JPS593823A - Keyboard switch housing module - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to keyswitch modules that can be rigidly coupled together to form a keyboard base assembly.

=] Due to the slow growth of the computer industry, the keyboard of the computer terminal is relatively expensive.
J, of interest because of the need to gain flexibility for the numerous applications in which it can be used] - Remen 1
C has become ~. Keyboards generally include a structural base for housing and supporting various elements of a plurality of keyswitches.

Each key switch includes a pair of contacts, a movable switch skeleton, and a partial double-portion i~ that automatically separates the contacts H1 upon release of the switch skeleton. The base can hold multiple switches! The Ili type is a one-piece plus deck molding with a plurality of individual glue holes for a plurality of key switch elements 1. United States Patent No. 3,751,618
The key switch shown on the moon is AJ: and the base is equipped with such equipment! It is type Ili. The structural base is typically I'J-shaped by a molding process that requires the dies of Patent 1, each shape corresponding to a different keyboard configuration.

Since the structural base supports and guides the keyswitch element 1-, it contains a complex shape, and therefore the molded die is expensive and requires advanced technology, and the keyboard construction is 116 Since the shape of the base is determined, the keyboard crotch is
The target where r is made is EA deep so J Nasa 41 J, BJ
I don't like it. Once the structural base is :Uiil,
Once all 11 chairs have been manufactured, changing the shape of the keyboard will be extremely difficult and costly for FMC. Furthermore, 1
;χ (next to the QWA-built keyboard) 15/
It is impractical to condition the \-space. Shi I Gogatsu-C, avoid weakening the structural base is number 11!
The manufacturer of Key 11 Tate is B') Fil
The flexibility of the key to the production of Lr is the shape of the key 1lC-do 1ne U) 1 move! 2 connections 1) Receive 9 bundles.

For these reasons, it would be advantageous to find a structural base that can accommodate these inappropriate σ's and be made at low cost.

Main Points of the Invention This invention includes a seven-jerular-shaped plum-shaped base assembly for constructing a U-type key switch. Conventional one, like A3L) on a typical typewriter keyboard! Y17) The base (υ structure base L Joule) that determines the layout of the keyboard is the basic construction block f' from which the desired keyboard form can be constructed.
j is done. Around the base module, a plurality of bonding elements 1~ are provided ().The decorative base modules of the various keyswitch groups are provided with corresponding bonding elements formed on the sides of each decorative module. Therefore 11
(connected with module) becomes obsolete.

The connecting element 1- interconnects and takes the decorative base module of the desired key sweep group at the desired location around the periphery of the base module. The decorative key can be placed in virtually any lfz position, and as desired in one breath around the periphery of the base module.
You can get it.

This invention is based on a glue receptacle for a key switch and a mechanism installed around the key switch.
a keyboard switch housing consisting of one part, the skirt part having connector means for attaching one of the keyboard switches to the other; I don't have any means,
There is a means for restricting slight movement between the separated modules. The first stage of the connection includes the structure of the protrusion d3 and the groove.
Perform at least 51 7 lunges to achieve the goal.

(In a preferred embodiment, coupling is accomplished by protrusions and crystalline coverlets formed along the sides of each module. Each protrusion or flange is preferably attached to an adjacent module.) 4C is dovetail shaped to engage with a dovetail groove or perforation to connect the base module and the base module. Attachment (the carved decoration [is positioned so as to replicate the couplers approaching outwardly on the outer periphery of the dichord).

Therefore, the present invention also encompasses a keyboard base assembly that includes a plurality of connected keyboard switch modules of the present invention. Preferably, the assembly switches are connected in common to form a standard 4I key module such as that used in typical 4T repeaters. Accordingly, the module is made up of a plurality of switch modules for receiving and supporting the key switch elements 1 to 1. ! A base module is formed and the base module is crouped to form a standard typewriter key matrix. Optionally, a decorative base module may be incorporated into the base assembly, each comprising a key switch element and at least 11 of said switch modules for support, which is further operable. Key switch 1 connected to
May include ~.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the keyswitch module has a means for restricting movement between connected modules such that the assembly is rigid and play between the attached modules is prevented. I V'J”
y. Key switch module connection iA To ensure the connection of adjacent modules and to ensure legal stability between a large number of connected modules, the key switch module should be connected when engaged.
) I=rr +/). Preferably, the means for limiting movement are located on the connector means, more preferably at least on the side walls of the connector.
Contains Taratushicorino of 1 i17+1. Assembled module J1 If desired, it will be disassembled to form the key small-1-type f~ for relocation J't-1 Even if it is reused J
,stomach.

``Moji'' U-shaped @Structured l\-Sassenfuri manufactures a 62i keyboard by using a 1-layer key base Modicoll, and uses custom-made dies and Eliminates the need for tooling required for customization. This would reduce the cost of manufacturing a keyboard by six times and give keyboard designers a great deal of flexibility.
δru. In this way, the manufacturer can provide the configuration 81 without increasing the die paste 1-, which can be added to existing keyboards. It can also provide future edits of key stations that have been created. The modular base configuration allows for the re-adaptation of existing keyboard terminals with additional key stations, depending on the user's requirements, after any 14 fixed units have been installed and put into use. Let's go somewhere.

The preferred embodiment of the modular 18-structure base assembly that makes up the keyboard array is dll fi.
Tygra like 9. It is shown in FIG. 1 in the form of an ita keyboard. It will be appreciated that the 1-board array may take any desired form, such as a keyboard of an instrument. The basic array of keyswitch stations for the keyboard panel is 2it R1 module 2
given by 1. In this embodiment 113, the base module 21 includes 47 individual key stations 23 formed from a single structure. The first row 25 includes one keyswitch station 27, which is positioned to take the spacing bar +1 to +13G to a common typewriter. The second row 29 includes ten keyswitch stations equally spaced t, diagonally arranged and positioned symmetrically with respect to the first keyswitch station 27. The fourth row 31 contains 11 key switch stations spaced q apart,
The station is oriented to the second l'i 29 gear switch ``j'' at a distance of half the width of the individual keyswitch unit.

A fourth row 33 of 12 equally spaced keyswitch stations has a distance 1111le I) from the keyswitch stations of the third row 31 of one quarter of the width of the individual keystrokes. Pushed to the left 1
It has been ranked 1st grade. Finally, a fifth row 35 of equally spaced key switch stations of 13 g.
The fourth row 33, which is half the width of the individual keys 1 to 1, is shifted and includes 14.

i! ,! Peripheral side 37d3 of improved joule 21 and 3°C
] and peripheral back 41 includes a plurality of female-shaped flange 43 or recesses for coupling decorative base L modules to base module 21 to form a custom keyboard configuration. Various decorative structure base modules or base modules 21 are connected to franchise/13. The simplest example is a single key position η' shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

7; i IWJ E Joule 21 to iQ Ij The array of key switch sdation is adjacent (J key spacing, 7j lateral offset tl spacing, normal Taino Lighter Ghee board 11 type) As will be apparent from the following discussion, this staggered spacing creates unique problems in designing a combined decorative module that combines with the base module 21 while maintaining the correct spacing between adjacent rows.

The single key switch base module 45 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a generally rectangular configuration and is horizontally connected between four vertical side handles 49.51° 53.55. It includes an extending central wall 47 whose skirt portions define the outer periphery of the base module 45. Four vertical central walls 57, 59, 61, 63 are located in a generally perpendicular relationship to the central wall 47 and receive and support keyswitch components (not shown). Ruru J forms an internal cavity 65 that is heard in Uni Tsuno J. The internal cavity (35) is closed by a floor 67 which includes an opening 69 for positioning and holding a switch contact terminal (not shown).Floor 6
7 is a skirt portion 49 for connecting the key switch terminal to the printed circuit board so that residue left after the soldering operation can be easily removed.
It's more true than 55's T Mandanen! It is located at the bottom of the 9th floor.

A small hole 70 is also provided in the floor 67 for engagement of a fixation member.

The inner surface 71 of each central wall 57-63 within the cavity 65 includes a groove 73 for slidably receiving a key frame (f) within the cavity 65 for operation of a set of switch contacts.
is provided. Module 45 may be connected to a printed circuit board, with a securing member mounted between the circuit board and aperture 70, and a mount connector extending from frontage 69 to C.
Made.

The periphery of the IJ-1 portions 51 and 55 includes a dovetail protrusion or 75 flange 75. Similarly, there is a formation
Here, depressions 77 are formed in the remaining parts of the core 1/19 and 53. The dovetail flange 75 on the base 45 is identical to the dovetail 7 flange 43 on the base module 21 (FIG. 1). Thus, dovetail flanges 75a3 and recesses 77 are installed to join adjacent overlying base modules and securely restrain them for assembly of the C11i pattern.

The dovetail flanges 13.75 are shaped to slidably engage the associated dovetail recesses 77 to permit the joining of adjacent modules. Detailed shape of dovetail joint lumen/13, 75, J, and 77 (
JIs shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

1f1 Referring to Figure 1 J3 and Figure 6,! , +l-shaped dovetail flange 43.75 is attached to the key switch base module 45's corner-1 to section 51 or 55 (second
Figures J and 3) or are shown protruding from the periphery 79 of the base module 21 (Figure 1). A raised surface 81 is provided which is spaced apart from surface 79 and parallel to surface 79. Raised surface 81J
A pair of side walls 83 and 85 extend between 3 and 79. Side walls 83J and 85 are 79 and raised surfaces 81
Both form an acute angle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the seven langes 43.75 are trapezoidal in cross section. Raised surface 81 is also trapezoidal, so sidewalls 83J3 and 85
are closer together at the upper end of flange 43.75 rather than at its lower end. Due to this shape, the depression 77
A loose fit of the flange 43.75 within the dovetail recess 77 is possible when the flange 43.75 is first positioned over the top of the seven flange 43.7, and the dovetail recess 77
A tight fit becomes possible as it is moved downward over 5.

A female dovetail recess 77 formed in the skirt portions 49, 53 of the base module 45 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. A recessed wall 89 is parallel to and spaced from skirt portion 49.53 at the periphery of base module 45. The side walls 93 and 95 of 1st 1 extend between the surface 91 of the nuka-1~ part and the recess tJ''I-89.
9 forms an acute angle. As shown in FIG. 7, the dovetail recess 17 has a trapezoidal cross section, and the dovetail flange 43 is vertically connected to the dovetail end 7B (FIG. 3) a3 for receiving the dovetail flange 43. A boundary ``(
) to be done. Surface B 9 is also trapezoidal, and
The side walls 93,95 are closer to the upper end of the recess 77 at 9v1 below than to the upper end of the recess 77. wall 9
3Jj J: and 95 i; J, , when they are interconnected, the adjacent strings are substantially inward toward the inside of the recess 77 in order to restrain the horizontal and y-direction interlocking of the dicor. Provide a supporting surface. 1F/j corner wall 89 side wall 9
3, J, and 95 are arranged so that the skirt rtl149,
Dovetail-shaped frontage 97 at the bottom 9 and 1 edge 99 of b 3
form. Each side BE 938) J and 95 is provided with Tarassico rib means, which
f single stage [J5 for interconnection between 4 no. 7 and recess
It restrains the dangerous movements of I.

The crush rib projects from the surface of the side wall and extends along its length from the edge 99 of the mechanism 1 portion 49,53 to the end wall 103 at the opposite end of the dovetail recess 77. The crush rib 10111 provides a tie with a pair of interlocking dovetail flanges /13.75 in the dovetail recess 77 with the flange 43.75 engaged at -15) in the dovetail recess 77.

The crush rib 101 is a main load supporting member that frictionally connects the flange 43 and the groove 77.

When the flanges are engaged in vertically tapered recesses 77, the frictional connection is distributed along the length of the crush rib. 7 When the flange 43 is slid into and engaged with the dovetail recess 77, the crush rib is inserted into the dovetail flange 4.
3 and the dovetail-shaped recess 77 provided with a perpendicular taper. crush rib 1
In this way, the dovetail flange 43 and the dovetail recess 77 are tightly fitted together.

Taranshikori f101 is preferable () (110,000 triangles are also 1), and the third side 105.107 forms a raised ridge of about 0.0'10 (inch) at the side wall 93.95 of the depression 77. There is one that expands at an angle of 60°, as shown in
It is positioned outwardly from the recessed wall 89 by a distance 11111 which is three quarters of the width of the side wall 93.95.

The action of crush reso in providing a tight fit between the connected Ari-form Nilemen 1-43.75 and 77 is the 8th
As shown in Figures 1-10. These drawings are hollow 43
．． Flange 43.75 to which flange 77 of 75 is attached
The second downwardly moved scissor was cut along line 7--7 in FIG. J-f, Figure 8 shows the dovetail hollow 77 with a protruding 93.95 cm.
A dovetail flange 43 that just engages with the rib 101
, 75 indicating 7, dovetail flange 4 in dovetail recess 77
3.75 is further moved by 1; When the dovetail flange 4.3.75 is fully engaged within its associated recess 77, the crush rib 101 is maximally deformed and the dovetail flange 4.3.75 is fully engaged within its associated recess 77. Side wall 83.8 of shaped flange 43.75
5 are recessed to provide a strong frictional connection between them, as shown in FIG. Dovetail flange '13,75z
This tight fit between t'3 and dovetail recess 77 is such that the dovetail flange 713 resists the grooved wall 89 of the dovetail recess 77.
Push away the raised surface 81 of 75 degrees.

By using crush ribs 101 to provide a tight fit between dovetail coupling elements 43, 75, 77, J3[) = J legal 1
-The tolerance range can be expanded.

The contiguous shape of the dovetail recess 77 and the dovetail flange 43.75 provides a positive fit when fully slidingly engaged. In this configuration, sidewalls 83 and 85 of dovetail flange 43.75 prevent engagement of sidewalls 93 and 95 of dovetail recess 77 in response to applying a lateral force between the coupled base modules. Only a movement of substantial force in the direction opposite to insertion can uncouple such a base module.

The U foundation base Dicor 21 shown in FIG. Number 21-
-Sui-inch I\-S T: Decorative base module like Joule can be easily made by sliding the dovetail shape 77 of C% decorative bebe L Joule downward/゛\\\ from the dovetail flange 43. I can conclude with that.

This modular configuration means that even if the board is permanently attached to the printed circuit board IIR, the key is
λI for J Need? Possibility of adaptability to make it possible to create a decoration module of 8! (If the sieve module is completely assembled, there will be 1 kl--1 Ij-dohe f = J 911 pieces ξ 2 etc.)
The base is fitted to the base with a tight fit between the dovetail coupling elements 43.75 and 77.
Each legal decorative base module is provided with dovetail 75 flange 75 on two adjacent sides and a dovetail recess 77 on the remaining two adjacent sides. Such a configuration is shown in the second key switch base module 7/1 in FIGS. 2 and 3. This configuration ensures close access to the female dovetail 7 langes 43.75 on the outer periphery of the modular keyboard assembly.

It is noted that the decorative base module may include any number of key switches. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, 4-
The key station decorative base module may be formed by providing a common horizontal central wall 109 connecting central walls 111a-111d forming four aligned cavities for receiving keyswitch elements 1-. 41Il Long skirt part 113 is [1] Heart wall 109
C hanging from one side of the flange, multiple dovetail flanges 7
Contains 5. A nuka-1 portion 115 extending in opposite fifteen directions also depending from the central wall 109 includes a plurality of dovetail-shaped recesses 77 . The skirt portions 117 and 119 at the narrow end of the module are identical to the core portions 51d9 and 53 of one keyswitch module in FIGS. 2 and 3 (21).

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 11 and 12, regardless of the number of key switches included in the base module, f1 has a plurality of dovetail flanges 75 J:i
, J: B) U Several dovetail-shaped recesses 77 are provided in the skirt portion 49-55.11 of each key switch portion of the base module.
Formed on the surface of 3,119. Preferably, three such circumferential coupling elements are formed spaced apart along the circumference of the skirt for each key station section. In a preferred embodiment, each such segment is three-quarters of an inch wide. Preferably, the spacing S between the center axes 0 of adjacent flanges 75 or recesses 77 is 3/16 inch. A gap 121 is formed between the key station portions that are in contact with the VJ. The groove 121 gives a modulus S' between the center axes of adjacent flanges 75 or recesses 77 equal to 2 fl) of size S. As a result,
Three groups of seven lunges 75 or depressions 77 are obtained. Increased spacing by +13 mm in preferred embodiment
The width of - is three-eighths of an inch.

By grouping the combined element i in this way, we ensure that when the modules are aligned with each other, no separation lines and shape connections are made between adjacent base modules, and that The first step is to create such a module in one line.

31[1] for each key station along the side of the base module, spaced by 3/16ths of an inch.
By the combination of the flange 75 and the recess 77 of il,
Adjacent modules can be assembled with an offset of 1/2 or 3/4 of the width of the key station portion. This often results in the construction of keyboard configurations that provide spacing between alternating rows of key stations corresponding to those of a typical typewriter keyboard.

In this way, with reference to Figure 13 and Figure 15,
- Advantageously positioning the 1" t% rounded 75 flange 75 and recess 77 along the periphery of the switch base module (
: To be born with evil. Fig. 13 shows the foundation [dicor 21], the multi-station decorative module 131 is installed as an extension of the third row 31, and the dovetail flanges 43 of the 14 foundation modules 1 to 21 are on the upper side. 133
'43 and the left side surface] 35 is engaged within the dovetail-shaped recess 77 of the Le multi-stage 31-in decorative module 131.

This connection makes it possible to cover continuously with a quarter shift between the third and fourth rows 31.33 of the foundation module 21.The second decorative base beads 137 are made of silk 'C can be coupled to the modular base, maintaining the first engagement with a one-half offset between the second 1129 of the foundation module and the third row 31 of the foundation module. Ru.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, the M foundation module 21 is shown with a multi-station decoration module 139 coupled as an extension of the fourth row 33 of key stations. This connection makes it possible to continuously run the fourth row 33 and fifth row 35 of the 1&base module 21 with an offset of 1/2. Second decoration module 14
Attachments can be added to the assembly along the third row 31 of the 1+11G foundation module 21, and the third row 31
and the fourth row 33.

Further, with reference to FIG. 13, when decorative module 143 is coupled to base module 21 adjacent fifth or top row 35, second decorative module 14
5 is coupled adjacent to the fourth row 33 of the base module 21, maintaining a one-half offset relationship between these rows.

Referring to FIG. 3, six openings in the floor 67 of each key station from which a pair of terminals protrude when the switch is assembled are separated from each other in a direction parallel to the skirt 53. . The printed circuit board is easily constructed to connect these terminals and provides identically shaped receptacles for the keyswitch contacts. Having the alignment of the switch terminals is useful in modular keyboard assemblies. is important.

While maintaining the alignment of the terminals protruding from the floor 67,
In order to give a shape on the side of the Ill module 21, for each type of decoration module, the right side J3 and the left side J3, as shown for one key switch base module in FIGS. It needs to have a form. As shown in FIG. 16, a dovetail flange 75 is provided on the left side and bottom skirt of the left key switch module, while a dovetail recess 77 is provided on the top and right side bottom skirts when viewed from above. 1 to 4).

This left mogicor is indicated by marking about the center @147. FIG. 17 shows the single keyswitch base module on the right side having a dovetail 7 lange 75 extending from the bottom J3 and the right skirt, while a dovetail recess 77 is located at the top when viewed from above. and left side skirt portion 1: formed. By using these base modules correctly, correct alignment of the terminals extending through the apertures 69 can be maintained.

Thus, if a particular key switch base module is first interconnected to the flange 43 on the right side of row 35, number 51, and then on the right key station of this same row. If transferred to the upper flange 77, one key switch base module is 90
The first thing is that it will have to be rotated to zero.
It will be clear by observing the figure. Such rotation changes the orientation of the terminals extending from the D rollers 69.

Many times, it is advantageous to provide a keyboard with keys having a substantially wider configuration than is normally used. In these cases, it is necessary to space the key station an extra distance from the adjacent station to allow the insertion of the enlarged key. In this modular base assembly, this means correct spacing and decorative base modules!
This is achieved by inserting a spacer 151 as shown in FIG. The base can be designed with widths corresponding to 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of the width of a typical key station unit.

However, in some cases, a key station spacing other than one-fourth the spacing is desired and C may be used.

Such spacing is provided by a special key station base module 153 that incorporates the correct spacing in one direction, as shown in FIG. When assembled, these special modules 153 position the key station formed therein at any selected location J3 without interfering with the subsequent assembly d3 and spacing of the decorative base module. Typically, the exterior of the special base module 153 is similar to a regular decorative base module, with a raised center wall 57-63 and an offset key switch cavity to accommodate the required key configuration. 65
shall be defined.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view of a basic base module having 47 key stations integrally formed in a single structure. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the top of one Key Chee John Base 7 Joule. Figure 3 shows the bottom of one key base module in Figure 2;
It is a rear perspective view. FIG. 4 is an enlarged F:I view of the connecting dovetail 7 langes as shown in FIGS. 1-10. FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the dovetail recess with crush ribs as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dovetail flange taken along line 6--6 of FIG. FIG. 7 was taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dovetail depression with crush ribs. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dovetail flange being pushed into the dovetail recess relative to the point where the tight fit contacts 1- of the crush rib begin. No. 9I21 is a cross-sectional view of the dovetail recess J'3 and the dovetail 7 flange showing the deformation of the crush rib during sliding engagement. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fully deformed crush rib and the complete connecting engagement with the dovetail IJ and dovetail flanges. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an in-line 4-key station base module. FIG. 12 is a top view C of the module of FIG. 11. Figure 13 is taken to the second and third rows of the M foundation module (J
FIG. 3 is a top view of the decorated decorative base module; Figure 14 is a top view of the decorative modules installed in the 3rd and 14th rows of the foundation base module. Figure 15 is a top view of the decorative modules installed in the 4th and 5th rows of the foundation module. FIG. 16 is a top view of one key station base module on the left. FIG. 17 is a top view of one key station base module on the right. Top View - C. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the spacer module. Figure 19 is a top view of one key station base module including the integral spacer element. is the foundation module, 23 is the key station, 43 is the dovetail flange, 45 (J key switch base module, 47 is the center wall, 49.51.53
．． 55 is the side nuka-1 ~ part, 57° 59.61 i and 63 are the center wall part, 67 is the floor part, 65 is the cavity, 77 is the groove or depression, 75 is the dovetail type 7 lange, 77 is the dovetail type Indicating a depression 4゜Patent applicant Hi-Chik Corporation representative Patent attorney Kube Fukami, l:J
'7;. (Two idiots) ゛Procedural amendment (method) August 1, 1982 1, Display of case 1989 Patent Application No. 89018 2, Name of invention Keyboard switch housing module 3, Person who makes amendment Case and Relationship Patent Applicant 11 Location 7274 Garden Grove-Lampson Avenue, California, United States of America Name Hi-Chick Corporation Representative
Ton M Harabarb 4, Agent Address: Yachiyo Daiichi Building, 2-3-9 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka Telephone: Osaka (06) 351-6239 (Main) 6,
Drawing 7 to be corrected and content of correction 1 Drawing drawn in ink are attached to attached document J3. There are no changes to the content of J3/υ. Above 2-

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A glue receptacle for a key switch, and a keyboard switch housing sink module "C3A-) extending from a skirt portion around the receptacle, and a portion of the skirt 1 is attached to the keyboard. =11 lunge for attaching one of the switch modules to the other; Have the means to prevent
Features a keyboard switch housing module. (2) The connector means according to claim 1, wherein the connector means includes one 7 flange having a number of 7 points for engaging a recess on another keyboard switch module. Keyboard switch module. (3) The keyboard switch module according to claim 2, wherein the keyboard switch module has at least one of the flanges and at least one recess. 4) A keyboard switch module as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the seven lunges and recesses are generally dovetail shaped. (5) The skirt portion includes four mutually perpendicular upright grooves. Claims 2 to 3 are characterized in that the device has lateral sides, two of the sides having the seven flange and two other sides having the recess. The keyboard switch module according to any of clause 4. (6) Each of the seven lunges and recesses extends to a portion of the side, and each of the recesses allows seven joules to slide the flange along the recess. The keyboard switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the keyboard switch has a closed end for restricting the movement of the seven flange when connected by the flange, and an open end for insertion of one end of the flange. module. (7) When connecting one module to another module, the front 81) flanges are arranged so that as each flange is slid into the corresponding recess, the front 81) flange gradually engages with the corresponding recess. The keyboard switch module according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that d3 and the recess become narrower toward one end. (ε3> The flange Claim 1111, characterized in that a3 and the recess are integral with the module.
The keyboard switch module according to any one of items 2 to 7. (9) One of said seven joules comprises at least 61 crushing ribs which are deformed when connected to the other of said modules, so that said ribs of said 1 fll,l module are Other modules;
1: TI H'l characterized by recessed engagement
1.1 Range of keyboard switches listed in No. 11J1. (10) The movement limiting means may be configured to
at least one crushing rib that deforms when the l'III L joule is connected to another;
9. A keyboard switch module according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the ribs on said one module engage in a tight fit with said other module. (11) The keyboard switch module according to claim 10, wherein the crush rib is arranged in the recess. 12. The keyboard switch module of claim 11, wherein said recess has longitudinal side walls, each of said side walls supporting said crush rib. 13. The keyboard switch module of claim 12, wherein the crush ribs extend substantially the entire length of the side walls and project inwardly toward each other and therefrom. . (14) The keyboard switch-E according to any one of claims 10 to 13]j't, wherein the crush rib has a sharpened surface that engages with the module. Joule. (15) The ribs generally have a diagonal cross section;
Generally the side lying at an angle I51 of 60° is 0
! 15. The keyboard switch module according to claim 14, characterized in that: (16) The keyboard switch module according to any one of claims 9JR to 15, wherein the rib is integral with the module. (17) A modular keyboard base assembly comprising a plurality of connected keyboard switches according to any one of claims 1 to 16. (1B) The switch modules are commonly connected
,! Keyboard base array according to claim 17 for forming a standard key switch array such as that used in typewriters. (19) Key switch element i (including a basic base module consisting of a plurality of said switches for support), said modules of the front 811 bases being grouped to form a standard typewriter keema I. and further comprising a plurality of decorative base modules, each module receiving and supporting a key switch module 1-, and each module including one of the switch modules for supporting the key switch module 1-. 4-board base assembly according to claim 17. (20) Each of the key switch modules further includes a key switch element 1 that is operably connected to the four-board base assembly. T-Claim Clause 17 or
A keyboard base assembly according to any of clause 19.