EP0968508B1 - Key - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0968508B1
EP0968508B1 EP99927567A EP99927567A EP0968508B1 EP 0968508 B1 EP0968508 B1 EP 0968508B1 EP 99927567 A EP99927567 A EP 99927567A EP 99927567 A EP99927567 A EP 99927567A EP 0968508 B1 EP0968508 B1 EP 0968508B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
intermediate part
recess
accordance
key head
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99927567A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0968508A2 (en
Inventor
Hans Richter
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.)
Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik
Original Assignee
Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik filed Critical Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik
Publication of EP0968508A2 publication Critical patent/EP0968508A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0968508B1 publication Critical patent/EP0968508B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/12—Push-buttons
    • H01H3/122—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor
    • 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
    • H01H13/702—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/01—Off centre actuation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H01H2221/026—Guiding or lubricating nylon
    • H01H2221/028—Telescopic guiding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/036—Minimise height

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a push button according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the reset part consists of an elastically deformable material and is pot-shaped.
  • a contact point is provided in the middle a push of a button comes into contact with a conductor track of a circuit board on which the Base part is arranged.
  • the wall of the reset part With a push of a button, the wall of the reset part S-shaped.
  • the lower part of the button head is in a recess of the Base part led. This guidance must be a tilt-free actuation of the key head ensure, otherwise the contact of the push button is not ensured. As a result of this guidance, the lower part of the key head is made relatively long and the recess in the base part is relatively deep.
  • a push button according to the preamble of claim 1 is from a document EP 0 499 449 A1 is known.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a flat push button in which a tilt-free actuation of the key head is guaranteed.
  • the push button consists of four parts, namely the base part 1, an intermediate part 2, a button head 3 and a reset part 4.
  • the reset part 4 is cup-shaped and consists of an elastic deformable material. On the floor is in the middle of a downward-facing one Projection arranged a contact surface 5. When the button is pressed, this comes in Contact with a circuit board 6 on which the base part 1 is arranged.
  • the base part 1 has a circular cylindrical recess 7. On the wall of the Recess 7 has four grooves 8 formed on it, which are oblique to the key axis 9 run. A nose 10 is formed in each of these grooves 8 at the upper end.
  • the intermediate part 2 is circular cylindrical. On the outer circumference of the Between the part 2 four springs 11 are provided, the slope of which is equal to that Oblique course of the grooves 8 corresponds.
  • the springs 11 have at their lower end one nose 12 each.
  • the springs 11 are in engagement with the grooves 8. Im when the pushbutton is not pressed, the lugs 10, 12 abut one another, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the lower part of the key head 3 is circular in cross section.
  • the Wall of the lower part 14 has four grooves 15.
  • the grooves 15 have the same slope as the springs 13 which engage in the grooves 15.
  • the grooves 8 and 15 and tongues 11 and 13 preferably have one helical course.
  • the upward movement of the key head 3 is also limited by Noses 16, 17 in the upper area of the springs 13 and in the lower area of the Grooves 15 are provided.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A key for a keyboard consisting of a base part (1) with a recess (7), an intermediate part (2), a key head (3) and an elastic return part (4). The cylindrical intermediate part (2) is arranged between the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and the recess (7), with the intermediate part (2) moving into the recess (7) when the key head (3) is pressed. The intermediate part (2) is in a screw-like engagement with the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and with the recess (7) in each case, with the one engagement running in the opposite direction to the other engagement.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Drucktaste nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a push button according to the preamble of claim 1.

Derartige Drucktasten finden beispielsweise Verwendung bei Tastaturen von Laptops. Das Rückstellteil besteht hierbei aus einem elastisch verformbaren Material und ist topfförmig ausgebildet. Mittig ist eine Kontaktstelle vorgesehen, die bei einem Tastendruck in Kontakt tritt mit einer Leiterbahn einer Platine, auf welcher das Basisteil angeordnet ist. Bei einem Tastendruck wird die Wandung des Rückstellteils S-förmig deformiert. Der untere Teil des Tastenkopfs ist in einer Ausnehmung des Basisteils geführt. Diese Führung muß eine kippfreie Betätigugn des Tastenkopfs gewährleisten, da sonst die Kontaktgabe der Drucktaste nicht sichergestellt ist. Infolge dieser Führung ist der untere Teil des Tastenkopfs relativ lang ausgebildet und die Ausnehmung in Basisteil relativ tief.Such pushbuttons are used, for example, on keyboards from Laptops. The reset part consists of an elastically deformable material and is pot-shaped. A contact point is provided in the middle a push of a button comes into contact with a conductor track of a circuit board on which the Base part is arranged. With a push of a button, the wall of the reset part S-shaped. The lower part of the button head is in a recess of the Base part led. This guidance must be a tilt-free actuation of the key head ensure, otherwise the contact of the push button is not ensured. As a result of this guidance, the lower part of the key head is made relatively long and the recess in the base part is relatively deep.

Eine Drucktaste nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ist aus Dokument EP 0 499 449 A1 bekannt.A push button according to the preamble of claim 1 is from a document EP 0 499 449 A1 is known.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine flachbauende Drucktaste zu schaffen, bei der eine kippfreie Betätigung des Tastenkopfs gewährleistet ist.The object of the invention is to provide a flat push button in which a tilt-free actuation of the key head is guaranteed.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruches 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind den Unteransprüchen entnehmbar.This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous Refinements can be found in the subclaims.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der gemäß der Erfindung ausgebildeten Drucktaste ist nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Drucktaste im nichtbetätigten Zustand nach der Linie A - A der Figur 3,
Figur 2
einen Vertikalschnitt durch die Drucktaste nach Figur 1 bei betätigtem Tastenkopf nach der Linie A - B der Figur 3,
Figur 3
eine Horizontalschnitt durch die Drucktaste nach Figur 1, und
Figur 4
das Zwischenteil der Drucktaste nach Figur 1 in Seitenansicht.
An embodiment of the push button designed according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:
Figure 1
3 shows a vertical section through the pushbutton in the non-actuated state along the line AA in FIG. 3,
Figure 2
2 shows a vertical section through the push button according to FIG. 1 with the button head actuated along the line A - B of FIG. 3,
Figure 3
a horizontal section through the push button of Figure 1, and
Figure 4
the intermediate part of the push button of Figure 1 in side view.

Die Drucktaste besteht aus vier Teilen, nämlich dem Basisteil 1, einem Zwischenteil 2, einem Tastenkopf 3 sowie einem Rückstellteil 4.The push button consists of four parts, namely the base part 1, an intermediate part 2, a button head 3 and a reset part 4.

Das Rückstellteil 4 ist topfförmig ausgebildet und besteht aus einem elastisch verformbaren Material. Am Boden ist mittig auf einem nach unten weisenden Vorsprung eine Kontaktfläche 5 angeordnet. Bei gedrückter Taste kommt diese in Kontakt mit einer Leiterplatine 6, auf welcher das Basisteil 1 angeordnet ist.The reset part 4 is cup-shaped and consists of an elastic deformable material. On the floor is in the middle of a downward-facing one Projection arranged a contact surface 5. When the button is pressed, this comes in Contact with a circuit board 6 on which the base part 1 is arranged.

Das Basisteil 1 weist eine kreiszylindrische Ausnehmung 7 auf. An der Wand der Ausnehmung 7 sind vier Nuten 8 angeformt, welche schräg zur Tastenachse 9 verlaufen. In diesen Nuten 8 ist am oberen Ende jeweils eine Nase 10 angeformt.The base part 1 has a circular cylindrical recess 7. On the wall of the Recess 7 has four grooves 8 formed on it, which are oblique to the key axis 9 run. A nose 10 is formed in each of these grooves 8 at the upper end.

Das Zwischenteil 2 ist kreiszylindrisch ausgebildet. An dem Außenumfang des Zwischenteils 2 sind vier Federn 11 vorgesehen, deren Schrägverlauf gleich dem Schrägverlauf der Nuten 8 entspricht. An ihrem unteren Ende weisen die Federn 11 jeweils eine Nase 12 auf. Die Federn 11 stehen in Eingriff mit den Nuten 8. Im nichtgedrückten Zustand der Drucktaste liegen die Nasen 10, 12 aneinander an, wie dies in Figur 1 gezeigt ist. The intermediate part 2 is circular cylindrical. On the outer circumference of the Between the part 2 four springs 11 are provided, the slope of which is equal to that Oblique course of the grooves 8 corresponds. The springs 11 have at their lower end one nose 12 each. The springs 11 are in engagement with the grooves 8. Im when the pushbutton is not pressed, the lugs 10, 12 abut one another, as shown in Figure 1.

Am Innenumfang des Zwischenteils 2 sind vier weitere Federn 13 angeformt, welche ebenfalls schräg zur Tastenachse 9 verlaufen. Die Schrägstellung der Federn 13 ist entgegengesetzt zu der Schrägstellung der Federn 11.Four further springs 13 are formed on the inner circumference of the intermediate part 2, which springs also run obliquely to the key axis 9. The inclination of the springs 13 is opposite to the inclination of the springs 11.

Der untere Teil des Tastenkopfs 3 ist im Querschnitt kreisringförmig ausgebildet. Die Wandung des unteren Teils 14 weist vier Nuten 15 auf. Die Nuten 15 weisen den gleichen Schrägverlauf auf wie die Federn 13, die in die Nuten 15 eingreifen.The lower part of the key head 3 is circular in cross section. The Wall of the lower part 14 has four grooves 15. The grooves 15 have the same slope as the springs 13 which engage in the grooves 15.

Wird der Tastenkopf 3 niedergedrückt, dann führt infolge des Eingriffs zwischen den Nuten 15 und den Federn 13 und infolge des Eingriffs zwischen den Nuten 8 und den Federn 11 und infolge deren entgegengesetzter Schrägstellung das Zwischenteil 2 eine Drehbewegung aus. Diese Drehbewegung ist in Figur 2 durch den Pfeil verdeutlicht. Diese Drehbewegung findet auch statt, wenn der Tastenkopf 3 nur an seinem Rand berührt wird. Die Linearbewegung des Tastenkopfs 3 wird also in eine Drehbewegung des Zwischenteils 2 umgesetzt. Infolge der entgegengesetzten Schrägstellung der Nuten 15 und Federn 11 zu denjenigen der Nuten 15 und Federn 13 verdreht sich der Tastenkopf 3 nicht relativ zum Basisteil 1.If the button head 3 is depressed, then leads due to the engagement between the Grooves 15 and the springs 13 and due to the engagement between the grooves 8 and the springs 11 and due to their opposite inclination Intermediate part 2 a rotary movement. This rotary movement is shown in FIG shows the arrow. This rotary movement also takes place when the button head 3 only touched on its edge. The linear movement of the key head 3 is thus implemented in a rotational movement of the intermediate part 2. As a result of opposite inclination of the grooves 15 and springs 11 to those of the Grooves 15 and tongues 13 do not rotate the key head 3 relative to the base part 1.

Die Nuten 8 bzw. 15 und Federn 11 bzw. 13 weisen bevorzugt einen wendelförmigen Verlauf auf.The grooves 8 and 15 and tongues 11 and 13 preferably have one helical course.

Die Begrenzung der Aufwärtsbewegung des Tastenkopfs 3 erfolgt ebenfalls durch Nasen 16, 17, die im oberen Bereich der Federn 13 und im unteren Bereich der Nuten 15 vorgesehen sind.The upward movement of the key head 3 is also limited by Noses 16, 17 in the upper area of the springs 13 and in the lower area of the Grooves 15 are provided.

Claims (12)

  1. A key, in particular for a keyboard, with a movable key head (3), a base part (1) incorporating a recess (7) and an elastically deformable return part (4) arranged between the key head and the base part, in which the bottom cylindrical part (14) of the key head (3) plunges into the recess (7) when the key head (3) is pressed down against the force of the return part (4),
    characterized in that,
    a cylindrical intermediate part (2) is arranged between the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and the recess (7), and when the key head (3) is pressed, this intermediate part (2), which is in a screw-like engagement with the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) on the one hand and with the recess (7) on the other hand, plunges into the recess (7), with the engagement at either end of the intermediate part (2) being in a different direction.
  2. The key in accordance with Claim 1,
    characterized in that,
    the engagements are formed by slot/spring connections (8; 11; 15; 13) running at an angle to the key axis (9).
  3. The key in accordance with Claim 2,
    characterized in that,
    there are grooves (8) formed into the base part (1) and springs (11) formed onto the intermediate part (2) engage in these grooves (8).
  4. The key in accordance with Claim 2 or 3,
    characterized in that,
    grooves (15) are formed into the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) and springs (13) formed onto the intermediate part (2) engage in these grooves (15).
  5. The key in accordance with Claim 4,
    characterized in that,
    the grooves (15) on the bottom part (14) are formed as slots which cut through the wall of the bottom part (14).
  6. The key in accordance with one of Claims 2 to 5,
    characterized in that,
    at least three groove/spring connections (8; 11; 15; 13) are provided between the intermediate part (2) and the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) on the one hand and between the intermediate part (2) and the base part (1) on the other hand.
  7. The key in accordance with one of Claims 1 to 6,
    characterized in that,
    the height of the intermediate part (2) is about the same as the height of the bottom part (14) of the key head (3).
  8. The key in accordance with Claim 7,
    characterized in that,
    the height of the intermediate part (2) approximately corresponds to the depth of the recess (7).
  9. The key in accordance with one of Claims 1 to 8,
    characterized in that,
    stops are provided between the intermediate part (2) and the recess (7) on the one hand and between the intermediate part (2) and the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) on the other hand, by means of which the movement of the key head (3) and of the intermediate part (2) is limited in the direction of the force of the return part (4).
  10. The key in accordance with Claim 9,
    characterized in that,
    the stops between the recess (7) and the intermediate part (2) are formed by projections (10) formed onto the top side of the recess (7) and by projections (12) formed onto the underside of the intermediate part (2).
  11. The key in accordance with Claim 9 or 10,
    characterized in that,
    the stops between the intermediate part (2) and the bottom part (14) of the key head (3) are formed by projections on the top side of the intermediate part (2) and by projections on the underside of the bottom part (14) of the key head (3).
  12. The key in accordance with Claim 10 or 11,
    characterized in that,
    the projections (10; 12) are formed on the ends of the grooves (8; 15) and the springs (11; 13).
EP99927567A 1998-01-22 1999-01-20 Key Expired - Lifetime EP0968508B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19802292A DE19802292C1 (en) 1998-01-22 1998-01-22 Push button
DE19802292 1998-01-22
PCT/EP1999/000313 WO1999038180A1 (en) 1998-01-22 1999-01-20 Key

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0968508A2 EP0968508A2 (en) 2000-01-05
EP0968508B1 true EP0968508B1 (en) 2002-09-25

Family

ID=7855332

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99927567A Expired - Lifetime EP0968508B1 (en) 1998-01-22 1999-01-20 Key

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US6284992B1 (en)
EP (1) EP0968508B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2001516499A (en)
AT (1) ATE225081T1 (en)
AU (1) AU738683B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2284219A1 (en)
DE (2) DE19802292C1 (en)
IL (1) IL131861A (en)
WO (1) WO1999038180A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7133033B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2006-11-07 Advanced Input Devices Uk Limited Actuator for a switch
FR2811468B1 (en) * 2000-07-06 2003-01-31 Mafelec PUSHBUTTON
TW519293U (en) * 2002-01-24 2003-01-21 Darfon Electronics Corp Button apparatus with a complex elastic unit
US6840537B2 (en) * 2002-02-08 2005-01-11 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Airbag module attachment arrangement
JP2004281291A (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-10-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Electronic equipment and pushing button used for the same
JP4302024B2 (en) * 2004-09-17 2009-07-22 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント Button structure, portable electronic device
JP4585394B2 (en) * 2004-09-22 2010-11-24 株式会社リコー Key top parts, operation keys and electronic equipment
FR3004849B1 (en) * 2013-04-23 2015-04-10 Legrand France ELECTRICAL SWITCH WITH MONOSTABLE CONTROL BUTTON
JP6165531B2 (en) * 2013-07-17 2017-07-19 富士通コンポーネント株式会社 keyboard
CN103887103B (en) * 2014-01-29 2016-01-27 苏州达方电子有限公司 Button and keyboard

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2848741A1 (en) * 1978-11-10 1980-05-22 Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag PUSH BUTTON FOR KEY SWITCHES
US5120923A (en) * 1989-10-06 1992-06-09 Takafumi Kato Push button switch
JP2557557Y2 (en) * 1991-02-12 1997-12-10 ミネベア株式会社 Key switch
US5306886A (en) * 1992-06-15 1994-04-26 Smk Co., Ltd. Keyboard switch
US5386091A (en) * 1993-04-08 1995-01-31 Compaq Computer Corporation Low profile keyswitch
DE19544702A1 (en) 1995-11-30 1997-06-05 Marquardt Gmbh Electrical switch
US5626223A (en) * 1996-07-01 1997-05-06 Packard Hughes Interconnect Company Cam-assisted switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1999038180A1 (en) 1999-07-29
US6284992B1 (en) 2001-09-04
EP0968508A2 (en) 2000-01-05
JP2001516499A (en) 2001-09-25
ATE225081T1 (en) 2002-10-15
AU3249999A (en) 1999-08-09
CA2284219A1 (en) 1999-07-29
IL131861A (en) 2003-09-17
AU738683B2 (en) 2001-09-27
DE19802292C1 (en) 1999-08-26
DE59902816D1 (en) 2002-10-31
IL131861A0 (en) 2001-03-19

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