DE102016121381A1 - Plug-on element for attachment to a key module for a key of a keyboard and key module for a key of a keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug-in element (250) for attachment to a key module (220) for a key (210) of a keyboard (200) is presented. In this case, the key (210) has the key module (220) and a key top (215). The key module (220) has at least one housing (230) and a key tappet (240). The key tappet (240) has a coupling portion for mechanical coupling with the key top (215). In this case, in an assembled state of the key module (220), the key tappet (240) is arranged partially inside the housing (230) and the coupling portion outside the housing (230). The male member (250) has a through hole for the coupling portion of the key plunger (240) and at least one attachment portion for fixing the male member (250) to an outside of the housing (230) of the key module (220). In this case, the slip-on element (250) is formed, at least in a section adjacent to the passage opening, between the passage opening and the at least one fastening section made of a thermoplastic material.

Description

The present invention relates to a plug-on element for attachment to a key module of a key of a keyboard and to a key module for a key of a keyboard.

Mechanical keyboards may have key modules with key tappets as part of the key switches of the individual keys. The keys may include, as part of a key stroke of an actuation, a pre-advance path until establishing an electrical contact.

The DE 10 2013 210 609 A1 discloses a key press for a key module of a key for a keyboard, a key module of a key for a keyboard, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved male member for attachment to a key module of a keyboard key and an improved key module keyboard key module according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

In particular, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a push-on element for a button module and a button module with a plug-in element may be provided, and the button module may be retrofittable with the plug-in element to permit a reduction in the prework path of the button module. In this case, the slip-on element can be designed to be mechanically coupled, for example, with a fully assembled or preassembled key module.

Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, by means of the slip-on element in particular a reduced lead of the key module can be achieved in order to make the key module, the key or the keyboard for an actuation faster appealing. By Aufsteckelement can be achieved, for example, that a required to operate the key Tastenhub can be reduced. Furthermore, the slip-on element can in particular also be retrofitted by a user or customer to a key module or an existing key or keyboard in a simple and fast manner. The slip-on can be manufactured inexpensively, for example.

There is provided a plug-in element for plugging onto a key module of a key of a keyboard, the key comprising the key module and a key top, the key module having at least a housing and a key tappet, the key tappet having a coupling portion for mechanical coupling with the key top, wherein in a mounted state of the key module, the key tappet is partially disposed within the housing and the coupling portion outside the housing, the male member having a through hole for the coupling portion of the key tappet and at least one attachment portion for fixing the Aufsteckelements on an outer side of the housing of the key module the slip-on element is formed from a thermoplastic material at least in a section adjacent to the through-opening between the through-opening and the at least one fastening section.

A keyboard may have at least one key, with one key module per key. The key top may represent a portion of the key that is visible and depressible by an operator. The key module may comprise the housing, the key tappet, the slip-on element and optionally further devices. The key module, the key, or the keyboard may optionally include other features, such as at least one key switch, electrical contactors, or the like. The slip-on can also be referred to as a clip. The key tappet may be movably received in the housing. The key module may be, for example, a so-called MX module or the like. The coupling portion of the key tappet and the key top are mechanically coupled to each other. In an assembled state of the key module, at least the coupling portion of the key tappet may extend through or protrude from the through hole of the male member. The plug-on element can be arranged outside the housing of the key module or be. The thermoplastic plastic material may be an amorphous plastic, for example an amorphous polyamide or the like.

According to one embodiment, the slip-on element may be integrally formed. In this case, the slip-on element can be formed completely from a thermoplastic plastic material. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the slip-on can be made robust and easy to manufacture.

Also, the slip-on element can be formed plate-shaped with a selectable thickness dimension. The thickness dimension may be a thickness of the slip-on element at least in the portion of the adjacent to the passage opening Represent plug-on element. In this case, the thickness dimension can be selected depending on a specific application. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the flow path can be changed upon actuation of the key module depending on the choice or interpretation of the thickness dimension.

Furthermore, the at least one fastening section can be formed as a latching hook for the form-fitting and additionally or alternatively non-positive connection of the plug-on element to the housing. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable and secure hold of the slip-on element to the housing can be achieved by uncomplicated fastening.

In addition, the passage opening may be formed adapted to a cross-sectional profile of the key tappet and additionally or alternatively the coupling portion of the key tappet. For example, the passage opening may be formed round or square. Additionally or alternatively, a dimension of the passage opening may be adapted to a dimension of the key tappet and additionally or alternatively the coupling portion of the key tappet. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that suitable plug-on elements can be provided for different profiles of key plungers.

According to one embodiment, the plug-on element can be shaped like a hoop, in a clip, as a clip, and additionally or alternatively elongated. In this case, the slip-on element can have two fastening sections, which can be arranged on mutually remote sides of the slip-on element. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the flow path of a key module can be reliably and easily reduced by means of a stably attachable and simple Aufsteckelements.

There is also provided a key module for a key of a keyboard, the key having the key module and a key top, the key module comprising at least a housing and a key tappet, the key tappet having a coupling portion for mechanical coupling with the key top, wherein in one mounted State of the key module of the key plunger is partially disposed within the housing and the coupling portion outside the housing, wherein the key module comprises an embodiment of the above Aufsteckelements, wherein the plug-on element is mechanically coupled or coupled to the housing.

In connection with the key module, an embodiment of the above-mentioned plug-on element can be advantageously used or used to reduce a lead-in upon actuation of the key module. Upon actuation of the key module, movement of the key tappet relative to the housing may occur.

According to one embodiment, the housing may have at least one collar section for holding the at least one attachment section of the attachment element. The collar portion may comprise at least one projection and additionally or alternatively at least one recess. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a secure form-fitting and additionally or alternative force-fit connection between male element and housing can be achieved.

In this case, the at least one collar portion may be arranged in an assembled state of the key module between the coupling portion of the key tappet and a support portion for supporting the key module on the keyboard. In the rest section, the key module may rest on a portion of a keyboard, which rest may be against the portion of the keyboard. Such an embodiment has the advantage that an assembly or subsequent assembly of the slip-on on the button module can also be done by a user, user or customer. The slip-on can be mounted, for example, on keyboards with keyframes.

Also, the housing may have a first housing part as a cover of the key module and a second housing part as a base of the key module. Here, the at least one collar portion may be formed on the first housing part. In this case, the at least one collar portion may have a part of a terminal edge or an edge of the first housing part. Such an embodiment has the advantage that even with a multi-part housing, the plug-on element can be fastened easily and reliably.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Tastenmoduls;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Tastatur mit einer Taste mit einem Tastenmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Tastenmoduls mit einem Aufsteckelement gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 4 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teilabschnittes des Tastenmoduls aus 3; und
• 5 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Tastenmoduls aus 3 bzw. 4.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of a key module;
• 2 a schematic representation of a keyboard with a button with a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 a perspective view of a key module with a slip-on according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 a perspective view of a portion of the key module 3 ; and
• 5 a perspective view of the button module 3 respectively. 4 ,

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similarly acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a perspective view of a button module 120 , The key module 120 is intended for a keyboard. From the button module 120 are in 1 a housing 130 and a key tappet 140 shown. The key tappet 140 is partially in the housing 130 taken arranged. Even if it is in 1 is not explicitly apparent, so is the key tappet 140 relative to the housing 130 translational or linearly movable in the housing 130 added.

It can be seen that the key tappet 140 through an opening in the housing 130 moved out. The key tappet 140 is in an upper stop position, in which he without actuation force by a user through a in the housing 130 arranged, in 1 not shown elastic element, such as a spring, against a stop of the key module 120 is pressed. At the free end of the key tappet 140 a connection device or a coupling section is formed. The coupling portion is for attaching a key top, over which a user, by exerting an actuating force, the key module 120 Press and thus the key tappet 140 at least partially into the housing 130 can push it in until the linear movement of the key tappet 140 by another stop of the button module 120 is stopped in a lower stop position.

Upon proper full operation by the user, the key tappet applies 140 between the upper stop position and the lower stop position, an actuating path having a Vorlaufweg and a switching path. For example, the flow path upon actuation of the in 1 shown button module 120 or a similar key module about 2 millimeters or the like.

2 shows a schematic representation of a keyboard 200 with a button 210 with a button module 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the presentation of 2 assigns the keyboard 200 by way of example only one key 210 on. According to another embodiment, the keyboard 200 also a plurality of keys 210 have, as is the case with computer keyboards, for example.

The key 210 has a key top 215 and a key module 220 on. In this case, the key head 215 is mechanical with the key module 220 coupled. The key module 220 has a housing 230 , a key tappet 240 and a slip-on element 250 on. The housing 230 and the key tappet 240 similar or correspond to the case and the key tappet of the key module 1 ,

The key tappet 240 and the key top 215 are mechanically coupled together. The key tappet 240 is partially inside the case 230 arranged. The slip-on element 250 is mechanical with the housing 230 coupled. Here is the slip-on 250 between the case 230 and the key top 215. The key tappet 240 extends through the slip-on 250 therethrough. On the slip-on element 250 , the key tappet 240 and the case 230 will be discussed in more detail below.

According to one embodiment, the plug-on element 250 shaped to one by a user of the keyboard 200 applied pressure of the key head 215 against the slip-on 250 not deformed, in particular uncompressed, to become. Thus forms the slip-on 250 according to one embodiment, an undeformable stop for the key top 215. By the stop, a flow path of the key top 215 in the direction of the housing 230 at one by a thickness of the slip-on 250 definable point to be stopped abruptly. According to one embodiment, the flow path can be achieved by a selection of a suitable thickness plug-on element 250 to be set to a desired length. Advantageously, a user of the keyboard 200 the flow path in this way by selecting a suitable plug-on element 250 adjust to an individually suitable length for him.

According to one embodiment, the slip-on 250 be combined with a damping element, by the impact of the key head 215 on the slip-on 250 can be dampened.

3 shows a perspective view of a button module 220 with a slip-on element 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The key module 220 corresponds or resembles the key module 2 , The key module 220 is intended for a button which of those 2 corresponds or resembles. In 3 is the key module 220 shown in a mounted state.

The key module 220 according to the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a two-part housing executed with a first housing part 332 and a second housing part 334 , a key tappet 240 with a coupling section 342 and a slip-on element 250 with at least one attachment portion 352 on.

The first housing part 332 of the housing is as a cover of the key module 220 executed. The second housing part 334 of the housing is as a base or bottom of the key module 220 executed. The first housing part 332 and the second housing part 334 are mechanically coupled or connected. Alternatively, the housing may be made in one piece.

The key tappet 240 of the button module 220 has the coupling section 342 on, wherein the coupling section 342 is shaped to be mechanically coupled to a key top of a button. The key tappet 240 is partially in the first housing part 332 and the second housing part 334 taken arranged. In this case, at least the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 outside the first housing part 332 and the second housing part 334 arranged.

The slip-on element 250 is shaped to access the key module 220 more precisely to the housing of the key module 220 to be attachable. The slip-on element 250 has the at least one attachment portion 352 on. The at least one attachment section 352 is formed to the slip-on 250 to attach to an outside of the housing or a positive and / or non-positive connection of the slip-on 250 to allow or effect with an outside of the housing.

Even if it is in 3 not explicitly shown, has the slip-on 250 according to the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two mounting portions 352 on, on opposite sides or ends of the slip-on 250 are arranged. Due to the presentation, only one attachment section is required 352 shown. Furthermore, according to the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mounting portions 352 shaped as a latching hook. According to one embodiment, the slip-on element 250 apart from the two attachment sections 352 no further fasteners.

Furthermore, the slip-on element 250 a passage opening for the key tappet 240 or the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 on, wherein the passage opening in 3 is not shown explicitly due to the presentation. The through hole will be described below with reference to FIG 5 explained in more detail.

The slip-on element 250 is at least in a portion adjacent to the passage opening portion between the through hole and the at least one attachment portion 352 molded from a thermoplastic plastic material. According to the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the present invention is the slip-on 250 integrally formed. Here is the slip-on 250 for example, bow-shaped, clamp-shaped or clasp-shaped and elongated. According to one embodiment, the slip-on element 250 no formed from an elastomer section.

According to the in 3 embodiment shown is a thickness dimension of the slip-on 250 selected according to an application. In this way can from a lot of Aufsteckelementen 250 , which differ in thickness, a suitable for setting a desired flow path plug-on 250 to be selected. In particular, the thickness dimension of the slip-on element is thereby 250 in the portion adjacent to the passage opening between the passage opening and the at least one attachment portion 352 considered that the thickness at this point is relevant for the adjustment of the flow path.

4 shows a perspective view of a portion of the key module 220 out 3 , In the in 4 shown portion are of the key module 220 the first housing part 332 , the second housing part 334 , the slip-on element 250 , the fastening section 352 , a collar section 435 and a rest section 436 shown. In 4 is in particular an area of the key module 220 around the attachment section 352 around as an enlarged section 3 shown.

According to the embodiment of the present invention shown here, the housing or here the first housing part 332 at least one collar section 435 for holding the at least one attachment portion 352 of the slip-on element 250 on. Even if it is in 4 is not explicitly shown due to the presentation, the first housing part 332 thus here for the two attachment sections 352 according to two collar sections 435 on opposite sides of the first housing part 332 on.

The support section 436 is according to the embodiment of the present invention shown here on the second housing part 334 arranged. Here is the support section 436 molded to a support of the key module 220 to allow on a keyboard or a keyboard bezel. The at least one collar section 435 is in the assembled state of the key module 220 between the key tappet 240 or the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 and the rest section 436 arranged. In other words, the at least one collar portion 435 closer to the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 arranged as the rest section 436 ,

According to one embodiment, the at least one collar portion 435 on the second housing part 334 or be arranged on a unitarily designed housing.

5 shows a perspective view of the key module 220 out 3 respectively. 4 , In the presentation of 5 are from the button module 220 here the key tappet 240 , the coupling section 342 , the slip-on element 250 , the first housing part 332 , the second housing part 334 , one of the attachment sections 352 and the through hole 554 shown.

The passage opening 554 is in the slip-on 250 formed. Here is the through hole 554 between the attachment sections 352 of the slip-on element 250 arranged. At least the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 extends through the passage opening 554 therethrough. According to one embodiment, the through-opening is 554 to a cross-sectional profile of the key tappet 240 and / or the coupling section 342 of the key tappet 240 adapted shaped. According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the through-hole is 554 round shaped.

With reference to the 2 to 5 In the following, advantages and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained again briefly and / or briefly with other words.

The thermoplastic material from which the male element 250 is at least partially formed, for example, may be a transparent amorphous polyamide, such as Grilamid TR ® or the like. The flow path of a button module 220 with on the housing 230 attached slip-on element 250 For example, it can be 1.6 millimeters or so. The attachment sections 352 of the cover 250 snap on the first housing part 332 in an area that is also in a keyboard 200 equipped state of the key module 220 from a keyframe is exposed or disposed above a keyframe. Thus, the slip-on 250 also later, on keyboards 200 with keypad, supplied by the customer, for supply path limitation.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment, either only the first Feature or only the second feature.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

120

key module

130

casing

140

key plunger

200

keyboard

210

button

220

key module

230

casing

240

key plunger

250

slip-on

332

first housing part

334

second housing part

342

coupling portion

352

attachment section

435

collar section

436

bearing section

554

Through opening

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102013210609 A1 [0003]

Claims (9)

An attachment (250) for mounting on a key module (220) for a key (210) of a keyboard (200), the key (210) comprising the key module (220) and a key top (215), the key module (220) at least a housing (230; 332, 334) and a key tappet (240), the key tappet (240) having a coupling portion (342) for mechanically coupling to the key top (215), wherein in an assembled state of the key module (220) Key plunger (240) partially within the housing (230; 332, 334) and the coupling portion (342) outside of the housing (230; 332, 334) is arranged, characterized in that the Aufsteckelement (250) has a through hole (554) for the Coupling portion (342) of the key plunger (240) and at least one attachment portion (352) for attaching the Aufsteckelements (250) on an outer side of the housing (230, 332, 334) of the key module (220), wherein the Aufsteckelement (250) at least one t in a to the through hole (554) adjacent portion between the through hole (554) and the at least one attachment portion (352) is formed from a thermoplastic material. Plug-in element (250) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the plug-on element (250) is integrally formed. Plug-on element (250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one fastening section (352) is designed as a latching hook for the positive and / or non-positive connection of the plug-on element (250) to the housing (230; 332, 334). Plug-in element (250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage opening (554) is formed adapted to a cross-sectional profile of the key plunger (240) and / or the coupling portion (342) of the key plunger (240). Aufsteckelement (250) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-on element (250) bow-shaped, clamp-shaped, clasp-shaped and / or elongated, wherein the plug-on element (250) has two fastening portions (352) which on opposite sides of the Plug-on element (250) are arranged. A key module (220) for a key (210) of a keyboard (200), the key (210) comprising the key module (220) and a key top (215), the key module (220) comprising at least one housing (230; 332, 334 ) and a key tappet (240), the key tappet (240) having a coupling portion (342) for mechanically coupling with the key top (215), wherein in an assembled state of the key module (220) the key tappet (240) is partially within the housing (230, 332, 334) and the coupling section (342) is arranged outside the housing (230; 332, 334), characterized in that the button module (220) has a plug-on element (250) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment element (250) is mechanically coupled or coupled to the housing (230; 332, 334). Button module (220) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the housing (230; 332, 334) has at least one collar portion (435) for holding the at least one attachment portion (352) of the attachment element (250). Button module (220) according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the at least one collar portion (435) in an assembled state of the key module (220) between the coupling portion (342) of the key tappet (240) and a support portion (436) for supporting the key module (220) on the keyboard (200 ) is arranged. Button module (220) according to one of Claims 7 to 8th characterized in that the housing comprises a first housing part (332) as a lid of the key module (220) and a second housing part (334) as a pedestal of the key module (220), the at least one collar portion (435) on the first housing part (332) is formed.

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