EP0164388B1 - Key with non linear travel-force characteristic - Google Patents

Key with non linear travel-force characteristic Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0164388B1
EP0164388B1 EP19850900159 EP85900159A EP0164388B1 EP 0164388 B1 EP0164388 B1 EP 0164388B1 EP 19850900159 EP19850900159 EP 19850900159 EP 85900159 A EP85900159 A EP 85900159A EP 0164388 B1 EP0164388 B1 EP 0164388B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base element
key
force
stationary
key according
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EP19850900159
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0164388A1 (en
Inventor
Miklós HOMOK
Péter Pál KÖVES
Endre Nagy
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Szamitastechnikai Kutato Intezet Es Innovacios Koe
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SZAMITASTECH KOORD
Szamitastechnikai Kutato Intezet Es Innovacios Kozpont
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Priority to AT85900159T priority Critical patent/ATE34485T1/en
Publication of EP0164388A1 publication Critical patent/EP0164388A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/02—Energy stored by the attraction or repulsion of magnetic parts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a push button with a non-linear displacement-force characteristic with an immovable part, in which an upper part which is movable by pressing the key is arranged on a limited path, a base part being separated from the upper part in the rest position within the walls of a recess of the immovable part is located, when the push button pushes the upper part along a movement path, with a sensor element that uses the relative movement of the base part relative to the immovable part to trigger the switching function, the immovable part and the base part being ferromagnetic parts, at least part of which is permanently magnetic, contained, whereby a magnetic circuit formed by the ferromagnetic parts generates a force by which the base part and the upper part are held in the starting position or returned to the starting position.
  • the various keyboards represent particularly important elements in terms of human-machine relations, and their ergonomically advantageous training must be carried out with great care, since the effectiveness of the work of the operating personnel can be influenced by them. These problems are particularly noticeable in the practice of computing.
  • the path-force characteristic which is advantageous in ergonomic terms, includes a section in which an unambiguous drop in the force is associated with an extension of the path, as a result of which the operator is made to feel the “snap action” of the pushbutton.
  • the section of the displacement-force characteristic characterized by a negative angle of inclination is generally realized by parts which are exposed to a large amount of wear or by using spring elements, the non-linearity of which is determined in each case by a corresponding construction.
  • One of the simplest of the universally usable, known pushbuttons is that of the type FUJITSU FEES-833.
  • This pushbutton an attachment part is formed on a movable part that is moved against a spring by pressing the pushbutton.
  • This attachment part strikes and moves an attachment which is formed on the stationary part and which adjoins it elastically and moves it.
  • the desired characteristic section results from the cancellation of the additional compressive force after passing through the elastic attachment.
  • a disadvantage of this push button is that the attachment parts are exposed to relatively heavy wear.
  • the push button used does not contain any parts that are subject to wear in the above sense, but uses the deflection of coil springs in such a way that a switch or sensor element is actuated by rotating a preferably mounted plate to a degree corresponding to the angle of the deflection.
  • the characteristic marked with a negative angle of inclination results from the difference in the forces required to compress the spring along its longitudinal axis and in the bent state. With the usual dimensional limits, this difference in force is relatively small. This solution cannot be used in constructions in which the path covered by the push button or the height of the push button is small.
  • a section of the displacement-force characteristic provided with a negative inclination angle is also realized with pushbuttons formed with membranes. These are used in less ergonomic and inexpensive devices such. B. used in calculators. In addition to the usual size limits - apart from the pushbuttons with rubber bell - the diaphragm springs only allow a short switching travel. The spring elements made of rubber and similar material, due to the internal friction resulting from the properties of the material, ensure only a realistically low actuation frequency and give the operator a less certain feeling of "tipping over".
  • This group of push buttons includes the push buttons disclosed in DE-B-1 118 315 and DE-B-1 665 733.
  • DE-B-2 514131 describes a push button which also has ferromagnetic parts.
  • the purpose of the ferromagnetic parts is not to generate a non-linear path-force characteristic, but rather to trigger a switching process.
  • the object is achieved by the invention to provide a pushbutton of the type mentioned at the outset which has relatively small dimensions with a simple structure.
  • the base part is designed as a freely movable part within the recess in several degrees of freedom, which can be tilted around the stop point of the upper part when the pushbutton is pressed, upper and lower stop surfaces limiting the tilting movement, and self-adjustment in the end positions condition, and that the ferromagnetic element of the base part is electrically conductive and at the same time forms the movable part of the sensor element detecting the movements.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that an ergonomically favorable path-force characteristic with a negative inclination angle in push buttons can be realized either only by magnetic force action or also by a combination of the spring force of the spring elements with linear characteristics and magnetic force action usually used for push buttons .
  • the magnetic force between two bodies with ferromagnetic properties depends on the resistance of the magnetic circuit. If paramagnetic sections are inserted into the magnetic circuit or their dimensions are enlarged, the measurable force can suddenly decrease.
  • the modern soft or hard magnetic materials are capable of exerting the forces usual with pushbuttons, and by means of these materials both electrically insulating (manufactured by powder metallurgical methods) and electrically conductive molded bodies can be produced in mass production.
  • the movement characteristic of the magnetic force can be influenced by the change in the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit used, depending on the movement.
  • the solution can be combined with the spring elements generally used in pushbuttons.
  • the keyboards which are provided with pushbuttons that generate an electrical output signal, are constructed in such a way that the individual pushbuttons are attached to a common carrier plate, preferably to a printed circuit board. To ensure sufficient strength, this must be provided with stiffening elements.
  • the push button designed according to the invention can be designed in a preferred embodiment so that the soft ferromagnetic element of the immovable part is designed as a common element of the entire keyboard and simultaneously serves as a support and stiffening element.
  • the push button according to the invention can preferably be used with switching and sensor elements, the function of which is based on the change in a magnetic field strength.
  • Such elements are e.g. B. the elements based on the Hall effect, reed relays or induction sensors etc.
  • the built-in serve from the start. Permanent magnet and the magnetic circuit formed in its vicinity have a dual purpose and can simultaneously actuate a magnetic switch and a sensor element.
  • the solution according to the invention can also preferably be used in pushbutton constructions which are provided with sensors which work on changing capacitance, the / n / ferromagnetic / n / insert / n / or parts of the movable part and / or the immovable part simultaneously consisting of electrically conductive material can form movable and / or fixed conductor of the capacitor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a design scheme illustrating the operation of the various embodiments.
  • the push button according to the invention consists of an immovable part 4, a stop surface 5, which is formed in the immovable part 4, from below, and a movable part.
  • the movable part is provided with an upper part 2 which can be moved on a limited path and a base part 3 which is separate therefrom and which is freely movable in a space delimited by the wall of the recess formed in the immovable part 4.
  • a magnetic circuit is formed between the immovable part 4 and the base part 3 such that the immovable part 4 contains a ferromagnetic element, while the base part 3 is made of ferromagnetic material or also contains a ferromagnetic element, at least one of the ferromagnetic elements being a permanent magnet is formed, and the magnetic circuit provides the force required for returning the movable part and for holding it in the starting position.
  • the base part 3 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be moved out of its initial position by a stop with the push rod of the upper part 2 and can tilt about the stop point.
  • the base part 3 presses in its initial position against an upper stop surface 6 of the immovable part 4 and also holds the upper part 2 in a position corresponding to the initial position.
  • the pushbutton is pressed, the base part 3 remains as long as in its starting position the compressive force is smaller than the magnetic force belonging to the starting position.
  • the distance between the ferromagnetic elements increases and the magnetic force effect decreases very quickly, which gives the operator an ergonomically favorable feeling similar to tipping.
  • the striking base part 3 assumes a position in the end position which is determined by the lower stop surface 5. If the base part 3 is tilted in the intermediate positions, this is determined depending on the dimensions by the partial stop on the lower or upper stop surface 5, 6.
  • the magnetic force in the end position of the movable part moves the base part 3 and the top part 2 abutting against it in the direction of the starting position, the restoring force rapidly increasing when the distance is reduced.
  • the resulting displacement-force characteristic depends on whether the magnetic forces acting on the base part 3 generate a torque. If the impact surface of the upper part 2 on the base part 3 is designed such that the resultant from the magnetic forces acting on the base part 3 and the forces exerted on the base part 3 by means of the upper part 2 does not generate any torque, the base part moves 3 parallel to its basic position when the pushbutton is pressed, ie tip-free.
  • the ferromagnetic element of the immovable part 4 is a permanent magnet which is designed as a common component for a plurality of pushbuttons.
  • the displacement force is Characteristic determined by the spring element.
  • the spring force "shoots" the base part over into its other end position. The shift feeling is caused by the drop in spring force. The rapid movement of the base part, which takes place at a speed exceeding the speed of the top part, can be advantageous in the case of a large number of different switching and sensor elements.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Key with non linear travel-force characteristic provided with a motionless part (3), a movable part (1) moving relatively with respect to the motionless part (3) when the key is depressed, as well as switching, respectively detection elements using the relative displacement. The aim of the present invention is to form between the motionless part (3) and the moving part (1) a magnetic circuit which sets, at least in part, the travel-force characteristic and of which the ferromagnetic elements are coupled on one hand with the motionless part (3) and on the other hand with the moving part (1), at least one ferromagnetic element being comprised of a permanent magnet.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Drucktaste mit nichtlinearer Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik mit einem unbeweglichen Teil, in dem ein durch Drücken der Taste auf einer begrenzten Bahn bewegliches Oberteil angeordnet ist, wobei sich innerhalb der Wandungen einer Ausnehmung des unbeweglichen Teils ein in Ruhestellung vom Oberteil getrenntes Grundteil befindet, an das bei Betätigung der Drucktaste das Oberteil entlang einer Bewegungsbahn anstößt, mit einem Fühlerelement, das die relative Bewegung des Grundteils gegenüber dem unbeweglichen Teil zur Auslösung der Schaltfunktion nutzt, wobei das unbewegliche Teil und das Grundteil ferromagnetisch Teile, von denen mindestens ein Teil permanent magnetisch ist, enthalten, wodurch ein von den ferromagnetischen Teilen gebildeteter Magnetkreis eine Kraft erzeugt, durch die das Grundteil und das Oberteil in der Ausgangslage gehalten bzw. in die Ausgangslage zurückgeführt werden.The invention relates to a push button with a non-linear displacement-force characteristic with an immovable part, in which an upper part which is movable by pressing the key is arranged on a limited path, a base part being separated from the upper part in the rest position within the walls of a recess of the immovable part is located, when the push button pushes the upper part along a movement path, with a sensor element that uses the relative movement of the base part relative to the immovable part to trigger the switching function, the immovable part and the base part being ferromagnetic parts, at least part of which is permanently magnetic, contained, whereby a magnetic circuit formed by the ferromagnetic parts generates a force by which the base part and the upper part are held in the starting position or returned to the starting position.

Die verschiedenen Klaviaturen stellen in der Beziebung Mensch-Maschine besonders wichtige Elemente dar, deren auch in ergonomischer Hinsicht vorteilhafte Ausbildung mit großer Sorgfalt durchzuführen ist, da durch sie die Effektivität der Arbeit des Bedienungspersonals beeinflußt werden kann. Diese Probleme machen sich vor allem in der Praxis der Rechentechnik bemerkbar. In diesem Zusammenhang ist eine der besten Zusammenfassungen der verschiedenen Gesichtspunkte in dem Fachbuch A. Chakir "Visual Display Terminals" (John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, New York - Brisbane, Toronto, 1980) aufzufinden. Die in ergonomischer Hinscht vorteilhafte Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik beinhaltet eine Abschnitt, in dem einer Verlängerung des Weges ein eindeutiger Abfall der Kraft zugeordnet ist, wodurch bei dem Bediener das Gefühl des "Umkippens" (snap action) der Drucktaste hervorgerufen wird.The various keyboards represent particularly important elements in terms of human-machine relations, and their ergonomically advantageous training must be carried out with great care, since the effectiveness of the work of the operating personnel can be influenced by them. These problems are particularly noticeable in the practice of computing. In this context, one of the best summaries of the various points of view can be found in the A. Chakir "Visual Display Terminals" text book (John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, New York - Brisbane, Toronto, 1980). The path-force characteristic, which is advantageous in ergonomic terms, includes a section in which an unambiguous drop in the force is associated with an extension of the path, as a result of which the operator is made to feel the “snap action” of the pushbutton.

Der durch einen negativen Neigungswinkel charakterisierte Abschnitt der Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik wird allgemeinen durch Teile realisiert, die einer großen Abnutzungsbeanspruchung ausgesetzt sind, oder durch Verwendung von Federelementen, deren Nichtlinearität jeweils durch eine entsprechende Konstruktion bestimmt wird.The section of the displacement-force characteristic characterized by a negative angle of inclination is generally realized by parts which are exposed to a large amount of wear or by using spring elements, the non-linearity of which is determined in each case by a corresponding construction.

Von den universell benutzbaren, bekannten Drucktasten ist eine der einfachsten die des Typs FUJITSU FEES-833. Bei dieser Drucktaste ist an einem durch Drücken der Drucktaste gegen eine Feder bewegten, beweglichen Teil ein Ansatzteil ausgebildet. Dieser Ansatzteil schlägt auf einem an dem feststehenden Teil ausgebildeten und sich daran elastisch anschliessenden Ansatz auf und bewegt diesen. Der gewünschte Charakteristikabschnitt ergibt sich aus dem Aufheben der Zusatzdruckkraft nach dem Passieren des elastischen Ansatzes. Ein Nachteil dieser Drucktaste ist der daß die Ansatzteile einer verhältnismässig starken Abnutzung ausgesetzt sind.One of the simplest of the universally usable, known pushbuttons is that of the type FUJITSU FEES-833. With this pushbutton, an attachment part is formed on a movable part that is moved against a spring by pressing the pushbutton. This attachment part strikes and moves an attachment which is formed on the stationary part and which adjoins it elastically and moves it. The desired characteristic section results from the cancellation of the additional compressive force after passing through the elastic attachment. A disadvantage of this push button is that the attachment parts are exposed to relatively heavy wear.

Die von der Firma KEYTRONIC CORP. verwendete Drucktaste beinhaltet keine im obigen Sinne einem Verschleiß ausgesetzten Teile, sondern nutzt die Ausbiegung von Schraubenfedern derart, daß durch Verdrehung eines vorzugsweise gelagerten Plättchens in einem dem Winkel der Ausbiegung entsprechendem Maß ein Schalter- oder Fühlerelement betätigt wird. Die mit negativem Neigungswinkel gekennzeichnete Charakteristik ergibt sich durch den Unterschied der erforderlichen Kräfte zum Zusammendrücken der Feder entlang ihrer Längsachse und im ausgebogenen Zustand. Bei den üblichen Maßbegrenzungen ist dieser Kraftunterschied verhältnismässig klein. Diese Lösung ist in Konstruktionen, bei denen der durch Drücken der Taste zurückgelegte Weg oder die Höhe der Drucktaste klein ist, nicht verwendbar.The company KEYTRONIC CORP. The push button used does not contain any parts that are subject to wear in the above sense, but uses the deflection of coil springs in such a way that a switch or sensor element is actuated by rotating a preferably mounted plate to a degree corresponding to the angle of the deflection. The characteristic marked with a negative angle of inclination results from the difference in the forces required to compress the spring along its longitudinal axis and in the bent state. With the usual dimensional limits, this difference in force is relatively small. This solution cannot be used in constructions in which the path covered by the push button or the height of the push button is small.

Ein mit negativem Neigungswinkel versehener Abschnitt der Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik wird auch bei mit Membranen ausgebildeten Drucktasten realisiert. Diese werden bei in ergonomischer Hinsicht weniger anspruchsvollen und billigen Vorrichtungen, z. B. in Taschenrechnern, verwendet. Die Membranfedern ermöglichen neben den üblichen Massbegrenzungen - von den Drucktasten mit Gummiglocke abgesehen - nur einen kurzen Schaltweg. Die aus Gummi und ähnlichem Material ausgebildeten Federelemente gewährleisten infolge der sich aus den Eigenschaften des Materials ergebenden inneren Reibung nur eine realitiv kleine Betätigungsfrequenz und rufen ein weniger sicheres Gefühl des "Umkippens" bei dem Bediener hervor.A section of the displacement-force characteristic provided with a negative inclination angle is also realized with pushbuttons formed with membranes. These are used in less ergonomic and inexpensive devices such. B. used in calculators. In addition to the usual size limits - apart from the pushbuttons with rubber bell - the diaphragm springs only allow a short switching travel. The spring elements made of rubber and similar material, due to the internal friction resulting from the properties of the material, ensure only a realistically low actuation frequency and give the operator a less certain feeling of "tipping over".

Eine andere Möglichkeit, einen mit negativem Neigungswinkel versehenen Abschnitt der Weg-Kraft Charakteristik zu erzeugen, bieten Konstruktionen mit Permanentmagneten. Zu dieser Gruppe von Drucktasten gehören die in der DE-B-1 118 315 und der DE-B-1 665 733 offenbarten Drucktasten.Another possibility to generate a section of the displacement-force characteristic provided with a negative inclination angle is provided by constructions with permanent magnets. This group of push buttons includes the push buttons disclosed in DE-B-1 118 315 and DE-B-1 665 733.

In der DE-B-2 514131 ist eine Drucktaste beschrieben, die ebenfalls ferromagnetische Teile aufweist. Jedoch haben die ferromagnetischen Teile nicht den Zweck, eine nichtlineare Weg-Kraft Charasteritik zu erzeugen, sondern sie dienen dazu, einen Schaltvorgang auszulösen.DE-B-2 514131 describes a push button which also has ferromagnetic parts. However, the purpose of the ferromagnetic parts is not to generate a non-linear path-force characteristic, but rather to trigger a switching process.

Durch die Erfindung wird die Aufgabe gelöst, eine Drucktaste der eingangs erwähnten Art zu schaffen, die relativ kleine Abmessungen bei einfachem Aufbau aufweist.The object is achieved by the invention to provide a pushbutton of the type mentioned at the outset which has relatively small dimensions with a simple structure.

Dies wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erreicht, daß das Grundteil als innerhalb der Ausnehmung in mehreren Freiheitsgraden freibewegliches Teil ausgebildet ist, das bei Betätigung der Drucktaste um die Anschlagstelle des Oberteiles herum kippbar ist, wobei obere und untere Anschlagflächen die Kippbewegung begrenzen, sowie eine Selbsteinstellung in den Endstellungen bedingen, und daß das ferromagnetische Element des Grundteiles elektrisch leitend ist und gleichzeitig den beweglichen Teil des die Bewegungen erfassenden Fühlerelementes bildet.This is achieved according to the invention in that the base part is designed as a freely movable part within the recess in several degrees of freedom, which can be tilted around the stop point of the upper part when the pushbutton is pressed, upper and lower stop surfaces limiting the tilting movement, and self-adjustment in the end positions condition, and that the ferromagnetic element of the base part is electrically conductive and at the same time forms the movable part of the sensor element detecting the movements.

Die Erfindung beruht auf der Erkenntnis, daß eine in ergonomischer Hinsicht günstige Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik mit negativem Neigungswinkel bei Drucktasten entweder nur durch magnetische Krafteinwirkung oder auch durch Kombination von der Federkraft der bei Drucktasten üblicherweise verwendeten Federelemente mit linearer Charakteristik und von magnetischer Krafteinwirkung realisierbar ist.The invention is based on the knowledge that an ergonomically favorable path-force characteristic with a negative inclination angle in push buttons can be realized either only by magnetic force action or also by a combination of the spring force of the spring elements with linear characteristics and magnetic force action usually used for push buttons .

Wie bekannt, hängt die magnetische Kraftwirkung zwischen zwei Körpern mit ferromagnetischen Eigenschaften von dem Widerstand des magnetischen Kreises ab. Wenn in den magnetischen Kreis paramagnetische Abschnitte eingefügt werden oder deren Abmessungen vergrössert werden, kann sich die meßbare Kraft schlagartig verringern.As is known, the magnetic force between two bodies with ferromagnetic properties depends on the resistance of the magnetic circuit. If paramagnetic sections are inserted into the magnetic circuit or their dimensions are enlarged, the measurable force can suddenly decrease.

Die modernen weich- bzw. hartmagnetischen Stoffe sind auch bei relativ kleinen Abmessungen fähig, die bei Drucktasten üblichen Kräfte auszuüben und mittels dieser Stoffe sind sowohl elektrisch isolierende (durch pulvermetallurgische Methoden hergestellte) als auch elektrisch leitende Formkörper in der Massenproduktion erzeugbar.Even with relatively small dimensions, the modern soft or hard magnetic materials are capable of exerting the forces usual with pushbuttons, and by means of these materials both electrically insulating (manufactured by powder metallurgical methods) and electrically conductive molded bodies can be produced in mass production.

Da die erfindungsgemässe Lösung im wesentlichen die Eigenschaften der Materialien der Konstruktion ausnutzt ist eine Vielzahl von Ausführungsformen bei der Gestaltung der Form gemäß sonstigen vorzugsweisen Gesichtspunkten realisierbar und die Zahl der Möglichkeiten kann weiterhin durch die Anwendung von unterschiedlichen, bei Drücken der Drucktaste sich elastisch deformierenden Federelementen und von unterschiedlichen, die Bewegung unmittelbar oder mittelbar nutzenden Schalt- bzw. Fühlerelementen erhöht werden.Since the solution according to the invention essentially utilizes the properties of the materials of the construction, a large number of embodiments can be implemented in the design of the shape in accordance with other preferred aspects, and the number of possibilities can also be increased by the use of different spring elements and elastically deforming when the pushbutton is pressed of different switching or sensor elements that use the movement directly or indirectly.

Die Bewegungscharakteristik der Magnetkraft kann durch die in Abhängigkeit von der Bewegung erfolgte Änderung des Magnetwiderstandes des verwendeten magnetischen Kreises beeinflußt werden.The movement characteristic of the magnetic force can be influenced by the change in the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit used, depending on the movement.

In Konstruktionen mit einem längeren Betätigungsweg oder in solchen, bei denen die nichtlineare Charakteristik auf einen Abschnitt des Betätigungsweges begrenzt werden soll, kann die Lösung mit den bei Drucktasten allgemein verwendeten Federelementen kombiniert werden.In constructions with a longer actuation path or in those in which the non-linear characteristic is to be limited to a section of the actuation path, the solution can be combined with the spring elements generally used in pushbuttons.

Die Tastaturen, die mit Drucktasten versehen sind, die ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal erzeugen sind derart aufgebaut, daß die einzelnen Drucktasten auf eine gemeinsame Trägerplatte, vorzugsweise auf eine Leiterplatte angebracht werden. Zur Gewährleistung, einer ausreichenden Festigkeit, ist diese mit Versteifungselementen zu versehen. Die erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Drucktaste kann in einer vorzugsweisen Ausführungsform so ausgebildet sein, daß das weiche ferromagnetische Element des unbeweglichen Teiles als gemeinsames Element der gesamten Tastatur ausgeführt ist und gleichzeitig als Träger- und Versteifungselement dient.The keyboards, which are provided with pushbuttons that generate an electrical output signal, are constructed in such a way that the individual pushbuttons are attached to a common carrier plate, preferably to a printed circuit board. To ensure sufficient strength, this must be provided with stiffening elements. The push button designed according to the invention can be designed in a preferred embodiment so that the soft ferromagnetic element of the immovable part is designed as a common element of the entire keyboard and simultaneously serves as a support and stiffening element.

Die erfindungsgemäße Drucktaste kann vorzugsweise bei Schalt- und Fühlerelementen benutzt werden, deren Funktion auf der Änderung eine magnetischen Feldstärke beruht. Solche Elemente sind z. B. die auf dem Hall-Effekt beruhenden Elemente, Reed-Relais oder Induktionsfühler usw. In diesem Fall dienen der von vornherein eingebaute. Dauermagnet und der in seiner Nähe ausgebildete magnetische Kreis einem Doppelzweck und können gleichzeitig einen Magnetschalter und ein Fühlerelement betätigen.The push button according to the invention can preferably be used with switching and sensor elements, the function of which is based on the change in a magnetic field strength. Such elements are e.g. B. the elements based on the Hall effect, reed relays or induction sensors etc. In this case, the built-in serve from the start. Permanent magnet and the magnetic circuit formed in its vicinity have a dual purpose and can simultaneously actuate a magnetic switch and a sensor element.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung ist ebenfalls vorzugsweise in Drucktastenkonstruktionen verwendbar, die mit auf Kapazitätsänderung arbeitenden Fühlern versehen sind, wobei die aus elektrisch leitendem Material bestehende/n/ ferromagnetische/n/ Einlage/n/ oder Teile des beweglichen Teiles und/oder des unbeweglichen Teiles gleichzeitig den beweglichen und/oder feststehenden Leiter des Kondensators bilden können.The solution according to the invention can also preferably be used in pushbutton constructions which are provided with sensors which work on changing capacitance, the / n / ferromagnetic / n / insert / n / or parts of the movable part and / or the immovable part simultaneously consisting of electrically conductive material can form movable and / or fixed conductor of the capacitor.

Nachstehend wird die Erfindung anhand einer bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiele unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügten Zeichnung näher erläutert, wobeiThe invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a preferred exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 ein die Funktion der verschiedenen Ausführungsformen veranschaulichendes Konstruktionsschema darstellt.1 illustrates a design scheme illustrating the operation of the various embodiments.

Die erfindungsgemäße Drucktaste besteht aus einem unbeweglichen Teil 4, einer eine in dem unbeweglichen Teil 4 ausgebildete Aussparung von unten abschließenden Anschlagsfläche 5 und einem beweglichen Teil. Der bewegliche Teil ist mit einem auf einer begrenzten Bahn bewegbaren Oberteil 2 und einem davon abgesonderten, in einem durch die Wandung der in dem unbeweglichen Teil 4 ausgebildeten Aussparung begrenzten Raum frei bewegbaren Grundteil 3 versehen.The push button according to the invention consists of an immovable part 4, a stop surface 5, which is formed in the immovable part 4, from below, and a movable part. The movable part is provided with an upper part 2 which can be moved on a limited path and a base part 3 which is separate therefrom and which is freely movable in a space delimited by the wall of the recess formed in the immovable part 4.

Zwischen den unbeweglichen Teil 4 und den Grundteil 3 ist ein Magnetkreis derart ausgebildet, daß der unbewegliche Teil 4 ein ferromagnetisches Element beinhaltet, während der Grundteil 3 aus ferromagnetischem Material gefertigt ist oder ebenfalls ein ferromagnetisches Element beinhaltet, wobei mindestens eines der ferromagnetischen Elemente durch einen Permanentmagneten gebildet wird, und der Magnetkreis die zur Rückführung des beweglichen Teiles und zu dessen Haltung in der Ausgangslage erforderliche Kraft liefert.A magnetic circuit is formed between the immovable part 4 and the base part 3 such that the immovable part 4 contains a ferromagnetic element, while the base part 3 is made of ferromagnetic material or also contains a ferromagnetic element, at least one of the ferromagnetic elements being a permanent magnet is formed, and the magnetic circuit provides the force required for returning the movable part and for holding it in the starting position.

Der Grundteil 3 der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform kann durch Anschlag mit der Druckstange des Oberteiles 2 aus seiner Ausgangslage herausbewegt werden und um den Anschlagspunkt kippen. Der Grundteil 3 preßt sich in seiner Ausgangslage gegen eine obere Anschlagsfläche 6 des unbeweglichen Teiles 4 und hält auch den Oberteil 2 in eine der Ausgangslage entsprechenden Position. Bei Drücken der Drucktaste bleibt der Grundteil 3 solange in seiner Ausgangslage wie die Druckkraft kleiner als die zur Ausgangslage gehörende Magnetkraft ist. Sowie sich der Grundteil 3 zu bewegen beginnt vergrössert sich der Abstand zwischen den ferromagnetischen Elementen und die magnetische Kraftwirkung verringert sich sehr schnell, was bei dem Bediener ein in ergonomischer Hinsicht günstiges, dem Kippen ähnliches Gefühl hervorruft. Bei Drücken der Drucktaste nimmt der anschlagende Grundteil 3 in Endlage eine Position ein, die durch die untere Anschlagsfläche 5 bestimmt wird. Wenn in den dazwischenliegenden Positionen ein Kippen des Grundteiles 3 erfolgt, wird dieses in Abhängigkeit der Abmessungen durch den teilweisen Anschlag an der unteren oder oberen Anschlagsfläche 5, 6 bestimmt. Bei Loslassen der Drucktaste bewegt die in Endlage des beweglichen Teiles dazu noch ausreichend große Magnetkraft den Grundteil 3 und den daran, anstoßenden Oberteil 2 in Richtung der Ausgangslage, wobei bei Verringerung des Abstandes die Rückstellkraft schnell ansteigt.The base part 3 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be moved out of its initial position by a stop with the push rod of the upper part 2 and can tilt about the stop point. The base part 3 presses in its initial position against an upper stop surface 6 of the immovable part 4 and also holds the upper part 2 in a position corresponding to the initial position. When the pushbutton is pressed, the base part 3 remains as long as in its starting position the compressive force is smaller than the magnetic force belonging to the starting position. As soon as the base part 3 begins to move, the distance between the ferromagnetic elements increases and the magnetic force effect decreases very quickly, which gives the operator an ergonomically favorable feeling similar to tipping. When the push button is pressed, the striking base part 3 assumes a position in the end position which is determined by the lower stop surface 5. If the base part 3 is tilted in the intermediate positions, this is determined depending on the dimensions by the partial stop on the lower or upper stop surface 5, 6. When the pushbutton is released, the magnetic force in the end position of the movable part moves the base part 3 and the top part 2 abutting against it in the direction of the starting position, the restoring force rapidly increasing when the distance is reduced.

Die entstehende Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik hängt davon ab, ob die auf den Grundteil 3 wirkenden Magnetkräfte ein Drehmoment erzeugen. Ist die Aufschlagsfläche des Oberteiles 2 auf dem Grundteil 3 derart ausgebildet, daß die Resultierende aus den auf den Grundteil 3 wirkenden Magnetkräften und den mittels des Oberteiles 2 auf den Grundteil 3 ausgeübten Kräften auf dem Grundteil 3 kein Drehmoment erzeugt, bewegt sich der Grund-Teil 3 bei Drücken der Drucktaste parallel zu seiner Grundposition, d.h. kippungsfrei.The resulting displacement-force characteristic depends on whether the magnetic forces acting on the base part 3 generate a torque. If the impact surface of the upper part 2 on the base part 3 is designed such that the resultant from the magnetic forces acting on the base part 3 and the forces exerted on the base part 3 by means of the upper part 2 does not generate any torque, the base part moves 3 parallel to its basic position when the pushbutton is pressed, ie tip-free.

In dem Fall, daß die Bahn der erwähnten Aufschlagsfläche eindeutig nicht mit der Resultierenden der Magnetkräfte zusammenfällt (z. B. bei asymmetrischer mechanischer Ausbildung oder asymmetrischen Magnetfeld), wirkt auf den Grundteil 3 bei Drücken der Drucktaste ein Moment, das diesen kippt. Die Kippbewegung wird durch die obere Anschlagsfläche 6 bzw. das ferromagnetische Element des unbeweglichen Teiles 4 begrenzt. Solange bis irgendein Punkt des Grundteiles 3 an der unteren Anschlagsfläche 5 des unbeweglichen Teiles 4 anschlägt, hält die an der Drucktaste fühlbare Kraft über den auf den oberen Anschlagspunkt bezogenen Arm Gleichgewicht mit dem auf den gleichen oberen Anschlagspunkt berechneten Drehmoment der magnetischen Kraft.In the event that the path of the impact surface mentioned clearly does not coincide with the resultant of the magnetic forces (e.g. in the case of an asymmetrical mechanical design or asymmetrical magnetic field), a moment acts on the base part 3 when the pushbutton is pressed, and this tilts. The tilting movement is limited by the upper stop surface 6 or the ferromagnetic element of the immovable part 4. As long as any point of the base part 3 strikes the lower stop surface 5 of the immovable part 4, the force felt on the pushbutton via the arm relating to the upper stop point maintains equilibrium with the torque of the magnetic force calculated on the same upper stop point.

Nach dem Aufschlagen irgendeines Punktes des Grundteiles 3 auf der unteren Anschlagsfläche 5 erfolgt eine so lange Kippbewegung des Grundteiles 3 in entgegengesetzte Richtung, bis durch Aufschlagen des Grundteiles 3 in weiteren Punkten dieser in eine eindeutig bestimmte Lage gerät. In dieser Phase hat die an der Druckstaste fühlbare Kraft einen, mit den auf den Aufschlagspunkt auf der unteren Anschlagsfläche 5 berechneten Momenten gekennzeichneten, sprunghaft steigenden, danach infolge der gleichzeitigen Verringerung der Magnetkräfte schnell abfallenden Wert.After hitting any point of the base part 3 on the lower stop surface 5, the base part 3 is tilted in the opposite direction until the base part 3 strikes another point in a clearly defined position. In this phase, the force that can be felt on the pushbutton has a rapidly increasing value, marked with the moments calculated on the point of impact on the lower stop surface 5, and then rapidly decreasing as a result of the simultaneous reduction in the magnetic forces.

Es sind auch solche Varianten, dieser Ausführungsform möglich, bei denen die Kippbewegung die Verdrehung des Grundteiles 3 in die beiden Richtungen sehr unterschiedlich ist, z. B. im Extremfall - innerhalb der Grenzen der Herstellungsungenauigkeiten - in einer Richtung null beträgt. In diesen Fällen sind die die Endlage der unteren und der oberen Anschläge charakterisierenden Flächen nicht miteinander parallel.There are also variants of this embodiment possible in which the tilting movement of the rotation of the base part 3 in the two directions is very different, for. B. in extreme cases - within the limits of manufacturing inaccuracies - in one direction is zero. In these cases, the surfaces characterizing the end position of the lower and upper stops are not parallel to one another.

Es ist weiterhin eine solche Lösung möglich, bei der das ferromagnetische Element des unbeweglichen Teiles 4 ein Permanentmagnet ist, der als gemeinsames Bauelement für mehrere Drucktasten ausgebildet ist.Such a solution is also possible in which the ferromagnetic element of the immovable part 4 is a permanent magnet which is designed as a common component for a plurality of pushbuttons.

Die erfindungsgemäßse Drucktaste kann weiterhin derart ausgebildet sein, daß zwischen dem Oberteil 2 und dem Grundteil 3 ein Federelement angeordnet ist. In diesem Fall wird das Grundteil 3 ausschließlich durch die Magnetkräfte in der Ausgangslage gehalten, der Oberteil 2 dagegen liegt nicht unmittelbar an dem Grundteil 3 an, sondern stützt sich nur über das dazwischen eingefügte Federelement darauf.The push button according to the invention can also be designed such that a spring element is arranged between the upper part 2 and the base part 3. In this case, the base part 3 is held in the starting position exclusively by the magnetic forces, while the upper part 2 is not in direct contact with the base part 3, but is only supported on it by the spring element inserted in between.

Bei Drücken der Drucktaste bis zu dem Zustand, bei dem die zum Auseinanderbringen der ferromagnetischen Elemente erforderliche Kraft größer ist als die sich aus der Deformation des Federelementes ergebende Federkraft, und bei der der Oberteil noch nicht auf dem Grundteil aufliegt, wird die Weg-Kraft-Charakteristik durch das Federelement bestimmt. Wenn die Druckkraft gerade die zum Auseinanderbringen der ferromagnetischen Elemente erforderliche Kraft übertrifft, "schießt" die Federkraft den Grundteil in seine andere Endlage hinüber. Das Schaltgefühl wird durch den Abfall der Federkraft hervorgerufen. Die schnelle, mit einer die Geschwindigkeit des Oberteiles übertreffenden Geschwindigkeit erfolgende Bewegung des Grundteiles kann bei einer Vielzahl von verschiedenen Schalt- und Fühlerelementen von Vorteil sein.When the pushbutton is pressed until the state in which the force required to separate the ferromagnetic elements is greater than the spring force resulting from the deformation of the spring element, and in which the upper part does not yet rest on the base part, the displacement force is Characteristic determined by the spring element. When the pressure force just exceeds the force required to separate the ferromagnetic elements, the spring force "shoots" the base part over into its other end position. The shift feeling is caused by the drop in spring force. The rapid movement of the base part, which takes place at a speed exceeding the speed of the top part, can be advantageous in the case of a large number of different switching and sensor elements.

Claims (9)

1. Key with non linear travel-force characteristic with the following features:
- in a stationary part (4) an upper part (2) is arranged, which moves on a limited path upon depressing the key;
- within the walls of a recess of the motionless part (4) there is a base element (3) separated from the upper part (2) in its resting position, against which base element (3) the upper part (2) strikes along a motion path when actuating the key;
- a sensing element uses the relative mation of the base element (3) with respect to the stationary part (2) for starting the switching;
- the stationary part (4) and the base element (3) include ferromagnetic parts, among which at least one is permanently magnetic;
- a force is created by a magnetic circuit formed by the ferromagnetic parts, the base element (3) and the upper part (2) being held in the starting position, respectively being brought back to the starting position by this force;

characterised by the following additional features:
- the base element (3) is formed as a part freely movable inside the recess with respect to several degrees of freedom and is tiltable around the striking point of the upper part (2) upon actuation of the key, whereby the upper and the lower stop surfaces (5, 6) limit the tilting motion, as well as they cause self-adjustment in the final positions;
- the ferromagnetic element of the base element (3) is electrically conductive and simultaneously forms the movable part of the sensing element detecting the motions.
2. Key according to claim 1, characterised in that several keys are provided with one common ferromagnetic element belonging to the stationary part (4).
3. Key according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lower stop surface (5) limiting the motion of the base element (3) and belonging to the stationary part (4) is formed as a common part for several keys and forms/supports the stationary layers of the sensing elements.
4. Key according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the striking surface of the upper part (2) and of the base element (3) is formed in such a way that the force resulting of the magnetic force acting on the base element (3) and of the force exerted by the upper part (2) on the base element (3) does not create any twisting moment on the base element (3).
5. Key according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the striking surface of the upper part (2) and of the base element (3) are formed in such a way that the forces acting on the base element (3) and the forces exerted by the upper part (2) on the base element (3) via the striking surface create a certain twisting moment acting on the base element which turns out of its resting position upon depressing the key, whilst the actual twisting movement is limited by the stop surfaces (5, 6) of the stationary part (4) associated with the final positions of the base element (3).
6. Key according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a resilient element counteracting the motion of the upper part (2), is coupled between the upper part (2) and the base element (3), whilst the motion path of the upper part (2) is limited by the base element (3).
7. Key according to any of claims 1 or 5, characterised in that there is a spring element placed between the upper part (2) and the base element (3), said element moving the base element (3) out of its resting position even before the upper part (2) strikes against the base element (3) and causing it to impact against the lower stop surface (5) with a force predetermined by the spring element, and in that the upper part (2) strikes against the stationary part (4) when the key is in a totally depressed state.
8. Key according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a changing electric capacity is provided, working as a sensing element, whilst the stop surface (5) closing the recess of the stationary part (4) from below, forms/supports the stationary layers of the capacities and the base element (3) forms the movable layers of the capacities.
9. Key according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that electric contacts are provided, working as a sensing element, whilst the stop surface (5) closing the recess of the stationary part (4) from below forms/supports the stationary contact surfaces of the sensing element, the base element (3) forming the movable contact.
EP19850900159 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Key with non linear travel-force characteristic Expired EP0164388B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85900159T ATE34485T1 (en) 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 PUSH BUTTON WITH NON-LINEAR DISPLACEMENT-FORCE CHARACTERISTICS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
HU409983 1983-11-30
HU409983A HU194440B (en) 1983-11-30 1983-11-30 Push-button structure with non-linear characteristic curve of displacement-pressure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0164388A1 EP0164388A1 (en) 1985-12-18
EP0164388B1 true EP0164388B1 (en) 1988-05-18

Family

ID=10966889

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19850900159 Expired EP0164388B1 (en) 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Key with non linear travel-force characteristic

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0164388B1 (en)
AU (1) AU3749885A (en)
BG (1) BG46757A3 (en)
DE (1) DE3471399D1 (en)
HU (1) HU194440B (en)
RO (1) RO93602A (en)
SU (1) SU1466666A3 (en)
WO (1) WO1985002487A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102019101961A1 (en) 2019-01-28 2020-07-30 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Button arrangement

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1118315B (en) * 1958-08-25 1961-11-30 Sondershausen Elektro Electric push button switch
DE1119956B (en) * 1958-08-25 1961-12-21 Sondershausen Elektro Electrical switch, whose switching and holding forces are generated by permanent magnets
BE623083A (en) * 1961-09-30 1963-02-01
DE1665733B1 (en) * 1966-09-02 1970-07-09 Siemens Ag Key switches, especially for telecommunication devices
DE1588052C3 (en) * 1967-05-18 1975-04-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart Snap-action switching mechanism, in particular magnetic snap-action switching mechanism for an electrical limit switch
US3680026A (en) * 1971-05-24 1972-07-25 Denki Onkyo Co Ltd Contactless switching apparatus
FR2189837A1 (en) * 1972-06-19 1974-01-25 Ibm
US3911429A (en) * 1974-04-08 1975-10-07 Ibm Self-energized magnetic keys
FR2392548A2 (en) * 1977-05-25 1978-12-22 Serras Paulet Edouard PUSH-BUTTON DEVICE FOR SWITCHING AN ELECTRONIC OR ELECTRIC CIRCUIT

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RO93602A (en) 1988-03-30
HUT37290A (en) 1985-11-28
BG46757A3 (en) 1990-02-15
SU1466666A3 (en) 1989-03-15
HU194440B (en) 1988-01-28
RO93602B (en) 1988-03-05
DE3471399D1 (en) 1988-06-23
AU3749885A (en) 1985-06-13
EP0164388A1 (en) 1985-12-18
WO1985002487A1 (en) 1985-06-06

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