EP0805465A1 - Flat mechanical keyboard - Google Patents

Flat mechanical keyboard Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0805465A1
EP0805465A1 EP97400991A EP97400991A EP0805465A1 EP 0805465 A1 EP0805465 A1 EP 0805465A1 EP 97400991 A EP97400991 A EP 97400991A EP 97400991 A EP97400991 A EP 97400991A EP 0805465 A1 EP0805465 A1 EP 0805465A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keys
key
main
mechanical keyboard
tertiary
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP97400991A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0805465B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Loup Gillot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
France Telecom SA
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Publication of EP0805465A1 publication Critical patent/EP0805465A1/en
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Publication of EP0805465B1 publication Critical patent/EP0805465B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/84—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/012—Two keys simultaneous considerations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/036—Plural multifunctional miniature keys for one symbol

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flat mechanical keyboard intended to be integrated in particular in pocket electronic or computer devices of the microcomputer type or in portable telephones for example.
  • the mechanical keyboards which currently exist present keys of too small size to allow a fast and effective typing of a text.
  • the keys having a dimension generally less than the contact surface of a user's finger, it is impossible to press a key without rubbing against at least one of its angular edges.
  • a rapid and prolonged typing of a text very quickly becomes demanding and ergonomically penalizing.
  • the small dimensions of the keys and the small gaps between two contiguous keys require that the typing be carried out with very high precision in order to avoid the numerous typing errors likely to occur.
  • Figures 1A to 1C illustrate three types of keyboards belonging to the prior art. These three keyboards are made to the same dimensions and the spacing E between the centers of two neighboring keys is constant from one keyboard to another. Only the width of the keys, noted respectively 1 A , 1 B and 1 C , varies from one keyboard to another. However, it is this dimension of the keys that plays a very large role on the value the margin of error enjoyed by a user around the center of a key on a keyboard.
  • the margin of error is defined geometrically as the size of a horizontal, or vertical, segment on which the center of the finger must be for the keystroke to be valid. This margin is in fact inversely proportional to the typing precision.
  • the value of the spacing E between the centers of two neighboring keys, for reduced-size keyboards intended for pocket devices is between 1 and 1.5 cm.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1C show the evolution of the margin of error, denoted m A , m B and m C , as a function of the width of the keys. It appears that when the width l C of the keys is equal to E, the margin of error m C is minimal, that is to say that a user must exercise great vigilance not to knock on two keys simultaneously.
  • FIG. 1B illustrates an intermediate case where the value of l B is between E and Ed.
  • the present invention makes it possible to solve all these problems since it proposes a flat mechanical keyboard, intended to be integrated into a pocket electronic device, comprising secondary keys between the main keys.
  • These secondary keys are movable and driven downwards by the main keys, when these themselves are driven downwards at the time of typing by the finger of a user.
  • These secondary keys thus make it possible to increase the typing surface and considerably improve the comfort of typing since the finger is never in contact with at least one angular edge of the main key.
  • such a keyboard having a flat surface allows better readability of the symbols which are written on the keyboard between two main contiguous keys.
  • the keys being in relief, when using the keyboard in an oblique position relative to the line of vision of the eye of a user, such symbols are partially obscured by the keys in relief.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention designated by the reference 10.
  • This keyboard comprises main keys denoted P which are ordered in matrix form. These main keys are separated from each other by mobile intermediate spaces also called secondary keys and denoted S.
  • Each P key is therefore surrounded by four S keys.
  • the P key is mechanically linked to the four S keys that surround it, but it is entirely conceivable to produce a keyboard in which each key P is mechanically linked to only one, or two or three secondary keys.
  • the secondary keys have a hexagonal surface, but this shape is not essential and they can have surfaces of any other shape.
  • the main P and secondary S keys are preferably at the same level so that the surface of the keyboard at rest is completely flat.
  • the four main functions for operating the keys of a conventional keyboard are guiding the keys in their vertical movement, the reaction force making it possible to return the keys to the high position, blocking the keys in the high position, and the electrical contact. .
  • the first two functions listed are performed by means of drive mechanisms.
  • each of these drive mechanisms is placed under each of the keys.
  • these drive mechanisms are advantageously distributed between the main keys P and the secondary keys S. This distribution thus allows each main key P to drive its four adjacent secondary keys downwards under the 'action of a pressure, and conversely each secondary key S exerts a restoring force so as to bring its two adjacent main keys to the high position when no pressure is exerted on them.
  • the striking surface of a P key is increased and includes not only the main P key but also the four keys neighboring secondary S.
  • This striking surface is designated by the reference 20 in FIG. 2, it is octagonal and delimited by a thick black line.
  • This surface being flat, when a user taps on the corresponding main key P, even if his finger overlaps one or more neighboring secondary keys S, he remains in contact with a flat surface, and does not rub, as on conventional keyboards, on an angular edge of the fingerboard.
  • the problem of friction against an angular edge being avoided, the size of the main keys can be as small as desired.
  • the striking zone 20 thus created makes it possible to considerably reduce the number of typing errors likely to occur. Typing of a text can then be carried out for a long time, without any discomfort for the user.
  • the size of the main keys is such that it makes it possible to minimize typing precision, that is to say to increase the margin of error from which a user benefits around the center of a P key.
  • the keys P can, without drawbacks, be smaller than the contact surface of a finger since the secondary keys make it possible to maintain a flat typing surface.
  • the width 1 of the main keys P is preferably between E, that is to say the value of the spacing between the centers of two contiguous keys P, and Ed.
  • their surface is between 0.04 and 1 cm 2 .
  • this surface can always be enlarged, and can for example reach a value equal to 1.5 cm 2 .
  • the secondary keys S are small enough that a "random" keystroke always results in the setting moving at least one main key, regardless of the typing area. Consequently, the width of the secondary keys must be less than or equal to the diameter d of the contact surface of a finger. It is, for example, between approximately 0.2 cm and 0.7 cm.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show the drive mechanisms and their distribution under the two types of keys S and P of the keyboard of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3A represents a sectional view of the keys at rest, that is to say say in the high position
  • FIG. 3B represents a sectional view of the keys when they are pressed under the action of a pressure exerted on a main key.
  • the main and secondary keys rest on a base 30.
  • the two types of key have common guide means 31.
  • the guide means 31 comprise at their upper end two lugs 32. These lugs 32 constitute upward locking means. They each act on the cylinder 43 of a main key, which is located between the guide means 31 of this key, so as to block it at the end of the race, when the main key rises to the high position under the action of forces. of recall carried out under the secondary keys.
  • Elastic means 34 such as springs for example, are provided only under the secondary keys S so that they exert the restoring force f r intended to return the neighboring main keys to the high position.
  • electrical contacts 35 are provided only under the main keys P to allow the writing of the corresponding characters written on these keys to be controlled. In principle, it is preferable not to provide contact under the secondary keys S since these are not intended to control the writing of characters but only to increase the typing area.
  • the secondary keys S are in the form of an inverted U and have, at each end of the branches of the U, a tongue 41 for supporting the neighboring keys P. These tongues 41 thus make it possible to drive the main keys which they support towards the high position, under the action of the restoring force fr exerted by the spring 34.
  • the main keys P are in the form of a T and have, at each end of the horizontal bar of the T, a tongue 42.
  • Each tongue 42 rubs on the one hand against a guide means 31, so as to ensure a good vertical hold of the button P when it is pressed, and also presses on a tongue 41 of a neighboring button S so as to drive this button S downwards when a pressure is exerted on the main button .
  • These tongues 41 and 42 therefore make it possible to mechanically connect a main key P to one or more secondary keys S.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates what happens when a pressure, designated by the letter F and represented by an arrow, is exerted on the central key P.
  • the tabs 42 of the P key then press the tabs 41 of the neighboring S keys.
  • the P key is pressed and therefore carries with it the neighboring secondary keys defining the striking zone while the other two keys P, located on either side of this striking zone, remain in the high position since no pressure is exerted there.
  • the key P pressed then establishes contact with the electrical contacts 35 so as to control the writing of the character which corresponds to it.
  • the springs 34 placed under the secondary keys of the striking zone are compressed and exert a restoring force f r . This restoring force f r allows, when the pressure F is removed, to bring the key P pressed in the high position.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention designated by the reference 100.
  • This keyboard also includes main keys denoted P ′ ordered in matrix form.
  • These keys P ' are separated from each other by mobile intermediate spaces.
  • These mobile intermediate spaces are of two kinds: there are rectangular spaces called secondary keys, noted S ', and square spaces called tertiary keys, noted T.
  • Each tertiary key T is framed by four secondary keys S' and four main keys P ', the S' keys sharing the sides of the T key, and the P 'keys sharing the corners.
  • the shapes of the keys S ′ and T are not limited to the rectangular and square shapes, they depend in particular on the shape of the main keys as well as on their arrangement which is not necessarily matrix.
  • the P ', S' and T keys are all on the same level so that the keyboard surface is flat.
  • the key drive mechanisms are distributed between the three types of keys. Consequently, when a user presses a key P ', the latter carries with it, in its vertical movement, the corresponding striking zone defined by the four adjacent keys S' and the four adjacent keys T. This striking zone is highlighted by a thick black line and designated by the reference 200 in FIG. 4.
  • the drive mechanisms are more particularly arranged so that the main key P 'drives down the adjacent secondary keys S' which are mechanically connected to it and which in turn drive the four neighboring tertiary keys T which are mechanically connected to them .
  • the four tertiary keys T exert a restoring force at each corner of the striking zone and drive up the four neighboring keys S' which are mechanically connected and which in turn cause the key P 'which they frame and to which they are mechanically connected.
  • Locking means make it possible to block the movement in elevation of the main key and to stabilize it in the high position.
  • the key P ' also makes it possible to block the elevation of the secondary keys S', which in turn block the elevation of the keys T, so that all the keys P ', S' and T are stabilized in one position identical high giving the keyboard a flat surface.
  • the width of the keys P ′ is of the same order of magnitude as that of the keys P of the keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment.
  • the dimensions of the secondary S 'and tertiary T keys are also small enough that none of them can be driven downwards by the finger of a user without at least one of the main keys P' being as well.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively represent a sectional view A-A and a sectional view B-B of the keyboard 100 of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 5A more particularly illustrates the relationship between a main key P 'and two neighboring keys S'. These two types of keys have common 360 guide means. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, these guide means can be specific to each type of key.
  • the guide means 360 comprise, at their upper end, blocking means 370 against which abuts the lower end 403 of the main button P 'when the latter rises in the high position.
  • the main key P ' has tongues 420 able to push on the tongues 410 of the secondary keys S' so as to drive them downwards, and to ensure the vertical maintenance of the key P 'by rubbing against the guide means 360.
  • the tongues 410 of the keys S ' make it possible to push on the tongues 420 of the key P' in order to bring the latter to the high position.
  • These tongues 410 and 420 make it possible to mechanically connect a key P 'to one or more secondary keys S'.
  • Electrical contacts 350 are provided on the base 300, under the key P '.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates the relationship between a tertiary key T and two neighboring secondary keys S '.
  • the two types of keys have common guide means 380.
  • An elastic means 390 such as a spring for example, is placed under the key T.
  • the keys S ′ have tongues 415 capable of pushing on tongues 430 of the key T so as to drive the latter down, and ensuring a vertical hold of the key S 'by rubbing against the guide means 380.
  • the spring 390 exerts a restoring force f r .
  • the restoring force f r allows the tongues 430 of the key T to push on the tongues 415 of the keys S' in order to raise them to the high position.
  • These tongues 415 and 430 make it possible to mechanically connect a secondary key S 'to one or more tertiary key (s) T.
  • the keys S' then carry with them the key P 'by means of their tongues 410.
  • FIGS. 6A to 6D make it possible to better understand the structure of the keyboard 100 since they represent top views of a part of this keyboard at different stages of its manufacture.
  • FIG. 6A represents the guide means 360 common to the keys P 'and S', the guide means 380 common to the keys S 'and T, the blocking means 370 of the main keys P' and the spring 390 making it possible to exercise the restoring force under a tertiary touch.
  • FIG. 4D illustrates the final stage of manufacture, when the main keys P 'are placed in their housings.
  • the resistance to typing is only 1.5 times greater than that presented by the keyboard during the typing of a single key since the new typing zone contains 6 tertiary keys against 4 for the typing zone of a single key P '.
  • the resistance ratio is higher since it is 1.75. Indeed, in this case the typing area of two P keys includes 7 secondary keys while the typing area of a single P key includes 4.
  • FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate an alternative embodiment of this keyboard 100.
  • This variant consists in slightly tilting the contact zones between the main keys and the secondary keys and, similarly, between the secondary keys and the tertiary keys. This allows, when a main key P 1 is struck and the corresponding typing zone is pressed, the sixteen neighboring main and secondary keys to switch slightly towards the typing zone, and to simulate an elastic deformation of these keys framing the striking zone during the movement of the latter. Furthermore, this tilting of the sixteen keys adjacent to the typing zone offers a slightly concave shape complementary to the convex shape of a finger.
  • FIG. 7C shows the keys P 1 and S 1 when they are fully pressed. In this case, an additional force f 5 exerted by S 1 on the button P 2 makes it possible to stabilize the latter in its inclined position.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7D show the three types of keys at rest, when all the pairs of forces (f 1 , f 3 ) and (f 2 , f 4 ) are balanced.
  • This variant embodiment has a great advantage.
  • the position of the finger striking a striking zone is sufficiently offset at the time of striking so that it touches one of the main keys adjacent to the striking zone, after the rocking of this key, the oblique position that it will have acquired prevent an electrical contact can take place at the end of the race with the contacts 350 placed on the base 300 of the keyboard. Consequently, the margin of error available to typing is further increased.
  • the shape of the surface of the S and T keys defining the intermediate space is not essential, it can be either hexagonal, square, cruciform or other. It is this form which determines the number of secondary keys and / or tertiary in relation to the number of main keys.
  • FIG. 8 which illustrates a variant of a keyboard, the number of cruciform secondary keys is equal to the number of main keys.
  • the number of keys S mechanically linked to a key P and the number of keys T mechanically linked to a key S are also not essential. They are at least equal to 1. In the examples cited in the description these numbers were maximum and equal respectively to the number of keys S framing a key P and to the number of keys S framing a key T.
  • the shape of the main keys is also not limited to the square, it can also be circular, hexagonal or lozenge for example.
  • An alternative embodiment also consists in slightly undulating the surface of the keyboard so as to improve the typing comfort.
  • the main keys have a slightly concave shape, complementary to that of the finger.
  • the secondary keys, and the tertiary keys when provided have a convex shape so that there is no break in slope.
  • the surface of the keyboard therefore has a doubly wave-like appearance, along the vertical and horizontal axes; the horizontal axis being defined by the axis passing through the keyboard from left to right and the vertical axis being defined by the axis passing through the keyboard from top to bottom.
  • Another alternative embodiment consists in uniting all the intermediate space between the main keys in a single secondary key capable of being driven downwards by each of the main keys.
  • This unique secondary key is brought up by several springs, for example at its four ends.
  • the main keys are also equipped with springs, of low intensity, so that the keys which are not pressed at the time of typing remain in the high position.
  • the advantage of this variant is simplicity since the impact resistance is practically independent of the number of main keys struck simultaneously due to the high resistance linked to the secondary key.
  • it has the disadvantage of offering a greater inertia at the time of striking and setting in motion of the secondary key, that is to say that it requires a greater energy of striking on the part of the user.
  • k would have to be equal to 2 but this case is impossible since k must remain less than [(l + 1) * (c + 1)] / (l * c) where l and c are respectively the number of rows and columns of the keyboard and [(l + 1) * (c + 1)] the number of secondary keys, so that the total force attracting the keyboard at rest down is not greater to the force that pushes it up.
  • such an embodiment also makes it possible, in the case where the contact zones between the keys are inclined, to considerably increase the lever force causing the keys adjacent to the striking zone towards the latter. Indeed, the springs in extension attract these keys downward and have more of a lever arm much larger than that which has the force f2 exerted by the key S2 of the keyboard of FIG. 7B.

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Abstract

The keyboard (10) includes a number of main keys (P), arranged in a matrix, and separated by secondary keys (S). Each main key is surrounded by four secondary keys to which it is connected. The keys are mounted on a base (30) with guiding components (31). Each secondary key has a hexagonal surface at same level as the surface of the main keys. Key actuating mechanisms are placed between each main key and its secondary keys. This arrangement ensures that when the main key is pressed all its associated secondary keys are moving downwards as well.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un clavier mécanique plan destiné à être intégré notamment dans des dispositifs électroniques ou informatiques de poche de type micro-ordinateur ou dans des téléphones portables par exemple.The present invention relates to a flat mechanical keyboard intended to be integrated in particular in pocket electronic or computer devices of the microcomputer type or in portable telephones for example.

Les claviers mécaniques sont très courant sur le marché. Il existe notamment des claviers à membrane, des claviers à contact souple ou alors des claviers tactiles.Mechanical keyboards are very common on the market. There are in particular membrane keypads, soft contact keypads or touch keypads.

Cependant, les claviers mécaniques qui existent actuellement présentent des touches de taille trop petite pour permettre une frappe rapide et efficace d'un texte. En effet, les touches possédant une dimension généralement inférieure à la surface de contact du doigt d'un utilisateur, il est impossible d'appuyer sur une touche sans frotter contre l'un au moins de ses bords anguleux. De ce fait, une frappe rapide et prolongée d'un texte devient très vite astreignante et ergonomiquement pénalisante.However, the mechanical keyboards which currently exist present keys of too small size to allow a fast and effective typing of a text. Indeed, the keys having a dimension generally less than the contact surface of a user's finger, it is impossible to press a key without rubbing against at least one of its angular edges. As a result, a rapid and prolonged typing of a text very quickly becomes demanding and ergonomically penalizing.

De plus, les faibles dimensions des touches et les faibles interstices entre deux touches contigües exigent que la frappe soit réalisée avec une très grande précision afin d'éviter les nombreuses fautes de frappe susceptibles de se produire.In addition, the small dimensions of the keys and the small gaps between two contiguous keys require that the typing be carried out with very high precision in order to avoid the numerous typing errors likely to occur.

Les figures 1A à 1C illustrent trois types de claviers appartenant à la technique antérieure. Ces trois claviers sont réalisés aux mêmes dimensions et l'espacement E entre les centres de deux touches voisines est constant d'un clavier à l'autre. Seule, la largeur des touches, notée respectivement 1A,1B et 1C, varie d'un clavier à l'autre. Or, c'est cette dimension des touches qui joue un très grand rôle sur la valeur de la marge d'erreur dont bénéficie un utilisateur autour du centre d'une touche d'un clavier. La marge d'erreur est définie géométriquement comme étant la taille d'un segment horizontal, ou vertical, sur lequel le centre du doigt doit se trouver pour que la frappe de la touche souhaitée soit valide. Cette marge est en fait inversement proportionnelle à la précision de frappe.Figures 1A to 1C illustrate three types of keyboards belonging to the prior art. These three keyboards are made to the same dimensions and the spacing E between the centers of two neighboring keys is constant from one keyboard to another. Only the width of the keys, noted respectively 1 A , 1 B and 1 C , varies from one keyboard to another. However, it is this dimension of the keys that plays a very large role on the value the margin of error enjoyed by a user around the center of a key on a keyboard. The margin of error is defined geometrically as the size of a horizontal, or vertical, segment on which the center of the finger must be for the keystroke to be valid. This margin is in fact inversely proportional to the typing precision.

En général, la valeur de l'espacement E entre les centres de deux touches voisines, pour des claviers de format réduit destinés à des dispositifs de poche, est comprise entre 1 et 1,5 cm.In general, the value of the spacing E between the centers of two neighboring keys, for reduced-size keyboards intended for pocket devices, is between 1 and 1.5 cm.

Par ailleurs, en admettant, par approximation, que la surface de contact d'un doigt d'adulte sur un clavier au moment de la frappe d'une touche dessine un cercle, son diamètre, désigné par la référence d, est estimé à environ 0,8 cm. Pour qu'un utilisateur soit certain qu'il puisse enfoncer une des touches d'un clavier en appuyant au hasard sur ce clavier, il est en outre nécessaire que la largeur des touches de ce clavier soit comprise entre E et E-d, c'est-à-dire entre environ 0,2 et 0,7 cm.Furthermore, assuming, by approximation, that the contact surface of an adult finger on a keyboard when a key is drawn draws a circle, its diameter, designated by the reference d, is estimated at approximately 0.8 cm. So that a user is certain that he can press one of the keys of a keyboard by pressing at random on this keyboard, it is also necessary that the width of the keys of this keyboard is between E and Ed, it is that is to say between about 0.2 and 0.7 cm.

Les figures 1A à 1C font apparaître l'évolution de la marge d'erreur, notée mA, mB et mC, en fonction de la largeur des touches. Il apparaît que lorsque la largeur lC des touches est égale à E, la marge d'erreur mC est minimale, c'est-à-dire qu'un utilisateur doit faire preuve d'une grande vigilance pour ne pas frapper sur deux touches simultanément.FIGS. 1A to 1C show the evolution of the margin of error, denoted m A , m B and m C , as a function of the width of the keys. It appears that when the width l C of the keys is equal to E, the margin of error m C is minimal, that is to say that a user must exercise great vigilance not to knock on two keys simultaneously.

En revanche, lorsque la largeur lA des touches est minimale et égale à E-d, alors la marge d'erreur est maximale. Dans ce cas en effet, la frappe ne nécessite pas une grande précision puisque les touches sont suffisamment espacées pour que la frappe simultanée de deux touches soit évitée. La figure 1B illustre un cas intermédiaire où la valeur de lB est comprise entre E et E-d.On the other hand, when the width l A of the keys is minimum and equal to Ed, then the margin of error is maximum. In this case, in fact, the typing does not require great precision since the keys are sufficiently spaced so that the simultaneous typing of two keys is avoided. FIG. 1B illustrates an intermediate case where the value of l B is between E and Ed.

Cependant, la solution optimale représentée sur la figure 1A, n'est pas ergonomique puisque, comme il a été décrit précédemment, la surface de frappe l2 étant inférieure à la surface de contact (Πd2/4) du doigt d'un utilisateur, il est impossible de frapper sur une touche sans frotter contre l'un au moins de ses bords anguleux. Par conséquent ce type de clavier ne permet pas de réaliser, de manière efficace, une frappe rapide et prolongée d'un texte.However, the optimal solution shown in Figure 1A, is not ergonomic, since, as described above, the surface impactor l 2 being less than the contact surface (Πd 2/4) of the finger of a user , it is impossible to strike a key without rubbing against at least one of its angular edges. Consequently, this type of keyboard does not make it possible to carry out, quickly, a rapid and prolonged typing of a text.

La présente invention permet de résoudre tous ces problèmes puisqu'elle propose un clavier mécanique plan, destiné à être intégré dans un dispositif électronique de poche, comportant des touches secondaires entre les touches principales. Ces touches secondaires sont mobiles et entraînées vers le bas par les touches principales, lorsque celles-ci sont elles-mêmes entraînées vers le bas au moment de la frappe par le doigt d'un utilisateur. Ces touches secondaires permettent ainsi d'augmenter la surface de frappe et améliorent considérablement le confort de la frappe puisque le doigt n'est jamais en contact avec au moins un bord anguleux de la touche principale.The present invention makes it possible to solve all these problems since it proposes a flat mechanical keyboard, intended to be integrated into a pocket electronic device, comprising secondary keys between the main keys. These secondary keys are movable and driven downwards by the main keys, when these themselves are driven downwards at the time of typing by the finger of a user. These secondary keys thus make it possible to increase the typing surface and considerably improve the comfort of typing since the finger is never in contact with at least one angular edge of the main key.

Le clavier selon l'invention est plus particulièrement caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend:

  • plusieurs touches principales, chacune d'entre elles étant encadrée par une ou plusieurs touches secondaires et reliée mécaniquement à au moins une de ces touches secondaires pour définir une zone de frappe,
  • des mécanismes d'entraînement des touches principales et des touches secondaires de manière à ce que chaque touche principale entraîne vers le bas, sous l'action d'une pression, la (les) touche(s) secondaire(s) voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s), et à ce que chaque touche secondaire exerce une force de rappel apte à ramener en position haute la (les) touche(s) principale(s) voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s), en l'absence de pression exercée sur cette (ces) dernière(s).
The keyboard according to the invention is more particularly characterized in that it comprises:
  • several main keys, each of them being framed by one or more secondary keys and mechanically connected to at least one of these secondary keys to define a typing area,
  • mechanisms for driving the main keys and the secondary keys so that each main key drives downwards, under the action of a pressure, the adjacent secondary key (s) which is (are) mechanically linked to it, and that each secondary key exerts a restoring force capable of bringing the neighboring main key (s) which is to it back to the high position ( are) mechanically connected, in the absence of pressure exerted on the latter.

Grâce à ce clavier, une frappe rapide et prolongée ne pose aucune difficulté. De plus, le fait d'augmenter la surface de frappe tout en gardant un espace intermédiaire, entre deux touches principales contigües, de largeur inférieure au diamètre de la surface de contact d'un doigt permet de diminuer considérablement la précision avec laquelle la frappe doit être effectuée et de mieux se prémunir contre les fautes de frappe susceptibles de se produire.Thanks to this keyboard, rapid and prolonged typing poses no difficulty. In addition, the fact of increasing the striking surface while keeping an intermediate space, between two contiguous main keys, of width less than the diameter of the contact surface of a finger makes it possible to considerably decrease the precision with which the typing must be performed and better guard against typos likely to occur.

De plus, un tel clavier présentant une surface plane, permet une meilleure lisibilité des symboles qui sont inscrits sur le clavier entre deux touches contigües principales. En effet, dans les claviers classiques, les touches étant en relief, lors d'une utilisation du clavier en position oblique par rapport à l'axe de vision de l'oeil d'un utilisateur, de tels symboles sont partiellement occultés par les touches en relief.In addition, such a keyboard having a flat surface allows better readability of the symbols which are written on the keyboard between two main contiguous keys. Indeed, in conventional keyboards, the keys being in relief, when using the keyboard in an oblique position relative to the line of vision of the eye of a user, such symbols are partially obscured by the keys in relief.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description faite à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées qui représentent:

  • les figures 1A, 1B, 1C, déjà décrites, respectivement trois types de claviers appartenant à l'état de la technique antérieure,
  • la figure 2, une vue de dessus d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un clavier selon l'invention,
  • les figures 3A et 3B, une vue en coupe des touches du clavier de la figure 2, respectivement au repos et enfoncées,
  • la figure 4, une vue de dessus d'un autre clavier selon l'invention,
  • les figures 5A et 5B, deux vues en coupe des touches du clavier de la figure 4 au repos
  • les figures 6A à 6D, des vues de dessus du clavier de la figure 4 à différents stades de sa fabrication,
  • les figures 7A à 7D, des vues en coupe des touches d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un clavier selon l'invention,
  • la figure 8, une vue de dessus d'un clavier selon une variante de réalisation.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, already described, respectively three types of keyboards belonging to the state of the prior art,
  • FIG. 2, a top view of a first embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B, a sectional view of the keys of the keyboard of FIG. 2, respectively at rest and depressed,
  • FIG. 4, a top view of another keyboard according to the invention,
  • Figures 5A and 5B, two sectional views of the keys of the keyboard of Figure 4 at rest
  • FIGS. 6A to 6D, top views of the keyboard of FIG. 4 at different stages of its manufacture,
  • FIGS. 7A to 7D, sectional views of the keys of another embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention,
  • Figure 8, a top view of a keyboard according to an alternative embodiment.

La figure 2 illustre un premier mode de réalisation d'un clavier selon l'invention désigné par la référence 10. Ce clavier comporte des touches principales notées P qui sont ordonnées sous forme matricielle. Ces touches principales sont séparées les unes des autres par des espaces intermédiaires mobiles encore appelés touches secondaires et notés S.FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention designated by the reference 10. This keyboard comprises main keys denoted P which are ordered in matrix form. These main keys are separated from each other by mobile intermediate spaces also called secondary keys and denoted S.

Chaque touche P est par conséquent entourée par quatre touches S. Dans les exemples décrits ci-après, la touche P est mécaniquement reliée aux quatre touches S qui l'entourent, mais il est tout à fait envisageable de réaliser un clavier dans lequel chaque touche P est reliée mécaniquement à seulement une, ou deux ou trois touches secondaires.Each P key is therefore surrounded by four S keys. In the examples described below, the P key is mechanically linked to the four S keys that surround it, but it is entirely conceivable to produce a keyboard in which each key P is mechanically linked to only one, or two or three secondary keys.

Sur la figure 2, les touches secondaires présentent une surface hexagonale, mais cette forme n'est pas essentielle et elles peuvent présenter des surfaces de toute autre forme. Les touches principales P et secondaires S sont de préférence au même niveau de manière à ce que la surface du clavier au repos soit complètement plane.In FIG. 2, the secondary keys have a hexagonal surface, but this shape is not essential and they can have surfaces of any other shape. The main P and secondary S keys are preferably at the same level so that the surface of the keyboard at rest is completely flat.

Les quatre fonctions principales permettant de faire fonctionner les touches d'un clavier classique sont le guidage des touches dans leur mouvement vertical, la force de réaction permettant de ramener les touches en position haute, le blocage des touches en position haute, et le contact électrique. Les deux premières fonctions énumérées sont réalisées au moyen de mécanismes d'entraînement.The four main functions for operating the keys of a conventional keyboard are guiding the keys in their vertical movement, the reaction force making it possible to return the keys to the high position, blocking the keys in the high position, and the electrical contact. . The first two functions listed are performed by means of drive mechanisms.

Dans les claviers classiques, chacun de ces mécanismes d'entraînement est placé sous chacune des touches. Dans le clavier 10 selon l'invention, ces mécanismes d'entraînement sont avantageusement répartis entre les touches principales P et les touches secondaires S. Cette répartition permet ainsi à chaque touche principale P d'entraîner ses quatre touches secondaires voisines vers le bas sous l'action d'une pression, et inversement chaque touche secondaire S exerce une force de rappel de manière à ramener ses deux touches principales voisines en position haute lorsqu'aucune pression n'est exercée sur celles-ci.In conventional keyboards, each of these drive mechanisms is placed under each of the keys. In the keyboard 10 according to the invention, these drive mechanisms are advantageously distributed between the main keys P and the secondary keys S. This distribution thus allows each main key P to drive its four adjacent secondary keys downwards under the 'action of a pressure, and conversely each secondary key S exerts a restoring force so as to bring its two adjacent main keys to the high position when no pressure is exerted on them.

Par conséquent, grâce à cette répartition des mécanismes d'entraînement entre les deux types de touches, la surface de frappe d'une touche P est augmentée et comprend non seulement la touche principale P mais aussi les quatre touches secondaires S voisines. Cette surface de frappe est désignée par la référence 20 sur la figure 2, elle est octogonale et délimitée par un épais trait noir. Cette surface étant plane, lorsqu'un utilisateur tape sur la touche principale P correspondante, même si son doigt chevauche une ou plusieurs touches secondaires S voisines il reste en contact avec une surface plane, et ne frotte pas, comme sur les claviers classiques, sur un bord anguleux de la touche. Le problème de frottement contre un bord anguleux étant évité, la taille des touches principales peut être aussi petite que l'on veut. La zone de frappe 20 ainsi créée permet de diminuer considérablement le nombre de fautes de frappe susceptibles de se produire. La frappe d'un texte peut alors être exécutée de manière prolongée, sans aucune gêne pour l'utilisateur.Consequently, thanks to this distribution of the drive mechanisms between the two types of keys, the striking surface of a P key is increased and includes not only the main P key but also the four keys neighboring secondary S. This striking surface is designated by the reference 20 in FIG. 2, it is octagonal and delimited by a thick black line. This surface being flat, when a user taps on the corresponding main key P, even if his finger overlaps one or more neighboring secondary keys S, he remains in contact with a flat surface, and does not rub, as on conventional keyboards, on an angular edge of the fingerboard. The problem of friction against an angular edge being avoided, the size of the main keys can be as small as desired. The striking zone 20 thus created makes it possible to considerably reduce the number of typing errors likely to occur. Typing of a text can then be carried out for a long time, without any discomfort for the user.

De manière avantageuse, la taille des touches principales est telle qu'elle permet de minimiser la précision de frappe, c'est-à-dire d'augmenter la marge d'erreur dont bénéficie un utilisateur autour du centre d'une touche P. Les touches P peuvent, sans inconvénients, être plus petites que la surface de contact d'un doigt puisque les touches secondaires permettent de conserver une surface de frappe 20 plane. Comme il a été décrit précédemment, la largeur 1 des touches principales P est de préférence comprise entre E, c'est-à-dire la valeur de l'espacement entre les centres de deux touches P contigües, et E-d. Ainsi, par exemple, leur surface est comprise entre 0,04 et 1 cm2. Bien sûr, cette surface peut toujours être élargie, et peut par exemple atteindre une valeur égale à 1,5 cm2. Cependant, il est en outre préférable que les touches secondaires S soient suffisamment petites pour qu'une frappe "au hasard" du clavier entraîne toujours la mise en mouvement d'au moins une touche principale, quelle que soit la zone de frappe. Par conséqùent la largeur des touches secondaires doit être inférieure ou égale au diamètre d de la surface de contact d'un doigt. Elle est par exemple comprise entre environ 0,2cm et 0,7 cm.Advantageously, the size of the main keys is such that it makes it possible to minimize typing precision, that is to say to increase the margin of error from which a user benefits around the center of a P key. The keys P can, without drawbacks, be smaller than the contact surface of a finger since the secondary keys make it possible to maintain a flat typing surface. As described above, the width 1 of the main keys P is preferably between E, that is to say the value of the spacing between the centers of two contiguous keys P, and Ed. Thus, for example , their surface is between 0.04 and 1 cm 2 . Of course, this surface can always be enlarged, and can for example reach a value equal to 1.5 cm 2 . However, it is also preferable that the secondary keys S are small enough that a "random" keystroke always results in the setting moving at least one main key, regardless of the typing area. Consequently, the width of the secondary keys must be less than or equal to the diameter d of the contact surface of a finger. It is, for example, between approximately 0.2 cm and 0.7 cm.

Les figures 3A et 3B mettent en évidence les mécanismes d'entraînement et leur répartition sous les deux types de touches S et P du clavier de la figure 2. La figure 3A représente une vue en coupe des touches au repos, c'est-à-dire en position haute, tandis que la figure 3B représente une vue en coupe des touches lorsqu'elles sont enfoncées sous l'action d'une pression exercée sur une touche principale.FIGS. 3A and 3B show the drive mechanisms and their distribution under the two types of keys S and P of the keyboard of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A represents a sectional view of the keys at rest, that is to say say in the high position, while FIG. 3B represents a sectional view of the keys when they are pressed under the action of a pressure exerted on a main key.

Les touches principales et secondaires reposent sur un socle 30. Sur la figure 3A, les deux types de touche possèdent des moyens de guidage communs 31.The main and secondary keys rest on a base 30. In FIG. 3A, the two types of key have common guide means 31.

Les moyens de guidage 31 comportent à leur extrémité supérieure deux ergots 32. Ces ergots 32 constituent des moyens de blocage vers le haut. Ils agissent chacun sur le cylindre 43 d'une touche principale, lequel est situé entre les moyens de guidage 31 de cette touche, de manière à le bloquer en fin de course, lorsque la touche principale remonte en position haute sous l'action des forces de rappel exercées sous les touches secondaires.The guide means 31 comprise at their upper end two lugs 32. These lugs 32 constitute upward locking means. They each act on the cylinder 43 of a main key, which is located between the guide means 31 of this key, so as to block it at the end of the race, when the main key rises to the high position under the action of forces. of recall carried out under the secondary keys.

Dans une variante de réalisation, il est tout à fait possible de réaliser un clavier dans lequel les moyens de guidage sont spécifiques à chaque type de touche.In an alternative embodiment, it is entirely possible to produce a keyboard in which the guide means are specific to each type of key.

Des moyens élastiques 34, comme des ressorts par exemple, sont prévus uniquement sous les touches secondaires S de manière à ce qu'elles exercent la force de rappel fr destinée à ramener les touches principales voisines en position haute.Elastic means 34, such as springs for example, are provided only under the secondary keys S so that they exert the restoring force f r intended to return the neighboring main keys to the high position.

D'autre part, des contacts électriques 35 sont prévus uniquement sous les touches principales P pour permettre de commander l'écriture des caractères correspondants inscrits sur ces touches. En principe, on préfère ne pas prévoir de contact sous les touches secondaires S puisque celles-ci ne sont pas destinées à commander l'écriture de caractères mais seulement à augmenter la zone de frappe.On the other hand, electrical contacts 35 are provided only under the main keys P to allow the writing of the corresponding characters written on these keys to be controlled. In principle, it is preferable not to provide contact under the secondary keys S since these are not intended to control the writing of characters but only to increase the typing area.

Les touches secondaires S se présentent sous la forme d'un U renversé et possèdent, à chaque extrémité des branches du U, une languette 41 de support des touches P voisines. Ces languettes 41 permettent ainsi d'entraîner les touches principales qu'elles supportent vers la position haute, sous l'action de la force de rappel fr exercée par le ressort 34.The secondary keys S are in the form of an inverted U and have, at each end of the branches of the U, a tongue 41 for supporting the neighboring keys P. These tongues 41 thus make it possible to drive the main keys which they support towards the high position, under the action of the restoring force fr exerted by the spring 34.

Les touches principales P se présentent sous la forme d'un T et possèdent , à chaque extrémité de la barre horizontale du T, une languette 42. Chaque languette 42 frotte d'une part contre un moyen de guidage 31, de manière à assurer un bon maintien vertical de la touche P lorsqu'elle s'enfonce, et appuie d'autre part sur une languette 41 d'une touche S voisine de manière à entraîner cette touche S vers le bas lorsqu'une pression est exercée sur la touche principale. Ces languettes 41 et 42 permettent par conséquent de relier mécaniquement une touche principale P à une ou plusieurs touches secondaires S.The main keys P are in the form of a T and have, at each end of the horizontal bar of the T, a tongue 42. Each tongue 42 rubs on the one hand against a guide means 31, so as to ensure a good vertical hold of the button P when it is pressed, and also presses on a tongue 41 of a neighboring button S so as to drive this button S downwards when a pressure is exerted on the main button . These tongues 41 and 42 therefore make it possible to mechanically connect a main key P to one or more secondary keys S.

La figure 3B illustre ce qui se passe lorsqu'une pression, désignée par la lettre F et représentée par une flèche, est exercée sur la touche P centrale. Les languettes 42 de la touche P appuyent alors sur les languettes 41 des touches S voisines. La touche P s'enfonce et entraîne donc avec elle les touches secondaires voisines définissant la zone de frappe tandis que les deux autres touches P, situées de part et d'autre de cette zone de frappe, restent en position haute puisqu'aucune pression n'y est exercée. La touche P enfoncée établit alors un contact avec les contacts électriques 35 de manière à commander l'écriture du caractère qui lui correspond. Les ressorts 34 placés sous les touches secondaires de la zone de frappe sont comprimés et exercent une force de rappel fr. Cette force de rappel fr permet, lorsque la pression F est supprimée, de ramener la touche P enfoncée en position haute.FIG. 3B illustrates what happens when a pressure, designated by the letter F and represented by an arrow, is exerted on the central key P. The tabs 42 of the P key then press the tabs 41 of the neighboring S keys. The P key is pressed and therefore carries with it the neighboring secondary keys defining the striking zone while the other two keys P, located on either side of this striking zone, remain in the high position since no pressure is exerted there. The key P pressed then establishes contact with the electrical contacts 35 so as to control the writing of the character which corresponds to it. The springs 34 placed under the secondary keys of the striking zone are compressed and exert a restoring force f r . This restoring force f r allows, when the pressure F is removed, to bring the key P pressed in the high position.

La figure 4 illustre un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un clavier selon l'invention désigné par la référence 100. Ce clavier comporte également des touches principales notées P' ordonnées sous forme matricielle.FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a keyboard according to the invention designated by the reference 100. This keyboard also includes main keys denoted P ′ ordered in matrix form.

Ces touches P' sont séparées les unes des autres par des espaces intermédiaires mobiles. Ces espaces intermédiaires mobiles sont de deux sortes: il y a des espaces rectangulaires appelés touches secondaires, notés S', et des espaces carrés appelés touches tertiaires, notés T. Chaque touche tertiaire T est encadrée par quatre touches secondaires S' et quatre touches principales P', les touches S' partageant les côtés de la touche T, et les touches P' partageant les coins. Les formes des touches S' et T ne sont pas limitées aux formes rectangulaire et carrée, elles dépendent notamment de la forme des touches principales ainsi que de leur disposition qui n'est pas forcément matricielle.These keys P 'are separated from each other by mobile intermediate spaces. These mobile intermediate spaces are of two kinds: there are rectangular spaces called secondary keys, noted S ', and square spaces called tertiary keys, noted T. Each tertiary key T is framed by four secondary keys S' and four main keys P ', the S' keys sharing the sides of the T key, and the P 'keys sharing the corners. The shapes of the keys S ′ and T are not limited to the rectangular and square shapes, they depend in particular on the shape of the main keys as well as on their arrangement which is not necessarily matrix.

Les touches P', S' et T sont toutes au même niveau de manière à ce que la surface du clavier soit plane. Dans ce mode de réalisation, les mécanismes d'entraînement des touches sont répartis entre les trois types de touches. Par conséquent, lorsqu'un utilisateur tape sur une touche P', cette dernière entraîne avec elle, dans son mouvement vertical, la zone de frappe correspondante définie par les quatre touches S' voisines et les quatre touches T voisines. Cette zone de frappe est mise en évidence par un épais trait noir et désignée par la référence 200 sur la figure 4.The P ', S' and T keys are all on the same level so that the keyboard surface is flat. In this embodiment, the key drive mechanisms are distributed between the three types of keys. Consequently, when a user presses a key P ', the latter carries with it, in its vertical movement, the corresponding striking zone defined by the four adjacent keys S' and the four adjacent keys T. This striking zone is highlighted by a thick black line and designated by the reference 200 in FIG. 4.

Les mécanismes d'entraînement sont plus particulièrement disposés de telle sorte que la touche principale P' entraîne vers le bas les touches secondaires S' voisines qui lui sont mécaniquement reliées et qui entraînent à leur tour les quatre touches tertiaires T voisines qui leur sont mécaniquement reliées.The drive mechanisms are more particularly arranged so that the main key P 'drives down the adjacent secondary keys S' which are mechanically connected to it and which in turn drive the four neighboring tertiary keys T which are mechanically connected to them .

De la même manière, lorsqu'aucune pression n'est exercée sur la touche P', les quatre touches tertiaires T exercent une force de rappel à chaque coin de la zone de frappe et entraînent vers le haut les quatre touches S' voisines qui lui sont reliées mécaniquement et qui entraînent à leur tour la touche P' qu'elles encadrent et à laquelle elles sont mécaniquement reliées.In the same way, when no pressure is exerted on the key P ', the four tertiary keys T exert a restoring force at each corner of the striking zone and drive up the four neighboring keys S' which are mechanically connected and which in turn cause the key P 'which they frame and to which they are mechanically connected.

Des moyens de blocage permettent de bloquer le mouvement en élévation de la touche principale et de la stabiliser en position haute. La touche P' permet en outre de bloquer l'élévation des touches secondaires S', qui à leur tour bloquent l'élévation des touches T, de manière à ce que toutes les touches P', S' et T soient stabilisées dans une position haute identique conférant au clavier une surface plane.Locking means make it possible to block the movement in elevation of the main key and to stabilize it in the high position. The key P 'also makes it possible to block the elevation of the secondary keys S', which in turn block the elevation of the keys T, so that all the keys P ', S' and T are stabilized in one position identical high giving the keyboard a flat surface.

La largeur des touches P' est du même ordre de grandeur que celle des touches P du clavier 10 selon le premier mode de réalisation.The width of the keys P ′ is of the same order of magnitude as that of the keys P of the keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment.

Les dimensions des touches secondaires S' et tertiaires T sont par ailleurs suffisamment petites pour qu'aucune d'elles ne puisse être entraînée vers le bas par le doigt d'un utilisateur sans qu'au moins une des touches principales P' ne le soit aussi.The dimensions of the secondary S 'and tertiary T keys are also small enough that none of them can be driven downwards by the finger of a user without at least one of the main keys P' being as well.

Les figures 5A et 5B représentent respectivement une vue en coupe A-A et une vue en coupe B-B du clavier 100 de la figure 4.FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively represent a sectional view A-A and a sectional view B-B of the keyboard 100 of FIG. 4.

La figure 5A illustre plus particulièrement la relation entre une touche principale P' et deux touches S' voisines. Ces deux types de touches possèdent des moyens de guidage 360 communs. Bien sûr, dans une variante de réalisation, ces moyens de guidage peuvent être spécifiques à chaque type de touche.FIG. 5A more particularly illustrates the relationship between a main key P 'and two neighboring keys S'. These two types of keys have common 360 guide means. Of course, in an alternative embodiment, these guide means can be specific to each type of key.

Les moyens de guidage 360 comportent, à leur extrémité supérieure, des moyens de blocage 370 contre lesquels vient buter l'extrémité inférieure 403 de la touche principale P' lorsque celle-ci remonte en position haute. La touche principale P' possède des languettes 420 aptes à pousser sur les languettes 410 des touches secondaires S' de manière à les entraîner vers le bas, et à assurer le maintien vertical de la touche P' en frottant contre les moyens de guidage 360. Inversement, les languettes 410 des touches S' permettent de pousser sur les languettes 420 de la touche P' afin de ramener cette-dernière en position haute. Ces languettes 410 et 420 permettent de relier mécaniquement une touche P' à une ou plusieurs touches secondaires S'. Des contacts électriques 350 sont prévus sur le socle 300,sous la touche P'.The guide means 360 comprise, at their upper end, blocking means 370 against which abuts the lower end 403 of the main button P 'when the latter rises in the high position. The main key P 'has tongues 420 able to push on the tongues 410 of the secondary keys S' so as to drive them downwards, and to ensure the vertical maintenance of the key P 'by rubbing against the guide means 360. Conversely, the tongues 410 of the keys S 'make it possible to push on the tongues 420 of the key P' in order to bring the latter to the high position. These tongues 410 and 420 make it possible to mechanically connect a key P 'to one or more secondary keys S'. Electrical contacts 350 are provided on the base 300, under the key P '.

La figure 5B, quant à elle, illustre la relation entre une touche tertiaire T et deux touches secondaires S' voisines. Les deux types de touches possèdent des moyens de guidage 380 communs.FIG. 5B, for its part, illustrates the relationship between a tertiary key T and two neighboring secondary keys S '. The two types of keys have common guide means 380.

Un moyen élastique 390, tel qu'un ressort par exemple, est placé sous la touche T. Les touches S' possèdent des languettes 415 aptes à pousser sur des languettes 430 de la touche T de manière à entraîner cette dernière vers le bas, et à assurer un maintien vertical de la touche S' en frottant contre les moyens de guidage 380. Lorsque la touche tertiaire est enfoncée, le ressort 390 exerce une force de rappel fr. Lorsque la pression exercée sur la touche P' est relâchée, la force de rappel fr permet aux languettes 430 de la touche T de pousser sur les languettes 415 des touches S' afin de les remonter en position haute. Ces languettes 415 et 430 permettent de relier mécaniquement une touche secondaire S' à une ou plusieurs touche(s) tertiaire T. Les touches S' entraînent alors avec elles la touche P' par l'intermédiaire de leurs languettes 410.An elastic means 390, such as a spring for example, is placed under the key T. The keys S ′ have tongues 415 capable of pushing on tongues 430 of the key T so as to drive the latter down, and ensuring a vertical hold of the key S 'by rubbing against the guide means 380. When the tertiary key is pressed, the spring 390 exerts a restoring force f r . When the pressure exerted on the key P 'is released, the restoring force f r allows the tongues 430 of the key T to push on the tongues 415 of the keys S' in order to raise them to the high position. These tongues 415 and 430 make it possible to mechanically connect a secondary key S 'to one or more tertiary key (s) T. The keys S' then carry with them the key P 'by means of their tongues 410.

Les figures 6A à 6D permettent de mieux comprendre la structure du clavier 100 puisqu'elles représentent des vues de dessus d'une partie de ce clavier à différents stades de sa fabrication.FIGS. 6A to 6D make it possible to better understand the structure of the keyboard 100 since they represent top views of a part of this keyboard at different stages of its manufacture.

La figure 6A représente les moyens de guidage 360 communs aux touches P' et S', les moyens de guidage 380 communs aux touches S' et T, les moyens de blocage 370 des touches principales P' et le ressort 390 permettant d'exercer la force de rappel sous une touche tertiaire.FIG. 6A represents the guide means 360 common to the keys P 'and S', the guide means 380 common to the keys S 'and T, the blocking means 370 of the main keys P' and the spring 390 making it possible to exercise the restoring force under a tertiary touch.

La touche tertiaire T, comportant des languettes de support 430 des touches secondaires sur chacun de ses côtés, est placée au-dessus de son ressort 390 (figure 6B). Puis les touches secondaires S', comportant des languettes 410 de support des touches principales sur deux de leur côté, sont à leur tour positionnées dans leurs emplacements respectifs (figure 3C). Enfin, la figure 4D illustre le stade final de la fabrication, lorsque les touches principales P' sont mises en place dans leurs logements.The tertiary key T, comprising support tabs 430 of the secondary keys on each of its sides, is placed above its spring 390 (FIG. 6B). Then the secondary keys S ′, comprising tabs 410 for supporting the main keys on two of their side, are in turn positioned in their respective locations (FIG. 3C). Finally, FIG. 4D illustrates the final stage of manufacture, when the main keys P 'are placed in their housings.

Dans ce type de clavier 100, lorsqu'un utilisateur tape simultanément sur deux touches principales contigües, la résistance à la frappe n'est que 1,5 fois supérieure à celle que présente le clavier au cours de la frappe d'une seule touche puisque la nouvelle zone de frappe renferme 6 touches tertiaires contre 4 pour la zone de frappe d'une seule touche P'. En revanche, dans le clavier 10 selon le premier mode de réalisation, le rapport des résistances est supérieur puisqu'il est de 1,75. En effet, dans ce cas la zone de frappe de deux touches P comprend 7 touches secondaires alors que la zone de frappe d'une seule touche P en comprend 4.In this type of keyboard 100, when a user types simultaneously on two contiguous main keys, the resistance to typing is only 1.5 times greater than that presented by the keyboard during the typing of a single key since the new typing zone contains 6 tertiary keys against 4 for the typing zone of a single key P '. On the other hand, in the keyboard 10 according to the first embodiment, the resistance ratio is higher since it is 1.75. Indeed, in this case the typing area of two P keys includes 7 secondary keys while the typing area of a single P key includes 4.

Les figures 7A à 7D illustrent une variante de réalisation de ce clavier 100.FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate an alternative embodiment of this keyboard 100.

Elles représentent des vues en coupe des touches du clavier durant leur enfoncement. Bien sûr, cette variante peut également être appliquée au clavier 10.They represent cross-sectional views of the keyboard keys as they are pressed. Of course, this variant can also be applied to the keyboard 10.

Cette variante consiste à incliner légèrement les zones de contact entre les touches principales et les touches secondaires et, de façon analogue, entre les touches secondaires et les touches tertiaires. Ceci permet, au moment de la frappe d'une touche principale P1 et de l'enfoncement de la zone de frappe correspondante, aux seize touches principales et secondaires voisines de basculer légèrement vers la zone de frappe, et de simuler une déformation élastique de ces touches encadrant la zone de frappe lors du mouvement de cette-dernière. Par ailleurs ce basculement des seize touches voisines de la zone de frappe offre une forme légèrement concave complémentaire de la forme convexe d'un doigt.This variant consists in slightly tilting the contact zones between the main keys and the secondary keys and, similarly, between the secondary keys and the tertiary keys. This allows, when a main key P 1 is struck and the corresponding typing zone is pressed, the sixteen neighboring main and secondary keys to switch slightly towards the typing zone, and to simulate an elastic deformation of these keys framing the striking zone during the movement of the latter. Furthermore, this tilting of the sixteen keys adjacent to the typing zone offers a slightly concave shape complementary to the convex shape of a finger.

On constate en effet sur la figure 7B que lorsque la touche S1 s'enfonce, sous l'action de la touche P1 ou éventuellement sous la pression directe du doigt d'un utilisateur, la touche P2, qui n'est plus soutenue latéralement que par la touche secondaire S2, pivote légèrement vers S1 sous l'effet des couples de forces (f2, f4) exercées respectivement par S2 et par le moyen de blocage 370.It can be seen in FIG. 7B that when the button S 1 is pressed, under the action of the button P 1 or possibly under the direct pressure of a user's finger, the button P 2 , which is no longer laterally supported only by the secondary key S 2 , pivots slightly towards S 1 under the effect of the couples of forces (f 2 , f 4 ) exerted respectively by S 2 and by the locking means 370.

Pour la même raison, les touches secondaires du voisinage de la zone de frappe basculent elles aussi vers leur voisine tertiaire appartenant à cette zone de frappe. La figure 7C représente les touches P1 et S1 lorsqu'elles sont complètement enfoncées. Dans ce cas, une force supplémentaire f5 exercée par S1 sur la touche P2 permet de stabiliser cette-dernière dans sa position inclinée. Les figures 7A et 7D représentent les trois types de touches au repos, lorsque tous les couples de forces (f1, f3) et (f2,f4) s'équilibrent.For the same reason, the secondary keys in the vicinity of the striking zone also switch to their tertiary neighbor belonging to this striking zone. FIG. 7C shows the keys P 1 and S 1 when they are fully pressed. In this case, an additional force f 5 exerted by S 1 on the button P 2 makes it possible to stabilize the latter in its inclined position. FIGS. 7A and 7D show the three types of keys at rest, when all the pairs of forces (f 1 , f 3 ) and (f 2 , f 4 ) are balanced.

Cette variante de réalisation présente un grand avantage. En effet, si la position du doigt venant frapper une zone de frappe est suffisamment excentrée au moment de la frappe pour qu'il effleure une des touches principales voisines de la zone de frappe, après le basculement de cette touche, la position oblique qu'elle aura acquise empêchera qu'un contact électrique puisse avoir lieu en fin de course avec les contacts 350 placés sur le socle 300 du clavier. Par conséquent, la marge d'erreur dont dispose la frappe est encore augmentée.This variant embodiment has a great advantage. In fact, if the position of the finger striking a striking zone is sufficiently offset at the time of striking so that it touches one of the main keys adjacent to the striking zone, after the rocking of this key, the oblique position that it will have acquired prevent an electrical contact can take place at the end of the race with the contacts 350 placed on the base 300 of the keyboard. Consequently, the margin of error available to typing is further increased.

La forme de la surface des touches S et T définissant l'espace intermédiaire n'est pas essentielle, elle peut être aussi bien hexagonale, que carrée, cruciforme ou autre. C'est cette forme qui détermine le nombre de touches secondaires et/ou tertiaires par rapport au nombre de touches principales. Ainsi, sur la figure 8, qui illustre une variante d'un clavier, le nombre de touches secondaires cruciformes est égal au nombre de touches principales.The shape of the surface of the S and T keys defining the intermediate space is not essential, it can be either hexagonal, square, cruciform or other. It is this form which determines the number of secondary keys and / or tertiary in relation to the number of main keys. Thus, in FIG. 8, which illustrates a variant of a keyboard, the number of cruciform secondary keys is equal to the number of main keys.

Le nombre de touches S mécaniquement reliées à une touche P et le nombre de touches T mécaniquement reliées à une touche S, ne sont pas non plus essentiels. Ils sont au moins égaux à 1. Dans les exemples cités dans la description ces nombres étaient maximum et égaux respectivement au nombre de touches S encadrant une touche P et au nombre de touches S encadrant une touche T.The number of keys S mechanically linked to a key P and the number of keys T mechanically linked to a key S are also not essential. They are at least equal to 1. In the examples cited in the description these numbers were maximum and equal respectively to the number of keys S framing a key P and to the number of keys S framing a key T.

La forme des touches principales n'est pas non plus limitée au carré, elle peut encore être circulaire, hexagonale ou losangique par exemple.The shape of the main keys is also not limited to the square, it can also be circular, hexagonal or lozenge for example.

Une variante de réalisation consiste en outre à onduler légèrement la surface du clavier de manière à améliorer le confort de la frappe. Pour cela, les touches principales présentent une forme légèrement concave, complémentaire de celle du doigt. Par ailleurs les touches secondaires, et les touches tertiaires lorsqu'elles sont prévues, présentent une forme convexe de façon à ce qu'il n'y ait aucune rupture de pente. La surface du clavier présente donc un aspect doublement ondulatoire, le long des axes verticaux et horizontaux; l'axe horizontal étant défini par l'axe traversant le clavier de gauche à droite et l'axe vertical étant défini par l'axe traversant le clavier de haut en bas.An alternative embodiment also consists in slightly undulating the surface of the keyboard so as to improve the typing comfort. For this, the main keys have a slightly concave shape, complementary to that of the finger. Furthermore, the secondary keys, and the tertiary keys when provided, have a convex shape so that there is no break in slope. The surface of the keyboard therefore has a doubly wave-like appearance, along the vertical and horizontal axes; the horizontal axis being defined by the axis passing through the keyboard from left to right and the vertical axis being defined by the axis passing through the keyboard from top to bottom.

Une autre variante de réalisation consiste à réunir tout l'espace intermédiaire entre les touches principales en une seule touche secondaire apte à être entraînée vers le bas par chacune des touches principales. Cette touche secondaire unique est ramenée vers le haut par plusieurs ressorts placés par exemple à ses quatre extrémités. Dans ce cas, les touches principales sont elles aussi équipées de ressorts, de faible intensité, de façon à ce que les touches qui ne sont pas enfoncées au moment de la frappe restent en position haute. L'avantage de cette variante est la simplicité puisque la résistance à la frappe est pratiquement indépendante du nombre de touches principales frappées simultanément du fait de la grande résistance liée à la touche secondaire. Par contre elle présente l'inconvénient d'offrir une inertie plus grande au moment de la frappe et de la mise en mouvement de la touche secondaire, c'est-à-dire qu'elle exige une énergie de frappe plus importante de la part de l'utilisateur.Another alternative embodiment consists in uniting all the intermediate space between the main keys in a single secondary key capable of being driven downwards by each of the main keys. This unique secondary key is brought up by several springs, for example at its four ends. In this case, the main keys are also equipped with springs, of low intensity, so that the keys which are not pressed at the time of typing remain in the high position. The advantage of this variant is simplicity since the impact resistance is practically independent of the number of main keys struck simultaneously due to the high resistance linked to the secondary key. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage of offering a greater inertia at the time of striking and setting in motion of the secondary key, that is to say that it requires a greater energy of striking on the part of the user.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation, il est ensuite possible d'ajouter, sous les touches principales de l'un des claviers précédemment décrits, des ressorts en extension aptes à tirer ces touches principales vers le bas. Dans ce cas, la résistance à la frappe est plus homogène. En effet, pour une force de rappel f exercée par les ressorts situés sous les touches secondaires, et pour une force de rappel
   f' = k * f exercée par les ressorts situés sous les touches principales, la force de réaction rl opposée à la zone de frappe d'une seule touche principale est égale à : r1= (4-k) * f, tandis que la force de réaction r2 opposée à la zone de frappe de deux touches principales est égale à : r2= (6-2k) * f. Le rapport de ces deux forces est donc égal à : R = r2 / r1 = (6-2k) / (4-k) .

Figure imgb0001
According to another alternative embodiment, it is then possible to add, under the main keys of one of the keyboards described above, extension springs capable of pulling these main keys down. In this case, the impact resistance is more homogeneous. Indeed, for a restoring force f exerted by the springs located under the secondary keys, and for a restoring force
f '= k * f exerted by the springs located under the main keys, the reaction force rl opposite to the striking area of a single main key is equal to: r1 = (4-k) * f, while the reaction force r2 opposite the striking zone of two main keys is equal to: r2 = (6-2k) * f. The ratio of these two forces is therefore equal to: R = r2 / r1 = (6-2k) / (4-k).
Figure imgb0001

Lorsqu'il n'y a pas de ressort en extension sous les touches principales, c'est-à-dire lorsque k=0, alors R est égal à 1,5. Cette valeur de R devient égale à 1,33 lorsque k=1, ce qui améliore l'homogénéité entre les frappes simple (une seule touche P frappée) et double (deux touches P frappées).When there is no spring in extension under the main keys, that is to say when k = 0, then R is equal to 1.5. This value of R becomes equal to 1.33 when k = 1, which improves the homogeneity between single keystrokes (one P key hit) and double keystrokes (two P keystrokes).

Pour que R soit égale à 1, il faudrait que k soit égal à 2 mais ce cas est impossible étant donné que k doit rester inférieur à [(l+1) * (c+1)] / (l * c) où l et c sont respectivement le nombre de lignes et de colonnes du clavier et [(l+1) * (c+1)] le nombre de touches secondaires, pour que la force totale attirant le clavier au repos vers le bas ne soit pas supérieure à la force qui le repousse vers le haut.For R to be equal to 1, k would have to be equal to 2 but this case is impossible since k must remain less than [(l + 1) * (c + 1)] / (l * c) where l and c are respectively the number of rows and columns of the keyboard and [(l + 1) * (c + 1)] the number of secondary keys, so that the total force attracting the keyboard at rest down is not greater to the force that pushes it up.

De plus, une telle réalisation permet aussi, dans le cas où les zones de contact entre les touches sont inclinées, d'augmenter considérablement la force de levier entraînant les touches voisines de la zone de frappe vers cette dernière. En effet, les ressorts en extension attirent ces touches vers le bas et disposent de plus d'un bras de levier beaucoup plus grand que celui dont dispose la force f2 exercée par la touche S2 du clavier de la figure 7B.In addition, such an embodiment also makes it possible, in the case where the contact zones between the keys are inclined, to considerably increase the lever force causing the keys adjacent to the striking zone towards the latter. Indeed, the springs in extension attract these keys downward and have more of a lever arm much larger than that which has the force f2 exerted by the key S2 of the keyboard of FIG. 7B.

Claims (12)

Clavier mécanique plan destiné à être intégré dans un dispositif électronique de poche, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend: - plusieurs touches principales (P), chacune d'entre elles étant encadrée par une ou plusieurs touches secondaires (S) et reliée mécaniquement à au moins une de ces touches secondaires pour définir une zone de frappe (20), - des mécanismes d'entraînement des touches principales (P) et des touches secondaires (S) de manière à ce que chaque touche principale (P) entraîne vers le bas, sous l'action d'une pression (F), la (les) touche(s) secondaire(s) voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s), et à ce que chaque touche secondaire (S) exerce une force de rappel (fr) apte à ramener en position haute la (les) touche(s) principale(s) (P) voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s), en l'absence de pression exercée sur cette (ces)-dernière(s). Flat mechanical keyboard intended to be integrated into an electronic pocket device, characterized in that it comprises: - several main keys (P), each of them being framed by one or more secondary keys (S) and mechanically connected to at least one of these secondary keys to define a typing area (20), - drive mechanisms for the main keys (P) and secondary keys (S) so that each main key (P) drives down (under the action of a pressure (F), the (the ) adjacent secondary key (s) which are mechanically linked to it, and that each secondary key (S) exerts a restoring force (f r ) capable of returning to the high position the neighboring main key (s) (P) which is mechanically linked to it, in the absence of pressure exerted on this (these) -last (s). Clavier mécanique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des moyens de blocage (32) vers le haut des touches principales (P).Mechanical keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises locking means (32) towards the top of the main keys (P). Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 2 caractérisé en ce que les mécanismes d'entraînement comprennent: - des moyens de guidage (31, 33) propres à chaque touche, ou alors communs aux deux types de touches, - des moyens élastiques (34) placés sous les touches secondaires (S), de manière à exercer la force de rappel (fr) destinée à ramener les touches principales (P) voisines en position haute, Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that the drive mechanisms include: - guide means (31, 33) specific to each key, or common to the two types of keys, - elastic means (34) placed under the secondary keys (S), so as to exert force recall (f r ) intended to return the main keys (P) adjacent to the high position, Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les touches secondaires (S) comportent des languettes (41) de support des touches principales (P) voisines.Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the secondary keys (S) comprise tongues (41) for supporting the adjacent main keys (P). clavier mécanique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des touches tertiaires (T), chacune étant entourée par quatre touches secondaires (S') et quatre touches principales (P') et reliée mécaniquement à au moins une touche secondaire (S') ; et en ce que les mécanismes d'entraînement sont répartis entre les trois types de touches de manière à ce que chaque touche principale (P') entraîne vers le bas, sous l'action d'une pression, la (les) touche(s) secondaire(s) (S') voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s) et qui entraîne(nt) à son (leur) tour la (les) touche(s) tertiaire(s) (T) voisine(s) qui lui (leur) est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s) ; et à ce que chaque touche tertiaire (T) exerce une force de rappel (fr) apte à ramener en position haute, en l'absence de pression, la (les) touche(s) secondaire(s) (S') voisine(s) qui lui est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s) et qui entraînent à son (leur) tour, dans son (leur) mouvement en élévation, la touche principale (P') à laquelle elle(s) est (sont) mécaniquement reliée(s).mechanical keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises tertiary keys (T), each being surrounded by four secondary keys (S ') and four main keys (P') and mechanically connected to at least one key secondary (S '); and in that the drive mechanisms are distributed between the three types of keys so that each main key (P ') drives down, under the action of a pressure, the key (s) ) secondary (s) (S ') neighbor (s) which is (are) mechanically connected (s) and which (s) in turn (s) the key (s) tertiary (s) (T ) neighbor (s) who are (are) mechanically connected to them; and that each tertiary key (T) exerts a restoring force (f r ) capable of bringing the neighboring secondary key (s) (S ') to the high position, in the absence of pressure (s) which is (are) mechanically linked (s) and which in turn (in their) movement, in its (their) movement in elevation, the main key (P ') to which it (s) is (are) mechanically linked. clavier mécanique selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre des moyens de blocage (370) vers le haut des touches principales (P').mechanical keyboard according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises locking means (370) towards the top of the main keys (P '). clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 5 à 6, caractérisé en ce que les mécanismes d'entraînement comprennent : - des moyens de guidage (360) propres à chaque touche ou communs à deux touches contigües, - des moyens élastiques (390) placés sous les touches tertiaires (T), de manière à exercer la force de rappel (fr) destinée à ramener en position haute successivement les touches secondaires (S') et les touches principales (P') voisines, mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the drive mechanisms include: - guide means (360) specific to each key or common to two contiguous keys, - elastic means (390) placed under the tertiary keys (T), so as to exert the restoring force (fr) intended to bring the secondary keys (S ') and the neighboring main keys (P') back to the successive position , Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les touches secondaires (S') et tertiaires (T) comportent respectivement des languettes (410) de support des touches principales (P') voisines et des languettes (430) de support des touches secondaires (S') voisines.Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the secondary (S ') and tertiary (T) keys respectively comprise tongues (410) for supporting the adjacent main keys (P') and tongues (430 ) to support adjacent secondary keys (S '). Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que des contacts électriques (35; 350) sont prévus sous les touches principales (P; P').Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that electrical contacts (35; 350) are provided under the main keys (P; P '). Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé par le fait que les dimensions des touches secondaires (S; S') et/ou tertiaires (T) sont suffisamment petites pour qu'aucune d'elles ne puisse être entraînée vers le bas par le doigt d'un utilisateur sans qu'au moins une des touches principales (P; P') voisines ne le soit aussi.Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dimensions of the secondary (S; S ') and / or tertiary (T) keys are sufficiently small that none of them can be drawn towards the bottom by the finger of a user without at least one of the main keys (P; P ') being adjacent as well. Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que les zones de contact entre les touches principales (P;P') et les touches secondaires (S;S') et les zones de contact entre les touches secondaires (S;S') et les touches tertiaires (T) sont légèrement inclinées, de manière à simuler, lors de la frappe sur une touche principale (P;P'), une déformation élastique des touches voisines de la zone de frappe (20, 200) correspondante.Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the contact areas between the main keys (P; P ') and the secondary keys (S; S ') and the contact zones between the secondary keys (S; S') and the tertiary keys (T) are slightly inclined, so as to simulate, when typing a main key (P; P '), an elastic deformation of the keys adjacent to the corresponding striking zone (20, 200). Clavier mécanique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que la surface des touches principales (P;P') est légèrement concave, et la surface des touches secondaires (S;S') et tertiaires (T) est légèrement convexe.Mechanical keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the surface of the main keys (P; P ') is slightly concave, and the surface of the secondary (S; S') and tertiary (T) keys is slightly convex.
EP97400991A 1996-05-02 1997-05-02 Flat mechanical keyboard Expired - Lifetime EP0805465B1 (en)

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FR2953037A1 (en) * 2009-11-26 2011-05-27 Jean Loup Claude Gillot Flat motorized keyboard, has secondary keys provided with springs that bring primary keys upward, and tactile layer provided with possibilities of touchpad mode function of keyboard
FR2955423A1 (en) * 2010-01-21 2011-07-22 Gillot Jean Loup Claude Flat motorized keyboard i.e. scissor-like keyboard, has tertiary keys that are forced upward from neighboring primary and secondary keys when finger pressure is released, where secondary keys are forced upward from primary keys
FR2964760A1 (en) * 2010-09-15 2012-03-16 Jean Loup Claude Gillot Mechanical flat and touch keyboard, has main, secondary and tertiary keys, where complementary and circular shapes of nearby keys and play of reverse spring forces result in sliding of keys and maintain electrical continuity of electrodes

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DE69702808D1 (en) 2000-09-21
EP0805465B1 (en) 2000-08-16

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