a key cap (1) for actuating the plunger (7), a base body (2) for attaching the plug-on element (12) to the key module (6) and a one-part or multi-part hinge rod (3), wherein the key cap (1) for actuating the plunger (7) is attached to the key module (6) by means of the hinge rod (3) so as to be pivotable relative to the base body (2).

15. Plug-on element (12) according to claim 14, characterized in that the key cap (1) has one or more receptacles (15) for attaching the hinge rod (3) or forms the hinge rod (3).

16. Plug-on element (12) according to claim 15, characterized in that the key cap (1) is designed and intended to cooperate directly or indirectly with the plunger (7) in a central region (16) in the plugged-on state, and in that the hinge rod (3) is arranged between the central region (16) and a first side (17) on the key cap (1).

17. Plug-on element (12) according to claim 16, characterized in that the keycap (1) has a first adjustment device (4) on the side of the hinge rod (3) opposite the central region (16), which is designed and intended, in the plugged-on state, to cooperate directly or indirectly with the base body (2) and / or the housing (11) of the key module (6) to adjust an inclination of the keycap (1) when not in use, and / or that the keycap (1) has a second adjustment device (5) in the central region (16), which is designed and intended, in the plugged-on state, to cooperate directly or indirectly with the plunger (7) to adjust the distance between the plunger (7) and the keycap (1), and / or that the keycap (1) has a third adjustment device (20) between the central region (16) and a second side (21) of the keycap (1) opposite the first side (17).who are trained and, is intended, in the plugged-on state, to interact directly or indirectly with the base body (2) and / or housing (11) of the key module (6) for setting a first pivot stop position of the key cap (1) upon actuation.

18. Plug-on element (12) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the base body (2) has a fourth adjusting device (22) which cooperates directly or indirectly in a section between the central region (16) and a second side (21) opposite the first side (17) with the key cap (1) for setting a second pivot stop position of the key cap (1) when actuated.

19. Plug-on element (12) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the plug-on element (12) is designed such that it can be plugged onto the key module (6) in at least two different positions.

20. Plug-on element (12) according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the hinge rod (3) is attached or arranged on the base body (2).

21. Plug-on element (12) according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the base body (2) has locking elements (13) for forming a fixed connection with the housing (11) of the key module (6).

22. Plug-on element (12) according to claim 21, characterized in that the base body (2) has unlocking elements (14) which are designed to release the locking elements (13) from the housing and thus the fixed connection between the base body (2) and the housing (11) when the plug-on element (12) is in the plugged-on state.

23. Plug-on element (12) according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 22, characterized in that an integrated lubricant reservoir (23) is assigned to at least one receptacle (15) of the hinge rod (3) in the keycap (1) and / or at least one rod bearing (26) in the base body (2), and / or that a drip catcher (24) for lubricants is assigned to at least one receptacle (15) of the hinge rod (3) in the keycap (1) and / or at least one rod bearing (26) in the base body (2).

Images