EP3602596A1

EP3602596A1 - Key module

Info

Publication number: EP3602596A1
Application number: EP18713208.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eduard Ruff
Original assignee: ZF Electronics GmbH
Current assignee: Cherry Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2017-03-24
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2020-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-22
Also published as: US11101085B2; WO2018172468A1; US20200043680A1; US11521810B2; EP3602596B1; CN110520954B; CN110520954A; DE102017106406A1; US20210343488A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a key module (100) having a cover element (110) and a plunger (105), which has a carrier nose (135), wherein the plunger (105) is movably mounted by the cover element along a movement axis (200), wherein the plunger (105) has a cylindrical pushbutton carrier portion (160) in an opening region (210), in which the plunger protrudes through the cover element (160), and has at least one rib (170) on a guide portion (165) adjoining the pushbutton carrier portion (160) on an outer side (167). The key module (100) furthermore comprises a contact encoder unit (115) which is designed and arranged in order to be carried by the carrier nose (135) and a contact piece (120), which is designed and arranged for electrical contact closure together with the contact nose (140). Finally, the key module (100) comprises a housing element (130) for receiving the contact piece (120), the contact encoder unit (115), and the plunger (105), wherein the housing element (130) has, for receiving the guide portion (165) of the plunger (105), at least one receiving cup (175) having at least one recess (1100) for receiving the at least one rib (170) of the plunger (105).

Description

key module

The present invention relates to a key module according to the main claim. The key module may be used in a computer keyboard, for example. Most available key modules (which can also be referred to as a key module) are relatively high and can only be problematic integrated into the flat keyboards or notebooks. In conventional modules, a "clicking" variant based on the two-part tappet is also implemented in order to give a user of the key module an indication of an actuated key In the case of flat key modules, due to the lacking installation space, the clicking sound is realized by means of an additional mechanism. As a result, an electrical switching operation is decoupled from the process of generating the click sound, and thus is not synchronized with the generation of the clicking noise.Also, LED illumination is unilaterally designed on most known key modules, providing uniform illumination of a surface facing the user of the key module with an LED (especially keys with two or three symbols) is not possible.Furthermore, most key modules are relatively leaky due to cost reasons, so that when overshadowing, for example, water or aqueous liquids relatively quickly damage to the touch The weak points in the key module with regard to damage caused by liquids are specifically the electrical switching mechanism and a guide of the plunger. Furthermore, there is often a need for different key modules on the part of the user, for example with a linear force curve during actuation, with a pressure point for actuation, with a clicking sound when actuated and with different force-displacement profiles. However, such a variety requires for the key manufacturer an enormous vorzuhaltende variant variety of key modules, which are usually on a different production and thus cost-intensive to produce. Also, at low modules, the leadership of the ram when pressing such a key module, which increases the risk of jamming of the key. In a so-called "silent" version of a key module, a complex two- component plunger used, which significantly increases the total cost of the module. Also, a reduced overall height makes the mounting of electronic components (especially when using components based on SMD) on the upper side of a printed circuit board, in particular in connection with frame mounting, difficult or impossible. Finally, mounting on the underside of the key modules is also problematic because certain components should be attached directly to the modules. This results in considerable difficulties in the subsequent module soldering process (especially when using a solder wave), since all components would have to be covered. In addition, there is a danger of destruction of the electronic components due to electrostatic discharge (up to 8 kV).

Against this background, the present invention provides an improved key module according to the main claim. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description below.

The approach presented here creates a key module with the following features:

a cover element,

a plunger having a driving lug, wherein the plunger is movably guided and / or supported along a movement axis by the cover element, the plunger having a cylindrical Tastkappenträgerabschnitt in a passage area in which it protrudes through the lid member and at one of the Tastkappenträgerabschnitt adjacent guide portion has on an outer side at least one rib;

a contactor unit which is formed and arranged to be carried along by the dog nose;

a contact piece which is designed and arranged for electrical contact closure with the contact nose; and

a housing element for receiving the contact piece, the contactor unit and the plunger, wherein the housing element for receiving the guide portion of the plunger at least one receiving cup with at least one

Has recess for receiving the rib of the plunger.

The driving lug can be understood, for example, as a projection of the plunger, the other element in a movement in the direction of the movement axis as the contact nose engages behind and takes this. A movement axis may be understood to mean an axis along which the plunger is moved or is movable with respect to the cover element and / or the housing element. A contact piece can be understood to be an element which at least partially consists of an electrically conductive material and is fixed, for example, at a predetermined position in the housing element. A contactor unit can be understood to mean an element. The contact piece may, for example, serve as a counterpart to the contactor unit in order to close an electrical contact in the form of a switch. For example, a push-button support section can be understood as a section of the push-button to which a keycap can be attached, which, for example, bears a symbol to indicate to a user which key is to be pressed if he wishes to enter a desired symbol. A guide section can be understood as meaning a section of the plunger which is pressed into the housing element when the plunger is pressed down. A rib can be understood as meaning a wall or a protruding wing projecting laterally from the guide section, which is guided in a recess or slot-shaped opening of a receiving cup of the housing element when the guide section is inserted into the receiving cup of the housing element when the plunger is pressed down becomes.

The approach proposed here is based on the recognition that the cylinder-shaped Tastkappenträgerabschnitt, which is guided by advantageously through a circular opening of the lid member and at the same time the design of the guide portion with the rib or ribs, which in a corresponding recess or one each Recess guided in the receiving cup of the housing element is a very trouble-free and hook-free operation of the plunger along the axis of movement can be made possible. In this case, it can be ensured that both an upper region of the plunger is guided reliably and reliably through the probe cap carrier section, and that a lower region of the plunger is guided reliably and reliably through the aforementioned embodiment of the guide section. Furthermore, the special configurations can also be produced with technically simple means. Conveniently, an embodiment of Ansazes proposed here, wherein the plunger has at least a plurality of ribs on its outer side, in particular, which are arranged in a cross shape, wherein the receiving cup of the housing element has a plurality of recesses, each for receiving one of the ribs of the plunger are. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the advantage of a particularly favorable twisting safety through the use of the plurality of ribs which extend from the outside of the plunger into corresponding expansions of the receiving cup and are supported on the side walls of this recess.

Particularly favorable is an embodiment of the approach proposed here, in which the plunger in the Berreich of the guide portion has an at least partially hollow cylindrical shaped portion, in particular wherein on one outer side of the hollow cylindrical shaped portion, the at least one rib is formed. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the possibility of keeping the at least one rib low in its height, so that a laying or breaking off of the rib can be prevented. At the same time, such a hollow cylindrical shaped portion offers advantages in terms of the stability of the guide portion of the plunger.

In order to further reduce tilting of the plunger during a depression along the movement axis, according to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, a guide punch of the housing element can intervene in the hollow cylindrical region of the guide section of the plunger.

The thinner the wall thickness of the at least one rib, the narrower the recess in the receiving cup can be, so that the plunger can be guided very well and without jamming during a depression along the axis of movement. For this reason, a further embodiment of the approach presented here is very advantageous, in which the rib of the tappet has a wall thickness which has a maximum of half a diameter of the Tastkappenträgerab- section, in particular a maximum of one third of a diameter of Tastkappenträ- gerabschnitt. According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the contactor unit may have a contact nose which is movable in the direction of the movement axis and transversely to the direction of the movement axis, wherein the housing element has a guide wall oriented obliquely to the direction of the movement axis, which is designed to make the contact nose out of one Rest position adjacent to the contact piece in the direction along and / or transverse to the axis of movement to deflect when the contact lug is taken with a depression of the plunger by the driving lug.

The contactor unit can have a contact nose which can be moved in different directions, wherein the contact nose can be understood as a region of the contactor unit in which an electrical contact with a corresponding counterpart can be closed. For example, a baffle can be understood to mean a strut or surface which is designed to deflect the contact nose in a direction along and / or transverse to the movement axis when the contact nose is entrained by the catch nose during movement of the pushrod along the movement axis and is deflected on the baffle. Such an embodiment of the approach presented here is based on the recognition that by using the driving lug on the plunger during a movement of the plunger along the axis of movement, ie upon depression of the plunger, the contact lug as the portion of the contactor unit, which is designed to be the most agile, taken and is guided along the baffle until the contact lug is laterally extended by the sliding along the guide wall so that it slides past the lug on the side and is thereby released to snap back to its original position, ie, the rest position. In this way, on the one hand, a click sound can be generated which is very close in time to an electrical contacting of the contact nose with the contact piece, so that the click sound can also be promptly perceived by a user of the key module as confirmation of the electrical contacting between two electrical contact points. The approach presented here offers the advantage that by the deflection and snapping back the contact nose of the contactor unit as part of an electrical contact switch a constructive Effort can be avoided to equip the key module with a unit for generating the click sound. In this way, a cost-effective and easy to produce button module can be created, which nevertheless has the most valued advantages of users.

According to a particular embodiment of the approach presented here, the housing element can be designed to guide the contact nose when the plunger is pressed down around the catch nose. Under such a lead around, for example, it can be understood that the contact nose at the time of this Umumführens has the greatest distance from the axis of movement. In this way, the contact lug can be released very easily and at a defined distance in order, on the one hand, to generate the clicking sound after snapping back and, on the other hand, to ensure the electrical connection reversibly repeatable after the pusher has been pressed down by a certain distance.

Another advantage is an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the contactor unit is designed to strike the contact nose after deflecting on the guide wall to the cover element. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of the formation of a defined stop surface on the cover element, which on the one hand can be correspondingly reinforced and, on the other hand, can be correspondingly structured and connected to further regions of the cover element to form a specific sound.

Also favorable is an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the contactor unit has at least partially a U-shaped section, in particular wherein the contact lug is arranged at one end of the U-shaped section of the contactor unit and / or wherein a U-shape of the contactor unit in a plane is formed, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the advantage of a contactor unit which is technically very simple to implement, in which, nevertheless, the contact nose has correspondingly desired mobility in different directions of movement. For example, the contactor unit can be designed as a correspondingly shaped or bent metal strip. Also conceivable is an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the contactor unit has a greater (mechanical) stiffness with respect to a movement of the contact nose in the direction of the movement axis, than a (mechanical) stiffness in the direction transverse to the movement axis. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here has the advantage that the contact nose moves significantly faster in the direction of the axis of movement when moving back after a lead over the driving lug, as transverse to the axis of movement. In this way, it is ensured that the click sound is essentially caused by a movement in the direction of the movement axis, which is designed to be uniquely repeatable and provides a sufficient snap path for the contact nose in order to generate the click sound to the user in a clearly perceptible manner. According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the contactor unit may have a surface section in the region of the contact nose whose surface is oriented obliquely to the direction of the movement axis, in particular the surface of which is aligned no longer, ie maximally, at an acute angle to the guide wall, in particular its Surface is aligned parallel to the baffle. This surface portion may be formed and arranged to slide along the guide wall. Such an embodiment of the approach presented here offers the advantage of a particularly low-friction sliding along the surface section on the guide wall. In this way, a possible low-power and reliable operation of the key module is achieved.

Particularly reliable and durable is an embodiment of the approach proposed here, in which the contactor unit in the region of the contact nose has a stop portion which is designed to abut against the cover element. In particular, the abutment portion may have a surface that is aligned substantially parallel to the lid member or a part of the lid member and / or wherein the stopper portion is formed by an angled portion of the contactor unit or the contact nose and / or wherein the tee portion has a greater length to the cover member has aligned surface as a thickness. To ensure a quick and repeated actuation of the key module, the return movement of the plunger along the axis of movement should be possible unhindered or only with little hindrance. Here, an embodiment of the approach proposed here is particularly advantageous, in which the driving lug of the tappet has at least one reset surface section which has a surface that is obliquely aligned with respect to the direction of the movement axis, in particular wherein the reset surface section is formed in order to reset the plunger to lead the contact nose to the drive lug herzu. In this way it can be ensured that during the return movement of the plunger into the rest position the contact nose or the Kotnaktspitze can be guided easily and without increased effort and the driving lug around. At the same time, it is also possible to generate a clicking sound again when resetting the plunger, in this case, for example, when the contact nose is lifted from the contact piece and returned to the contact piece after being passed around the catch nose.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment of the approach proposed here, in which the cover element in the region of an opening through which the plunger is guided, a cover edge having a surface obliquely to the direction of the movement axis and / or wherein the plunger in a passage area, through the Cover element is surrounded, having a plunger edge with a surface oblique to the direction of the movement axis. In particular, the cover flank can be arranged circumferentially around the opening in the cover element. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger edge can also be arranged circumferentially around the plunger in the passage region. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of a particularly tight closure between the cover element and the plunger, in particular for avoiding the entry of liquids into the button module. Particularly protected against ingress of liquids is a key module according to an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which a sealing element is provided which is arranged between the cover element and the housing element, in particular wherein the sealing element in a groove of the cover element and / or a groove the housing element is arranged or pressed. In particular, in such an embodiment, a capillary effect can be used to prevent the penetration of the liquid into the key module.

In one embodiment of the approach proposed here, which offers a particularly high protection against ingress of liquids into the key module, the sealing element can surround the region of the plunger, the contactor unit and the contact piece fluid-tight, in particular wherein the sealing element in the form of a labyrinth seal or as Labyrinth seal is formed. This can be achieved with a low cost of materials hermetic sealing of the most important for the function of the key module components.

According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the cover element may comprise at least one light-guiding element, in particular wherein the light-guiding element is at least partially annularly formed around a region in which the plunger is guided by the cover element. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of a particularly good illumination possibility of a button on the key module to be inserted key cap, so that the user can quickly grasp the meaning of the symbols on the key cap, clearly and reliably. In order to ensure the greatest possible protection against tilting of the plunger when pressing down, according to a further embodiment, the plunger on at least a portion of its outer surface protruding ribs or wings, which are designed in particular crosswise, and the cover member and / or the housing member recesses for receiving have the ribs or wings of the plunger.

According to a further embodiment, a key module can be configured in a particularly quiet manner by providing a shock absorber element which is arranged between the tappet and the housing element, in particular with the shock absorber element having a cylindrical or annular design. Such

Embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the advantage of using standardized conventional components such as rubber stoppers, which can produce a cost-effective variant of the low-noise button module. The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a module variant of a key module 100 with linear force-displacement curve; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention as a key module;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention as a key module;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a key module according to an embodiment of the approach presented here;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 as a key module;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 as a key module;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 as a key module;

Figure 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention as a key module;

Figure 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention as a key module in assembled form;

Figure 1 1 is a sectional view through the key module corresponding to the section A-A from the illustration of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a sectional view through the key module corresponding to the section B-B from the illustration of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the lid member with the integrated therein

light guide;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the plunger for use in a

Embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a housing element; Figure 16 is a side view of a key module which is installed on a printed circuit board;

Figure 17 is a side view of another button module, which was also installed on a circuit board; and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a key module on the housing element.

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

1 shows an exploded view of a key module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The key module or the key module 100 can be constructed as a modular construction kit and essentially comprises the components plunger 105, cover element 110, contactor unit 15, contact piece 120, compression spring 125 and housing unit 130. The plunger 105 comprises a catch nose 135, which, as will be explained in more detail in the following description, a contact lug 140 of the contactor unit 1 15 take and deflect out of a rest position. The contactor unit 1 15 is presently designed as a U-shaped metal element and thus electrically conductive. The contact lug 140 is arranged in one end of the contactor unit 15 and, in addition to a contacting tip 145, via which an electrical contact of the contactor unit 1 15 with the contact piece 120 can be closed, also further components, which will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, it can be seen that the key module 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a sealing element 150 which is mounted on the housing unit 130 and thus enables a fluid-tight closure or inclusion of the contactor unit 15, the lower part of the plunger 105, in particular the driving lug 135 - Light to thereby protect the functionality of the key module 100 best possible against externally applied liquids or ensure. The sealing element 150 may for example be configured circumferentially and / or have a triangular cross-sectional profile to intervene, for example, in a not shown in the figure 1 groove in the cover element 1 10 and thereby a To effect the best possible sealing effect. The compression spring 1 15 is in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 as a helical coil spring, for example made of metal, designed; However, it is also conceivable to use an alternative spring element such as a plastic spring or a fluid-filled pad to reset the plunger 15 1 after depressing back to its original position.

The key module 100 can be implemented cost-effectively in three variants. In essence, the actuating lug on the tappet 105, which is also referred to here as a driver lug 135, and in part a contour wall in the housing element 130, which is also referred to below as a guide wall, changes in particular.

The plunger 105 further has a cylindrical Tastkappenträgerabschnitt 160 (on which a not-shown in the figure 1 symbol-bearing key cap is clipped) in a passage region in which it protrudes through the cover member 1 10. In addition, the plunger 105 has at least one rib 170 on an outer side 167 on a guide section 165 adjoining the contact cap carrier section 160. By way of example, a wall thickness of the wing or wings 170 may amount to at most half, advantageously not more than one third, of a diameter of the cylindrical contact-cap carrier section 160.

In the assembled state of the key module 100, the guide portion 165 is received in a receiving cup 175 of the housing element 130, wherein the receiving cup, as will be described in more detail below, in the figure

1 not shown recesses for receiving a respective wing 170 of the guide portion 165 of the plunger 105 has. At the same time, the guide portion 165 may be formed as a hollow cylindrical portion 180, on the outer sides 167 of the wings or 170 are arranged. In the hollow cylindrical section 180, in the assembled state of the key module 100, for example, a guide punch engages in the receiving cup 175, so that the guide section 165 can be guided very robustly when the plunger 105 is moved or pressed down. By using the plunger 105 with the Tastkappenträgerabschnitt 160, which protrudes through a conveniently circular opening of the lid member 1 10, a possible verkantungsarme leadership of the plunger 105 can be realized at a depression of the plunger 105. This low-cantilevered guidance of the plunger 105 can be further improved during depression, even if the (or) wings 170 of the guide section 165 of the plunger 105 engage in the recess (s) of the receiving cup 175 and thus, on the one hand, guide the plunger 105 in the direction of movement during depression as well as on the other hand can ensure guidance against twisting. As a result, a very low-tilt operation of the plunger 105 of the key module 100 can be ensured.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a module variant of a key module 100 with linear force-displacement curve. The force-displacement curve can be realized as desired by adapting or selecting a suitable compression spring 125. It can also be seen from FIG. 2 that the plunger 105 can be moved in the direction of a movement axis 200 in relation to the housing element 130. This movement can be done for example by depressing the plunger 105, wherein after a key press on the plunger 105 by the restoring force of the compression spring 125 of the plunger is returned to its initial position shown in Figure 2 or rest position.

Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that in a passage region 210 in which it is guided through an opening 215 of the cover element 110, the plunger 105 has a plunger flank 220 which has a surface which is oblique to the plane

Movement axis 200 is aligned. In addition, the cover element 1 10 in the region of the opening 215, a cover edge 225 which includes a surface which is aligned obliquely to the movement axis 200. Specifically, the surface of the plunger flank 220 and the surface of the cover flank 225 may be aligned substantially parallel and unfold a sealing effect in the rest position of the key module 100 shown in FIG. 2 in order to prevent ingress of liquids into an interior region of the key module 100 as effectively as possible. Furthermore, the keys 100 comprises a shock absorber element 230 which is, for example, mounted or inserted on a guide punch 235 of the housing element 130 and which cushions a striking of the plunger 105 on this part of the housing element 130. In this way, a noise-reduced variant of a key module 100 can be produced. It is particularly favorable when, for example, a rubber stopper is used as the shock absorber element 230, which is cut off from a round bar stock and inserted into the guide punch 230, since such an exemplary embodiment can be produced very inexpensively. The guide punch 235 can also engage in an assembled state of the key module 100 in the hollow cylindrical portion 180 of the guide portion 180 in order to achieve additional guiding stability of the plunger 105 when pressed into the housing member 130.

At the same time it can be seen that upon depression of the plunger 105, the catch lug 135 presses on the contact lug 140 by means of a slanted flank and deflects it laterally, ie transversely or perpendicularly to an extension direction of the movement axis 200. Through the base 240, a deflection of the contact lug 140 in a direction along the extension direction of the movement axis 200 can be prevented in this embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein in this embodiment a solution for implementing a pressure point is used. In this case, a tactile sense of exceeding a certain path length of the plunger when depressing by the user of the key module 100 done. This tactile sensing can for example be realized in that the driving lug 135 has a projection in the direction of the contact nose 140, and thus at

Depressing the plunger is an increased low pressure by the user of the key module spend when the contact lug 140 to slide around the driving lug 135 around. This increased low pressure is felt by the user of the key module 100 and recognizes a certain distance by which the tappet 105 has already been pressed down. Through the base 240, a deflection of the contact lug 140 in a direction along the extension direction of the movement axis 200 can again be prevented in this embodiment, so that the tactile effect of the projection of the drive lug 135 can develop optimally. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, which uses a solution for implementing a print and click point. As a result, the advantages mentioned above are achieved very efficiently. The operation of the key module 100 will be described in more detail below using the embodiment shown in Figure 4, it being understood that also the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be used according to the following description.

Particular attention is given in the described with reference to the following figures click variant as an embodiment of a key module 100. In contrast to most world-known solutions in which a clicking sound is generated with an additional part to the electrical rear derailleur or additional mechanism is, according to the click introduced sound directly through one of the electrical switching contacts, for example by an impact of a portion of the contactor unit 1 15 on the cover element 1 10 or plunger 105 induced the approach presented here. Thus, it is only the components of the electrical switch contacts as part or component to provide the click and switch function required.

According to an embodiment of the approach presented here, the contactor unit 1 15 is designed so that at least a part of the contactor unit 1 15 as here the Kotnaktnase 140 three-dimensionally deflected (operated) can be. The contactor unit 1 15 is installed in a biased state in the switching module or the key module 100 so that, for example gold crosspoint contacts of the contactor unit 1 15 (which form, for example, the contact tip 145) and the fixed contact or the contact piece 120 are pressed against each other , With defined preload, a defined contact force in the switched (ie, electrically connected) state is set, which remains virtually unchanged over the entire service life. This bias or actuation movement takes place in the horizontal plane, ie, in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the movement axis 200. This applies in particular to the linear and pressure point variants of the key module 100 mentioned here. When the clicker variant according to an embodiment presented here, in addition to the electrical switching also a clicking sound is generated, the contactor unit 1 15 and the contact nose 140 as part of the contactor unit 1 15 by means of the actuating lug (d h., Mitnernase 135) in the direction of actuation or in the direction of the movement axis 200, that is, according to the representation in the figure 4 vertically deflected. As a result, the contact nose 140 is entrained in the direction of the movement axis 200 by the driving lug 135, the contact lug 140 being tensioned with respect to the rest position shown in FIG. After a defined actuation or movement path, the control contour of the contactor unit 1 15, ie the contact lug 140 on an inclined with respect to the movement axis 200 baffle 400 in the housing member 130 and is further actuation in addition to a vertical movement through the driving lug 140 additionally transverse to the direction the movement axis 200, ie, in the illustration of Figure 4 in the horizontal direction to the right, deflected.

In order to cause as little friction as possible when the contact lug 140 slides along the guide wall 400 and at the same time prevents tilting and thus malfunctioning of the key module 100, the Kotnaktnase 140 further comprises a surface portion 500, which aligned obliquely to the direction of the movement axis 200 is. Specifically, the surface of the surface portion 500 can be maximally aligned at an acute angle to the guide wall 400, wherein a particularly low sliding resistance can be achieved when Kotnaktnase 140 along the guide wall 400, when the surface of the surface portion 500 parallel to the guide wall 400 is aligned ,

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional illustration of a key module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the contact lug 140 is now deflected in a maximum deflection with respect to the movement axis 200. This means that the distance of the contact lug 140 to the movement axis 200 in this position is the largest. In this position shown in Figure 5, the contact lug 140 of the contactor unit 1 15 is disengaged from the catch nose 135 and guided around the driving lug 135 around. The better clarity is often in the nachfoglenden figures on the representation of the Compression spring 125 has been omitted, it being apparent that this compression spring 125 can be used in the illustrated embodiments of the key module 100 or is. From the point at which the contact lug 140 disengages, the contactor unit 1 15 or the contact lug 140 is again free and can both in the vertical (ie in a longitudinal direction of the movement axis 200) and in the horizontal direction in the figure 5 (ie in a direction transverse to the axis of movement 200), return to the original position or rest position.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 as a key module 100, with the contact lug 140 striking against a stop wall 600 of the cover element 110 after disengagement and thereby generating a clicking sound. However, according to the exemplary embodiment presented here, the (mechanical) rigidity of the contactor unit 1 15 in the vertical direction was designed to be significantly higher than in the horizontal direction, the contact nose 140 of the contactor unit 1 15 strikes a surface defined for this purpose (referred to here as an abutment portion 610) is) against the abutment wall 600 of the lid member 10 first and produces a desired defined click sound. The stopper section 610 may, for example, have a surface which is aligned substantially parallel to the cover element 110 or the stop wall 600 of the cover element 110. Also, the abutment portion 610 may be formed by an angled part of the contactor unit 1 10 and the contact tab 140 and, alternatively or additionally, a greater length of a surface facing the cover member 1 10 as a

Have thickness.

After abutment of the contactor unit or the contact lug 140 on the cover element 1 10 and the stop wall 610, the contactor unit 1 10 or the contact nose 140 moves in the horizontal plane, ie, to the plunger 105 and the contact piece 120 and the electrical contact is closed with a predefined force. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of dargestellen in the Figure 6 embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, now the contact nose 140 has now been performed again after striking the cover element 1 10 in the rest position and thus an electrical contact between the contact tip 145th the contactor element 1 15 and the contact piece 120 is closed.

After releasing the plunger 105, due to the restoring force of the compression spring 125, which is not shown in Figures 5 to 9wiewie reasons of better clarity clarity, the return of the plunger 105 takes place in the original position shown in Figure 4 , In this case, the contactor unit 1 15 or the contact nose 140 by a reset surface portion 700 of the driving lug 135, which is referred to as a slope of the plunger 105 in the right direction of the figure 7, d. H. horizontally or transversely to the direction of the movement axis 200 deflected. In this case, the contact lug 140 slides over the operating lug or the driving lug 135, strikes again, but on the plunger 105 and generates a second clicking sound, which may be less intense, for example, than the first click sound, which by striking the contact lug 140 on the Cover element 1 will be 10.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 as a key module 100, with the contact lug 140 now being moved through the reset surface section 700 from the right to the dotted area. h., Is deflected transversely to the extension direction of the movement axis 200 to bring the plunger 105 back to the starting position or original position or rest position.

The sound and the intensity of the clicking sound can be adjusted as desired by the deflection path, material properties of the contact tanner unit 15, distance to stop surface 610, rigidity and weight of the contactor unit or contact nose 140.

Due to the small size of the presented here embodiment of the key module 100, it is useful to the Verkantsicherheit the actuating guide for the operation or the depression of the plunger 105 in the key module 100 to improve. In order to achieve this with a limited length of a guide device for guiding the movement of the plunger along the movement axis 200, the lower guide, ie a guide device in the region of the housing element 130, should be as narrow as possible (for example approx. 1 mm) and the upper guide, ie a Führungseinhrichtung in the region of the cover element 1 10 and the plunger 105, as wide as possible (to a certain extent) are designed. This is a technical challenge, since a guide pin (usual design) with a diameter of 1 mm is not sufficient strength (for example, in the case of providing a version of Kunststoffmateiral) offers and, if necessary, would be very expensive made of special materials. For this reason, the plunger 105 has been designed in accordance with the embodiment presented here such that the upper guide in the region of the plunger 105 assumes a cylindrical shape with a large diameter (which is easy to manufacture). FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an open housing element 130 without the cover element 1 10 clipped in, but with the plunger 105 inserted. Visible is next to the housing member 130 nor the contact piece 120, the contactor unit 1 15 together with contact nose 140 and contact tip 145, the Anschlagabschnit 610, the guide wall 400, the sealing element 150 and the shock absorber element 230. Furthermore, the Tastkappenträgerabschnitt 160 of the plunger is still visible in a plan view, whereby crosswise arranged Tastkap- penträgerrippen 900 can be seen, which ensure a secure and rotationally fixed attachment of the tappet 105 to be patched or aufzusteckenden probes (which are not shown in Figure 9).

Figure 10 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100 in assembled form, i. h., With clipped lid member 1 10 and housing member 130 and disposed therein further components according to the above. The key module

100 is shown here in the depressed state, ie in the actuated state. Also shown are the layers of a first section AA and a second section BB through the key module 100, whose sectional views are described in more detail in the following explanations. FIG. 11 shows a sectional view through the key module 100 corresponding to the section AA in the representation according to FIG. 10. Since wings 170 are placed on a stable cylinder sleeve or the outside 167 of the guide section 165 of the plunger 105, which are located in the at least one (or several recesses 1 100 of the receiving cup 175 of the housing element 130, the overall rigidity of the plunger 105 is also given in conventional material designs Guide section 165 in the housing element 130 thus as recesses 1 100 for ribs (which may also be referred to as fins 170) designed the plunger 105, which are specially designed cross-shaped and provided, for example, with a blade width of about 1 mm here on the Seitenfläc hen the crosswise arranged wings 170 in the recesses 1 100 this Führungslabschnitts 165. Thus, in the two main load directions, the guide widths equal to the thickness of the crosswise arranged wings 170, so for example about 1 mm.

FIG. 12 shows a sectional view through the key module 100 corresponding to the section BB in the illustration according to FIG. 10. In addition to the cover element 110, the plunger 105 can still be seen, and furthermore the probe cap support ribs 900 are shown in the form of crosswise arranged ribs on which a rib is located can not be shown in the figure 12 key cap can be plugged. Furthermore, a light-guiding element 1210 of the cover element 110 can be seen, which is arranged at least partially annularly around an opening 215, through which the plunger

105 is passed. This light guide 1210 serves to improve the illumination of the key cap. In this case, the light-guiding element 1210 is guided in such a way that it protrudes from the cover element 110 (for example, as shown in FIG. 12, out of the plane of the drawing) and is formed from a transparent material. In particular, the light guide 1210 on the opposite side of the light source through the cover member 1 10 protrude and be transparent ausgestalte, so that on the back of the lid member 1 shown in Figure 12 10 also the light guide 1210 as at least partially round, around the plunger 105 around designed around Light guide 1210 is integrated inexpensively to radiate light as evenly as possible on a clipped onto the plunger 105 key cap can. In order to transport the light to a side opposite the cover element 11, the light guide 1210 has therefore been inexpensively integrated into the cover element 110 of the preferably at least partially ring-shaped light guide.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the cover element 110 with the light guide element 1210 integrated therein. The uniform emission of the light can occur at different areas of the cover element 110 by the introduction of reflecting structures or surfaces with different diffusion values on / in the light guide element 1210 or different positions of the Lichtleitelementese 1210 are designed.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the plunger 105 with the wings 1 100, the driving lug 135, the reset surface portion 700 and the ram flank 220th

By the interface between the cover member 1 10 with the cover flank 225 and the plunger 105 with the plunger edge 220, which form a conical annular stop, a relatively good positive sealing of the key module 100, at least in the unactuated state, ensured. In addition, in contrast to most known touch modules, the upper guide with the designed as a cylindrical hole sleeve, so a cylindrical guide portion 160 of the plunger 105, which can be guided in the opening 215. This embodiment prevents the penetration of foreign particles and liquids in large quantities, even during the entire actuation path, as already disclosed with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

Since it comes in the life of a keyboard again and again to be overshadowed aqueous liquids, certain resistance of the probe modules 100 should be ensured at least in the rest position against the ingress of liquids. Particularly sensitive to water or sugary liquids such as cola are the rear derailleur, so the electrical contacts as in this case the contactor unit 1 15 and the contact piece 120, and the components for guiding the Plunger 105, in particular the compression spring 125 and the wings 1 10 and the recesses 900, which would lead to a sticking to the inoperability of the key module 100. The robustness of the key module 100 is significantly improved, for example, by introducing a labyrinth seal as a sealing element 150 between the cover element 110 and the housing element 130 acting as a base. The labyrinth seal as a sealing element 150 protects the entire switching mechanism, ie the contactor unit 15 and the contact piece 120, and the components for guiding the plunger 105, as already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, against ingress of liquids such as water or sugary drinks and dust in harmful amounts. The aqueous liquids are stopped by the capillary action in the labyrinth seal as sealing element 150, so that they do not penetrate into the action module 100.

For some customer applications, it is desired that the keyboards have reduced noise. Currently, for example, MX-silent

Applicant modules applied a complex two-component technology. In this case, soft damping elements are injected at certain points in order to reduce the Geräuscheinwicklung in a strike of components on these parts. The production of such a key module 100 is thus very cost-intensive, limited in the selection of materials and requires special tools and processes.

In the approach presented here, a key module 100 is presented, in which this problem by, for example, an additional assembly of a rubber profile as a shock absorber element 230 (for example, in a round, quardatischen, etc ...

Form) as damping elements in the centering pin as a guide punch 235 provided.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a housing element 130 with the sealing element 150, the shock absorber element 230, the guide punch 235 and other components mentioned above. The shock absorber element 230 may be formed as a rubber damper and, for example prefabricated as an endless profile and cut to the desired length and mounted in the guide punch 235. Optionally, the damping element or shock absorber element 230 as a disc or ring in the guide punch 235 between plunger 105th and housing member 130 are installed. This approach has several advantages, for example, can be installed as needed and no additional tools are needed. Also, a wide variety of material is available for the shock absorber element 230 and there are only a small overall cost for the projection of such an optional shock absorber element 230. Further, an inside view of the housing member 130 with the receiving cup 175 and arranged in the receiving cup 175 recesses 1 100 can be seen, these recesses 1 100 are provided here as complete lateral slot-shaped openings in the receiving cup 175.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a key module 100 which is installed on a printed circuit board 1600, as can be used, for example, as a circuit board for a tactile feature. FIG. 17 shows a side view of another key module 100, which was also installed on a printed circuit board 1600, wherein the key module 100 was further inserted through a further printed circuit board as a mounting frame 1700 or held by this mounting frame 1700 during production. The mounting frame 170 may be used, for example, as a holding circuit board to ensure stable alignment of the key module 100 during the mounting operation of the key module 100 on the circuit board 1600. Here, the mounting frame 1700 may be arranged at a small distance above the circuit board 1600. A reduced overall height of the action modules 100 makes the mounting of often required electronic components (for example on SMD basis) on the upper side of a printed circuit board as a carrier of the truth module 100, in particular in connection with a frame assembly difficult or impossible. An assembly of the required components on the underside of such a printed circuit board is also problematic, since certain components should be attached directly to the action modules 100. This results in considerable difficulties in the subsequent key module soldering process (especially when using a solder wave), since all components would have to be covered. In addition, there is a risk of destruction of electronic components due to electrostatic discharges (up to 8 KV). When Solution to the problem, according to an embodiment of the approach presented here, placing SMD. Components (such as LEDs, diodes; resistors) may be provided below the key module 100 on the top of the circuit board.

18 shows a perspective view of a key module 100 on the housing element 130. Visible are the electronic components 1800 of the key module 100, which are protected by the housing member 130 of the key module 100 mechanically and against electrical discharges. A subsequent soldering process can be designed cost-effectively, since no components must be placed on the underside of the circuit board. The key module 100 can be placed directly on the mounting frame 1700, as can be seen in the illustration of FIG. 16, or held by means of additional mounting frames 1700, as can be seen in FIG. In either case, additional discharge protection may be provided by electrically connecting a protective structure on top of the circuit board 1600 or mounting frame 1700 to a ground line directly or through a discharge resistor (eg, 100-300 ohms).

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

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

100 key module

105 pestles

1 10 cover element

1 15 contactor unit

120 contact piece

125 compression spring

130 housing element

135 driving nose

140 contact nose

145 contact point

150 sealing element

160 Tastkappenträgerabschnitt

165 guide section

167 outside

170 wings, rib

175 receiving cup

180 hollow cylindrical section

200 movement axis

210 passage area

215 opening

220 ram flank

225 cover flank

230 shock absorber element

235 guide stamp

240 sockets

400 baffle

500 surface section

600 stop wall

610 stop section 700 reset area section

900 tasting cap ribs

1 100 recess

1210 light guide

1600 circuit board

1700 mounting frame

1800 electronic component

Claims

claims

1 . Button module (100) with the following features:

a lid element (110),

- a plunger (105) having a driving lug (135), wherein the plunger (105) along a movement axis (200) movably supported by the cover element (1 10), wherein the plunger (105) in a passage region (210) in that it protrudes through the cover element (1 10), has a cylindrical Tastkappenträgerabschnitt (160) and at one of the Tastkappenträgerabschnitt (160) adjacent guide portion

(165) has at least one rib (170) on an outer side (167);

- A contactor unit (1 15), which is formed and arranged to be taken from the driving lug (135);

- A contact piece (120) which is designed and arranged for electrical contact closure with the contact nose (140); and

- A housing member (130) for receiving the contact piece (120), the contactor unit (1 15) and the plunger (105), wherein the housing member (130) for receiving the guide portion (165) of the plunger (105) at least one receiving cup (175 ) having at least one recess (1 100) for receiving the at least one rib (170) of the plunger (105).

2. button module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plunger has at least a plurality of ribs (170) on its outer side (167), in particular which are arranged in a cross shape, wherein the receiving cup (175) of the housing element (130) a A plurality of recesses (1 100), each of which is adapted to receive one of the ribs (170) of the plunger (105).

3. key module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plunger (105) in the region of the guide portion (165) has an at least partially hollow cylindrical portion (180), in particular wherein on an outer side (167) of the hollow cylindrical shaped portion (180 ) the at least one rib (170) is formed. Button module (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that a guide punch (235) of the housing element (130) in the hollow cylindrical ausfornnten section (180) of the guide portion (165) of the plunger (105) engages.

The key module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rib (171) of the plunger (105) has a wall thickness which is at most half of a diameter of the Tastkappenträgerabschnitts (160).

Button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (1 10) in the region of an opening (215) through which the plunger (105) is guided, a cover edge (225) having a surface oblique to the direction of Moving axis (200) and / or wherein the plunger (105) in a passage area (210) which is surrounded by the cover element (1 10), a plunger edge (220) having a surface oblique to the direction of the movement axis (200).

Button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sealing element (150) which is arranged between the cover element (1 10) and the housing element (130), in particular wherein the sealing element (150) in a groove of the cover element (1 10) and / or a groove of the housing element (130) is arranged.

Button module (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing element (150) the region of the plunger (105), the contactor unit (1 15) and the contact piece (120) encloses fluid-tight, in particular wherein the sealing element (150) in the form a labyrinth seal or as a labyrinth seal is formed.

Button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a shock absorber element (230), which is arranged between the plunger (105) and the housing element (130), in particular wherein the shock absorber element (230) is cylindrical or annular.

10. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (1 15) in the direction of the movement axis (200) and transversely to the direction of the movement axis (200) movable contact nose (140), wherein the housing element ( 130) has a baffle (400) oriented obliquely to the direction of the movement axis (200), which is designed to move the contact nose (140) from a rest position adjacent to the contact piece (120) in the direction along and / or transverse to the movement axis (200 ) deflect when the contact lug (140) at a depression of the plunger (105) by the driving lug (135) is entrained.

1 1. Button module (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing element (130) is designed to guide the contact nose (140) on depression of the plunger (105) around the driving lug (135).

12. button module (100) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the contactor unit (1 15) is adapted to strike the contact lug (140) after a deflection on the guide wall (400) to the cover element (1 10) ,

13. button module (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the contactor unit (1 15) at least partially has a U-shaped portion, in particular wherein the contact lug (140) at one end of the U-shaped portion of the contactor unit (1 15) is arranged and / or wherein a U-shape of the contactor unit (1 15) is formed in a plane which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the movement axis (200).

14. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (1 15) has a greater stiffness with respect to a movement of the contact lug (140) in the direction of the movement axis (200), as a stiffness in the direction transverse to the axis of movement (200).

15 button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (1 15) in the region of the contact nose (140) has a surface portion (500) whose surface is oriented obliquely to the direction of the movement axis (200), in particular whose surface is aligned at most at an acute angle to the guide wall (400), in particular whose surface is aligned parallel to the guide wall (400).

16. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover element (1 10) has at least one light-guiding element (1210), in particular wherein the light-guiding element (1210) is at least partially annularly formed around a region in which the plunger (105) through the lid member (1 10) is guided.