EP3794623A1

EP3794623A1 - Key module

Info

Publication number: EP3794623A1
Application number: EP19724194.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eduard Ruff
Original assignee: ZF Electronics GmbH
Current assignee: Cherry Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2018-05-16
Filing date: 2019-05-14
Publication date: 2021-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-14
Also published as: EP3794623B1; WO2019219643A1; US20210175027A1; CN112106163B; US11380496B2; DE102018111707A1; CN112106163A

Abstract

The invention presents a key module (100) which has an operating element (105) which comprises a driver lug (135), wherein the operating element (105) is mounted in a housing element (130, 110) such that it can move along a movement axis (200). The key module (100) further comprises a contact maker unit (115) with a contact lug (140) which can move in the direction of the movement axis (200) and transversely in relation to the direction of the movement axis (200). The key module (100) also comprises a contact element (120) which is designed and arranged for electrical contact connection to the contact lug (140). Finally, the key module (100) comprises the housing element (130, 110) for accommodating the contact element (120), the contact maker unit (115) and the operating element (105), wherein the operating element (105) and/or the driver lug (135) have/has at least one structural element (400) which is designed in order to deflect the contact lug (140) out of an inoperative position adjacent to the contact element (120) in the direction along and/or transversely in relation to the movement axis (200) in the event of a defined movement of the operating element (105), and then to suddenly release it, so that the movable contact lug (140) returns to the inoperative condition, strikes the contact element (120) and/or strikes the housing element (130, 110), wherein electrical contact with the contact element (120) and an acoustic noise are produced.

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 on the basis of the two-part plunger is further realized in order to output a reference to an actuated button to a user of the button module. With flat key modules, due to the lack of installation space, the clicking sound is realized by means of an additional mechanism. As a result, an electrical switching operation is decoupled from the operation of generating the click sound and thus does not occur synchronously with the generation of the click sound. Also, LED illumination is unilaterally designed on most known key modules, providing even illumination to the user of the key module

facing surface with an LED (especially buttons with two or three symbols) is not possible. Furthermore, most key modules are off

Cost reasons relatively leaky running, so when overshooting of

For example, water or watery liquids can cause damage to the keyboards relatively quickly. The weaknesses in the key module with regard to

Liquids caused damage are specifically the electrical rear derailleur and a guide of the ram. 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 shortens with low modules, the leadership of the plunger in the operation of such a key module, which is the Tilting risk of the button increases. In a so-called "silent" version of a key module, a complex two-component ram is used, which significantly increases the overall 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. There is also the risk of destruction of the electronic components caused by

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: an actuating element having a driving lug, wherein the actuating element along a movement axis movable in a

Housing element is mounted;

a contactor unit having a contact nose movable in the direction of the movement axis and transversely to the direction of the movement axis;

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

the housing element for receiving the contact element, the

Contactor unit and the actuating element, wherein the actuating element and / or the driving lug has at least one construction element which is designed to deflect the contact nose from a rest position adjacent to the contact element in the direction along and / or transversely to the movement axis during a defined movement of the actuating element, then release suddenly, so that the movable contact nose returns to the rest position, abuts the contact element and / or the housing element, wherein an electrical contact with the contact element and an acoustic noise is generated.

Under an actuator, for example, a plunger can be understood. The driving lug can be understood, for example, as a projection of the actuating element, which engages with a movement in the direction of the movement axis, a further element such as the contact nose, deflects and / or this entrains. A movement axis can be understood to mean an axis along which the actuating element is moved or is movable relative to the housing element. A contact element may 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. Under the housing element, for example, a bottom element for receiving the contactor unit, the contact element and the

Actuating element can be understood, wherein the housing element may also further comprise a cover member as a further portion to encapsulate said components. A contactor unit can be understood to mean an element which has a contact nose which can move in different directions, wherein the contact nose can be understood as a region of the contactor unit in which an electrical contact with a contact element is made

corresponding counterpart can be closed. The contact element may, for example, serve as a counterpart to the contactor unit in order to close an electrical contact in the form of a switch. By a construction element, for example, a guide surface, a strut, a contour of the driving lug (in particular on its outer surface) or surface on the driving lug can be understood, which is designed to deflect the contact lug in a direction along and / or transversely to the movement axis, if the contact nose is guided during a movement of the actuating element along the movement axis, for example, is carried along by the driving lug and on the

Design element is deflected. For example, the housing element can have a cover element as a partial section, guided and / or supported by the actuating element. Also, the housing member for receiving the contact element, the

Contactor unit and at least a part of the actuating element to be formed. The actuating element and / or the driving lug can have a design element oriented obliquely to the direction of movement or a guide surface which is designed to bring the contact lug out of a rest position

adjacent to the Konktaktstück in the direction along and / or across to

To deflect the movement axis when the contact nose is taken or deflected at a depression of the actuating element by the driving lug.

The approach presented here is based on the recognition that by using the driving lug on the actuating element during a movement of the

Actuator along the axis of movement, d. H. when depressing the actuating element, the contact nose as the area of the

Contactor unit, which is designed to be the most agile, taken along and is guided along or around the construction element until the contact nose is laterally extended by the sliding along the construction element so that it slides laterally past the driving lug and thereby

(for example, abruptly) is released to its original position, d. h., the rest position, to snap back. 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 element, so that a user of the

Button module the click sound can also be promptly perceived as confirmation of electrical contacting between two electrical contact points. The approach presented here offers the advantage that through the

Bending and snapping back the contact nose of the contactor unit as a part of an electrical contact switch constructive effort can be avoided to equip the key module with a unit for generating the click sound. In this way, it can be a cost effective and easy

create button module to be produced, which nevertheless has the most valued advantages of users. According to a particular embodiment of the approach presented here, the Kontruktionselement may be formed to guide the contact lug upon depression of the actuating element around the driving lug around. 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 it is very easy and to a defined

Distance the contact nose released, on the one hand after a

Snap back to create the click sound and on the other hand the electrical connection reversibly repeatable after the depression of the

Actuator to ensure a certain way.

Also favorable is an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the housing element has a Wegbegrenzungselement to limit a path of movement of the contact nose in the direction of the axis of movement. Such an embodiment of the approach presented here has the advantage that a path of movement of the contact nose can be limited by providing the Wegbegrenzungselements, so that, for example, too strong clamping the

Contact nose can be avoided, which would cause a perceived by a user of the button module as clicking sound in the sequence.

Another advantage is an embodiment of the approach presented here, wherein the driving lug and / or the Kontruktionselement has at least one with respect to the orientation of the movement axis inclined guide surface, in particular wherein the guide surface in the direction of movement of the drive lug from a Urspungslage is preceded by. Alternatively or additionally, the contactor unit may be formed, the contact nose after a deflection of the structural element to the at least one portion of the

To strike housing element. Such an embodiment offers on the one hand the advantage of the formation of a defined surface for the lowest possible force and low friction deflection of the contact nose and on the other hand the provision of a stop surface on the housing element or cover element, on the one hand

can be strengthened accordingly and on the other hand to form a certain sound noise can be structured accordingly and connected to other areas of the housing element and / or cover element.

Also favorable is an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which the contactor unit at least partially has a U-shaped section, in particular wherein the contact nose is arranged at one end of the U-shaped portion of the contactor unit and / or wherein a U-shape of the

Contactor unit is formed in a plane which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement. Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here offers the advantage of a technically very simple

to be executed contactor unit, in which nevertheless the contact nose

has corresponding desired mobility in different directions of movement. For example, the contactor unit as appropriate

be formed 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 lug when moving back after a run over the

Driven nose moved much faster in the direction of the axis of movement, as transverse to the axis of movement. This will ensure that the

Click sound essentially by moving in the direction of

Movement axis is effected, which is designed uniquely repeatable and provides a sufficient snap path for the contact nose to generate the click sound for the user clearly perceptible.

Particularly reliable and durable is an embodiment of the here

proposed approach, in which the contactor unit in the field of

Contact nose has a stop portion which is adapted to the

Contact nose to the at least a portion of the housing element or the cover element to strike. In particular, the section may have a surface which are substantially parallel to at least a portion of the

Housing element or to the cover element or a part of the cover element is aligned and / or wherein the stopper portion is formed by an angled portion of the contactor unit or the contact nose and / or wherein the knock-off portion of a greater length to at least a portion of the housing element or the cover element having aligned surface as a thickness.

In order to ensure a quick and repeated actuation of the button module, the return movement of the actuating element 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 actuating element has at least one reset surface portion having a surface which is obliquely aligned with respect to the direction of the movement axis, in particular wherein the reset surface portion is formed in order to reset the

Actuator to lead the contact nose to the drive lug herzu. In this way it can be ensured that during the return movement of the

Actuating element in the rest position, the contact nose or Kotnaktspitze easily and without increased effort and the driving lug can be passed around. At the same time, the possibility of resetting the

Actuator once again to generate a clicking sound, in this case, for example, when the contact nose lifted from the contact element and after moving around the driving lug back to the contact element

is returned.

According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the contactor unit in the region of the contact nose may have a surface section whose surface is oblique to the direction of the movement axis

is aligned, in particular whose surface is no longer, so maximum, aligned at an acute angle to the reset surface portion, in particular whose surface is aligned parallel to the structural element. This surface portion may be formed and arranged to be attached to the Slip reset surface section along. Such an embodiment of the approach presented here offers the advantage of a particularly low-friction

Sliding the surface portion on the reset surface portion. In this way, a possible low-power and reliable resetting of the

Button module reached.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment of the approach proposed here, in which the at least one portion of the housing element or the

Cover element in the region of an opening through which the actuating element is guided, a cover edge with a surface oblique to the direction of

Has movement axis and / or wherein the actuating element in a

Passage region which is surrounded by the at least one portion of the housing element or the cover element, a plunger edge having a surface obliquely to the direction of the movement axis. In particular, the cover flank can be arranged circumferentially around the opening in the at least one section of the housing element or in the cover element. Alternatively or additionally, the

Plunger edge also circumferentially around the actuator in the

Passage be arranged. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of a particularly tight closure between the at least one section of the housing element or the cover element and the actuating element, in particular for avoiding the entry of liquids into the key module.

Particularly well 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 at least one portion of the housing element or cover element and the housing or bottom element, in particular wherein the sealing element in a groove of the at least one portion of the housing element or the cover element and / or a groove of the housing element or Floor 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 in the key module, the sealing element, the region of the actuating element, the

Enclose contactor unit and the contact element fluid-tight, in particular wherein the sealing element in the form of a labyrinth seal or as

Labyrinth seal is formed. This can be done with a small

Cost of materials a hermetic seal of the function of the

Key Modules key components can be achieved.

According to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the at least one section of the housing element or the cover element may comprise at least one light guide element, in particular wherein the light guide element is at least partially annularly formed around a region in which the

Actuating element is guided by at least a portion of the housing element or 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 actuating element during depression, according to a further embodiment, the actuating element in a passage region in which it protrudes through the at least a portion of the housing element or the lid member having a cylindrical Tastkappenträgerabschnitt and at one of the

Tastkappenträgerabschnitt adjacent guide portion on an outer side at least one rib and wherein the housing or bottom element for receiving the guide portion of the actuating element has at least one receiving cup with at least one recess for receiving the rib of the actuating element.

Special safe can be performed the actuator at a

Press down when the actuator in the Berreich of the

Guide section an at least partially hollow cylindrical shaped portion in particular wherein at least one rib is formed on one outer side of the hollow-cylindrical shaped section and / or wherein one

Guide stamp of the housing element engages in the hollow cylindrical section of the guide portion of the actuating element.

A key module according to another can be particularly quiet

Embodiment be configured in that a shock absorber element is provided, which is arranged between the actuating element and the housing element, in particular wherein the shock absorber element is cylindrical or annular. Such an 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 key module.

The invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a key module according to a

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

Figure 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;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a key module according to a

Embodiment of the approach presented here;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIG

Embodiment of the present invention as a key module;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of dargestellen in Figure 6

Embodiment of the present invention as a key module;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of dargestellen in Figure 7

Embodiment of the present invention 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 11 is a sectional view through the key module according 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 on a circuit board

is installed;

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 115, contact element 120, compression spring 125 and housing unit 130 (which may be synonymously referred to as a housing element, floor element or ground unit, wherein in the following description as

Housing element or housing unit without limiting the generality of lower part of the receiving body of the components of the key module 100 is understood, in principle, however, the Deckelelment 110 may be understood as part or portion of the Gehäuseiementees). The plunger 105 (which may also be synonymously referred to as an actuator) comprises a

Mitnehmerase 135 which, as will be explained in more detail in the following description, a contact nose 140 of the contactor unit 115 and can deflect out of a rest position. The contactor unit 115 is presently designed as a U-shaped metal element and thus electrically conductive. The contact nose 140 is arranged in one end of the contactor unit 115 and, in addition to a contacting tip 145, via which an electrical contact of the

Contactor unit 115 can be closed with the contact element 120, even more components, which will be described in more detail below.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the key module 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a sealing element 150, which is placed on the housing unit 130 and thus a fluid-tight closure or inclusion of the contactor unit 115, the lower part of the plunger 105, in particular the driving lug 135

in order to best protect or ensure the functionality of the key module 100 against externally applied liquids. The sealing element 150 may for example be designed 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 member 110 and thereby cause the best possible sealing effect. The compression spring 115 is in the embodiment shown in the figure 1 as a spiral

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 115 after depressing back to its original position.

The key module 100 can be implemented cost-effectively in three variants. Essentially, in particular, the driving lug on the tappet 105, which is also referred to here as a driving lug 135, and partly a

Contour wall as a structural element 140 in the housing member 130, the

hereinafter also referred to as a baffle. 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 area in which it protrudes through the cover member 110. 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 of the guide portion 165 is received in a receiving cup 175 of the housing member 130, the receiving cup, as will be described in more detail in the figure 1, not shown recesses for receiving a respective wing 170 of the guide portion 165 of the plunger 105 , At the same time the

Guide portion 165 may be formed as a hollow cylindrical portion 180, on the outer sides 167 of the wing 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 favorably circular opening of the cover member 110, a possible verkantungsarme leadership of the plunger 105 can be realized at a depression of the plunger 105. Can be improved again, this tilting guide of the plunger 105 during depression, although the (or) wings 170 of the guide portion 165 of the plunger 105 in the / the

Recess (s) of the receiving cup 175 engage and thus ensure on the one hand a movement of the plunger 105 in the direction of movement during depression as well as on the other hand a guide against rotation. Flierdurch can be a very tilting operation of the plunger 105 of

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 arbitrarily realized by adaptation or selection of a suitable compression spring 125. From the figure 2 it is further apparent that the plunger 105 in the direction of a

Moving axis 200 with respect to the housing member 130 can move. This movement can be done, for example, by depressing the plunger 105, wherein after a keystroke on the plunger 105 by the restoring force of the compression spring 125, the plunger is returned to its initial position or rest position shown in FIG.

Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 2 that the plunger 105 in a

Passage region 210, in which it is passed through an opening 215 of the lid member 110, a plunger edge 220 having a surface which is aligned obliquely to the movement axis 200. In addition, this also indicates

Cover member 110 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. This way you can have a

produce noise-reduced variant of a key module 100. It is particularly advantageous if, for example, a rubber stopper is used as the shock absorber element 230, which is cut off from a round bar stock and into which

Guide punch 230 is used, since such an embodiment can be produced very inexpensively.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional representation of a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein in this exemplary embodiment a solution is used to implement a pressure point. 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 be realized, for example, in that the

Mitnehmerase 135 has a projection in the direction of the contact lug 140, and thus when depressing the plunger, an increased low pressure by the user of the key module is spent 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 this a certain distance by which the plunger 105 has already been depressed.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, in which a solution to

Implementation of a print and click point is used. As a result, the advantages mentioned above are achieved very efficiently. The operation of the

Button module 100 will be described in more detail below using the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein it is obvious that the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS

can be used according to the following description.

Particular attention is given in the click variant described with reference to the following figures as an embodiment of a key module 100. In contrast to most world-known solutions, in which a

Click sound with an additional electrical part to the rear part or

is generated according to the approach presented here, the clicking sound directly through one of the electrical switching contacts, for example by an impact of a part of the contactor unit 115, especially the

Contact nose 140, after passing the drive lug 135 on the cover member 110 or plunger 105 induced. It is thus only the components of the electrical switching contacts as part or component to provide the click and

Switching function required. According to the embodiments of the approach presented here is the

Contactor unit 115 designed so that at least part of the

Contactor unit 115 as here the Kotnaktnase 140 three-dimensionally deflected (operated) can be. The contactor unit 115 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 115 (the

form, for example, the contact tip 145) and the fixed contact or the

Contact element 120 pressed against each other. With a defined preload, a defined contact force is set in the switched (that is to say, electrically connected) state, which remains virtually unchanged over the entire service life. This bias or actuation movement takes place in the horizontal plane, that is, in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the movement axis 200. This applies in particular to the linear and pressure point variants of FIG

Button module 100.

In the clicker variant according to an exemplary embodiment presented here, in which not only the electrical switching but also a clicking sound is generated, the contactor unit 115 or the contact nose 140 as part of the contactor unit 115 by means of the driving lug 135 also in the operating direction or in the direction the movement axis 200, that is vertically as shown in the figure 4, deflected. This is done by the driving lug 135 a

Construction element 400 having, for example, as a contour with a with respect to the movement axis 200 obliquely oriented guide surface 410. Flierdurch is at a depression of the actuating element 105 the

Contact nose 140 on the construction element 400 and the guide surface 410 initially taken as long as a force acting through the spring action of the contact element 115 in the direction of the movement axis 200 force component is smaller than a by the friction of the contact lug 140 on the guide surface 410 resulting force component. Additionally or alternatively, a movement path of the

Contact nose 140 in the direction of the movement axis 200 by a

Wegbegrenzungselement 430 are limited, which is formed for example by a part of the Gehäsueelementes 130. This way, on the one hand

ensures that repeatable a defined deflection of the contact nose 140 um a predetermined path of movement is ensured and thus a reproducible voltage of the contact tab 140 can be used to a reproducible click sound with a desired volume.

If the driving lug 135 is now further depressed, the contact lug 140 on the guide surface 410 transversely to the direction of the movement axis 200 through the

Driving nose 135, d. h., In the illustration of Figure 4 in the horizontal direction to the right, deflected, the contact lug 140 is further tensioned relative to a rest position. After a defined actuation or movement path of the actuating element 105, the contact lug 140 slides around the driving lug 135, wherein the contact lug 140 slides around a driving lug projection 420 and thus is released abruptly, so that the contact lug 140 both in the direction of the movement axis 200 and across to

Movement axis 200 is released (more specifically, as long as the driving lug 135 does not block a path transverse to the movement axis 200). An actuator of the Betägigungselementse 105 can thus be tactilely signaled that the deflection of the contact lug 140 has occurred.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a key module 100 according to an embodiment of the approach presented here, in which now the contact lug 140 by the Wegbegrenzungselement 430 at a further movement in

Direction of the movement axis 200 is limited and thus 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 FIG. 5, the contact nose 140 of the contactor unit 115 is deflected transversely to the direction of movement by the catch nose 135 or the guide face 410.

Further, a surface portion 500 of the contact lug 140 may be provided, which is aligned obliquely to the direction of the movement axis 200. Specifically, the surface of the surface portion 500 may be maximally aligned at an acute angle to the movement axis 200, with a particularly small

Sliding resistance during the sliding of the contact lug 140 at a following be described in more detail reset surface portion can be achieved when the surface of the surface portion 500 parallel to this

Reset surface section is aligned.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 as a key module 100, in which the contact lug 140 is now at a point of maximum deflection transversely to FIG

Movement axis 200 is deflected and disengages in a further depression of the Betätigunselementes 105. From the point at which the contact lug 140 disengages, the contactor unit 115 or the contact lug 140 is again free and can be displaced both in the vertical (ie in a longitudinal direction of the movement axis 200) and in the horizontal direction in FIG. 5 (ie in FIG a direction transverse to the axis of movement 200), in the original position or

Return to rest. For this purpose, the cover element 110 has a stop wall 600 against which a stop section 610 of the Kotnaktnase 140 strikes to show a clicking sound, as will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of that shown in FIG

Embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein now the contact lug 140 after disengagement to the stop wall 600 of

Cover element 110 abuts and thereby generates a clicking sound. Since, however, according to the exemplary embodiment presented here, the (mechanical) rigidity of the contactor unit 115 in the vertical direction was designed to be significantly higher than in the horizontal direction, the contact lug 140 of FIG

Contactor unit 115 with a defined surface (here as

Stopper portion 610 is designated) against the stop wall 600 of

Cover element 110 first and produces a desired defined click sound. The stopper portion 610 may, for example, have a surface that is aligned substantially parallel to the lid member 110 and the stopper wall 600 of the lid member 110, respectively. Also, the abutment portion 610 may be formed by an angled portion of the contactor unit 110 and the contact nose 140 and, alternatively or additionally, a greater length to the

Cover member 110 have aligned surface as a thickness. After the abutment of the contactor unit or the contact lug 140 on the cover element 110 or the abutment wall 610, the contactor unit 110 or the contact lug 140 moves in the horizontal plane, ie towards the plunger 105 or the contact element 120 and the electrical contact is closed with a predefined force.

Furthermore, in Figure 7, a reset surface portion 700 can be seen on one side of the driving lug 135, which after releasing the plunger 105 and the actuating element 105 with the cooperation of the spring 125 at a

upward movement of the plunger 105 engages the surface portion 500 of the contact lug 140 and the contact lug 140 in turn deflects to the right, ie transversely to the axis of movement 200 to the contact lug 140 through the reset surface portion 700 to the right, d. h., To deflect 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.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of dargestellen in Figure 6

Embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein now the contact nose 140 has now been performed again after the attacks on the lid member 110 in the rest position and thus an electrical contact between the

Contact tip 145 of the contactor element 115 and the contact element 120 is closed.

Figure 8 thus shows a cross-sectional view of dargestellen in the Figure 7 embodiment of the present invention as a key module 100, wherein now the contact lug 140 has slid after the attacks on the stopper portion 610 on the stop wall 600 and transferred to the rest position.

After release of the plunger 105, due to the restoring force of

Compression spring 125, the provision of the plunger 105 is in an original position. In this case, the contactor unit 115 or the contact lug 140 by a reset surface portion 700 of the driving lug 135, which serves as a slope of the Plunger 105 in the right direction of the figure 7, that is deflected horizontally or transversely to the direction of the movement axis 200. In this case, the contact lug 140 slides over the driving lug or the driving lug 135, striking again, but on the plunger 105 and generates a second clicking sound, which, for example, by interpretation of the geometry of the construction element 400 (in particular the shearing of the surfaces of the driving lug 135) less intense can be, as the first click sound.

The sound and the intensity of the clicking sound can be arbitrarily set by the deflection path, material properties of the contact tanner unit 115, distance to the stop surface 610, rigidity and weight of the contactor unit or contact nose 140.

Due to the small size of the embodiment of the key module 100 presented here, it is useful to improve the canting security of the operating guide for the operation or depression of the plunger 105 in the key module 100. To accomplish this with limited length of guide means for guiding the movement of the ram along the axis of movement 200, the lower guide, i. h., A Führugnseinrichtung in the region of the housing member 130 as narrow as possible (for example, about 1 mm) and the upper guide, d. h., A Führungseinhrichtung in the region of the cover member 110 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 top 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, but with the cover element 110 clipped in, but with the cover element inserted Plunger 105 represents. Visible is next to the housing member 130 nor the contact element 120, the contactor unit 115 including contact lug 140 and contact tip 145, the Anschlagabschnit 610, the baffle 400, the sealing element 150 and the shock absorber element 230. Furthermore, is still the

Tastkappenträgerabschnitt 160 of the plunger in a plan view recognizable, with cross-shaped Tastkappenträgerrippen 900 can be seen, which ensure a secure and non-rotatable attachment aufzusteckenden on the plunger 105 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 110 and housing member 130 and disposed therein further components according to the above. The key module 100 is here in the depressed state, ie actuated

Zusatnd shown. Furthermore, the positions of a first section A-A and of a second section B-B are represented by the button module 100, the sectional views of which 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 from the illustration according to FIG. 10. Since the wings 170 are placed on a stable cylinder sleeve or the outside 167 of the guide section 165 of the plunger 105, which are arranged in at least one (or more recesses 1100 the receiving cup 175 of the housing member 130 engage, is the

Overall rigidity of the plunger 105 also given in usual material versions. In addition, the security against rotation of the plunger 105 is realized by the cross guide of engaging in the recesses 1100 wing 170. The lower guide was thus designed in the guide portion 165 in the housing member 130 as recesses 1100 for ribs (which may also be referred to as fins 170) of the plunger 105, which are specially designed cross-shaped and provided, for example, with a leaf width of about 1 mm. The guide of the plunger 105 in this case takes place on the side surfaces of the crosswise arranged wings 170 in the recesses 1100 of this guide section 165. Thus, in the two Hauptbelastungsrichtungen 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 from the illustration according to FIG. 10. In addition to the cover element 110, the plunger 105 can still be seen, wherein furthermore the probe cap support ribs 900 are shown in the shape of crosswise arranged ribs on which a plunger 105 is shown the figure 12, not shown keycap can be plugged. Furthermore, a light guide element 1210 of the cover element 110 can still 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, that can

Lichtleitelement 1210 protrude on the opposite side of the light source through the cover member 110 through and be transparent ausgestalte, so that on the back of the lid member 110 shown in Figure 12 also the light guide 1210 as at least partially round, about the plunger 105 around round designed light guide 1210 is integrated inexpensively in order to radiate light as evenly as possible on a key cap which is clipped onto the plunger 105. To the light on a the lid member 110th

Therefore, it was cost-effectively integrated into the cover element 110 of the preferably at least partially annular light guide as the light guide element 1210.

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 reflective structures or surfaces with different diffusion values on / in the light guide element 1210 or different positions of

Lichtleitelementese 1210 are designed. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the plunger 105 with the wings 1100, the driving lug 135, the reset surface portion 700 and the

Ram flank 220.

By the interface between the cover member 110 with the lid flank 225 and the plunger 105 with the plunger edge 220, the conical annular stop fancy, 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 is designed with the cylindrical hole as a hole, 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 the present case

Contactor unit 115 and the contact element 120, and the components for guiding the plunger 105, in particular the compression spring 125 and the wings 110 and the recesses 900, which would lead to a sticking to the malfunction 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 115 and the contact element 120, and the components for guiding the plunger 105, as already described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, against ingress of liquids, like water or sugary drinks and dust in harmful amounts. The aqueous liquids are characterized by capillary action in the Labyrintdichtung stopped as a sealing element 150 so that they do not penetrate into the action module 100.

For certain customer applications, it is desired that the keyboards have reduced noise. Currently, for example, in MX-Silent modules of the Applicant, a complex two-component technology is used. This soft damping elements are at certain points

injected to reduce the noise development when components are impacted on these parts. The production of such a key module 100 is thus very expensive, 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 is provided by, for example, an additional mounting of a rubber profile as a shock absorber element 230 (for example in a round, quardatic, etc ... shape) as a damping element in the centering pin as a guide punch 235

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 in the

Guide punch 235 to be mounted. Optionally, the damping element or

Shock absorber member 230 as a disc or ring in the guide punch 235 between plunger 105 and housing member 130 are installed. This

The approach has several advantages, for example, can be installed as needed and there are no additional tools needed. Also, a wide variety of material is available for the shock absorber element 230, and there are only low overall costs for the projection of such an optional shock absorber element 230. Further, an interior view of the housing member 130 with the receiving cup 175 and arranged in the receiving cup 175 recesses 1100 can be seen, these recesses 1100 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 likewise 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. For example, the mounting frame 170 may be used as a holding circuit board to provide stable alignment of the key module 100 during operation

Fixing operation of the key module 100 on the circuit board 1600

sure. 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 circuit board is also problematic because 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), because 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). As a solution to the problem can be in accordance with a

Embodiment of the approach presented here placing of

SMD. Components (such as LEDs, diodes, resistors) below the

Key module 100 may be provided on the top of the circuit board Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a key module 100 on the

Housing element 130. Can be detected, the electronic components 1800 of

Button 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 inexpensively, since no components on the

Bottom of the circuit board must be placed. The key module 100 can be placed directly on the mounting frame 1700, as can be seen from the Darssteilung of Figure 16 or held by means of additional mounting frame 1700, as can be seen from the Figure 17. In both cases, a

additional discharge protection by electrical connection of a protective structure on the top of the circuit board 1600 or mounting 1700 on a ground line directly or by a discharge resistor (for example, 100-300 ohms) done.

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, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment, either only the first Feature or only the second feature.

Reference key module

Plunger, actuator

cover element

Contact transmitter unit

contact element

compression spring

Housing element, ground element driving nose

Contact nose

contact tip

sealing element

Tastkappenträgerabschnitt

guide section

outside

Wing, rib

receiving cup

hollow cylindrical section movement axis

Passage region

opening

ram edge

lid edge

The shock absorbing member

Guide stamp guide wall, construction element

baffle

Mitnehmernasenvorsprung

limiting element 00 surface section 00 stop wall

610 stop section

700 reset area section

900 chestnut 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:

- An actuating element (105) having a driving lug (135), wherein the actuating element (105) along a movement axis (200) movable in a housing member (130, 110) is mounted;

- A contactor unit (115) having a in the direction of the movement axis (200) and transversely to the direction of the movement axis (200) movable contact nose (140);

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

- The housing member (130, 110) for receiving the contact element

(120), the contactor unit (115) and the actuating element (105), wherein the actuating element (105) and / or the driving lug (135) has at least one construction element (400) which is designed to move during a defined movement of the actuating element ( 105) the contact nose (140) from a rest position adjacent to the

Contact element (120) in the direction along and / or across the

Moving axis (200) to deflect, then release abruptly, so that the movable contact lug (140) returns to the rest position, the contact element (120) and / or the housing element (130, 110) abuts, wherein an electrical contact with the contact element (120) and an acoustic noise is generated.

2. button module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the construction element (400) is adapted to guide the contact lug (140) upon depression of the actuating element (105) around the driving lug (135) and / or wherein the housing element (130)

Path limiting element (430) to limit a movement path of the contact lug (140) in the direction of the movement axis (200).

3. key module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving lug (135) and / or the

At least one guide surface (410) inclined relative to the orientation of the movement axis (200), in particular wherein the guide surface (410) moves in the direction of movement of the drive lug (135) when moving in the direction of the movement axis (200) Urspungslage is preceded by and / or wherein the

Contactor unit (115) is adapted to abut the contact lug (140) after deflecting on the construction element (400) to at least a portion (110) of the housing element.

4. key module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (115) at least partially has a U-shaped portion, in particular wherein the contact nose (140) at one end of the U-shaped portion of the contactor unit (115) is arranged and / or wherein a U-shape of the contactor unit (115) is formed in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to

Movement axis (200) is aligned.

5. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (115) has a greater rigidity with respect to a movement of the contact lug (140) in the direction of

Movement axis (200), as a stiffness in the direction transverse to the axis of movement (200).

6. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor unit (115) in the region of

Contact nose (140) has a stopper portion (610) which is adapted to the contact lug (140) on at least a portion (110) of the

Housing element (130, 110) to strike, in particular wherein the

Stop portion (610) has a surface substantially parallel to the at least a portion (100) of the housing member (130, 110) and / or wherein the abutment portion (610) is formed by an angled part of the contactor unit (115).

7. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving lug (135) of the actuating element (105) has at least one reset surface portion (700) having a surface which is inclined with respect to the direction of the movement axis (200) In particular, wherein the reset surface portion (700) is formed to lead to a reset of the actuating element (105) the contact lug (140) to the driving lug (135) zoom out.

8. key module (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the contactor unit (115) in the region of the contact nose (140) a

Surface portion (500) whose surface is oriented obliquely to the direction of the movement axis (200), in particular whose surface is aligned at a maximum angle at an acute angle to the reset surface portion (700).

9. key module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one portion (110) of the

Housing element in the region of an opening (215) through which the

Actuator (105) is guided, a cover flank (225) having a surface oblique to the direction of the movement axis (200) and / or wherein the actuating element (105) in a passage region (210) through the at least one portion (110) of Housing element is surrounded, a plunger edge (220) having a surface obliquely to the direction of the movement axis (200).

10. Button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one sealing element (150) arranged between at least one section (110) of the housing element and a further section (130) of the housing element, in particular wherein the sealing element (150) is arranged in a groove of the at least one section (110) of the housing Housing element and / or a groove of the housing element (130) is arranged.

11. key module (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing element (150) the area of the actuating element (105), the

Contact transmitter unit (115) and the contact element (120) surrounds fluid-tight, in particular wherein the sealing element (150) is formed in the form of a labyrinth seal or as a labyrinth seal.

12. button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one portion (110) of the

Housing element 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 actuating element (105) is guided by the at least one portion (110) of the housing element.

13. key module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (105) in one

Passage region (210), in which it protrudes through at least a portion (110) of the housing element, has a cylindrical Tastkappenträgerabschnitt (160) and at one of the Tastkappenträgerabschnitt (160) adjacent guide portion (165) on an outer side (167) at least one rib ( 170) and wherein the housing member (130) for

Receiving the guide portion (165) of the actuating element (105) at least one receiving cup (175) with at least one recess

(1100) for receiving the rib (170) of the actuating element (105).

14 key module (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating element (105) in Berreich of the guide portion (160) has an at least partially hollow cylindrical portion (180), in particular wherein on an outer side (167) of the hollow cylindrical

formed portion (180), the at least one rib (170) is formed and / or wherein a guide punch (235) of the housing element (130) in engages the hollow cylindrical section (180) of the guide portion of the actuating element (105).

15. Button module (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by a shock absorber element (230) arranged between the actuating element (105) and the housing element (130), in particular wherein the shock absorber element (230) is cylindrical or annular.