EP3850649B1 - Key module for a keyboard, and keyboard - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key module for a keyboard and to a keyboard with at least one such key module.

Different types of key switches can be used in keyboards, such as those used in connection with computers. In particular, mechanical key modules can be used as key switches. There are different types of mechanical key modules.

In the post-release DE 10 2017 106 406 A1 describes a key module with a cover element, a plunger, a contactor unit, a contact piece and a housing element.

The U.S. 9,972,462 B1 discloses a mechanical switch having a keycap, a multi-piece housing, a guide assembly, and a multi-piece contactor for mounting in the housing. The U.S. 2017/221653 A1 discloses a key switch having a multi-piece housing, a combination of springs, a light source, and contact means for attachment to the housing.

Against this background the present invention provides an improved key module for a keyboard and an improved keyboard according to the independent claims. Advantageous configurations result from the dependent claims and the following description.

According to embodiments of the approach described here, in particular a mechanical key switch or a mechanical key module with a one-piece, one-piece module housing for accommodating a key plunger can be provided. Furthermore, the key module can have, for example, only one trigger element which is designed to bring about or trigger a switching signal of the key module via an electrical circuit on a circuit substrate of the keyboard. In addition, the key module can be designed, for example, to guide the key plunger on a majority of its outer surfaces in the module housing.

Advantageously, a durable and robust mechanical key module can be provided, which can also be implemented in a cost-saving manner. This can be achieved, among other things, by keeping the number of individual parts of the key module to a minimum. Furthermore, a plunger guide be improved, in particular canting can be avoided during an actuating movement. The key module can also be exchanged in a simple and uncomplicated manner with regard to the keyboard, in particular by an end user.

A key module for a keyboard is presented, the key module having the features of claim 1.

The keyboard can be provided for a computer or the like, for example. The keyboard can have at least one key module. The button module can be part of a button or represent a button. One key module can thus be provided for each key. The key module can also be referred to as a mechanical key or mechanical key switch. The key tappet can be formed in one piece. The plunger stop and housing stop may be shaped to allow a snap fit between the key plunger and the module housing to retain the key plunger in the module housing. In the rest position, the key plunger can be partially accommodated in the module housing. In the actuation position, the key plunger can be accommodated in the module housing completely or completely with the exception of an end section of the coupling section. The elastic means can be designed as a compression spring. The elastic means can function as a return spring for the button module. The elastic means can bring about a linear force-displacement curve during the actuation movement. In other words, the elastic means can have a linear spring characteristic. Alternatively, the elastic means can have a progressive spring characteristic. The circuit substrate can be embodied as a printed circuit board. The positioning projection can be formed in the shape of a spigot, pin or the like.

According to one embodiment, the module housing can have at least one fastening section for positively locking and additionally or alternatively non-positively fastening the key module in the keyboard. The fastening section can be shaped in the form of a collar and, additionally or alternatively, a snap hook or the like. In this case, the key module can be or will be connected to the circuit substrate while avoiding a material connection between the key module and the circuit substrate of the keyboard. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a solder-free connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be implemented in a cost-effective manner. Costs can also be saved since a wider selection of materials including less temperature-resistant materials can be used for the key module, depending on the ambient temperature of use.

In addition, a solderless connection offers easy replacement of button modules by a professional or by the end user directly. This opens up an additional individual keyboard design option, which can be particularly advantageous for computer game users.

Furthermore, the at least one guide section of the key tappet can have a casing section of the key tappet. In addition or as an alternative, the at least one guide section of the key plunger can have a guide pin which is shaped so that during the actuation movement it dips into a bulge of the module housing which has the positioning projection. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a sliding actuation movement of the key plunger relative to the module housing can be made possible with reliable guidance of the key plunger in the module housing.

The key tappet can also have a casing section which is shaped as a polygonal tube. In this case, an intermediate base can be formed in an area enclosed by the casing section. From the intermediate floor, the coupling section can extend partially out of the casing section in a first direction. From the intermediate floor, a guide pin as a guide section can partially extend out of the casing section in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the coupling section and the guide pin can be arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate floor. The almond section can be designed as a square tube with chamfered edges. The plunger stop can be formed on the casing section. A proportion of a dimension of the casing section based on a dimension of the button module along an axis of the actuation movement can be more than 75 percent, more than 80 percent, more than 85 percent or more than 90 percent, for example. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable and stable guidance of the key tappet in the module housing can be achieved with an anti-twist device and protection against tilting.

In addition, the key tappet may be formed of a light-transmitting material or an opaque material. In this case, the module housing can be formed from a light-transmitting material or an opaque material. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that uniform illumination of a key cap that can be coupled to the key tappet can be achieved from the circuit substrate. Illumination of the entire module housing and thus of the area surrounding the key cap can also be made possible if required.

According to one embodiment, the release element can have at least one contact finger, which can be elastically deformed during the course of the actuation movement, for touching the contact surfaces while generating friction, and an attachment section for attaching the release element to the key plunger. The contactor can be formed in one piece. At least the at least one contact finger can be formed from an electrically conductive material. In particular, the contactor can be formed in one piece as a stamped and bent part from a metal material. The at least one contact finger can have a linear or progressive spring characteristic when deformed. In the rest position, the at least one contact finger can be arranged at a distance from the circuit substrate. In the actuation position, the at least one contact finger can touch the contact surfaces of the circuit substrate. In particular, the contactor can have two contact fingers, in which case the two contact fingers can be slotted again, so that a total of four contact fingers are provided. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that contact reliability can be increased and thus a switching signal of the button module can be provided reliably and repeatably. A combination of a spring force of the elastic element and a spring force of the at least one contact finger during the actuation movement of the button module can also result in a non-linear force-displacement curve overall.

In this case, the triggering element can have a deflection section that can be elastically deflected during the course of the actuation movement for effecting acoustic feedback and additionally or alternatively tactile feedback. In this case, the module housing can have an actuating cam which is shaped in order to deflect the deflection section of the triggering element in the course of the actuating movement. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that both the triggering of the switching signal and a perceptible and additionally or alternatively audible feedback of the actuation of the key module can be realized by means of a single component, the contactor.

Furthermore, the deflection section can be arranged between the contact finger and the attachment section of the triggering element. In this case, the deflection section can be formed in a U-shape with a first leg and a second leg. The first leg can be rigidly connected to the triggering element. The second leg can be formed as a clapper that can be moved relative to the first leg and has a control cam for interacting with the actuating cam of the module housing. Traversing a contour of the control cam can cause a non-linear force-displacement curve of a deflection of the second leg relative to the first leg in the course of the actuating movement. In the rest position, the control cam of the clapper is arranged at a distance from the actuating cam of the housing. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the control cam and a stop surface on which the clapper strikes the contactor for acoustic feedback are arranged on a single part and in particular on a single section of the contactor. Thus, reliability and repeatability of feedback can be increased.

The triggering element can also have an opening. The second leg can engage in the opening. The opening can be shaped to allow a first movement of the second leg towards the first leg and away from the first leg for the tactile feedback and optionally also a second movement of the second leg running transversely to the first movement for the acoustic feedback to allow. In particular the second movement can take place with a movement component normal to the first movement. The opening may be shaped as a through hole or a fork or the like. In particular, the opening can be formed as an elongated hole. The opening is configured to provide a restriction on movement of the second leg. The first movement and the second movement can be brought about by an interaction of the control cam and the actuating cam. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the desired type of feedback or types of feedback can be provided in a reliable, defined and repeatable manner.

According to one embodiment, the module housing can have a contact surface. The release element can be arranged in the rest position of the key plunger in contact with the contact surface. The contact surface can at least be designed in such a way that the release element and thus the key plunger can be prevented from slipping back into a position before it was actuated for the first time. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that after-oscillation of the triggering element after a return from the operating position to the rest position can be damped.

• zumindest ein Exemplar einer Ausführungsform des vorstehend genannten Tastenmoduls; und
• ein Schaltungssubstrat, wobei das zumindest eine Tastenmodul an dem Schaltungssubstrat angeordnet ist.

A keyboard is also presented, the keyboard having the following features:

• at least one example of an embodiment of the aforementioned button module; and
• a circuit substrate, wherein the at least one key module is arranged on the circuit substrate.

Thus, at least one key module mentioned above can be used or used in connection with the keyboard. The at least one button module is directly attachable to the circuit substrate.

According to one embodiment, the circuit substrate can have at least one hole into which the at least one positioning projection of the module housing of the at least one key module is introduced. In this way, in particular, a positive connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be achieved. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the key module can be positioned easily and precisely relative to the circuit substrate.

In particular, the at least one key module and the circuit substrate can be connected to one another exclusively in a form-fitting manner and additionally or alternatively in a force-fitting manner. The positive and additionally or alternatively non-positive connection between the key module and the circuit substrate can be produced by means of the at least one positioning projection and at least one fastening section of the module housing. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a reliable, cost-effective connection that can be detached in a simple manner for replacement can be implemented.

At least one light-emitting diode for illuminating the at least one key module and additionally or alternatively further electronic components can also be or can be on or in the circuit substrate. Likewise, contact surfaces that can be electrically connected to one another can be arranged on or in the circuit substrate when the at least one key module is actuated. The at least one light-emitting diode and additionally or alternatively the further electronic components can be applied by means of a surface attachment process or a soldering process. The other electronic components can be resistors, diodes and the like. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the button module can be kept free of electronics. Furthermore, a simple illumination of the button module or the button can be achieved.

Furthermore, the keyboard can have a fixing element for fixing the at least one key module to the circuit substrate. Here, the fixing member may be embodied as a key frame between the circuit substrate and a keyboard top, or as a keyboard top. The fixation element can be designed to enter into a form-fitting and additionally or alternatively force-fitting connection with at least one fastening section of the module housing of the button module. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a keyboard can be implemented in a cost-effective manner, with durable and robust key modules being able to be exchanged in a simple manner and enabling precise actuation.

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 eine teilweise auseinandergezogene Darstellung eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 3 eine auseinandergezogene Darstellung des Tastenmoduls aus Fig. 2
• Fig. 4 den Kontaktgeber aus Fig. 3;
• Fig. 5 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 6 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einer Ruheposition;
• Fig. 7 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul im Verlauf einer Betätigungsbewegung;
• Fig. 8 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einer Betätigungsposition;
• Fig. 9 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einer Ruheposition;
• Fig. 10 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einem vorbetätigten Zustand;
• Fig. 11 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul an einem Klickpunkt;
• Fig. 12 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einer Rückkopplungsposition;
• Fig. 13 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul in einer Betätigungsposition;
• Fig. 14 eine Unteransicht eines Tastenmoduls gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 15 eine schematische Unteransicht eines Teilabschnitts eines Tastenmoduls gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Fig. 16 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht eines Teilabschnitts einer Tastatur gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einem Tastenmodul vor einer Montage bzw. Erstbetätigung;
• Fig. 17 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht des Teilabschnitts der Tastatur aus Fig. 16 mit dem Tastenmodul in einer Betätigungsposition; und
• Fig. 18 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht des Teilabschnitts der Tastatur aus Fig. 16 bzw. Fig. 17 mit dem Tastenmodul in einer Ruheposition.

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

• 1 a schematic representation of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 12 is a partially exploded view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 3 shows an exploded view of the button module 2
• 4 the contactor 3 ;
• figure 5 12 is a partial sectional view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 6 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in a rest position;
• 7 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in the course of an actuation movement;
• 8 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in an operating position;
• 9 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in a rest position;
• 10 a partially sectional view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in a pre-actuated state;
• 11 12 is a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a button module at a click point;
• 12 12 is a partial sectional view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in a feedback position;
• 13 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module in an operating position;
• 14 a bottom view of a button module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 15 a schematic bottom view of a portion of a key module according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 16 a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module before assembly or first actuation;
• 17 Figure 12 shows a partially sectioned view of the keyboard portion 16 with the button module in an actuation position; and
• 18 Figure 12 shows a partially sectioned view of the keyboard portion 16 or. 17 with the button module in a rest position.

In the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference symbols are used for the elements which are shown in the various figures and have a similar effect, with a repeated description of these elements being dispensed with.

1 shows a schematic representation of a keyboard 100 with key modules 110 according to an embodiment. The keyboard 100 is, for example, part of a notebook computer, laptop computer or the like. Alternatively, the keyboard 100 is designed in particular as a peripheral device for a computer.

The keyboard 100 has a circuit substrate 102 . The circuit substrate 102 is, for example, a circuit board, circuit board or the like. According to the 1 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the keyboard 100 has a plurality of key modules 110 . The key modules 110 are arranged on the circuit substrate 102 .

Also, according to in 1 illustrated embodiment, the keyboard 100 has a fixing element 104 for fixing the key modules 110 to the circuit substrate 102. To put it more precisely, the fixing element 104 is designed to produce a form-fitting and additionally or alternatively force-fitting connection with the button module. In this case, the fixing element 104 is designed as a button frame merely by way of example. Alternatively, the fixing element 104 can be designed as a keyboard top part.

Furthermore, according to in 1 shown and described embodiment on each key module 110 a key cap 106 attached. In this case, each key cap 106 is coupled to its own key module 110 . Each unit of key module 110 and key cap 106 represents a key on keyboard 100. Alternatively, each key module 110 represents a key on keyboard 100. Key modules 110 in particular will be discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Keycap 106 represents a portion of a key that a user of keyboard 100 can see and touch. A key module 110 is actuated by pressing the key cap 106. Each key module 110 is designed to react to an actuation force with a force-displacement characteristic of a resistance or a restoring force. Furthermore, each button module 110 is designed to produce an electrical connection in response to an actuation with a predefinable actuation path, with a switching process being carried out.

2 12 shows a partially exploded view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The keyboard 100 corresponds to or resembles the keyboard 1 . The circuit substrate 102, the fixing element 104 in the form of the key frame and the key module 110 are shown.

A hole 201 is formed in the circuit substrate 102 . A positioning projection of the key module 110 can be inserted into the hole 201 of the circuit substrate 102 . Also arranged on or in the circuit substrate 102 are two electrical contact surfaces 203 or switching pads, which can be short-circuited by the key module 110 when the key module 110 is actuated. In addition, a plurality of electronic components 205 are arranged on or in the circuit substrate 102 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here. The electronic components 205 are a light-emitting diode and, for example, electrical resistors and/or the like. The contact pads 203 and the components 205 are arranged adjacent to the hole 201 .

A holding hole 207 for holding the key module 110 is formed in the fixing member 104 . The button module 110 can be inserted into the holding opening 207 and latched. In a stacked state of the circuit substrate 102 and the fixing member 104 , the hole 201 , the pads 203 and the components 205 of the circuit substrate 102 are exposed through the holding hole 207 of the fixing member 104 .

From the button module 110 are shown in FIG 2 a key plunger 220 and a module housing 230 are shown. During an actuation movement, the key plunger 220 can be moved relative to the module housing 230 . The key plunger 220 is shown in FIG 2 shown received within the module housing 230 . More precisely, the key plunger 220 is shown here in a rest position relative to the module housing 230, the key plunger 220 being partially accommodated in the module housing 230 in the rest position. The button module 110 will be discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.

In other words, shows 2 an exploded view of a portion of a keyboard 100. On the circuit substrate 102 as the components 205 z. B. at least one light-emitting diode for switch illumination, resistors, diodes or, for example, sensors can be mounted by means of a surface mounting process or conventional soldering process. The key module 110 is positioned on the circuit substrate 102 by means of the hole 201 and a positioning projection of the key module 110 shaped as a pin. The key module 110 is fixed by means of a snap connection in the holding opening 207 of the fixing element 104. According to another exemplary embodiment, an upper part of the keyboard 100 can assume the function of the fixing frame or fixing element 104. A simple assembly and disassembly to replace the button module 110 is possible.

3 12 shows an exploded view of button module 110. FIG 2 . The key module 110 has the key plunger 220 , the module housing 230 , an elastic means 340 and a release element 350 .

When the key module 110 is actuated, the key plunger 220 can be moved in translation relative to the module housing 230 between a rest position and an actuated position. This is referred to as the keystroke 220 actuation movement. The key plunger 220 is according to in 3 illustrated embodiment formed in one piece. The key tappet 220 is formed from a light transmissive material according to one embodiment. In this way, a uniform illumination of a key cap can be realized. According to another embodiment, the key follower 220 is formed from an opaque material.

The key tappet 220 has a coupling portion 322 . The coupling portion 322 is formed to be mechanically coupleable with a keycap for the key module 110 . The coupling portion 322 extends along a movement axis of the actuation movement. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the coupling section 322 has a cross-shaped cross-sectional profile.

The key plunger 220 also has at least one plunger stop 324 for limiting the actuation movement. Even if it's in 3 shown only implicitly due to the illustration, the key tappet 220 has two tappet stops 324 . Each of the plunger stops 324 is formed in a step, shoulder, and ledge shape, respectively.

The key plunger 220 also has at least one guide section for guiding the actuation movement. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the key plunger 220 has a casing section 326 of the key plunger 220 and a guide pin 328 as guide sections. According to one exemplary embodiment, the jacket section 326 is formed as a polygonal tube. To put it more precisely, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the jacket section 326 is formed as a square tube with chamfered edges to prevent rotation. In other words, the casing section 326 is formed by outer walls of the key plunger 220 extending along the axis of the actuation movement. The pilot 328 also extends along the axis of actuation movement.

The triggering element 350 of the key module 110 is designed to trigger a switching signal of the key module 110 in response to the actuation movement. More precisely, the triggering element 350 is designed to trigger the switching signal by acting on the circuit substrate of the keyboard. The trigger element 350 can be attached to the key plunger 220 . In particular, the release element 350 can be attached in an area of the key plunger 220 that is surrounded by the almond section 326 . According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the triggering element 350 is designed as a contactor 350 . The contactor 350 is discussed in more detail with reference to the following figures.

The module housing 230 is formed in one piece. The module housing 230 is shaped to movably receive the key plunger 220 to limit actuation movement of the key plunger 220 relative to the module housing 230 make possible. A body of the module housing 230 is formed in a trough shape. According to one exemplary embodiment, the module housing 230 is formed from a light-transmissive material. In this way, ambient lighting for the key cap can be implemented. According to another embodiment, the module housing 230 is formed from an opaque material. In this way, illumination of the key module 110 can be restricted to the key cap.

The module housing 230 has at least one housing stop 332 for limiting the movement of the key plunger 220. Even if it's in 3 shown only implicitly, the module housing 230 has two housing stops 332 . Each of the housing stops 332 is shaped to be located in abutment against a respective one of the plunger stops 324 of the key follower 220 in the rest position of the key follower 220 . Each of the housing stops 332 is formed in the shape of a step, shoulder, or shoulder to complement a respective one of the plunger stops 324 . The button plunger 220 can be latched and held in the module housing 230 by an interaction of the plunger stops 324 and the housing stops 332 .

Furthermore, the module housing 230 has at least one positioning projection 334 . The positioning projection 334 is formed to position the module housing 230 and thus the assembled key module 110 on the circuit substrate of the keyboard. The positioning projection 334 is formed in the shape of a peg or pin. The positioning projection 334 extends along the axis of the actuation movement. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the positioning projection 334 is formed by a bulge in the module housing 230 . The guide pin 328 of the key plunger 220 is shaped to dip into this bulge during the actuation movement.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the module housing 230 also has a fastening section 336 for fastening the key module 110 in the keyboard in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner. The fastening section 336 has latching projections or latching lugs for latching in the fixing element, in particular in the holding opening of the fixing element of the keyboard. A collar 338 formed around the module housing 230 functions as a further fastening section or as a stop with regard to the positive and/or non-positive fastening.

The elastic means 340 of the button module 110 is designed as a compression spring according to the exemplary embodiment shown here. The elastic means 340 is designed to prestress the key plunger 220 into the rest position when the key module 110 is in an assembled state. In this case, the elastic means 340 can be slipped onto the guide pin 328 of the key plunger 220 . The elastic means 340 can thus be arranged between the key plunger 220 and the module housing 230 . The elastic means 340 can also be referred to as a return spring.

According to one embodiment, the key plunger 220 is transparent or translucent, for example, in order to evenly illuminate symbols on the key cap. Further, the module housing 230 is, for example, made translucent to illuminate spaces between keys, or made opaque to leave spaces unilluminated. According to one exemplary embodiment, the actuation movement results in a linearly progressive force-displacement curve. The elastic means 340 has a linear force-displacement curve. From a switching point of button module 110, contactor 350 is increasingly preloaded and changes the force-displacement curve of button module 110.

4 shows the contactor 350 off 3 . The contactor 350 is formed in one piece. Here, the contactor 350 is formed from a metal material by stamping and bending, for example. The contactor 350 is designed to electrically short the contact pads of the circuit substrate of the keyboard.

The contactor 350 has an attachment section 452, by means of which the contactor 350 can be attached to the key plunger of the key module. More specifically, the attachment portion 452 of the contactor 350 is in the key plunger pressable. The contactor 350 also has at least one contact finger 454 . According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the contactor 350 has two contact fingers 454 by way of example. The contact fingers 454 are elastically deformable during the actuation movement. The contact fingers 454 are configured to contact the contact pads of the circuit substrate to create friction during the course of actuation movement toward the actuation position. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, end sections of the contact fingers 454 are curved or bent. According to an exemplary embodiment, contactor 350 has two double fingers 454 or a total of four contact fingers 454 . In this way, redundant contact can be achieved. In this way, reliability and contact security can be further increased.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the contactor 350 also has a deflection section 458 . The deflection section 458 can be elastically deflected in the course of the actuation movement. In this case, the deflection section 458 is designed to generate acoustic feedback and/or tactile feedback when it is deflected. The deflection portion 458 is located between the attachment portion 452 and the contact fingers 454 . More specifically, the deflection portion 458 is formed in a U-shape. The deflection portion 458 has a first leg 462 and a second leg 464 . The deflection section 458 is rigidly or firmly connected to the contactor 350 on the first leg 462 . The second leg 464 is elastically movable relative to the first leg 462 during the course of the actuation movement. The second leg 464 is formed as a clapper or acts as a clapper of the contactor 350. In a free end section of the second leg 464, a control cam 466 is arranged. During the course of the actuation movement, the control cam 466 interacts with an actuation cam of the module housing in order to bring about the deflection of the deflection section 458 . Furthermore, a stop section 468 is arranged in the free end section of the second leg 464 . The free end section of the second leg 464 engages in an opening 456 of the contactor 350 . Here, the stop portion 468 after passage through the Opening 456 bent or curved shaped. The opening 456 is formed at the level of the deflection section 458 . Aperture 456 is shaped to allow elastic first movement of second leg 464 toward and away from first leg 462 for tactile feedback. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the opening 456 is also formed in order to enable an elastic second movement of the second leg 464 running transversely to the first movement for the acoustic feedback. This results in a sudden impact of the stop section 468 against an edge of the opening 456. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the opening 456 is designed as a slot. According to another embodiment, the opening 456 can also be designed as a fork or the like.

The deflection portion 458 may also be referred to as a click mechanism having a U-shaped click spring. A rigidity or elasticity of the deflection section 458 for the first movement and the second movement can be adjusted when the deflection section 458 is shaped. A purely tactile feedback is realized in that the opening 456 is correspondingly shortened, so that the clapper or stop section 468 of the second leg 464 can only be deflected for the first movement. Traversing a contour of the control cam 466 in the course of the actuation movement causes a non-linear force-displacement curve and does not cause any audible noise. According to an exemplary embodiment, the contactor 350 can be implemented without the deflection section 458 . This makes the contactor 350 even simpler and cheaper. In summary, depending on the desired switching characteristics, the contactor 350 can be implemented in three variants: linear progressive - tactile - tactile and acoustic or clicking. A linear-progressive characteristic comes about with the key module as follows: The elastic means has a linear force-displacement curve. From a switching point of the key module, the contact fingers 454 of the contactor 350 are increasingly prestressed and change the force-displacement curve of the key module. When a switch is actuated or the switching signal is triggered, the contact surfaces or

Contact pads of the circuit substrate are short-circuited by means of the contact fingers 454 and the respective switching state of the key is generated in the process.

figure 5 FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The section of the keyboard 100 corresponds to that in 2 The partial section shown, wherein the key module 110 is arranged on the circuit substrate 102 and the fixing member is omitted. Of the keyboard 100, the circuit substrate 102 with the contact surfaces 203, of which only one is labeled with reference symbols for reasons of space, and the key module 110 are shown. From the button module 110 are shown in FIG figure 5 the key plunger 220 with the coupling section 322, the jacket section 326, the guide pin 328 and an intermediate base 529, the module housing 230 with the positioning projection 334 and an actuating cam 539, the elastic means 340 and the trigger element designed as a contactor 350 with the contact fingers 454, of which for reasons of space, only one is denoted by reference symbols, and the control cam 466 is shown.

The button module 110 is shown in the rest position. In this case, a partial section of the jacket section 396 protrudes from the module housing 230 . The guide pin 328 of the key plunger 220 dips into a bulge in the module housing 230 which has or forms the positioning projection 334 . The actuating cam 539 of the module housing 230 is also shown. Actuating cam 539 is shaped to interact with control cam 566 of contactor 350 to deflect the deflection portion of contactor 350 during the actuation movement, or to move the second leg relative to the first leg. The intermediate floor 529 is also shown, which is formed in the area enclosed by the jacket section 326 of the key plunger 220 . The coupling section 322 of the key tappet 220 extends in a first direction from the intermediate floor 529 . The guide pin 328 extends from the intermediate floor 529 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

6 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in a rest position. The section of the keyboard 100 corresponds to that in 2 The partial section shown, wherein the key module 110 is arranged on the circuit substrate 102 and the fixing member is omitted. The representation is thus similar to 6 the representation figure 5 except that a cutting plane is changed. In 6 the circuit substrate 102 and the key module 110 are shown from the keyboard 100, the key plunger 220 with the coupling section 322, the module housing 230 with the positioning projection 334, the elastic means 340 and a contact finger 454 of the contactor being shown from the key module 110. When key module 110 is in the rest position, the at least one contact finger 454 of the contactor is arranged at a distance from circuit substrate 102 . The rest position represents a beginning and an end of the actuation movement. It can also be seen that only an end section of the coupling section 322 protrudes from the jacket section of the key plunger 220 .

7 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in the course of an actuation movement. The representation in 7 the representation 6 except that button module 110 is shown at a switch point or position during actuation movement. In this case, the key plunger 220 is moved further into the module housing 230 compared to the rest position, with the contact finger 454 of the contactor touching the circuit substrate 102 or the contact surfaces on the circuit substrate 102 .

8 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in an actuation position. The representation in 8 the representation 6 or. 7 except that button module 110 is shown in the actuated position. The actuation position represents a reversal point of the actuation movement. The contact finger 454 of the contactor continues to touch the circuit substrate 102 or the contact areas on the circuit substrate 102. between the in 7 switch position shown and the in 8 In the illustrated actuation position of key module 110, frictional contact or contacting with a frictional component takes place between contact finger 454 and the contact surfaces of circuit substrate 102.

In other words, they show Figures 6 to 8 different phases of a switching process or the actuation movement. One advantage of the switching mechanism or contactor is that the contact fingers 454 increasingly build up a contact force during the actuation movement and also complete a rubbing movement along a plane of the circuit substrate 102, with a self-cleaning effect being achieved. The contact zones or contact surfaces on the circuit substrate 102 can additionally be protected with a contact grease, which prevents oxidation and minimizes wear on contact parts.

9 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in a rest position. The section of the keyboard 100 corresponds to that in 2 The partial section shown, wherein the key module 110 is arranged on the circuit substrate 102 and the fixing member is omitted. The representation is thus similar to 9 the representation figure 5 or. 6 except that a cutting plane is changed. In 9 of the keyboard 100, the circuit substrate 102 and the key module 110 are shown, with the key module 110 showing the key plunger 220 with the coupling section 322, the jacket section 326, the guide pin 328 and the intermediate base 529, the module housing 230 with the positioning projection 334 and the actuating cam 539, the elastic means 340 and the control cam 466 of the contactor are shown. In the rest position, the control cam 466 of the clapper or second leg of the contactor is not in contact with the actuating cam 539 of the module housing 230 or is at a distance from the same. The actuating cam 539 extends from a switch bottom of the module housing 230 along a

Axis of the actuating movement in the direction of the key plunger 220 and has a defined contour.

10 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in a pre-actuated state. The representation in 10 the representation 9 except that the button module 110 is shown in the pre-actuated state during the actuation movement after leaving the rest position. The control cam 466 of the contactor touches the actuating cam 539 of the module housing 230 or has come into mechanical contact with the same.

11 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a button module 110 at a click point. The representation in 11 the representation 10 except that the button module 110 is shown in a further course of actuation movement after the pre-actuated state at the click point. Upon further actuation, a tip of the actuating cam 539 slides over a contour or bevel of the control cam 466. Due to the angular relationships and friction between the two parts, the clapper or the second leg of the contactor is elastically deflected in the direction away from the circuit substrate 102 up to a stop in the opening of the contactor. At the same time, an elastic deflection of the clapper or second leg towards the first leg takes place until a tip of the actuating cam 539 is above a tip of the control cam 466. This state is referred to as a click point. With a position of the actuating cam 539, the click point can be influenced or precisely defined and/or changed in an exact manner.

12 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a button module 110 in a feedback position. The representation in 12 the representation 11 except that the button module 110 in a further course of the actuation movement after the click point in the feedback position. After the click point, the clapper or second leg of the contactor is abruptly released and moves within the opening of the contactor up to a stop on a lower edge of the opening facing the circuit substrate 102 . This creates a noise or acoustic feedback, which is referred to as a clicking noise. A noise level depends on a stored energy in the deflection section of the contactor, referred to as the click mechanism or click spring. A quantity of energy can be adjusted via a length of the opening shaped as a slot or via a cross section and/or a length of the deflection section.

It is possible to synchronize an electrical switching point of the button module 110 with the click point, or to set it as desired before or after the electrical switching point. The contours of the control cam 466 and the actuating cam 539 also influence a force-displacement curve of the key module 110 during the actuating movement. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, a pressure point is produced as tactile feedback, which is synchronized with the acoustic click point. Since the essential components of the click mechanism are the contactor and are therefore realized in a single part, the precision and thus the repeatability of the acoustic feedback can be increased.

13 12 shows a partially sectioned view of a portion of a keyboard 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a key module 110 in an actuation position. The representation in 13 the representation 12 with the exception that the button module 110 is shown in a further course of the actuation movement in the actuation position or at a reversal point of the actuation movement.

14 11 shows a bottom view of a button module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Key module 110 includes a section of key plunger 220, module housing 230 with positioning projection 334, fastening section 336 and collar 338 and the contact fingers 454 of the contactor are shown. Two cutouts are formed in a bottom portion of the module case 230 facing the circuit substrate. Through one of the cutouts, the contact fingers 454 of the contactor make contact with the circuit substrate to short the contact pads. The key module 110 can be illuminated through the other of the cutouts by means of a light-emitting diode on the circuit substrate, in particular from the inside.

15 shows a schematic bottom view of a partial section of a button module according to an embodiment of the present invention. From the button module are in the representation of 15 the triggering element 350 is shown with, for example, only two contact fingers 454 and a contact surface 1531 of the module housing. The button module in 15 corresponds to the key module from one of the figures described above, with the exception that the module housing has the contact surface 1531. The contact surface 1531 is shaped and arranged in such a way that the release element 350 is arranged in contact with the contact surface 1531 when the key plunger of the key module is in the rest position.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, one of the contact fingers 454 is arranged in contact with the contact surface 1531 when the key plunger of the key module is in the rest position. For this purpose, the triggering element 350 has a bearing section 1555 on the relevant contact finger 454 . In the rest position there is mechanical contact between the bearing section 1555 and the contact surface 1531. In other words, in the rest position the bearing section 1555 is in contact with the contact surface 1531.

By resting the triggering element 350 or the contactor on the contact surface 1531 as a stop in the rest position, undesired vibrations of the triggering element 350, in particular also of the contact fingers 454, can be damped or prevented.

16 shows a partially sectioned view of a partial section of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention with a key module prior to assembly or initial actuation. The keyboard is the keyboard from the figures described above. The key module corresponds or resembles the key module 15 , where from the button module in the representation of 16 a side wall of module housing 230 with a damper section having contact surface 1531 and an inclined surface 1633, and triggering element 350 with only two contact fingers 454 and support section 1555, for example, and the contact surfaces 203 of the circuit substrate of the keyboard are also shown.

In 16 shows a state before assembly or before the key module of the keyboard is pressed for the first time. Before assembly or first actuation, the damper section with the contact surface 1531 and the inclined surface 1633 is arranged between the triggering element 350 and the contact surfaces 203 . The sloping surface 1633 is designed to enable or cause the triggering element 350 to slide off for the first time and only once. The contact surface 1531 can be aligned at an acute angle or parallel to the inclined surface 1633 . The contact surface 1531 is at least designed in such a way that slipping back into the position before assembly or initial actuation is prevented.

When the key module is installed or actuated for the first time, the triggering element 350 can be deflected for the first time and once along the inclined surface 1633 and can be deflected past the damper section and thus slide past the damper section. Additionally or alternatively, when the triggering element 350 slides over the inclined surface 1633, the damper section, in particular the inclined surface 1633, can be deflected. Thus, in addition to or as an alternative to the triggering element 350, the damper section can also have a flexible material.

17 Fig. 12 shows a partially sectioned view of the keyboard portion 16 with the button module in an actuation position. The representation in 17 the representation 16 except that this Key module is shown in the actuated position, with electrical contact between contact fingers 454 and contact pads 203 being established. In this case, the contact fingers 454 and the support section 1555 are arranged between the contact surfaces 203 and the damper section formed on the module housing 230 with the contact surface 1531 and the inclined surface 1633 . In this case, too, the support section 1555 is at a distance from the damper section, in particular the contact surface 1531 . Starting from the in 16 shown state to in 17 In the state shown, the support section 1555 of the triggering element 350 has slipped past the inclined surface 1633 and the contact surface 1531 for the first time and once.

18 Fig. 12 shows a partially sectioned view of the keyboard portion 16 or. 17 with the button module in a rest position. The representation in 18 the representation 17 except that the button module is shown in the rest position with the bearing portion 1555 of the trigger member 350 abutting the abutment surface 1531. A noise caused by vibrations of the triggering element 350, in particular the contact fingers 454, can be prevented in this way. The triggering element 350, more precisely the support section 1555, can no longer slide back over the damper section, for example in order to 16 achieve the state shown. The support section 1555 reaches behind the contact surface 1531, for example.

According to an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the figures described above, the key plunger 220 with the triggering element 350 arranged thereon can be inserted into the module housing 230 in an assembly method for assembling the key module 110 . A relative movement between the key plunger 220 with the triggering element 350 on the one hand and the module housing 230 on the other hand can be effected along the axis A of the actuation movement. The triggering element 350 and/or the damper section or the inclined surface 1633 is also deflected during this relative movement, so that the triggering element 350 is deflected past the damper section for the first time and once and slides past the damper section. The relative movement is at the onset of the key plunger 220 including the Release element 350 in the module housing 230 performed at least until it reaches the rest position. The system of the trigger element 350 against the contact surface 1531 means that the key plunger 220 or the trigger element 350 can return to a position as before assembly, see FIG 16 , prevented.

If an embodiment includes an "and/or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this can be read in such a way that the embodiment according to one embodiment includes both the first feature and the second feature and according to a further embodiment either only the first Feature or has only the second feature.

Reference sign

100

Keyboard

102

circuit substrate

104

fixing element

106

keycap

110

button module

201

Hole

203

contact surfaces

205

electronic components

207

holding hole

220

key plunger

230

module housing

322

coupling section

324

plunger stop

326

coat section

328

pilot

332

housing stop

334

positioning projection

336

attachment section

338

collar

340

elastic means

350

release element

452

attachment section

454

contact finger

456

opening

458

deflection section

462

first leg

464

second leg

466

control cam

468

stop section

529

intermediate floor

539

actuating cam

1531

contact surface

1555

support section

1633

bevel

Claims (15)

1. Key module (110) for a keyboard (100), the key module (110) comprising:

   a key plunger (220), the key plunger (220) having a coupling portion (322) for coupling a key cap (106) for the key module (110), the key plunger (220) having at least one guide portion (326, 328) for guiding a translational actuating movement of the key plunger (220) between a rest position and an actuating position, the key plunger (220) having at least one plunger stop (324) for limiting the actuating movement;

   a trigger element (350) for triggering a switching signal of the key module (110) in response to the actuation movement, the trigger element (350) being attachable to the key plunger (220), wherein the trigger element (350) is configured as a contactor for electrically short-circuiting contact surfaces (203) of the circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100), the contactor having an attachment portion (452) by means of which the contactor is attachable to the key plunger (220) of the keypad module (110), wherein the contactor is integrally formed;

   a module housing (230), the module housing (230) being integrally formed, the module housing (230) having at least one positioning protrusion (334) for positioning the key module (110) on a circuit substrate (102) of the keyboard (100), the module housing (230) being formed to movably receive the key plunger (220) to permit actuating movement of the key plunger (220) relative to the module housing (230), the module housing (230) having at least one housing abutment (332) for abutment against the at least one plunger abutment (324) of the key plunger (220) in the rest position of the key plunger (220); and

   elastic means (340), the elastic means (340) being configured to bias the key plunger (220) into the rest position in an assembled state of the key module (110).
2. Key module (110) according to claim 1, wherein the module housing (230) comprises at least one fastening portion (336) for positively and/or non-positively fastening the key module (110) in the keyboard (100).
3. Key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one guide portion (326, 328) of the key plunger (220) comprises a shell portion (326) of the key plunger (220) and/or a guide pin (328) which is shaped to dip into a recess of the module housing (230) comprising the positioning projection (334) during the actuating movement.
4. Key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key plunger (220) comprises a shell portion (326) formed as a polygonal tube, with an intermediate bottom (529) being formed in a region enclosed by the shell portion (326), wherein the coupling portion (322) extends from the intermediate bottom (529) in a first direction partially out of the shell portion (326), wherein a guide pin (328) extends from the intermediate bottom (529) as a guide portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction partially out of the shell portion (326).
5. Key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key plunger (220) is formed of a translucent material or an opaque material, wherein the module housing (230) is formed of a translucent material or an opaque material.
6. Push-button module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the trigger element (350) has at least one contact finger (454) which is elastically deformable in the course of the actuating movement in order to contact the contact surfaces (203) while generating friction.
7. Key module (110) according to claim 6, wherein the trigger element (350) comprises a deflection portion (458) resiliently deflectable in the course of actuation movement for effecting acoustic feedback and/or tactile feedback, the module housing (230) comprising an actuation cam (539) shaped to deflect the deflection portion (458) of the trigger element (350) in the course of actuation movement.
8. Key module (110) according to claim 7, wherein the deflection portion (458) is disposed between the contact finger (454) and the attachment portion (452) of the trigger element (350), the deflection portion (458) being U-shaped with a first leg (462) and a second leg (464), the first leg (462) being rigidly connected to the trigger element (350), the second leg (464) being formed as a clapper movable relative to the first leg (462) and having a control cam (466) for interacting with the actuating cam (539) of the module housing (230).
9. Key module (110) according to claim 8, wherein the trigger element (350) comprises an aperture (456), the second leg (464) engaging the aperture (456), the aperture (456) being formed to allow a first movement of the second leg (464) towards and away from the first leg (462) for tactile feedback and optionally additionally to allow a second movement of the second leg (464) transverse to the first movement for acoustic feedback.
10. Key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (230) comprises an abutment surface (1531), the trigger element (350) being arranged in abutment against the abutment surface (1531) in the rest position of the key plunger (220).
11. Keyboard (100), the keyboard (100) comprising:

    at least one key module (110) according to any one of the preceding claims; and

    the circuit substrate (102), wherein the at least one key module (110) is disposed on the circuit substrate (102).
12. Keyboard (100) according to claim 11, wherein the circuit substrate (102) comprises at least one hole (201) into which the at least one positioning protrusion (334) of the module housing (230) of the at least one key module (110) is inserted.
13. Keyboard (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the at least one key module (110) and the circuit substrate (102) are exclusively positively and/or non-positively connected to each other.
14. Keyboard (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one light-emitting diode (205) for illuminating the at least one key module (110) and/or further electronic components (205) and/or contact surfaces (203) which can be electrically connected to one another when the at least one key module (110) is actuated are arranged on or in the circuit substrate (102).
15. Keyboard (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising a fixing element (104) for fixing the at least one key module (110) to the circuit substrate (102), wherein the fixing element (104) is configured as a key frame between the circuit substrate (102) and a key top part or as a key top part.

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