DE202018101604U1 - Key module for a key of a keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A key module (130) for a key (110) of a keyboard (100), the key (110) comprising the key module (130) and a key top (120), the key module (130) comprising at least a housing (140) and a key tappet (150), wherein the key tappet (150) has a coupling portion (155) for mechanically coupling with the key top (120), wherein in a mounted state of the key module (130) the key tappet (150) is positioned relative to the housing (140) a rest position and an actuating position is movable and at least partially disposed within the housing (140) and the coupling portion (155) outside the housing (140) is arranged, characterized in that the key module (130) has a spring (160), wherein in a mounted state of the key module (130) the spring (160) is disposed within the housing (140), wherein the spring (160) has a progressive spring characteristic (404) and is formed to the key tappet (150) to rest.

Description

The present invention relates 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. For example, in mechanical key modules springs with a linear characteristic can be used as a return means.

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 keypad key module according to the main claim. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, a mechanical key module may be provided for a key of a keyboard, wherein the key module may comprise a progressive spring having a progressive spring characteristic. Thus, for example, a progressive spring for biasing a key tappet of the key module may be provided in a rest position. Thus, in particular, an increase in an actuating force during actuation of the key tappet may vary or in other words have a different pitch over an actuation path.

Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, in particular in comparison to the realization of a progression or a progressive behavior over a plurality of springs or by means of a barrel spring or a waist spring a required space can be reduced. In the key module can thus be achieved without additional space a progressive behavior of the spring. Also, the progressive behavior can be realized in particular without an additional component, which allows a saving of manufacturing costs and installation costs. Thus, without the use of an additional component, a sense of touch for a user can be changed via the progressive spring. With a key module, an advantageous tactile sensation with an interesting and progressive feel can thus be achieved without the need to provide different springs or even key plungers.

There is 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, in an assembled state the key module of the key tappet is movable relative to the housing between a rest position and an actuated position and at least partially disposed within the housing and the coupling portion is disposed outside the housing, wherein the key module comprises a spring, wherein in a mounted state of the key module, the spring within the Housing is arranged, wherein the spring has a progressive spring characteristic, wherein the spring is designed to bias the key tappet in the rest position.

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 include the housing, the key tappet, the spring, and optionally other means. 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 key tappet may be movably received in the housing. The key module may, for example, be a so-called "MX module" or the like offered by Cherry. 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 protrude from the housing. The key module may also be referred to as a mechanical button. The keyboard may be provided, for example, for a computer or the like. The housing may be formed in one piece or in several parts. The progressive spring characteristic can have an increasing gradient with increasing spring travel. In other words, a spring force of the spring may have a non-linear course over a spring travel of the spring.

According to one embodiment, the spring may be formed as a helical compression spring, in particular as a cylindrical helical compression spring. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the spring can be manufactured easily and inexpensively and can be integrated into existing key modules in a space-saving and flexible manner. Furthermore, favorable mechanical characteristics can be achieved for an actuation of the key module.

Also, the spring may have a first portion with a first turn pitch of turns of the spring and at least one second Part having a different from the first turn pitch, second turn pitch of turns of the spring. Such an embodiment has the advantage that a progressive spring can be realized in this way simple, space-saving and cost-effective.

Furthermore, the spring may have a progressive spring characteristic with at least one kink. Here, a slope of the spring characteristic at the at least one kink can change. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a progressive spring can be provided which has specific and favorable mechanical characteristics with regard to an actuation or haptic upon actuation of the key module.

In an assembled state of the key module, the spring may be disposed between the key tappet and the housing. Here, the spring between the key tappet and the housing may be arranged clamped. Also, the spring may be arranged partially embracing the key tappet. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that existing key modules can be used without further structural adjustments with the spring. A production of such a key module can be done inexpensively and inexpensively.

There is further provided a method of manufacturing a key module for a key of a keyboard, the key comprising 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, the method comprising at least the following steps:

Providing the housing, the key tappet and a spring, the spring having a progressive spring characteristic; and mounting the key module to movably place the key tappet relative to the housing between an actuation position and a rest position at least partially within the housing, locate the coupling portion outside the housing, locate the spring within the housing, and bias the key tappet to the rest position by the spring.

By executing the method, an embodiment of the above-mentioned key module can be advantageously produced. In the step of providing, the housing, the key tappet and the spring may be provided as separate or at least partially interconnected components. Also, in the step of providing at least one further component of the key module can be provided, wherein in the step of mounting the at least one further component can be mounted.

According to one embodiment, in the providing step, a spring may be provided which is shaped as a helical compression spring, in particular as a helical compression coil spring. Additionally or alternatively, in the step of providing, a spring may be provided which has a first section with a first turn pitch of turns of the spring and at least a second section with a second turn pitch of turns of the spring different from the first turn pitch. Additionally or alternatively, in the step of providing a spring can be provided which has a progressive spring characteristic with at least one kink. Here, a slope of the spring characteristic at the at least one kink can change. Thus, a progressive spring can be provided which is space-saving, cost-effective and haptic or advantageous from its mechanical characteristics.

It can be arranged in the step of mounting the spring between the key tappet and the housing. In this case, the spring can be arranged in abutment against the key tappet and the housing. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that an inexpensive installation, in particular also using existing versions of key module components, can be achieved.

Also advantageous is the use of a spring having a progressive spring characteristic for biasing a key tappet of a key module of a key of a keyboard in a rest position, the key having the key module and a key top, wherein the key module comprises the spring, at least one housing and the key tappet, wherein the key tappet has a coupling portion for mechanically coupling with the key top, wherein in a mounted state of the key module the key tappet is movable relative to the housing between the rest position and an actuated position and at least partially disposed within the housing, the coupling portion is disposed outside the housing and the spring is disposed within the housing.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Tastatur mit einem Tastenmodul gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine schematische Teilschnittdarstellung eines Tastenmoduls gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Feder gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 4 ein Kraft-Weg-Diagramm mit einer progressiven Federkennlinie gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 5 ein Kraft-Weg-Diagramm mit einer progressiven Federkennlinie gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 6 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Herstellen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

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

• 1 a schematic representation of a keyboard with a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a schematic partial sectional view of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 a schematic representation of a spring according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 a force-displacement diagram with a progressive spring characteristic according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 5 a force-displacement diagram with a progressive spring characteristic according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• 6 a flowchart of a method of manufacturing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 schematic representation of a keyboard 100 with a button module 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At the keyboard 100 For example, it is a keyboard for a computer. The key module 130 is designed as a mechanical key module. From the keyboard 100 is according to the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the present invention by way of example only a button 110 shown. According to another embodiment, the keyboard 100 at least one more button like the button 110 exhibit. The key 110 is in the keyboard 100 arranged or fixed, for example, in a keyframe of the keyboard 100 ,

The key 110 has a key top 120 and a button module 130 on. The key head 120 and the button module 130 are mechanically coupled with each other. From the button module 130 are in the representation of 1 a housing 140 , a key tappet 150 with a coupling section 155 and a spring 160 shown. More precisely, the key top is 120 mechanically with the coupling section 155 of the key tappet 150 coupled.

The key tappet 150 is at least partially in the housing 140 taken arranged. The coupling section 155 of the key tappet 150 is outside the case 140 arranged or extends from the housing 140 out. The key tappet 150 is relative to the housing 140 movably arranged between a rest position and an actuating position. In the presentation of 1 is the key tappet 150 only as an example in the rest position. By means of the spring 160 is the key tappet 150 biased into the rest position. Upon actuation, the key tappet is 150 against a spring force of the spring 160 movable toward the operating position. Upon completion of the operation, the key tappet 150 by the spring force of the spring 160 moved to the rest position.

The feather 160 has a progressive spring characteristic. On the spring 160 as well as the progressive spring characteristic will be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures described below. According to the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the present invention is the spring 160 designed as a helical spring or helical compression spring. The feather 160 is between the case 140 and the key tappet 150 arranged.

In the mechanical key module 130 for the keyboard 100 or computer keyboard 100 thus becomes the spring 160 used with progressive spring characteristic, which as a coil spring 160 or compression spring 160 or helical compression spring 160 is executed. The feather 160 is formed and arranged to the key tappet 150 return to the rest position or starting position after pressing. In addition, by a technical design of the spring 160 also mechanical characteristics definable, such. B. Initial force, Schaltbetätigungskraft and Endkraft.

2 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a key module 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the key module is similar or similar 130 the in 1 shown button module. In the presentation of 2 are from the button module 130 while the case 140 , which is here only exemplified in two parts, the key tappet 150 with the coupling section 155 and the spring 160 shown. This is in the partial section of 2 specifically illustrates how the spring 160 between the key tappet 150 and the housing 140 or a housing part of the housing 140 is arranged clamped. The key tappet 150 is here in the rest position relative to the housing 140 arranged.

3 shows a schematic representation of a spring 160 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The feather 160 corresponds or resembles the spring of one of the figures described above. In other words, the spring 160 provided for a key module that the Button module corresponds or similar to one of the figures described above.

The feather 160 is designed as a cylindrical helical compression spring. This shows the spring 160 a first section 362 and a second subsection 364 on. The first section 362 the feather 160 has a first turn pitch of turns of the spring 160 on. The second section 364 the feather 160 has a different, from the first turn pitch, second turn pitch of turns of the spring 160 on. Thus, the spring points 160 in the first section 362 and in the second subsection 364 a different winding pitch.

According to one embodiment, the spring 160 have at least one further subsection in which a further winding pitch of turns of the spring, different from the first winding pitch and the second winding pitch 160 is present.

4 shows a force-displacement diagram 400 with a progressive spring characteristic 404 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At the abscissa axis is in the force-displacement diagram 400 a spring travel x applied. At the ordinate axis is in the force-displacement diagram 400 a spring force F applied. The progressive spring characteristic 404 represents a spring characteristic with a progressive, non-linear course. The progressive spring characteristic 404 is associated with a spring which corresponds or resembles the spring of any of the figures described above. Only for comparison purposes is in the representation of 4 also a linear spring characteristic 402 shown.

5 shows a force-displacement diagram 500 with a progressive spring characteristic 404 according to an embodiment of the present invention. At the abscissa axis is in the force-displacement diagram 500 a spring travel x applied. At the ordinate axis is in the force-displacement diagram 500 a spring force F applied. The progressive spring characteristic 404 is associated with a spring which corresponds or resembles the spring of any of the figures described above. This is similar to the progressive spring characteristic 404 the progressive spring characteristic 4 ,

According to the in 5 illustrated embodiment of the present invention has the progressive spring characteristic 404 for example only two kinks 501 and 503 on. At each of the kinks 501 and 503 changes a slope of the progressive spring characteristic 404 , In particular, the progressive spring characteristic runs 404 after each of the kinks 501 and 503 steeper.

In other words, the spring characteristic 404 Such a progressive spring is non-linear, it runs z. B. in two kinks or has two kinks 501 and 503 on. That is, an operation feeling upon operation of a key module in which a spring having the progressive spring characteristic 404 installed, rises after each kink 501 and 503 faster than before the kink. These kinks 501 and 503 are realized by a change in the pitch within the spring, as in 3 is illustrated.

6 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for manufacturing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The procedure 600 is executable to make a key module for a key of a keyboard. The key has the key module and a key top. It is by carrying out the method 600 for producing a key module produced, which is the key module 1 respectively. 2 corresponds or resembles. Thus, the key module comprises at least a housing and a key tappet, the key tappet having a coupling portion for mechanical coupling with the key top.

The procedure 600 for manufacturing has one step 610 the provision of the housing, the key tappet and a spring. In this case, the spring has a progressive spring characteristic. In a subsequent step 620 mounting is in the process 600 for producing the key module mounted to move the key tappet relative to the housing between an actuating position and a rest position at least partially within the housing to arrange the coupling portion outside the housing, to arrange the spring within the housing and bias the key tappet into the rest position by means of the spring ,

According to an embodiment of the present invention is in the step 610 the provision of a spring which is designed as a helical compression spring or more precisely a cylindrical helical compression spring, a first portion having a first turn pitch of turns of the spring and at least a second portion having a different from the first turn pitch, second turn pitch of turns of the spring and / or has a progressive spring characteristic with at least one kink at which changes a slope of the spring characteristic. Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention in step 620 mounting the spring between the key tappet and the housing arranged.

An embodiment includes a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this may be read such that the embodiment according to one embodiment comprises 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

100

keyboard

110

button

120

key top

130

key module

140

casing

150

key plunger

155

coupling portion

160

feather

362

first section

364

second subsection

400

Force-path diagram

402

linear spring characteristic

404

progressive spring characteristic

500

Force-path diagram

501

first kink

503

second kink

600

Method of manufacture

610

Step of providing

620

Step of mounting

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 (5)

A key module (130) for a key (110) of a keyboard (100), the key (110) comprising the key module (130) and a key top (120), the key module (130) comprising at least a housing (140) and a key tappet (150), wherein the key tappet (150) has a coupling portion (155) for mechanically coupling with the key top (120), wherein in a mounted state of the key module (130) the key tappet (150) is positioned relative to the housing (140) a rest position and an actuating position is movable and at least partially disposed within the housing (140) and the coupling portion (155) outside of the housing (140) is arranged, characterized in that the key module (130) comprises a spring (160), wherein in a mounted state of the key module (130) the spring (160) is disposed within the housing (140), wherein the spring (160) has a progressive spring characteristic (404) and is adapted to the key strokes l (150) to the rest position. Button module (130) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the spring (160) as a helical compression spring, in particular as a cylindrical helical compression spring, is formed. Button module (130) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (160) has a first section (362) with a first turn pitch of turns of the spring (160) and at least a second section (364) with one of the first turn pitch different, second Windungssteigung of turns of the spring (160). Button module (130) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (160) has a progressive spring characteristic (404) with at least one kink (501, 503), wherein a slope of the spring characteristic (404) at the at least one kink (501, 503) changed. Key module (130) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (160) in an assembled state of the key module (130) between the key tappet (150) and the housing (140) is arranged.

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