EP0435131A1 - Keybord with captive keys - Google Patents

Keybord with captive keys Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0435131A1
EP0435131A1 EP90124541A EP90124541A EP0435131A1 EP 0435131 A1 EP0435131 A1 EP 0435131A1 EP 90124541 A EP90124541 A EP 90124541A EP 90124541 A EP90124541 A EP 90124541A EP 0435131 A1 EP0435131 A1 EP 0435131A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keys
support
plane
keyboard
framework
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP90124541A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0435131B1 (en
Inventor
Christian Bourel
Jean-Paul Pholoppe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ALE International SAS
Original Assignee
Alcatel Business Systemes SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Alcatel Business Systemes SA filed Critical Alcatel Business Systemes SA
Publication of EP0435131A1 publication Critical patent/EP0435131A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0435131B1 publication Critical patent/EP0435131B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part
    • H01H2233/006—Separating individual keys after mounting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a keyboard with captive keys, that is to say a keyboard which holds the keys as soon as they are in place, regardless of its orientation.
  • keyboards essentially comprise a support provided with cells and keys which are introduced into these cells.
  • the support is a simple plate pierced with a hole for each key; the keys each have a body whose section is slightly less than that of the hole, this body ending at one of its ends by a shoulder whose section is greater than that of the hole.
  • the keys are inserted, shoulder up, in the substantially horizontal plate. This provision prohibits turning over the plate during assembly or disassembly of the device, without having removed the keys before.
  • a first solution consists in fixing a mask on the face of the support by which the keys have been introduced. This mask has openings whose geometry coincides with that of the cells of the support, these openings having a reduced dimension compared to the shoulder of the keys.
  • the term "shoulder" should be understood, in general, like any mechanical stop device.
  • This solution adds two steps in the manufacture of the keyboard, the realization of the mask and its fixing, which generates a complication of the process and an additional cost.
  • a second solution is to use a click system. In such a system or two elements must snap, an element carries at least one elastic blade provided with a hook, this hook coming to be embedded in a cavity of the other element.
  • the assembly of the two elements requires, first, that the blade deviates from its rest position. This travel must therefore be taken into account, which increases the size of the device.
  • the hooks have a minimum dimension which is a function of manufacturing constraints. This minimum dimension does not allow make certain types of keyboard which have small dimensions and / or whose keys are very close to each other.
  • the elements (the support and the key) of the keyboard are made by molding, the shaping of the hook leads to making an undercut mold. This complicates the development of the mold, if however the small dimensions of the element considered do not prohibit making such a mold for technological reasons.
  • the present invention thus relates to a keyboard with captive keys, the implementation of which is not affected by the limitations set out above.
  • the fixing means comprise rivets secured to the support which cooperate with eyelets secured to the frame, the heads of the rivets being crushed after the juxtaposition of the frame and the support.
  • the breaking surfaces are substantially parallel to the bases of the keys with which they are associated.
  • the keyboard with captive keys of the invention comprises a support and a cluster of keys.
  • the intermediate plane defines the thickness of the support 1 relative to the outside plane outside the zone where the cells 2 appear, while the support plane corresponds to a reinforced thickness of this support in the vicinity of the cells.
  • These cells which extend from the external plane 3 to the support plane 5 are delimited by walls 6 perpendicular to these planes.
  • Rivets 7 the function of which will be explained later, are projecting from the support plane 5.
  • the frame of the cluster has its base on the lower plane while the keys extend from the rupture plane to the upper plane with the exception of certain projections.
  • a key 11 comprises a body 15 which has the shape of a beveled rectangular parallelepiped on its upper face and whose base inscribed in the rupture plane 14, has dimensions slightly smaller than those of a cell 2.
  • Two stops 17, 18 form protrusions on each short side of the body 15 perpendicular to its base. They extend from a level between the lower plane 12 and the rupture plane to a stop level between the rupture plane and the upper plane. In addition, the length of the base of the body 15 increased by twice the thickness of these stops is greater than the length of a cell 2.
  • Two protrusions 19 form protrusions on each long side of the body 15 perpendicular to its base. They extend from the rupture plane to the abutment level defined above, which defines their thicknesses. In addition, the width of the base of the body 15 increased by twice the thickness of these protrusions is greater than the width of a cell 2.
  • a key 11 is connected to the framework 10 only by a part of each protuberance 19 in the rupture plane.
  • the intersection of the projections of the protuberance and the framework 10 in this plane defines a rupture surface 20 whose dimensions are small with respect to those of the protuberance, in particular its thickness.
  • This breaking surface corresponds to the smallest section achievable on the assembly constituted by a key 11 and the framework 10. It is oriented, in this case, parallel to the breaking plane, which represents a particular case of the invention .
  • the cluster of keys appears in its entirety in FIG. 4 where it is represented seen from below, that is to say on the lower plane side 12.
  • the keys 11 are arranged in five rows of three units, like the cells 2, of way to coincide with these.
  • the framework 10 of the cluster comprises six cross members 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 delimiting these rows and two parallel beams 28, 29 joining these cross members outside the keys 11.
  • the crosspieces and the beams are delimited by the lower plane 12 and the rupture plane 13.
  • Each cross member comprises, facing the protrusions 19 of the keys 11, studs 30 projecting and overlapping these protrusions on the rupture surfaces 20 previously defined.
  • These nipples are delimited by the lower plane and the rupture plane, which defines their thicknesses.
  • a rupture surface has dimensions which are small compared to those of a nipple, in particular its thickness.
  • eyelets 33 On the periphery of the framework 10, that is to say on the end crosspieces 21, 26 and on the beams 28, 29, are arranged eyelets 33 whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the keyboard, these eyelets being projecting outward from the cluster.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 represent the central button 11 of the first row of the cluster with the portions of the crosspieces 21, 22 which face it, respectively seen from below and views in section.
  • a rib 35 which has not been drawn in FIG. 4, extends all along the crosspieces and beams along the medians of these. It is perpendicular to the fracture plane 13 and, having a uniform thickness, develops from this plane to a contact plane 36.
  • This contact plane 36 is located between the stop level, stops 17, 18 and protuberances 19, and the upper plane 14.
  • An eyelet 33 also extends from the rupture plane 13 to the contact plane 36. It comprises a cavity 39 which opens onto the rupture plane and which is extended by a bore 40 of a reduced diameter compared to the size of the cavity. This bore opens onto the contact plane 36 by flaring. Its diameter is slightly greater than that of the rivets 7 which appear on the support 1.
  • the eyelets 33 in an amount equal to the rivets 7, are arranged on the cluster so as to coincide with the latter when the keys 11 coincide with the cells 2.
  • the set of eyelet-rivet pairs constitutes an example of fastening means for the framework 10 to the support 1.
  • These fixing means can use any other known assembly technique such as gluing, hot deformation, etc.
  • the final realization of the keyboard requires two operations, the fixing of the framework 10 to the support 1 and the separation of the keys 11 from the framework.
  • the fixing of the frame to the support is carried out in a simple manner by crushing the heads of the rivets 7, which can be carried out with a single tool.
  • the two steps of assembling the keyboard were presented as successive to improve the clarity of the presentation. These two stages can be carried out using a single tool which, during its movement, begins by detaching the keys and ends by crushing the heads of the rivets 7.
  • the chronology of the two phases is practically imperative because, when a rivet is crushed it is difficult to advance the tool again without risking damaging this rivet or the eyelet associated with it.
  • rupture surfaces 20 which in the example presented are parallel to the rupture plane can take a different inclination if they are sufficiently distant from a plane perpendicular to this rupture plane, a condition necessary for the keys to remain captive of the frame support.

Landscapes

  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Plural Heterocyclic Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a keyboard with captive keys, that is to say a keyboard which retains the keys once they are in place, whatever the orientation thereof. The keyboard with captive keys comprises a support (1) provided with several pockets (2), several keys (11) each inserted into a pocket, these keys coming from a bunch which also incorporates a framework (10), each of the keys being connected to this framework in an initial conformation and being detached from the latter along one fracture surface (20) at least in a final conformation. Moreover, - the keys (11) are arranged in the bunch in a configuration which coincides with that of the pockets, - each of the fracture surfaces (20) of a key is inclined relative to the direction of insertion of this key, - the framework (10) is fixed in coincidence against the support (1) by fixing means. a

Description

La présente invention concerne un clavier à touches captives, c'est-à-dire un clavier qui maintient les touches dès qu'elles sont en place, quelle que soit son orientation.The present invention relates to a keyboard with captive keys, that is to say a keyboard which holds the keys as soon as they are in place, regardless of its orientation.

De nombreux appareils, notamment les poste téléphoniques, incorporent un clavier. De tels claviers comprennent essentiellement un support pourvu d'alvéoles et des touches qui sont introduites dans ces alvéoles. Dans un type de réalisation, le support est une simple plaque percée d'un trou pour chaque touche ; les touches ont chacune un corps dont la section est légèrement inférieure à celle du trou, ce corps se terminant à une de ses extrémités par un épaulement dont la section est supérieure à celle du trou. Les touches sont introduites, épaulement vers le haut, dans la plaque sensiblement horizontale. Cette disposition interdit de retourner la plaque lors de l'assemblage ou du démontage de l'appareil, sans avoir enlevé les touches auparavant.Many devices, including telephone sets, incorporate a keyboard. Such keyboards essentially comprise a support provided with cells and keys which are introduced into these cells. In one type of embodiment, the support is a simple plate pierced with a hole for each key; the keys each have a body whose section is slightly less than that of the hole, this body ending at one of its ends by a shoulder whose section is greater than that of the hole. The keys are inserted, shoulder up, in the substantially horizontal plate. This provision prohibits turning over the plate during assembly or disassembly of the device, without having removed the keys before.

Afin d'éviter cette manipulation, il est ainsi connu de réaliser des claviers à touches captives. Une première solution consiste à fixer un masque sur la face du support par laquelle les touches ont été introduites. Ce masque présente des ouvertures dont la géométrie coïncide avec celle des alvéoles du support, ces ouvertures présentant une dimension réduite par rapport à l'épaulement des touches. Le terme "épaulement" devant s'entendre, de manière générale, comme tout dispositif de butée mécanique. Cette solution ajoute deux étapes dans la fabrication du clavier, la réalisation du masque et sa fixation, ce qui engendre une complication du procédé et un coût supplémentaire. Une deuxième solution consiste à employer un système à encliquetage. Dans un tel système ou deux éléments doivent s'encliqueter, un élément porte au moins une lame élastique pourvu d'un crochet, ce crochet venant s'encastrer dans une cavité de l'autre élément. L'assemblage des deux éléments nécessite, dans un premier temps, que la lame s'écarte de sa position de repos. Il faut donc prendre en compte ce débattement, ce qui augmente l'encombrement du dispositif. De plus, les crochets ont une dimension minimale qui est fonction des contraintes de fabrication. Cette dimension minimale ne permet pas de réaliser certains types de clavier qui ont de faibles dimensions et/ou dont les touches sont très proches les unes des autres. En outre, si les éléments (le support et la touche) du clavier sont réalisés par moulage, le façonnage du crochet amène à faire un moule à contre-dépouille. Ceci complique l'élaboration du moule, si toutefois les faibles dimensions de l'élément considéré n'interdisent pas de réaliser un tel moule pour des raisons technologiques.In order to avoid this manipulation, it is thus known to produce keyboards with captive keys. A first solution consists in fixing a mask on the face of the support by which the keys have been introduced. This mask has openings whose geometry coincides with that of the cells of the support, these openings having a reduced dimension compared to the shoulder of the keys. The term "shoulder" should be understood, in general, like any mechanical stop device. This solution adds two steps in the manufacture of the keyboard, the realization of the mask and its fixing, which generates a complication of the process and an additional cost. A second solution is to use a click system. In such a system or two elements must snap, an element carries at least one elastic blade provided with a hook, this hook coming to be embedded in a cavity of the other element. The assembly of the two elements requires, first, that the blade deviates from its rest position. This travel must therefore be taken into account, which increases the size of the device. In addition, the hooks have a minimum dimension which is a function of manufacturing constraints. This minimum dimension does not allow make certain types of keyboard which have small dimensions and / or whose keys are very close to each other. In addition, if the elements (the support and the key) of the keyboard are made by molding, the shaping of the hook leads to making an undercut mold. This complicates the development of the mold, if however the small dimensions of the element considered do not prohibit making such a mold for technological reasons.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet un clavier à touches captives dont la réalisation n'est pas affectée des limitations exposées ci-dessus.The present invention thus relates to a keyboard with captive keys, the implementation of which is not affected by the limitations set out above.

Le clavier à touches captives selon l'invention comprend un support pourvu de plusieurs alvéoles, plusieurs touches introduites chacune dans un alvéole, ces touches provenant d'une grappe qui incorpore également une ossature, chacune de ces touches étant reliée à cette ossature dans une conformation initiale et étant détachée de celle-ci selon une surface de rupture au moins dans une conformation finale, et se caractérise en ce que :

  • les touches sont disposées dans la grappe selon une configuration qui coïncide avec celles des alvéoles,
  • chacune des surfaces de rupture d'une touche est inclinée par rapport à la direction d'introduction de cette touche,
  • l'ossature est fixée en coïncidence contre le support par des moyens de fixation.
The captive key keyboard according to the invention comprises a support provided with several cells, several keys each introduced into a cell, these keys coming from a cluster which also incorporates a framework, each of these keys being connected to this framework in a conformation initial and being detached from it according to a breaking surface at least in a final conformation, and is characterized in that:
  • the keys are arranged in the cluster in a configuration which coincides with those of the cells,
  • each of the breaking surfaces of a key is inclined relative to the direction of introduction of this key,
  • the frame is fixed coincidentally against the support by fixing means.

De plus, dans le clavier à touches captives, les moyens de fixation comprennent des rivets solidaires du support qui coopérent avec des oeillets solidaires de l'ossature, les têtes des rivets étant écrasées après la juxtaposition de l'ossature et du support.In addition, in the captive key keyboard, the fixing means comprise rivets secured to the support which cooperate with eyelets secured to the frame, the heads of the rivets being crushed after the juxtaposition of the frame and the support.

En outre, dans le clavier à touches captives, les surfaces de rupture sont sensiblement parallèles aux bases des touches auxquelles elles sont associées.In addition, in the captive key keyboard, the breaking surfaces are substantially parallel to the bases of the keys with which they are associated.

Les différents objets et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront avec plus de détails dans le cadre d'un exemple de réalisation donné à titre non limitatif en se référant aux figures annexées qui représentent :

  • la figure 1, le schéma d'un support de clavier selon l'invention vu de dessus,
  • la figure 2, une vue partielle en coupe de ce même support,
  • la figure 3, une vue partielle en perspective d'une grappe de touches selon l'invention où certains éléments ont été supprimés,
  • la figure 4, une vue de dessous de cette grappe,
  • la figure 5, une vue agrandie d'une partie de cette grappe au voisinage d'une touche,
  • le figure 6, une vue en coupe de cette même partie de grappe,
  • le figure 7, une vue en coupe de la juxtaposition de cette partie de grappe sur la partie du support qui lui correspond,
  • la figure 8, cette même vue partielle lorsque l'ossature a été fixée au support et la touche détachée de cette ossature.
The various objects and characteristics of the invention will appear in more detail in the context of an exemplary embodiment given without limitation, with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • Figure 1, the diagram of a keyboard support according to the invention seen On top,
  • FIG. 2, a partial sectional view of this same support,
  • FIG. 3, a partial perspective view of a cluster of keys according to the invention where certain elements have been removed,
  • FIG. 4, a bottom view of this cluster,
  • FIG. 5, an enlarged view of part of this cluster in the vicinity of a key,
  • FIG. 6, a sectional view of this same part of the cluster,
  • FIG. 7, a sectional view of the juxtaposition of this part of the cluster on the part of the support which corresponds to it,
  • Figure 8, the same partial view when the frame has been fixed to the support and the button detached from this frame.

Les éléments présents dans différentes figures seront repérés par une seule référence.The elements present in different figures will be identified by a single reference.

Le clavier à touches captives de l'invention comprend un support et une grappe de touches.The keyboard with captive keys of the invention comprises a support and a cluster of keys.

L'invention trouvant une application avantageuse dans les postes téléphoniques, le support, vu de dessus dans la figure 1 et en coupe partielle dans la figure 2, est le couvercle d'un tel poste. Cet exemple d'application ne doit pas être considéré comme une limitation de l'invention.The invention finding an advantageous application in telephone sets, the support, seen from above in Figure 1 and in partial section in Figure 2, is the cover of such a station. This example of application should not be considered as a limitation of the invention.

Le support 1 comprend un ensemble d'alvéoles 2, dans lesquels seront introduits des touches. Ces alvéoles, rectangulaires dans le dessin sont répartis en cinq rangées de trois unités. Le support est réalisé de préférence par moulage d'un matériau plastique. En se référant à la figure 2, on distinguera trois plans successifs :

  • un plan extérieur 3, visible également dans la figure 1,
  • un plan intermédiaire 4,
  • un plan d'appui 5.
The support 1 comprises a set of cells 2, into which keys will be introduced. These cells, rectangular in the drawing, are distributed in five rows of three units. The support is preferably made by molding a plastic material. Referring to Figure 2, we can distinguish three successive planes:
  • an external plane 3, also visible in FIG. 1,
  • an intermediate plan 4,
  • a support plan 5.

Le plan intermédiaire définit l'épaisseur du support 1 par rapport au plan extérieur en dehors de la zone où figurent les alvéoles 2, tandis que le plan d'appui correspond à une épaisseur renforcée de ce support au voisinage des alvéoles. Ces alvéoles qui s'étendent du plan extérieur 3 au plan d'appui 5 sont délimités par des parois 6 perpendiculaires à ces plans.The intermediate plane defines the thickness of the support 1 relative to the outside plane outside the zone where the cells 2 appear, while the support plane corresponds to a reinforced thickness of this support in the vicinity of the cells. These cells which extend from the external plane 3 to the support plane 5 are delimited by walls 6 perpendicular to these planes.

Des rivets 7, dont la fonction sera explicitée ultérieurement, sont disposés en saillie sur le plan d'appui 5.Rivets 7, the function of which will be explained later, are projecting from the support plane 5.

La grappe de touches, dont une vue partielle en perspective est donnée à la figure 3, est réalisée préférentiellement par moulage d'un matériau plastique. Bien qu'elle soit d'un seul tenant, elle sera fictivement subdivisée en une ossature 10 et des touches 11. Cette vue en perspective a été simplifiée de manière à ce qu'une touche apparaisse clairement. A cet effet certains détails de l'ossature ont été supprimés. Ils apparaissent dans les figures suivantes et sont décrits plus loin. On distinguera à nouveau trois plans caractéristiques dans cette grappe en référence à la figure 3 :

  • un plan inférieur 12, symbolisé par deux arêtes,
  • un plan de rupture 13, ainsi dénommé du fait de particularités qui seront précisées ensuite,
  • un plan supérieur 14.
The cluster of keys, a partial perspective view of which is given in FIG. 3, is preferably produced by molding a plastic material. Although it is in one piece, it will be fictitiously subdivided into a frame 10 and keys 11. This perspective view has been simplified so that a key is clearly visible. For this purpose certain details of the framework have been removed. They appear in the following figures and are described below. We will again distinguish three characteristic planes in this cluster with reference to Figure 3:
  • a lower plane 12, symbolized by two edges,
  • a rupture plane 13, so called due to the particularities which will be specified later,
  • a higher plane 14.

L'ossature de la grappe a son embase sur le plan inférieur tandis que les touches s'étendent du plan de rupture au plan supérieur à l'exception de certaines saillies.The frame of the cluster has its base on the lower plane while the keys extend from the rupture plane to the upper plane with the exception of certain projections.

Une touche 11 comprend un corps 15 qui a la forme d'un parallélépipède rectangle biseauté sur sa face supérieure et dont la base inscrite dans le plan de rupture 14, a des dimensions légèrement inférieures à celles d'un alvéole 2.A key 11 comprises a body 15 which has the shape of a beveled rectangular parallelepiped on its upper face and whose base inscribed in the rupture plane 14, has dimensions slightly smaller than those of a cell 2.

Deux butées 17, 18 forment saillies sur chaque petit côté du corps 15 perpendiculaire à sa base. Elles s'étendent d'un niveau compris entre le plan inférieur 12 et le plan de rupture à un niveau de butée compris entre le plan de rupture et le plan supérieur. De plus, la longueur de la base du corps 15 augmentée de deux fois l'épaisseur de ces butées est supérieure à la longueur d'un alvéole 2.Two stops 17, 18 form protrusions on each short side of the body 15 perpendicular to its base. They extend from a level between the lower plane 12 and the rupture plane to a stop level between the rupture plane and the upper plane. In addition, the length of the base of the body 15 increased by twice the thickness of these stops is greater than the length of a cell 2.

Deux protubérances 19 forment saillies sur chaque grand côté du corps 15 perpendiculaire à sa base. Elle s'étendent du plan de rupture au niveau de butée défini ci-dessus, ce qui définit leurs épaisseurs. De plus, la largeur de la base du corps 15 augmentée de deux fois l'épaisseur de ces protubérances est supérieure à la largeur d'un alvéole 2.Two protrusions 19 form protrusions on each long side of the body 15 perpendicular to its base. They extend from the rupture plane to the abutment level defined above, which defines their thicknesses. In addition, the width of the base of the body 15 increased by twice the thickness of these protrusions is greater than the width of a cell 2.

Une touche 11 est reliée à l'ossature 10 uniquement par une partie de chaque protubérance 19 dans le plan de rupture. L'intersection des projections de la protubérance et de l'ossature 10 dans ce plan définit une surface de rupture 20 dont les dimensions sont petites vis-à-vis de celles de la protubérance, notamment de son épaisseur. Cette surface de rupture correspond à la plus petite section réalisable sur l'ensemble constitué par une touche 11 et l'ossature 10. Elle est orientée, dans ce cas, parallelèment au plan de rupture, ce qui représente un cas particulier de l'invention.A key 11 is connected to the framework 10 only by a part of each protuberance 19 in the rupture plane. The intersection of the projections of the protuberance and the framework 10 in this plane defines a rupture surface 20 whose dimensions are small with respect to those of the protuberance, in particular its thickness. This breaking surface corresponds to the smallest section achievable on the assembly constituted by a key 11 and the framework 10. It is oriented, in this case, parallel to the breaking plane, which represents a particular case of the invention .

La grappe de touches apparaît dans son intégralité à la figure 4 où elle est représentée vue de dessous, c'est-à-dire côté plan inférieur 12. Les touches 11 sont disposées en cinq rangées de trois unités, comme les alvéoles 2, de manière à coïncider avec ceux-ci.The cluster of keys appears in its entirety in FIG. 4 where it is represented seen from below, that is to say on the lower plane side 12. The keys 11 are arranged in five rows of three units, like the cells 2, of way to coincide with these.

L'ossature 10 de la grappe comprend six traverses 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 délimitant ces rangées et deux poutres parallèles 28, 29 réunissant ces traverses à l'extérieur des touches 11. Les touches 11, dans chaque rangée, étant alignées selon leur grand côté, les traverses sont parallèles à ces grands côtés. Les traverses et les poutres sont délimitées par le plan inférieur 12 et le plan de rupture 13.The framework 10 of the cluster comprises six cross members 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 delimiting these rows and two parallel beams 28, 29 joining these cross members outside the keys 11. The keys 11, in each row, being aligned along their long side, the crosspieces are parallel to these long sides. The crosspieces and the beams are delimited by the lower plane 12 and the rupture plane 13.

Chaque traverse comprend, face aux protubérances 19 des touches 11, des tétons 30 formant saillie et chevauchant ces protubérances sur les surfaces de rupture 20 précédemment définies. Ces tétons sont délimités par le plan inférieur et le plan de rupture, ce qui définit leurs épaisseurs. Une surface de rupture a des dimensions qui sont petites vis-à-vis de celles d'un téton, notamment de son épaisseur.Each cross member comprises, facing the protrusions 19 of the keys 11, studs 30 projecting and overlapping these protrusions on the rupture surfaces 20 previously defined. These nipples are delimited by the lower plane and the rupture plane, which defines their thicknesses. A rupture surface has dimensions which are small compared to those of a nipple, in particular its thickness.

Sur la périphérie de l'ossature 10, c'est-à-dire sur les traverses extrêmes 21, 26 et sur les poutres 28, 29, sont disposés des oeillets 33 dont l'axe est perpendiculaire au plan du clavier, ces oeillets étant en saillie vers l'extérieur de la grappe.On the periphery of the framework 10, that is to say on the end crosspieces 21, 26 and on the beams 28, 29, are arranged eyelets 33 whose axis is perpendicular to the plane of the keyboard, these eyelets being projecting outward from the cluster.

Certains détails de réalisation apparaîtront plus clairement sur les figures 5 et 6 qui représentent la touche 11 centrale de la première rangée de la grappe avec les portions des traverses 21, 22 qui lui font face, respectivement vues de dessous et vues en coupe.Certain construction details will appear more clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6 which represent the central button 11 of the first row of the cluster with the portions of the crosspieces 21, 22 which face it, respectively seen from below and views in section.

Une nervure 35, qui n'a pas été dessinée dans la figure 4, s'étend tout le long des traverses et des poutres selon les médianes de celles-ci. Elle est perpendiculaire au plan de rupture 13 et, ayant une épaisseur uniforme, se développe de ce plan jusqu'à un plan de contact 36. Ce plan de contact 36 est situé entre le niveau de butée, des butées l7, 18 et des protubérances 19, et le plan supérieur 14.A rib 35, which has not been drawn in FIG. 4, extends all along the crosspieces and beams along the medians of these. It is perpendicular to the fracture plane 13 and, having a uniform thickness, develops from this plane to a contact plane 36. This contact plane 36 is located between the stop level, stops 17, 18 and protuberances 19, and the upper plane 14.

Un oeillet 33 s'étend également du plan de rupture 13 au plan de contact 36. Il comprend une cavité 39 qui débouche sur le plan de rupture et qui se prolonge par un alésage 40 d'un diamètre réduit par rapport à la taille de la cavité. Cet alésage débouche sur le plan de contact 36 en s'évasant. Son diamètre est légèrement supérieur à celui des rivets 7 qui figurent sur le support 1.An eyelet 33 also extends from the rupture plane 13 to the contact plane 36. It comprises a cavity 39 which opens onto the rupture plane and which is extended by a bore 40 of a reduced diameter compared to the size of the cavity. This bore opens onto the contact plane 36 by flaring. Its diameter is slightly greater than that of the rivets 7 which appear on the support 1.

Les oeillets 33, en quantité égale aux rivets 7, sont disposés sur la grappe de manière à coïncider avec ceux-ci lorsque les touches 11 coïncident avec les alvéoles 2. L'ensemble des couples oeillet-rivet constitue un exemple de moyens de fixation de l'ossature 10 au support 1. Ces moyens de fixation, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, peuvent faire appel à toute autre technique d'assemblage connue telle que le collage, la déformation à chaud, etc...The eyelets 33, in an amount equal to the rivets 7, are arranged on the cluster so as to coincide with the latter when the keys 11 coincide with the cells 2. The set of eyelet-rivet pairs constitutes an example of fastening means for the framework 10 to the support 1. These fixing means, without departing from the scope of the invention, can use any other known assembly technique such as gluing, hot deformation, etc.

Il découle de ce qui précède que la grappe de touches est prévue pour s'encastrer dans le support 1, les touches 11 dans les alvéoles 2, les oeillets 33 autour des rivets 7, le plan de contact 36 de la grappe se superposant au plan d'appui 5 du support. Une vue partielle du clavier dans cette disposition apparaît à la figure 7 où sont représentés les éléments présents dans les figure 5 et 6.It follows from the above that the cluster of keys is provided for fitting into the support 1, the keys 11 in the cells 2, the eyelets 33 around the rivets 7, the contact plane 36 of the cluster overlapping the plane support 5 of the support. A partial view of the keyboard in this arrangement appears in FIG. 7 where the elements present in FIGS. 5 and 6 are represented.

La réalisation définitive du clavier nécessite deux opérations, la fixation de l'ossature 10 au support 1 et la séparation des touches 11 de l'ossature.The final realization of the keyboard requires two operations, the fixing of the framework 10 to the support 1 and the separation of the keys 11 from the framework.

La fixation de l'ossature au support se réalise de manière simple en écrasant les têtes des rivets 7, ce qui peut être réalisé avec un seul outil.The fixing of the frame to the support is carried out in a simple manner by crushing the heads of the rivets 7, which can be carried out with a single tool.

La séparation des touches de l'ossature est présentée en cours de réalisation dans la figure 8. Un outil 43 symbolisé par un trait tireté est appliqué sur la base de la touche 11. Une pression symbolisée par une flèche 44 est appliquée sur cet outil, perpendiculairement au plan du support 1, en direction de l'alvéole. La touche 11 va alors se séparer de l'ossature par rupture selon les surfaces de rupture 20 dimensionnées à cet effet ou selon des surfaces qui leurs sont très proches. Une telle surface de rupture constitue en effet le point le plus fragile de l'assemblage étant donné que ses dimensions sont bien inférieures aux dimensions d'une protubérance 19 d'une part et à celles d'un téton 30 d'autre part. La touche 11 peut alors se déplacer en translation selon un axe perpendiculaire au support 1 entre deux positions :

  • la première position correspondant au contact d'une protubérance 19 sur le plan d'appui 3 du support,
  • la deuxième position correspondant au contact d'une protubérance 19 sur le téton 30 qui lui est associé.
The separation of the keys from the framework is presented during production in FIG. 8. A tool 43 symbolized by a dashed line is applied to the base of the key 11. A pressure symbolized by an arrow 44 is applied to this tool, perpendicular to the plane of the support 1, in the direction of the cell. The key 11 will then separate from the framework by breaking according to the breaking surfaces 20 dimensioned for this purpose or according to surfaces which are very close to them. Such a breaking surface in fact constitutes the most fragile point of the assembly since its dimensions are much smaller than the dimensions of a protuberance 19 on the one hand and those of a stud 30 on the other hand. The button 11 can then move in translation along an axis perpendicular to the support 1 between two positions:
  • the first position corresponding to the contact of a protuberance 19 on the support plane 3 of the support,
  • the second position corresponding to the contact of a protuberance 19 on the stud 30 which is associated with it.

La touche 11 est ainsi captive du clavier.Key 11 is thus captive of the keyboard.

La séparation d'une seule touche 11 a été décrite ; la séparation de l'ensemble des touches de manière simultanée se réalisera par une simple adaptation de l'outil qui pressera toutes les touches en échappant les traverses et les poutres.One key separation 11 has been described; the separation of all the keys simultaneously will be achieved by a simple adaptation of the tool which will press all the keys while escaping the crosspieces and the beams.

De plus, les deux étapes d'assemblage du clavier ont été présentées comme se succèdant pour améliorer la clarté de l'exposé. Ces deux étapes peuvent être réalisées à l'aide d'un seul outil qui lors de son déplacement commence par détacher les touches et termine en écrasant les têtes des rivets 7. La chronologie des deux phases est pratiquement impérative du fait que, lorsque un rivet est écrasé il est difficile de faire à nouveau progresser l'outil sans risquer de détériorer ce rivet ou l'oeillet qui lui est associé.In addition, the two steps of assembling the keyboard were presented as successive to improve the clarity of the presentation. These two stages can be carried out using a single tool which, during its movement, begins by detaching the keys and ends by crushing the heads of the rivets 7. The chronology of the two phases is practically imperative because, when a rivet is crushed it is difficult to advance the tool again without risking damaging this rivet or the eyelet associated with it.

L'invention a été décrite pour un clavier de 15 touches rectangulaires. Elle s'applique à tout clavier comprenant un nombre quelconque de touches qui peut éventuellement se réduire à l'unité. Dans ce cas, le terme de clavier devenant impropre, on parlera plutôt de bouton poussoir. La forme des touches, de même peut être totalement différente sans pour autant sortie du cadre de l'invention.The invention has been described for a keyboard of 15 rectangular keys. It applies to any keyboard comprising any number of keys which can possibly be reduced to unity. In this case, the term keyboard becoming improper, we will rather speak of push button. The shape of the keys, likewise can be totally different without departing from the scope of the invention.

En outre, le nombre de protubérances, de butées et de tétons a été donné à titre d'exemple. Le nombre peut être diminué ou augmenté tout en restant dans les limites de l'invention. De même, ces éléments peuvent prendre des formes variées, pourvu qu'ils respectent les spécifications nécessaires qui seules ont été soulignées au cours de la description.In addition, the number of protrusions, stops and pins has been given as an example. The number can be decreased or increased while remaining within the limits of the invention. Likewise, these elements can take various forms, provided that they respect the necessary specifications which alone have been underlined during the description.

Ainsi les surface de rupture 20, qui dans l'exemple présenté sont parallèles au plan de rupture peuvent prendre une inclinaison différente si elles sont suffisamment éloignées d'un plan perpendiculaire à ce plan de rupture, condition nécessaire pour que les touches restent captives de l'ensemble support-ossature.Thus the rupture surfaces 20, which in the example presented are parallel to the rupture plane can take a different inclination if they are sufficiently distant from a plane perpendicular to this rupture plane, a condition necessary for the keys to remain captive of the frame support.

Claims (3)

Clavier à touches captives comprenant un support (1) pourvu de plusieurs alvéoles (2), plusieurs touches (11) introduites chacune dans un alvéole, ces touches provenant d'une grappe qui incorpore également une ossature (10), chacune desdites touches étant reliée à cette ossature dans une conformation initiale et étant détachée de celle-ci selon une surface de rupture (20) au moins dans une conformation finale, lesdites touches (11) étant de plus disposées dans ladite grappe selon une configuration qui coïncide avec celles desdits alvéoles, caractérisé en ce que : - chacune desdites surfaces de rupture (20) d'une touche est inclinée par rapport à la direction d'introduction de cette touche, - ladite ossature (10) est fixée en coïncidence contre ledit support (1) par des moyens de fixation. Keyboard with captive keys comprising a support (1) provided with several cells (2), several keys (11) each introduced into a cell, these keys coming from a cluster which also incorporates a framework (10), each of said keys being connected to this frame in an initial conformation and being detached from the latter according to a breaking surface (20) at least in a final conformation, said keys (11) being moreover arranged in said cluster in a configuration which coincides with those of said cells , characterized in that: each of said breaking surfaces (20) of a key is inclined relative to the direction of introduction of this key, - Said frame (10) is fixed coincidentally against said support (1) by fixing means. Clavier à touches captives selon la revendication précédente caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de fixation comprennent des rivets (7) solidaires dudit support (1) qui coopérent avec des oeillets (33) solidaires de ladite ossature (10), les têtes desdits rivets étant écrasées après la juxtaposition de ladite ossature (10) et dudit support (1).Keypad keyboard according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said fixing means comprise rivets (7) integral with said support (1) which cooperate with eyelets (33) integral with said framework (10), the heads of said rivets being crushed after the juxtaposition of said frame (10) and said support (1). Clavier à touches captives selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé ce que lesdites surfaces de rupture (20) sont sensiblement parallèles aux bases desdites touches (11) auxquelles elles sont associées.Keypad keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said rupture surfaces (20) are substantially parallel to the bases of said keys (11) with which they are associated.
EP90124541A 1989-12-28 1990-12-18 Keybord with captive keys Expired - Lifetime EP0435131B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8917344 1989-12-28
FR8917344A FR2656735B1 (en) 1989-12-28 1989-12-28 CAPTIVE KEYBOARD.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0435131A1 true EP0435131A1 (en) 1991-07-03
EP0435131B1 EP0435131B1 (en) 1995-06-21

Family

ID=9389083

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90124541A Expired - Lifetime EP0435131B1 (en) 1989-12-28 1990-12-18 Keybord with captive keys

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0435131B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE124166T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69020322T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0435131T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2073500T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2656735B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0725411A2 (en) * 1995-02-02 1996-08-07 PEISA S.r.L. Electrical switch and method of its fabrication
EP1978534A2 (en) 2007-04-04 2008-10-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Keyboard for a household appliance and method for its installation

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008010217B3 (en) * 2008-02-20 2009-09-10 Preh Gmbh Switch panel assembly with control and cover from a common base and a motor vehicle and a household appliance so

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3860771A (en) * 1973-10-29 1975-01-14 Chomerics Inc Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means
EP0064041A1 (en) * 1981-04-09 1982-11-03 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson Method of manufacturing a push button keyboard
EP0091284A2 (en) * 1982-04-02 1983-10-12 Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.p.A. Contact keyboard and method of its manufacture
US4609791A (en) * 1984-12-20 1986-09-02 Itt Corporation Flexible diaphragm keypad and method of manufacture
US4638151A (en) * 1984-05-25 1987-01-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Keyboard of an electronic apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3860771A (en) * 1973-10-29 1975-01-14 Chomerics Inc Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means
EP0064041A1 (en) * 1981-04-09 1982-11-03 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson Method of manufacturing a push button keyboard
EP0091284A2 (en) * 1982-04-02 1983-10-12 Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.p.A. Contact keyboard and method of its manufacture
US4638151A (en) * 1984-05-25 1987-01-20 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Keyboard of an electronic apparatus
US4609791A (en) * 1984-12-20 1986-09-02 Itt Corporation Flexible diaphragm keypad and method of manufacture

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0725411A2 (en) * 1995-02-02 1996-08-07 PEISA S.r.L. Electrical switch and method of its fabrication
EP0725411A3 (en) * 1995-02-02 1998-04-01 VERDA s.r.l. Electrical switch and method of its fabrication
EP1978534A2 (en) 2007-04-04 2008-10-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Keyboard for a household appliance and method for its installation
EP1978534A3 (en) * 2007-04-04 2009-10-28 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Keyboard for a household appliance and method for its installation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69020322D1 (en) 1995-07-27
ES2073500T3 (en) 1995-08-16
EP0435131B1 (en) 1995-06-21
DE69020322T2 (en) 1995-11-02
ATE124166T1 (en) 1995-07-15
FR2656735A1 (en) 1991-07-05
DK0435131T3 (en) 1995-10-30
FR2656735B1 (en) 1996-04-26

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