BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to a keyboard switch for use in an input device (for example,
a keyboard) which inputs information into electronic equipment.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] JP-A-08-329770 discloses a keyboard switch for use in an input device (for example, a keyboard)
which inputs information into electronic equipment. In the keyboard switch, common
key strokes are set to all keyboard switches on the keyboard. Another keyboard switch
is known from
JP 2012 138254 A.
[0003] Recently, needs of keyboards become diversified. Users may use different keyboards
depending on a purpose of use. For example, when playing a game or the like, for quick
hitting of a specified key, the users want to use a short key stroke keyboard. In
normal times other than the game or the like, the users want to use a long key stroke
keyboard.
[0004] That is, since the users are required to change keyboard depending on the purpose
of use, and the users are bothered.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a keyboard switch which can change
a stroke of a specified key in a single keyboard is provided.
[0006] According to embodiments, a keyboard switch includes a key top movable vertically
on receiving a depressing force, a plunger engaged with a lower portion of the key
top and movable vertically with the key top, a cup rubber disposed under the plunger
and supporting the plunger from below, a housing arranged on an outer peripheral side
of the plunger and cup rubber, a plate supported on the housing and extending laterally,
and a spacer interposed between the plate and key top. The spacer is removably mounted
onto the keyboard.
[0007] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following
description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a keyboard switch according to a first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard switch according to the first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the keyboard switch according to the first
exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a section view of the keyboard switch of Fig. 3 after assembled.
Fig. 5A is a plan view of a spacer according to the first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 5B is a side view of the spacer of Fig. 5A.
Fig. 6 is a section view of composing parts of the keyboard switch according to the
first exemplary embodiment, showing the dimensions of the composing parts.
Fig. 7 is a schematic graph of the relationship between the key top depressed distance
and the reaction force in the keyboard switch according to the first exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a keyboard switch according to a second exemplary
embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the keyboard switch according to the second exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 10A is a plan view of a spacer according to the second exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 10B is a side view of the spacer of Fig. 10A.
Fig. 11A is a plan view of a spacer according to a further exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 11B is a side view of the spacer of Fig. 11A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Embodiments are described in the below with reference to drawings.
[0010] A keyboard switch according to embodiments may be used in a keyboard serving as an
input device for inputting information into electronic equipment.
<First exemplary embodiment>
[0011] Firstly, description is given of a first exemplary embodiment.
[0012] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5B, a keyboard 1 includes thereon multiple keys arranged in
parallel along the lateral direction and longitudinal direction thereof.
[0013] A keyboard switch 3 includes a key top 5 movable vertically on receiving a depressing
force from an operator, a plunger 7 engaged with the lower portion of the key top
5 and movable vertically together with the key top 5, a cup rubber 9 disposed under
the plunger 7 for supporting it from below, a housing 11 arranged on the outer peripheral
side of the plunger 7 and cup rubber 9, a plate 13 supported on the housing 11 and
extending laterally, a spacer 15 interposed between the plate 13 and key top 5, and
a coil spring 17 arranged under the cup rubber 9. The spacer 15 can be removably mounted
onto the keyboard 1. Also, the keyboard switch 3 is arranged on a board 19. Specific
description is given below.
[0014] According to the exemplary embodiment, the key top 5 is formed of a material such
as a synthetic resin. The key top 5 includes: a key top main body part 21 having an
outer periphery formed in a truncated pyramid shape; a side surface part 23 extending
obliquely downward from the outer peripheral end of the key top main body part 21;
and, a cylindrical connecting tube part 25 extending downward from the central portion
of the lower surface of the key top main body part 21 and engageable with the plunger
7. The upper surface of the key top main body part 21 is formed as a depressing surface
27. In its side view, a central portion in the right and left direction of the upper
surface of the key top main body part 21 is formed in a downward recessed curved shape
so that an operator can easily press it with his / her finger.
[0015] According to exemplary embodiment, the plunger 7 is formed of a material such as
a synthetic resin. The plunger 7 is vertically movable together with the key top 5.
It is integrally constituted of a cylindrical part 29 arranged on its upper side,
a contact part 31 extending laterally from the lower end of the cylindrical part 29,
and a pawl part 33 bent in the tip end of the contact part 31 and extending downward.
The contact part 31 is contactable with a depressing part 35 of the cup rubber 9 (to
be discussed later), while the lower end 37 of the pawl part 33 is contactable with
the base part 39 of the cup rubber 9.
[0016] The cup rubber 9 may be formed of a material such as an elastic rubber. The cup rubber
9 is arranged on the underside of the plunger 7. It is integrally constituted of a
depressing part 35 forming an upper surface thereof, a cylindrical leg part 41 extending
downward from the outer peripheral edge of the depressing part 35, and a flat base
part 39 spreading laterally from the lower end of the leg part 41.
[0017] The housing 11 may be formed of a material such as a synthetic resin. The housing
is integrally constituted of a rectangular cylindrical housing main body 43 disposed
on the lower side of the housing 11 and a cylindrical connecting projection part 45
disposed on the upper side of the housing main body 43. On the lower portion of the
housing main body 43, there is formed a laterally projecting portion 47 and, on the
upper end of the projecting portion 47, there is formed a support surface 49 for supporting
the plate 13. On the side surface of the housing main body 43, there is formed a projection
51 existing above the support surface 49. Also, into the inner peripheral side of
the connecting projection part 45, there is inserted the cylindrical part 29 of the
plunger 7.
[0018] The plate 13 may be formed of a material such as metal or synthetic resin. The plate
13 has a rectangular opening 53 capable of inserting the housing 11 therein. The peripheral
edge of the opening 53 is placed on the support surface 49 of the housing 11, and
the support surface 49 and projection 51 of the housing 11 clamp the peripheral edge
of the opening 53 from above and below.
[0019] The spacer 15 may be formed of rubber such as urethane foam. Its material is not
limited particularly as long as it is an elastic body. The spacer 15 is formed in
a rectangular (annular) frame body in its plan view. According to the exemplary embodiment,
the spacer 15 has a notch 55 on the inner peripheral side of the frame body. As shown
in Fig. 5A, the spacer 15 may be formed in a square shape in its plan view. According
to the exemplary embodiment, the spacer 15 is integrally constituted of a pair of
opposed vertical side parts 57 extending in the vertical direction in Fig. 5A and
a pair of lateral side parts 59 extending in the right and left direction. According
to the exemplary embodiment, in the paired vertical side parts 57, on the inner peripheral
sides of the central portions in the extending direction thereof, notches 55 may be
formed. According to the exemplary embodiment, the spacer 15 is arranged at such key
position as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. However, the arrangement position of the spacer
15 is not limited particularly but can be selected arbitrarily.
[0020] According to the exemplary embodiment, the coil spring 17 is formed in a spiral shape
in which, when no load is applied, its diameter increases gradually from the upper
side to the lower side. The coil spring 17 is stored on the inner peripheral side
of the cup rubber 9. The coil spring 17 is formed by winding a conductive coil wire
in such a manner that it can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.
[0021] On the surface of the board 19, there is provided a switch section 610 constituted
of a pair of electrode parts 61 and 61. When the depressing part 35 of the cup rubber
9 is depressed to crush the coil spring 17, the coil spring 17 increases the electrical
capacitive coupling amount between the paired electrode parts 61 and 61, thereby being
able to detect that the key top 5 has been pressed by the switch mechanism.
[0022] The dimensional relationships of the respective composing parts are described referring
to FIG. 6
[0023] The vertical distance between the lower end 63 of the side surface part 23 of the
key top 5 and the upper surface 65 of the spacer 15 is designated by S1, the vertical
distance between the lower end 63 of the side surface part 23 of the key top 5 and
the upper surface 67 of the plate 63 is designated by S2, and the thickness of the
spacer 15 is designated by t. Thus, the relation of S2-S1=t holds. Here, the thickness
t of the spacer 15 can be set to an arbitrary thickness.
[0024] When the depressing surface 27 of the key top 5 is pressed, the plunger 7 descends
with the key top 5 and thus the lower end 63 of the side surface part 23 of the key
top 5 hits the upper surface 65 of the spacer 15. While the spacer 15 elastically
deforms slightly because it is an elastic body, when the spacer 15 is mounted, the
vertical stroke of the key top 5 becomes almost S1. Meanwhile, unless the spacer 15
is mounted, when the depressing surface 27 of the key top 5 is pressed, the plunger
7 descends with the key top 5 and thus the lower end 63 of the side surface part 23
of the key top 5 hits the upper surface 67 of the plate 13. Therefore, unless the
spacer 15 is mounted, the vertical stroke of the key top 5 becomes S2. As described
above, the vertical stroke of the key top 5 becomes shorter when the spacer 15 is
mounted.
[0025] Further, description is given of the relation between the pressing force F and the
stroke S of the key top 5 when the key top 5 is depressed, using the graph of Fig.
7.
[0026] When the key top 5 is depressed, the plunger 7 descends with the key top 5, whereby
the cup rubber 9 and coil spring 17 are elastically deformed. The reaction forces
of the cup rubber 9 and coil spring 17 allow the pressing force F1 to act until the
stroke reaches the stroke S1. After then, when the lower end 63 of the side surface
part 23 of the key top 5 hits the upper surface 67 of the plate 13, the reaction force
of the spacer 15 is applied to thereby allow the pressing force F2 to act from the
time of the stroke S1.
[0027] Effects provided by the first exemplary embodiment are described in the below.
- (1) The keyboard switch 3 includes: the key top 5 movable vertically on receiving
the depressing force; the plunger 7 connectable to (engageable with) the lower portion
of the key top 5 and movable vertically with the key top 5; the cup rubber 9 disposed
under the plunger 7 for supporting the plunger 7 from below; the housing 11 arranged
on the outer peripheral side of these plunger 7 and cup rubber 9; the plate 13 supported
on the housing 11 and extending laterally; and, the spacer 15 interposed between the
plate 13 and key top 5. The spacer 15 can be removably mounted onto the keyboard 1.
Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, after the key top 5 is removed using a jig, when
the spacer 15 is mounted and the key top 5 is then assembled, the spacer 15 can be
mounted onto a desired key. Therefore, in the case that the spacer 15 is interposed
between the plate 13 and key top 5, when the key top 5 is depressed to hit the spacer
15, the vertical stroke of the key top 5 shortens to reduce the hitting sound as well.
Thus, the interposition of the spacer is advantageous when an operator wants to hit
a specified key quickly in a game or the like, or when the operator wants to increase
the speed of inputting sentences.
Meanwhile, when the spacer 15 is not arranged, the vertical stroke of the key top
5 increases. Thus, the reaction force at the time of depression of the key top 5 increases,
thereby increasing also the load that is applied to the finger of the operator.
Thus, since the operator can freely mount or remove the spacer 15, the operator need
not change the keyboard 1 according to the object of use but can cope with various
objects with the single keyboard 1.
- (2) The arrangement position of the spacer 15 in the keyboard 1 can be selected arbitrarily.
Therefore, the operator can arrange the spacer 15 only in the key to be often used
by the operator, thereby enabling customization of the keyboard 1 to a keyboard easy
for the operator to use.
- (3) The spacer 15 is formed of an elastic body. Therefore, since the spacer 15 is
elastically deformed when the key top 5 is depressed to hit the spacer 15, the magnitude
of hitting sound when the operator hits the key is reduced.
- (4) The spacer 15 can be set to an arbitrary thickness. Therefore, the vertical stroke
of the key top 5 can be changed arbitrarily according to the thickness of the spacer
15.
- (5) The spacer 15 is formed in a rectangular (an annular) frame body in its plan view,
and includes the notches 55 on the inner peripheral side of the frame body.
Due to inclusion of the notches 55 on the inner peripheral side of the frame body,
when removing the spacer 15, the operator can insert his/her fingers into the notches
55 to grip it, thereby enabling enhancement in the working efficiency when mounting
or removing the spacer 15.
- (6) The spacer 15 is formed so as to correspond to one key in a keyboard. Therefore,
the operator can mount the spacer 15 only on a desired specified key, thereby enabling
enhancement in usability.
<Second exemplary embodiment>
[0028] A second exemplary embodiment is described referring to Figs. 8 to 10B. The same
composing elements as the first exemplary embodiment are given the same designations
and the description thereof is omitted.
[0029] A spacer 115 according to the second exemplary embodiment is integrally formed to
correspond to multiple adjacent keys on a keyboard 101. The spacer 115 is formed of
rubber such as urethane foam but its material is not limited particularly as long
as it is an elastic body.
[0030] Specifically, the spacer 115 shown in Fig. 10A, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, corresponds
to four keys on the keyboard 101, that is, a W key 110, an A key 120, an S key 130
and a D key 140. These W key 110, A key 120, S key 130 and D key 140 are four adjacent
keys which are used often in a game.
[0031] That is, the spacer 115 is constituted of four frame bodies connected together, each
having a square shape in its plan view. Also, each frame body is formed in a rectangular
(annular) frame body in a plan view and includes a notch 55 on its inner peripheral
side. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10A, each frame body is formed in a square shape
in its plan view and is integrally constituted of a vertical side part 57 extending
in the vertical direction in Fig. 10A and a lateral side part 59 extending in the
right and left direction. Each of the pair of opposed vertical side parts 57 and 57
includes a notch 55 on the inner peripheral side of the central portion in the extending
direction of the vertical side part 57.
[0032] Effects provided by the second exemplary embodiment are described in the below.
- (1) The spacer 115 is formed integrally to correspond to multiple adjacent keys on
the keyboard 101.
[0033] Therefore, for example, in a game, since the W, A, S and D keys are used often, the
second exemplary embodiment can answer the need of the operator who wants to hit keys
quickly.
[0034] Description has been given heretofore of the keyboards of the invention with reference
to the illustrated embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to them but
the configurations of the respective composing elements can be replaced with arbitrary
configurations having similar functions.
[0035] For example, in the above second exemplary embodiment, description is given of the
spacer 115 corresponding to the W, A, S and D keys. However, as shown in Fig. 11,
it is also possible to apply a spacer 215 which corresponds to direction keys.
[0036] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a keyboard switch 3 includes
a key top 5 movable vertically on receiving a depressing force, a plunger 7 engaged
with a lower portion of the key top 5 and movable vertically with the key top 5, a
cup rubber 9 disposed under the plunger 7 and supporting the plunger 7 from below,
a housing 11 arranged on an outer peripheral side of the plunger 7 and the cup rubber
9, a plate 13 supported on the housing 11 and extending laterally, and a spacer 15,
115, 225 interposed between the plate 13 and the key top 5. The spacer 15, 115, 225
is removably mounted in a keyboard 1, 101.
[0037] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a position of the spacer 15,
115, 225 on the keyboard 1, 101 is arbitrarily selectable.
[0038] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the spacer 15, 115, 225 is formed
of an elastic body.
[0039] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the spacer 15, 115, 215 has
a shape of an annular frame body in its plan view. The spacer 15, 115, 215 includes
a notch 55 on an inner peripheral side of the annular frame body.
[0040] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the housing 11 includes a support
surface 49 and a projection 51. The plate 13 is formed with an opening 53. The housing
11 penetrates in the opening 53. The support surface 49 and the projection 51 clamp
a peripheral edge of the opening 53 from above and below. The projection 51 is accommodated
in the notch 55.
[0041] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the spacer 15 corresponds to
one key on the keyboard 1.
[0042] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the spacer 115, 215 is integrally
formed so as to correspond to multiple adjacent keys on the keyboard 101.
[0043] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a keyboard 1, 101 includes a
board 19, a plate 13, a first key 120, 130, 140, and a second key 150. Each of the
first key 120, 130, 140 and the second key 150 includes a switch section 610 provided
on the board 19, a key top 5 movable vertically on receiving a depressing force, a
cup rubber 9 disposed below the key top 5, and a housing 11 arranged on an outer peripheral
side of the cup rubber 9 and penetrating through an opening of the plate 13. A spacer
15, 115, 215 is arranged between the plate 13 and the key top 5 of the first key 120,
130, 140. No spacer is arranged between the plate 13 and the key top 5 of the second
key 150.
[0044] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, the key board 101 includes a
third key 120, 130, 140. The third key 120, 130, 140 includes a switch section 610
provided on the board 19, a key top 5 movable vertically on receiving a depressing
force, a cup rubber 9 disposed below the key top 5, and a housing 11 arranged on an
outer peripheral side of the cup rubber 9 and penetrating through an opening of the
plate 13. The spacer 115, 215 has openings through which the housing 11 of the first
key 120,130,140 and the housing 11 of the third key 120, 130, 140 respectively penetrate.
[0045] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a replacement spacer having
the same outer shape with the spacer 15, 115, 215 in its plan view and a thickness
in a vertical direction which is different from a thickness with the spacer 15, 115,
215 is provided in a combination with the keyboard 1, 101.
[0046] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a spacer 15, 115, 215 configured
to be removably mounted in the keyboard 1, 101 is provided.
[0047] According to embodiments, as shown in Figs 1 to 11B, a method of mounting a spacer
to a keyboard includes a step of removing the key top 5 from the keyboard 1, 101;
a step of mounting a spacer 15, 115, 215 on the plate 13 of the keyboard 1, 101 in
which the key top 5 is removed, and a step of mounting the key top 5 to the keyboard
1, 101 in which the spacer 15, 115, 215 is mounted.
[0048] According to the keyboard switch of the embodiments, the spacer can be removably
mounted onto the keyboard. Therefore, in the case that the spacer is interposed between
the plate and key top, when the key top is depressed to hit the spacer, the vertical
stroke of the key top at the time of key entry is shortened and thus the hitting sound
is also reduced. This provides an advantage when an operator wants to hit a specified
key quickly in a game or the like, or when the operator wants to increase the speed
of inputting a sentence.
[0049] Meanwhile, when the spacer is not arranged, the vertical stroke of the key top increases.
Therefore, the reaction force produced when depressing the key top also increases,
thereby increasing a load to be applied to the fingers of the user.
[0050] Thus, since the user can freely mount or remove the spacer, the stroke of a specified
key can be changed with one keyboard.
[Description of Reference Numerals]
[0051]
1, 101: Keyboard |
3: Keyboard switch |
|
5: Key top |
7: Plunger |
9: Cup rubber |
11: Housing |
13: Plate |
|
15, 115, 215: Spacer |
55: Notch |
|
1. A keyboard switch (3) comprising:
a key top (5) movable vertically on receiving a depressing force;
a plunger (7) engaged with a lower portion of the key top (5) and movable vertically
with the key top (5);
a cup rubber (9) disposed under the plunger (7) and supporting the plunger (7) from
below;
a housing (11) arranged on an outer peripheral side of the plunger (7) and the cup
rubber (9);
a plate (13) supported on the housing (11) and extending laterally; and a spacer (15,
115, 225) interposed between the plate (13) and the key top (5),
wherein the spacer (15, 115, 225) is removably mounted such that an operator can freely
mount or remove it.
2. The keyboard switch (3) according to Claim 1, wherein the spacer (15, 115, 225) is
formed of an elastic body.
3. The keyboard switch (3) according to any one of Claims 1 to 2, wherein the spacer
(15, 115, 215) has a shape of an annular frame body in its plan view, and
wherein the spacer (15, 115, 215) includes a notch (55) on an inner peripheral side
of the annular frame body.
4. The keyboard switch (3) according to Claim 3, wherein the housing (11) includes a
support surface (49) and a projection (51),
wherein the plate (13) is formed with an opening (53),
wherein the housing (11) penetrates in the opening (53),
wherein the support surface (49) and the projection (51) clamp a peripheral edge of
the opening (53) from above and below, and
wherein the projection (51) is accommodated in the notch (55).
5. A keyboard (1, 101) comprising:
a board (19);
a plate (13);
a first key (120, 130, 140); and
a second key (150),
wherein each of the first key (120, 130, 140) and the second key (150) includes:
a switch section (610) provided on the board (19);
a key top (5) movable vertically on receiving a depressing force;
a plunger (7) engaged with a lower portion of the key top (5) and movable vertically
with the key top (5); a cup rubber (9) disposed under the plunger (7) and supporting
the plunger (7) from below; and
a housing (11) arranged on an outer peripheral side of the cup rubber (9) and penetrating
through an opening of the plate (13),
wherein a spacer (15, 115, 215) is arranged between the plate (13) and the key top
(5) of the first key (120, 130, 140), wherein the spacer (15, 115, 225) is removably
mounted between the plate (13) and the key top (5) and
wherein no spacer is arranged between the plate (13) and the key top (5) of the second
key (150).
6. The keyboard (1, 101) according to claim 5, wherein a position of the spacer (15,
115, 225) on the keyboard (1, 1001) is arbitrarily selectable.
7. The keyboard (1) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the spacer (15) corresponds to
one key on the keyboard (1).
8. The keyboard (101) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the spacer (115, 215) is integrally
formed so as to correspond to multiple adjacent keys on the keyboard (101).
9. The keyboard (101) according to anyone of Claims 5 to 8, further comprising:
a third key (120, 130, 140),
wherein the third key (120, 130, 140) includes:
a switch section (610) provided on the board (19);
a key top (5) movable vertically on receiving a depressing force;
a cup rubber (9) disposed below the key top (5); and
a housing (11) arranged on an outer peripheral side of the cup rubber (9) and penetrating
through an opening of the plate (13),
wherein the spacer (115, 215) has openings through which the housing (11) of the first
key (120, 130, 140) and the housing (11) of the third key (120, 130, 140) respectively
penetrate.
10. A combination of a keyboard and a replacement spacer comprising:
the keyboard (1, 101) according to Claim 8 or 9; and
a replacement spacer having the same outer shape with the spacer (15, 115, 215) in
its plan view and a thickness in a vertical direction which is different from a thickness
with the spacer (15, 115, 215).
11. A method of mounting a spacer to a keyboard, wherein the keyboard (1, 101) including
a key top (5) movable vertically on receiving a depressing force, a plunger (7) engaged
with a lower portion of the key top (5) and movable vertically with the key top (5),
a cup rubber (9) disposed under the plunger (7) and supporting the plunger (7) from
below, a housing (11) arranged on an outer peripheral side of the cup rubber (9),
a plate (13) supported on the housing (11) and extending laterally, and a spacer (15,
115, 215) interposed between the plate (13) and the key top (5) so that an operator
can freely mount or remove the spacer , the method comprising:
removing the key top (5) from the keyboard (1, 101);
mounting the spacer (15, 115, 215) on the plate (13) of the keyboard (1, 101) in which
the key top (5) is removed; and
mounting the key top (5) to the keyboard (1, 101) in which the spacer (15, 115, 215)
is mounted.
1. Tastaturschalter (3), umfassend:
- eine Tastkappe (5), die bei einem Aufnehmen einer Druckkraft vertikal bewegbar ist;
- einen Stößel (7), der mit einem unteren Abschnitt der Tastkappe (5) in Eingriff
ist und mit der Tastkappe (5) vertikal bewegbar ist;
- einen Manschettengummi (9), der unter dem Stößel (7) angeordnet ist und den Stößel
(7) von unten stützt;
- ein Gehäuse (11), das auf einer Außenumfangsseite des Stößels (7) und des Manschettengummis
(9) angeordnet ist;
- eine Platte (13), die auf dem Gehäuse (11) gelagert ist und sich seitlich erstreckt;
und
- einen Abstandshalter (15, 115, 225), der zwischen die Platte (13) und die Tastkappe
(5) eingefügt ist, wobei der Abstandshalter (15, 115, 225) derart abnehmbar angebracht
ist, dass ein Anwender ihn ungehindert anbringen oder abnehmen kann.
2. Tastaturschalter (3) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Abstandshalter (15, 115, 225) aus
einem elastischen Körper gebildet ist.
3. Tastaturschalter (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei der Abstandshalter (15,
115, 215) in seiner Draufsicht eine Form eines ringförmigen Rahmenkörpers aufweist,
und
- wobei der Abstandshalter (15, 115, 215) eine Raste (55) auf einer Innenumfangsseite
des ringförmigen Rahmenkörpers umfasst.
4. Tastaturschalter (3) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Gehäuse (11) eine Tragefläche (49)
und eine Auskragung (51) umfassen,
- wobei die Platte (13) mit einer Öffnung (53) ausgebildet ist,
- wobei das Gehäuse (11) in die Öffnung (53) eindringt,
- wobei die Tragefläche (49) und die Auskragung (51) eine Randkante der Öffnung (53)
von oben und unten einklemmen, und
- wobei die Auskragung (51) in der Raste (55) aufgenommen ist.
5. Tastatur (1, 101), umfassend:
- eine Platine (19);
- eine Platte (13);
- eine erste Taste (120, 130, 140); und
- eine zweite Taste (150),
- wobei jede der ersten Taste (120, 130, 140) und der zweiten Taste (150) umfassen:
- einen Schalterabschnitt (610), der auf der Platine (19) bereitgestellt ist;
- eine Tastkappe (5), die bei einem Aufnehmen einer Druckkraft vertikal bewegbar ist;
- einen Stößel (7), der mit einem unteren Abschnitt der Tastkappe (5) in Eingriff
ist und mit der Tastkappe (5) vertikal bewegbar ist;
- einen Manschettengummi (9), der unter dem Stößel (7) angeordnet ist und den Stößel
(7) von unten stützt; und
- ein Gehäuse (11), das auf einer Außenumfangsseite des Manschettengummis (9) angeordnet
ist und durch eine Öffnung der Platte (13) hindurchdringt,
- wobei ein Abstandshalter (15, 115, 215) zwischen der Platte (13) und der Tastkappe
(5) der ersten Taste (120, 130, 140) angeordnet ist, wobei der Abstandshalter (15,
115, 225) abnehmbar zwischen der Platte (13) und der Tastkappe (5) angebracht ist,
und
- wobei kein Abstandshalter zwischen der Platte (13) und der Tastkappe (5) der zweiten
Taste (150) angeordnet ist.
6. Tastatur (1, 101) nach Anspruch 5, wobei eine Position des Abstandshalters (15, 115,
225) auf der Tastatur (1, 1001) beliebig auswählbar ist.
7. Tastatur (1) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der Abstandshalter (15) einer Taste auf
der Tastatur (1) zugehörig ist.
8. Tastatur (101) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der Abstandshalter (115, 215) einstückig
gebildet ist, um mehreren benachbarten Tasten auf der Tastatur (101) zugehörig zu
sein.
9. Tastatur (101) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8, weiter umfassend:
- eine dritte Taste (120, 130, 140),
- wobei die dritte Taste (120, 130, 140) umfasst:
- einen Schalterabschnitt (610), der auf der Platine (19) bereitgestellt ist;
- eine Tastkappe (5), die bei einem Aufnehmen einer Druckkraft vertikal bewegbar ist;
- einen Manschettengummi (9), der unter der Tastkappe (5) angeordnet ist; und
- ein Gehäuse (11), das auf einer Außenumfangsseite des Manschettengummis (9) angeordnet
ist und durch eine Öffnung der Platte (13) hindurchdringt,
- wobei der Abstandshalter (115, 215) Öffnungen aufweist, durch die jeweils das Gehäuse
(11) der ersten Taste (120, 130, 140) und das Gehäuse (11) der dritten Taste (120,
130, 140) hindurchdringen.
10. Kombination aus einer Tastatur und einem Ersatzabstandshalter, umfassend:
- die Tastatur (1, 101) nach Anspruch 8 oder 9; und
- einen Ersatzabstandshalter, der in seiner Draufsicht die gleiche äußere Form wie
der Abstandshalter (15, 115, 215) und in einer vertikalen Richtung eine Dicke, die
sich von einer Dicke des Abstandshalters (15, 115, 215) unterscheidet, aufweist.
11. Verfahren zum Anbringen eines Abstandshalters an eine Tastatur, wobei die Tastatur
(1, 101) eine Tastkappe (5), die bei einem Aufnehmen einer Druckkraft vertikal bewegbar
ist, einen Stößel (7), der mit einem unteren Abschnitt der Tastkappe (5) in Eingriff
ist und mit der Tastkappe (5) vertikal bewegbar ist, einen Manschettengummi (9), der
unter dem Stößel (7) angeordnet ist und den Stößel (7) von unten stützt, ein Gehäuse
(11), das auf einer Außenumfangsseite des Manschettengummis (9) angeordnet ist, eine
Platte (13), die auf dem Gehäuse (11) gelagert ist und sich seitlich erstreckt, und
einen Abstandshalter (15, 115, 215), der zwischen die Platte (13) und die Tastkappe
(5) eingefügt ist, sodass ein Anwender den Abstandshalter ungehindert anbringen oder
abnehmen kann, umfasst, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
- Abnehmen der Tastkappe (5) von der Tastatur (1, 101);
- Anbringen des Abstandshalters (15, 115, 215) auf der Platte (13) der Tastatur (1,
101), von der die Tastkappe (5) abgenommen ist; und
- Anbringen der Tastkappe (5) an die Tastatur (1, 101), an die der Abstandshalter
(15, 115, 215) angebracht ist.
1. Commutateur à clavier (3) comprenant :
un haut de touche (5) mobile verticalement pour recevoir une force d'enfoncement ;
un piston (7) en prise avec une partie inférieure du haut de touche (5) et mobile
verticalement avec le haut de touche (5) ;
un caoutchouc en coupe (9) disposé sous le piston (7) et supportant le piston (7)
par en dessous ;
un boîtier (11) agencé sur un côté périphérique extérieur du piston (7) et du caoutchouc
en coupe (9) ;
une plaque (13) supportée sur le boîtier (11) et s'étendant latéralement ; et
une entretoise (15, 115, 225) interposée entre la plaque (13) et le haut de touche
(5),
dans lequel l'entretoise (15, 115, 225) est montée de manière amovible de sorte qu'un
opérateur puisse la monter ou la retirer librement.
2. Commutateur à clavier (3) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'entretoise (15,
115, 225) est formée d'un corps élastique.
3. Commutateur à clavier (3) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel
l'entretoise (15, 115, 215) a une forme d'un corps de châssis annulaire dans sa vue
en plan, et
dans lequel l'entretoise (15, 115, 215) inclut une encoche (55) sur un côté périphérique
intérieur du corps de châssis annulaire.
4. Commutateur à clavier (3) selon la revendication 3,
dans lequel le boîtier (11) inclut une surface de support (49) et une saillie (51),
dans lequel la plaque (13) est formée avec une ouverture (53),
dans lequel le boîtier (11) pénètre dans l'ouverture (53),
dans lequel la surface de support (49) et la saillie (51) serrent un bord périphérique
de l'ouverture (53) depuis en haut et en bas, et
dans lequel la saillie (51) est logée dans l'encoche (55).
5. Clavier (1, 101) comprenant :
un panneau (19) ;
une plaque (13) ;
une première touche (120, 130, 140) ; et
une deuxième touche (150),
dans lequel chacune de la première touche (120, 130, 140) et de la deuxième touche
(150) inclut :
une section de commutateur (610) fournie sur le panneau (19) ;
un haut de touche (5) mobile verticalement pour recevoir une force d'enfoncement ;
un piston (7) en prise avec une partie inférieure du haut de touche (5) et mobile
verticalement avec le haut de touche (5) ;
un caoutchouc en coupe (9) disposé sous le piston (7) et supportant le piston (7)
par en dessous ; et
un boîtier (11) agencé sur un côté périphérique extérieur du caoutchouc en coupe (9)
et pénétrant à travers une ouverture de la plaque (13),
dans lequel une entretoise (15, 115, 215) est agencée entre la plaque (13) et le haut
de touche (5) de la première touche (120, 130, 140),
dans lequel l'entretoise (15, 115, 225) est montée de manière amovible entre la plaque
(13) et le haut de touche (5), et
dans lequel aucune entretoise n'est agencée entre la plaque (13) et le haut de touche
(5) de la deuxième touche (150).
6. Clavier (1, 101) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel une position de l'entretoise
(15, 115, 225) sur le clavier (1, 1001) peut être sélectionnée arbitrairement.
7. Clavier (1) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel l'entretoise (15) correspond
à une touche sur le clavier (1).
8. Clavier (101) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel l'entretoise (115, 215) est
formée entièrement de manière à correspondre à de multiples touches adjacentes sur
le clavier (101).
9. Clavier (101) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, comprenant en outre
:
une troisième touche (120, 130, 140),
dans lequel la troisième touche (120, 130, 140) inclut :
une section de commutateur (610) fournie sur le panneau (19) ;
un haut de touche (5) mobile verticalement pour recevoir une force d'enfoncement ;
un caoutchouc en coupe (9) disposé sous le haut de touche (5) ; et
un boîtier (11) agencé sur un côté périphérique extérieur du caoutchouc en coupe (9)
et pénétrant à travers une ouverture de la plaque (13),
dans lequel l'entretoise (115, 215) présente des ouvertures à travers lesquelles le
boîtier (11) de la première touche (120, 130, 140) et le boîtier (11) de la troisième
touche (120, 130, 140) pénètrent respectivement.
10. Combinaison d'un clavier et d'une entretoise de remplacement comprenant :
le clavier (1, 101) selon la revendication 8 ou 9 ; et
une entretoise de remplacement présentant la même forme extérieure que l'entretoise
(15, 115, 215) dans sa vue en plan et une épaisseur dans une direction verticale qui
est différente d'une épaisseur avec l'entretoise (15, 115, 215).
11. Procédé de montage d'une entretoise sur un clavier, dans lequel le clavier (1, 101)
incluant un haut de touche (5) mobile verticalement pour recevoir une force d'enfoncement,
un piston (7) en prise avec une partie inférieure du haut de touche (5) et mobile
verticalement avec le haut de touche (5), un caoutchouc en coupe (9) disposé sous
le piston (7) et supportant le piston (7) par en dessous, un boîtier (11) agencé sur
un côté périphérique extérieur du caoutchouc en coupe (9), une plaque (13) supportée
sur le boîtier (11) et s'étendant latéralement, et une entretoise (15, 115, 215) interposée
entre la plaque (13) et le haut de touche (5) de sorte qu'un opérateur puisse monter
ou retirer l'entretoise librement, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
retirer le haut de touche (5) du clavier (1, 101) ;
monter l'entretoise (15, 115, 215) sur la plaque (13) du clavier (1, 101) duquel le
haut de touche (5) est retiré ; et
monter le haut de touche (5) sur le clavier (1, 101) sur lequel l'entretoise (15,
115, 215) est montée.