FR2625127A1 - Key extractor - Google Patents

Abstract

Key extractor for electronic keyboards in which the tailpieces are clipped onto a movable member. According to the invention, the extractor has the form of a component with two branches 2, 3 constituting a "U" at their folded lower part 7, 8 in order to constitute hooks.

Description

KEY EXTRACTOR
The present invention relates to an extractor for keys or keyboard covers, of the typewriter, computer machine or other type.

We know that all keyboards have a certain number of keys which are normally juxtaposed to each other;
For reasons of space, these keys are very close to each other. In addition, usually, the upper surface of the keys of the same line is at the same level and the keys are arranged in a matrix with possibly an offset from one line to the other.

A button is made up of a support inside which a plunger core is movable, a cap being clipped onto the plunger core. This, depending on the pressing of a key, establishes or deletes a specific contact, which makes it possible to identify the key pressed. In this case, it is a question of separating the cabochon from the support secured to the keyboard chassis. In another case, the cap and the plunger are integral with one another. It is for this reason that, by the following, we will designate indifferently the element to extract by key or cabochon.

The problem which is solved by the present invention is that of the extraction of the cap clipped onto the plunger core.

This extraction is justified, either by the need to access the support to carry out, possibly, a repair, or by the need to change the cabochon of a key considered to replace it by a cabochon bearing other inscriptions.

For the reasons listed above, the extraction of the cabochon cannot be done easily, since there is not sufficient lateral space between two adjacent keys, to pass the fingers or a traditional tool.

The object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback and to allow easy extraction of the keys or cabochons.

According to the present invention, the key extractor is characterized in that it consists of a pair of pliers with two branches and made of elastic material, the two branches having an end in the general shape of "U", the wings of which are terminated by edges forming hooks.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows of a particular embodiment, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the drawings which represent - FIG. 1, a view in perspective of an extractor according
the invention, on a button - Figure 2, a front view of an extractor according
the invention.

In Figure 1, we see that the T key has a general shape in the form of a pyramid trunk with a square base. To extract this touch from its support, it is necessary to exert a pulling force on the taos at the top. To this end, the extractor, generally designated by the reference 1, comprises two branches 2 and 3, made of elastic material. They can for example be made of mild steel welded at their upper part. To be able to lift the; key, it is necessary that the extractor can come to surround it partially, and for this purpose, the branches 2 and 3 are shaped at their lower part, so as to constitute a "U" 4, the spacing of the wings of the "U "5 and 6 being, in the state of rest, less than the dimension of the base of the trunk of the pyramid of a key T. Indeed, in order to be able to raise the key, or the cap thereof, it is necessary that the extractor can come to anchor below the lower edge of the button, and be held below it. If the width of the base of the key is 1.7 mm, the spacing of the branches 5 and 6 of the "U" will advantageously be of the order of 1.3 to 1.4 mm.

Thus, during the introduction of the extractor 1 on the key, the branches 5 and 6 are separated by contact on the side walls of the key and this results in a lateral restoring force coming from the elasticity of the branches 2 and 3. Furthermore, in order to securely anchor the stUt 'on the lower edges of the key, the wings 5 and 6 of the latter advantageously have flanges 7 and 8 forming a hook and subjecting themselves around the lower edge. button or cabochon. As soon as the lower part of the wings 5 and 6 has exceeded the lower surface of the fingerboard, the edges 7 and 8 are folded over the latter. Thus, the combination of the hooks 7 and 8 and the elasticity of the branches 2 and 3 allows a suitable connection of the key and the extractor, and consequently, to overcome the mechanical resistance originating from the clipping of the cabochon on the key support.

It is possible with the extractor according to the invention to remove large keys, and even the space bar, under the same conditions as the keys with a substantially square section. The extractor according to the invention makes it possible to quickly extract keys without any contact or action with, or on, the adjacent keys.

 It goes without saying that many variants can be introduced, in particular by replacing technically equivalent means without going beyond the ambit of the invention.

Claims (2)

 terminated by hooks (7, 8).  width of the key, the wings (5, - 6) of the "U" being  "U" (4), the width of which is slightly less than the  shaped to form, at their bottom, a  elastic arms (2, 3), the two arms being  characterized in that it consists of a pair of pliers  CLAIMS 1. Key extractor or key cap extractor, 2. Extractor according to claim 1, characterized in that  that it is made of mild steel.