FR3076929A1 - DEVICE WITH AT LEAST ONE TRANSPARENT TOUCH COMPRISING A GUIDING STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) comprising at least one transparent key (2) operable under pressure and engaged in an opening (11) arranged on a first face (10a) of a housing (10). ), and comprising a control and detection system (13), at least one screen (4) allowing a symbol display (3) through each key (2), and at least one guide structure (21) of a key (2) for each key (2) consisting of a tab (9) integral with a key (2) and two guides (22) projecting from the internal surface of the first face ( 10a) of the housing (10), to delimit between them a slide for said lug (9), according to a height for guiding said lug (9) in the slideway over the entire displacement stroke resulting from a pressure exerted on said key (2).

Description

The present invention relates to peripherals comprising at least one transparent button, actuable under the effect of a pressure, provided with a system allowing the guidance of the button in its movement resulting from a pressure exerted on it.

Conventionally, the peripherals comprising transparent keys comprise a casing provided, on its front, with openings in which the keys are engaged, and at least one screen on which the symbols or the images to be viewed through the transparent keys are displayed. These peripherals also include a system allowing the detection of a pressure exerted on a key. These peripherals also include a haptic system allowing the user to feel when the key is actually pressed (actuating force), as well as a system for a pressure return effect following a pressure exerted on the key. .

When a key is pressed, the key moves until contact is made with the detection system. For the comfort of the user, the button must be stable and balanced during its movement resulting from a pressure exerted on the button. For this, structures for guiding the key in its movement have been developed.

For example, the document WO 2016/142881 describes a computer device, such as a computer keyboard, comprising a housing provided on its front, with openings in which keys at least partially transparent are engaged, through which symbols displayed on a screen can be viewed. The device also comprises a system for detecting a pressure exerted on the key and a system ensuring an actuating force, in the form of a dome which is crushed when a pressure is exerted on the key, and an effect system. pressure return, in the form of scissors, hinges or springs. This document describes, in a particular embodiment, lugs located on the periphery of the key, able to cooperate in complementary housings located on the internal face of the housing, so as to allow the key to be positioned when none pressure is exerted on it. In addition, the stability of the key during its displacement stroke is not ensured.

Furthermore, in document WO 2016/142881, the button mechanism cooperates with the latter over a large area and is visible through the transparent button. There is a risk of poor display of the screen through the transparent button.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention provides a device comprising at least one transparent key through which a symbol displayed on a screen can be viewed. In the context of the invention, each key comprises at least one structure for guiding the key in its movement: the stroke of the key is then stable and balanced.

For this, the device according to the invention comprises at least one transparent button, actuable under the effect of a pressure and engaged in an opening arranged on a first face of a housing, the device comprising a control and detection system. by pressing the key, at least one screen allowing symbols to be displayed through each key via a display path respectively, and at least one key guide structure for each key, the guide structure being composed of a tab integral with a key and two guides projecting from the internal surface of the first face of the housing, to delimit between them a slide for said tab, at a height allowing the guidance of said tab in the slide over the entire travel stroke resulting from pressure exerted on said key.

The device according to the invention advantageously has one or the other of the following characteristics, alone or in combination, when they are not mutually exclusive:

- the peripheral comprises a series of keys;

- The device includes, for each, touches four guide structures;

- the key guiding structures are aligned two by two along two intersecting axes;

- The key guiding structures aligned along the same axis are arranged on either side of the key;

- the guides are lugs;

the screen is a bistable screen, preferably an electrophoretic screen;

- the control and detection system comprises a detection device and a haptic device;

- The detection system comprises a switching structure on which acts at least one lug integral with a key, so as to deliver an actuation signal when pressure is exerted on said key;

- The peripheral comprises as haptic device a flexible membrane, a compression spring or a torsion spring;

- The haptic device has a hole for each tab secured to a key.

Another object of the invention relates to an article comprising a peripheral according to the invention. For example, such an article can be a computer, a machine tool, a medical device, a hi-fi device, a dashboard, a personal digital assistant, a control console or a remote control.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inner face of a housing having openings, with a key mounted in one of the openings of the housing.

Figures 3A to 3C are perspective views showing the mounting of a transparent key in relation to its guide elements.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a portion of a device according to the invention illustrating an alternative embodiment of a haptic device forming part of a control and detection system whose detection system is distinct from the haptic device.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of part of a device according to the invention illustrating another alternative embodiment of a haptic device forming part of a control and detection system whose detection system is distinct of the haptic device.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of part of a device according to the invention illustrating another embodiment of the control and detection system incorporating a detection device and a haptic device not distinct.

The peripheral according to the invention can be an electronic control keyboard, such as a computer peripheral, a hi-fi peripheral, a peripheral of a machine tool, a peripheral of a dashboard, a personal digital assistant or a control desk. According to a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention is a computer peripheral, such as a computer keyboard or a mouse.

As can be seen from the figures, the object of the invention relates to a device 1 comprising at least one transparent key 2 through which a symbol 3 displayed on a screen 4 is displayed via a display path 5. For the case where the peripheral comprises several transparent keys 2, the peripheral 1 comprises a display path per key 2. Advantageously, the peripheral 1 does not comprise an opaque key.

By “display path”, is meant the path which allows the visualization of the symbols or images displayed on the screen 4 through the various constituent elements of the peripheral, including the transparent key 2.

In the context of the invention, a key can be a section block of any shape, and for example a circular or trapezoidal section, in particular a block whose section is a parallelogram, a rectangle or a square. Each button 2 has an upper surface 6a on which pressure can be exerted and a lower surface 6b extending substantially opposite the upper surface 6a, connected together by a peripheral pad 7. According to one embodiment of the invention, each key 2 comprises a lateral peripheral area 7a extending from the upper surface 6a and extending by a lower peripheral area 7b whose section is respectively substantially parallel to the upper 6a and lower 6b surfaces, such that shown in Figs. 4 to 6. According to a particular embodiment, each key 2 has a groove 8 arranged around the entire periphery of the peripheral area 7 and delimiting the lower peripheral area 7b.

Each button 2 has at least one tab 9 integral with it. In the example illustrated, the tab 9 is produced in a single piece with the button 2. Of course, the tab 9 can be added by being assembled to the button 2 by any suitable means. Each tab 9 extends in projection from said key 2, from its peripheral area 7. In other words, each tab 9 is arranged to be projecting relative to the upper surface 6a. When the key is in the form of a block of trapezoidal cross section, a tab can extend projecting from the peripheral area 7, at an angle or one side of the key 2. In the examples illustrated , each tab 9 has a connecting branch 9a extending substantially parallel to the upper surface 6a and extending at right angles, by an actuating branch 9b extending vertically.

According to a preferred embodiment, the screen 4 allows a dynamic display of the symbols 3. In other words, the symbols 3 displayed for each key 2 can be modified following a command given by the user or by an application. Screen 4 can be an LCD screen (liquid crystal display), TFT-LCD (thîn film transistor liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode), OLED (organic light emitting diode), AMOLED (active OLED matrix), IPS (in-plane switching), VA (vertical alignment), TN (twisted nematic), a cathode ray screen, a plasma screen or an electrophoretic screen. The screen 4 is preferably a bistable screen, and in particular an electrophoretic screen.

The peripheral 1 comprises a housing 10 composed of a first face 10a provided with an opening 11 for each key 2, and a second face 10b facing each other capable of coming to bear on fallen edges 10c of the first side. Thus, each key 2 rises on either side of the first face 10a of the housing 10 which it crosses via an opening 11 when no pressure is exerted on the key 2, as shown in FIGS. . 1 and 4 to 6. The other constituent elements of the peripheral 1 are placed inside the housing 10, which is then locked in the closed position by all appropriate means.

According to the embodiment presented in Figs. 4 to 6, the peripheral 1 also includes an electronic circuit 12 ensuring the functionalities of the peripheral 1, and in particular the transmission of the actuation signal, and a control and detection system 13 of a pressure exerted on the key 2. The control and detection system 13 not only confers the haptic properties on the key, and in particular an actuating force and a pressure return effect following a pressure exerted on the key 2, but also makes it possible to detect a pressure exerted on this key 2.

By "actuating force" is meant the force necessary for a pressure applied to a key to be detected.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the control and detection system 13 comprises a haptic device 14 ensuring an actuating force and a pressure return effect following a pressure exerted on a key 2, and a separate detection device 15. In this case, the detection device 15 advantageously has a bearing surface for the haptic device 14.

As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the keys 2 are engaged through the openings 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10, so as to project from the first face 10a of the housing 10. According to this embodiment, the haptic device 14 is placed below keys 2. The haptic device 14 is placed above the detection device 15, which then has a bearing surface for the haptic device 14. The detection device 15 is itself placed above the screen 4 on which the symbols 3 are displayed for each key 2. Finally, the electronic circuit 12 can be placed below the screen 4, and above the second face 10b of the housing 10. In other words, the keys 2 can be positioned between the first face 10a of the housing 10 (through the openings 11) and the haptic device 14, the detection device 15 being located between the haptic device 14 and the screen 4 which itself is in contact of the electronic circuit 12 This arrangement is not decisive, and another stack can be produced in the context of the invention. For example, the screen 4 could be placed between the haptic device 14 and the detection device 15 or else the detection device 15 could be located above the haptic device 14.

When the detection device 15 is positioned between the screen 4 and the transparent button 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, this comprises a passage 16 per display path 5. This passage 16 is of similar size, and has an area at least as large as the opening 11 in which the adjacent key 2 is housed. The passage 16 of the detection device 15 and the opening 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10 are placed in the position of superposition or coincidence. Thus, the detection device 15 is not visible through the transparent key 2, and the border 16a of a passage 16 delimits the display path 5 for a key 2.

The detection device 15 may comprise a tactile structure or, preferably, a switching structure on which acts at least one tab 9 secured to a key 2, so as to deliver an actuation signal when pressure is exerted on key 2, and for example so as to generate an electrical signal. For example, the switching structure can be composed of two insulating sheets covered on their internal face with a conductive surface, and separated by an insulating sheet comprising openings. The application of pressure on the switching structure, at the location of an opening of the insulating sheet, makes it possible to bring the two conductive surfaces into contact. Such switching structures which may be suitable in the context of the invention are known to those skilled in the art, and will not be detailed here.

Each tab 9 is positioned in line with an opening of the insulating sheet and has a height suitable for acting on the detection device 15. When pressure is exerted on a key 2, the tab 9, by its actuating branch 9b, can come into contact with the detection device 15 which delivers an actuation signal.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the free end of the actuating branch 9b comprises a stud, in particular of circular section. Such a pin makes it possible to concentrate the stresses on a smaller surface, and in particular to facilitate the detection of a pressure exerted on the key 2.

Although not illustrated, the free end of the actuating branch can be devoid of any stud.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the haptic device 14 is a helical spring. According to this embodiment, the helical spring is placed by a first end 14a, in contact with the lower lateral peripheral area 7b of the key 2 and, by a second end 14b, in contact with a bearing surface 17 of the device detection 15, so as not to obstruct the display path 5. Thus, the display path 5 for a transparent key 2 is delimited by the upper surface 6a of the key 2, the opening 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10, and the edge 16a of the passage 16 of the detection device 15.

In the context of the invention, the haptic device 14 is not limited to helical springs, and can be any known type of compression spring (for example a leaf spring) or a torsion spring, and also a flexible membrane or any other system with recall capacity.

Compression and torsion springs as a haptic system are known to those skilled in the art and will not be detailed further. The detailed arrangement for the coil spring (Fig. 4) can be adapted for any type of compression or torsion spring.

Fig. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the haptic device 14 by a flexible membrane. This flexible membrane comprises at least one orifice 18 in relation to each key 2, of substantially similar dimension and of surface area substantially smaller than that of the opening 11 in which the key 2 is inserted. The orifice 18 and the opening 11 are preferably superimposed, the orifice 18 being below the opening 11. The orifice 18 and the opening 11 are concentric, the key 2 being positioned between the orifice 18 and the opening 11. Each orifice 18 has according to a first face 14a of the flexible membrane, a border 18a which delimits the display path 5 for each key 2.

This flexible membrane is placed in contact with the lower peripheral area 7b of each button 2 using the edge 14a. This flexible membrane 14 is also placed in contact along a second face 14b, with the bearing surface 17 of the detection device 15 so as not to hinder the display path 5. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG . 5, the display path 5 for a transparent key 2 is delimited by the upper surface 6a of the key 2, the border 18a of the orifice 18 of the flexible membrane cooperating with the key 2, and the border 16a of the passage 16 of the detection device 15 located below. In other words, the upper surface 6a of each button 2, the orifice 18 of the flexible membrane and the passage 16 of the detection device 15 are placed in the position of superposition or coincidence.

This flexible membrane can be opaque, translucent or transparent. According to a particular embodiment, the membrane is opaque. According to another particular embodiment, the flexible membrane is translucent, and preferably transparent.

In the context of the invention, the haptic device 14 has a hole 19 for each tab 9 secured to a key 2, and in particular for the actuating branch 9b. Thus, this hole 19 allows a tab 9 secured to a key 2 to pass through the haptic device 14, and thus to be in direct contact with the detection device 15 which delivers the actuation signal when a pressure is exerted on said key. The presence of holes 19 allows the detection of a pressure exerted on the key 2.

The haptic device 14 according to the invention is barely visible or not visible through the transparent key 2, and therefore does not interfere with the visibility of the screen through the key 2.

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the control and detection system 13 does not include a detection device 15 distinct from the haptic device 14: the control and detection system 13 is then composed of a single element which makes it possible to confer the desired haptic properties (force actuation and pressure feedback effect), as well as detecting a pressure exerted on the key thanks to the integrated switching structure. According to this embodiment, the keys 2 are engaged through the openings 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10, so as to project from the first face 10a of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the control and detection system 13 is placed below the keys 2. The control and detection system 13 is itself placed above the screen 4 on which the symbols 3 are displayed for each key 2 Finally, the electronic circuit 12 can be placed below the screen 4, and above the second face 10b of the housing 10. In other words, the keys 2 are positioned between the first face 10a of the housing 10. (through the openings 11) and the control and detection system 13, and the screen 4 is located between the electronic circuit 12 and the control and detection system 13. This arrangement is not decisive, and another stacking can be carried out in the context of the invention.

When the control and detection system 13 is positioned between the screen 4 and the transparent button 2, as illustrated in FIG. 6, this comprises a passage 20 per display path 5. This passage 20 is of similar size, and has a surface area substantially smaller than that of the opening 11 in which the key 2 is housed. The passage 20 of the system control and detection 13 and the opening 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10 are placed in position of overlap or coincidence. The passage 20 and the opening 11 are concentric, the key 2 being positioned between the passage 20 and the opening 11. Thus, the control and detection system 13 is not visible through the transparent key 2, and the border 20a of a passage 20 defines the display path 5 for a key 2.

The control and detection system 13 can be a flexible membrane integrating a switching structure, which makes it possible to deliver an actuation signal when a pressure is exerted on a key 2. Such a flexible membrane with integrated switching structure then allows to confer the desired haptic properties thanks to the flexible nature and to the geometry of the membrane, as well as to detect by any suitable technique, a pressure exerted on the key thanks to the integrated switching structure.

Whatever the embodiment, when pressure is exerted on a key 2, the control and detection system 13 undergoes a deformation, which confers the actuating force and the pressure return effect. When the control and detection system 13 comprises a haptic device 14 and detection device 15, the haptic device 14 undergoes a deformation when a pressure is exerted on a key 2, which gives the actuating force and the effect back pressure.

The peripheral 1 further comprises at least one guide structure 21 of a key 2. Such a guide structure 21 allows the key to be stable and balanced during its entire travel travel during the application of pressure exerted on key 2.

In the context of the invention, the guide structure 21 is composed of a tab 9 secured to a key 2 and two guides 22 rising from the internal surface of the first face 10a of the housing 10. According to this embodiment, the tab 9 allows both the detection of a pressure exerted on the key 2, but also the guiding of the key 2 in its movement.

The two guides 22 define between them a slide for the complementary tab 9, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C. Thus, the tab 9 and in particular the actuating branch 9b slides in the slide delimited by the two guides 22.

The height of the guides 22 must be large enough to allow the guide 9 to be guided over the entire travel travel following pressure exerted on it. Indeed, a lower height does not allow good guidance of the key 2 throughout its travel. Preferably, the largest dimension D of the section of the guide 22 and the length L of the guide 22 are such that L> 2.5 D. In the case where the guide 22 is of circular section, the largest dimension D corresponds to the section diameter.

In the mounted position of the peripheral, the guides 22 contribute to keeping the control and detection system 13 in position.

The guides 22 can be of different shapes, but are advantageously separate elements in the form of pins, studs or posts. Two guides 22 delimiting the same slide are advantageously of substantially identical shape and size. The guides 22 which project from the internal surface of the first face 10a of the housing 10 are attached elements or preferably form an integral part of the housing 10.

Advantageously, the width of the slide delimited by two guides 22 is of dimension substantially equal, apart from the operating clearance, to the width of the actuating branch 9b, which makes it possible to avoid arbouting of the actuating branch 9b. Preferably, the slide delimited by the guides 22 is adjusted to the actuating branch 9b so as to avoid the bracing of the actuating branch 9b and to allow it to slide in the slide.

Advantageously, the guides 22 are made of a self-lubricated or almost self-lubricated plastic material, or of plastic material covered with varnish. Such plastic and varnish materials which may be suitable in the context of the invention are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be detailed here. According to this embodiment, the coefficient of friction generated by the sliding of the actuating branch 9b in the slide is minimized.

In the context of the invention, the term "coefficient of friction" means the force resulting from the friction of the actuating branch 9b in movement relative to the guides 22.

The peripheral 1 can comprise at least one guide structure 21 per key 2, preferably at least three, and in particular four.

For the case where the peripheral 1 comprises several guide structures 21, according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, the guides 22 of two neighboring guide structures 21 are not interconnected. Alternatively, according to another embodiment not shown, the guides 22 of two neighboring guide structures 21 are interconnected.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, two faces of a guide 22 together delimit a slide of two adjacent keys. In other words, a guide 22 can have two 90 ° faces which each delimit, with another neighboring guide 22, a slide for a separate tab 9.

According to a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, the device comprises four guide structures 21 per button. According to this embodiment, the four guide structures 21 are aligned two by two along two intersecting axes. Advantageously, the guide structures 21 of a key 2 aligned along the same axis are arranged on either side of the key 2.

For the case of a key 2 of trapezoidal section, and in particular of parallelogram, rectangular or square section, the four guide structures 21 are preferably aligned two by two along the diagonals of the openings 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10 In this case, each guide structure 21 is placed at the corner of a key 2. The tab 9 then extends projecting from a corner of the key and the guides 22 are arranged on the side. and on the other side of each diagonal of the opening 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10.

Alternatively, the four guide structures 21 of a key 2 of trapezoidal section, and in particular of parallelogram, rectangular or square section, are arranged along one side of the key 2. In this case, the guide structures 21 are aligned two by two along the perpendicular bisectors of the openings 11 of the first face 10a of the housing 10. In this case, the tab 9 extends projecting from the peripheral area 7 of the key 2 and the guides 22 are arranged on both sides of the perpendicular bisector of the sides of key 2.

For the specific case of a square section key, as illustrated in Figs. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, the four guide structures 21 are advantageously aligned two by two along two perpendicular axes, such as the perpendicular bisectors of the sides or, preferably, the diagonals.

In the case of a circular cross-section key, the four guide structures 21 are advantageously aligned two by two along two perpendicular axes.

According to a second embodiment, the device comprises three guide structures 21 per button. According to this embodiment, the three guide structures 21 are distributed uniformly along the circle having the same center as the key 2, along axes intersecting at 120 °.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the device has four guide structures per key 2 of square section: the tabs 9 project from the corners of each key 2 and, when pressure is exerted on the key 2, the lugs 9 slide in a slide delimited by lugs 22 projecting from the internal surface of the first face 10a of the housing 10 having the openings 11 for the keys 2. Each lug 22 has two 90 ° faces defining a slide of two adjacent keys.

The guide structure 21 according to the invention not only allows a stable and balanced displacement travel of the button 2 when pressure is exerted on it, but also leaves the display path 5 free.

Claims (12)

1 - Device (1) comprising at least one transparent button (2), actuable under the effect of pressure and engaged in an opening (11) arranged on a first face (10a) of a housing (10), the peripheral (1) comprising a control and detection system (13) of a pressure exerted on the key (2), at least one screen (4) allowing a display of symbols (3) through each key (2) via respectively a display path (5), and at least one guide structure (21) of a key (2) for each key (2), characterized in that the guide structure (21) is composed of a tab (9) integral with a key (2) and two guides (22) projecting from the internal surface of the first face (10a) of the housing (10), to delimit between them a slide for said tab (9), at a height allowing said tab (9) to be guided in the slide over the entire travel stroke resulting from a pressure exerted s ur said key (2). 2 - Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a series of keys (2). 3 - Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, for each key (2), four guide structures (21). 4 - Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide structures (21) of a key are aligned two by two along two intersecting axes. 5 - Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide structures (21) of a key (2) aligned along the same axis are arranged on either side of said key (2). 6 - Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guides (22) are lugs. 7 - Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the screen (4) is a bistable screen, preferably an electrophoretic screen. 8 - Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control and detection system (13) comprises a detection device (15) and a haptic device (14). 9 - Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the 5 detection system (15) comprises a switching structure on which acts at least one tab (9) integral with a key (2), so as to deliver an actuation signal when a pressure is exerted on said key ( 2). 10 - Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it 10 comprises as haptic device (14) a flexible membrane, a compression spring, or a torsion spring. 11 - Device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the haptic device (14) has a hole (19) for each tab (9) integral with a key. 12 - Computer article comprising a peripheral (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.