EP0215037A1 - Switching mat and process for its manufacture. - Google Patents

Switching mat and process for its manufacture.

Info

Publication number
EP0215037A1
EP0215037A1 EP86901354A EP86901354A EP0215037A1 EP 0215037 A1 EP0215037 A1 EP 0215037A1 EP 86901354 A EP86901354 A EP 86901354A EP 86901354 A EP86901354 A EP 86901354A EP 0215037 A1 EP0215037 A1 EP 0215037A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
pressure difference
contact surfaces
bulges
mat
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
EP86901354A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0215037B1 (en
Inventor
Fritz D Buchien
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.)
Mayser GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Mayser GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mayser GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Mayser GmbH and Co KG
Priority to AT86901354T priority Critical patent/ATE45644T1/en
Publication of EP0215037A1 publication Critical patent/EP0215037A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0215037B1 publication Critical patent/EP0215037B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/14—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
    • H01H3/141—Cushion or mat switches
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49105—Switch making

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switching mat with two opposing, mutually movable, in particular flexible and electrically conductive contact surfaces, which are separated from one another by electrically isolating spacers that form between contact windows and are elastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces, and at least one in the area of the contact windows of the two contact surfaces projecting towards the opposite contact surface, which are formed by bulges of the contact surfaces, the distance between the contact projections and the opposite contact surface or the opposite contact projections being no greater than the elastic spring stroke of the spacers when the switching mat is not loaded.
  • Such safety mats are used, for example, as a protective device for closing edges that can be moved by a drive. In the event of an object in the area of movement of the closing edge touching the safety mat contact is made in the manner of a closing switch, via which a suitable safety measure, usually the switching off of the drive, can be initiated.
  • a closing switch via which a suitable safety measure, usually the switching off of the drive, can be initiated.
  • Such switch mats are also used as a foot contact mat arranged in the range of movement of the closing edge, so that the drive cannot be actuated as long as there is a person on the switch mat.
  • a switch mat of this type is from the magazine " O T k h t e . 1 S 0 A 7 E 1, J S o . U 2 r 2 na b l ek o a f nn a t utomotive Engineering", Vol.79, No.10. and serves as a sensor for whether the seat of a motor vehicle is occupied or not.
  • the contact surfaces consist of thin copper sheets in which the bulges are stamped.
  • the dimensional rigidity of these sheets required for the stamping in has the consequence that relatively high forces are required for contacting, such as occur, for example, when stressed by the body weight of a person.
  • the forces have to act distributed over a relatively large surface area in order to bring the contact surfaces closer together and bring them into contact because of their high dimensional stability for making contact in this surface area. If, on the other hand, the switch mat is only loaded locally, there is no contact with only small attacking forces, whereas with large forces there is permanent deformation of the contact surface.
  • a similar safety mat is also known from DE-OS 24 18856.
  • the contact areas in the window area have a greater distance from each other than in the area of the spacers.
  • the bulges spring over to the opposite contact surface and thus bring about contact.
  • comparatively high forces are also required for this, since the contact surfaces must also have sufficient rigidity.
  • the switch mat is sealed in a plastic cover to prevent the ingress of dirt or water, which loosely surrounds the contact surface.
  • the contact surfaces are flat and run parallel to one another in the unloaded state.
  • the upper contact surface to be loaded is made of heavy sheet metal that resists any deflection, while the lower contact surface is made of relatively light sheet metal material.
  • the lower contact surface is provided on its underside with foot-like projections which are arranged in the region of the contact window. When the switch mat is loaded, the foot-like projections push the lower contact surface in the area of the contact window upwards and thus lead to contact.
  • considerable forces are required to trigger the switching function, especially since the lower contact surface must be deformed over the entire surface because of the upper rigid contact surface.
  • the covering therefore has a greater thickness in the area of the contact window and likewise forms projections there, via which the contact surfaces are brought into mutual contact when the switch mat is loaded.
  • the two contact surfaces have a high degree of flexural rigidity, so that contact is only made at relatively high pressure forces acting on the switch mat.
  • the invention has for its object to design a safety mat of the type mentioned in such a way that reliable contact is ensured even at a relatively low pressure load and the risk of permanent deformation is largely excluded, and that it is sufficiently robust, in particular also walkable, with regard to heavy loads, and to specify a method for producing such safety mats.
  • the contact surface provided with contact projections is formed by a shape-impermeable film which, on its side facing away from the other contact surface, has an elastic coating which fixes the bulges.
  • the progress achieved by the invention consists essentially in the fact that one of the contact surfaces has a low bending stiffness, so that contact is already made with only selective contact with low force.
  • the contact projections provided which likewise bring about a reduction in the forces necessary for the deformation of the spacers until contact is made and cannot be introduced into the film in a dimensionally stable manner, become permanent due to the elastic coating fixed. Due to the elasticity of the coating, elastic contact is even made in the area of the contact projections.
  • the coating completely surrounds the contact surfaces in an outwardly sealing manner. This eliminates the need to embed the safety mat in a separate cover.
  • the invention is characterized in that first the two contact surfaces separated from one another by the spacers forming the contact windows are sealed against one another at the edges, and then a pressure difference is built up between the inside and the outside of the switching mat such that the internal pressure is lower than the external pressure is that the bulges of the contact surface, which are directed towards the inside by the pressure difference in the area of the contact window, are fixed by an externally applied, in particular elastically curing coating, sufficient shape rigidity which maintains the bulges even without a pressure difference, and that the pressure difference is finally reduced after the coating has hardened becomes.
  • the particular advantage of this manufacturing process is that there are no deforming tools to form the contact projections required so that switch mats of various sizes and with any arrangement of the contact projections can be easily produced. It is immediately ensured that the contact projections are arranged precisely in the area of the contact window specified by the spacers. Due to the constant pressure difference in the entire surface area of the switch mat, a very even formation of the contact projections is ensured.
  • the contact projections are arranged precisely in the area of the contact window specified by the spacers. Due to the constant pressure difference in the entire surface area of the switch mat, a very even formation of the contact projections is ensured.
  • Pressure difference is expediently chosen so that the two contact surfaces touch each other.
  • the contact distance when the switching mat is not loaded and thus the actuating force required to trigger the switching function is essentially the same over the entire area of the switching mat.
  • the spacers Due to the lower internal pressure compared to the outside, the spacers are deformed in their actuation direction by a force that is essentially constant over the surface, this deformation path representing the actuation stroke required to make contact due to the mutual contact of the two contact surfaces after the pressure difference has been reduced.
  • one of the two contact surfaces can be provided with an elastic, yet adequate form-stiffness or stiff coating before the build-up of the pressure difference in order to avoid the occurrence of the bulges on this contact surface.
  • the pressure difference can be built up in a particularly simple manner by evacuating the interior of the switch mat by means of a cannula.
  • the edge-side sealing of the two contact surfaces required to build up the pressure difference can, in principle, be carried out using any conventional sealant. This can be done in a particularly simple manner lead that the edge-side sealing is carried out by a first, the switching mat at least around the edge surrounding coating of small thickness. It is readily possible to coat the switch mat even over the entire surface if the layer thickness is sufficiently thin so that the bulges can still form due to the pressure difference to be built up.
  • the switching mat shown in the drawing consists of two opposing flexible and electrically conductive contact surfaces 1, 2.
  • the contact surfaces 1, 2 are separated from one another by elastically deformable spacers 3, the spacers 3 forming contact windows 4 between them.
  • contact projections 5 are provided on each of the two contact surfaces 1, which protrude toward the opposite contact surface 2.
  • the contact projections 5 are dimensioned so that the distance between the contacts projections 5 and the opposite contact surface 2 when the switching mat is not loaded is not greater than the elastic spring stroke of the spacers 3.
  • both contact surfaces 1, 2 are provided with corresponding contact projections 5.
  • the contact surface 1 is formed by a film which is provided with bulges forming the contact projections 5.
  • the film On its side facing away from the other contact surface 2, the film has an elastic coating 6 which fixes the bulges and which, moreover, completely seals the entire switch mat to the outside.
  • the coating 6 can advantageously consist of a natural or synthetic casting compound, which is present in the viscous form during the casting by heating or adding solvents or plasticizers, or is formed by chemical reaction of starting components.
  • the coating can also be in the form of foam, but can also be produced by sintering powdery starting materials, provided that the seal is guaranteed.
  • a PUR coating that is produced from two or more components has proven to be particularly suitable.
  • the spacers 3 are formed by a foam mat which has the cutouts forming the contact window 4.
  • the contact windows 4 can have a circular or square shape, for example, and can be punched out of the foam mat, the mutual arrangement of which can be chosen such that the spacers 3 form only narrow webs.
  • the spacers 3 can also be formed from foam strips arranged in a grid-like manner with mutual spacing, the spaces between which form the contact windows 4.
  • the two contact surfaces 1, 2 separated from one another by the spacers 3 are first sealed off from one another at the edges.
  • a pressure difference is then built up between the inside and the outside of the switch mat, the inside pressure being lower than the outside pressure.
  • This pressure difference forms in the area the contact window 4 towards the inside of the switch mat bulges, which are fixed by an externally applied, elastically curing coating 6 of sufficient, the bulges maintain the stiffness even without pressure difference. After they have hardened, the pressure difference is finally reduced again.
  • the pressure difference will be chosen so that the two contact surfaces 1, 2 touch each other, since then, after the pressure difference has been reduced, the distance of the contact projection 5 from the opposite contact surface 2 or the opposite contact projection is equal to the spring travel of the spacer 3, by which it has been elastically deformed under the influence of the pressure difference.
  • One of the two contact surfaces 1, 2 can be provided with an elastic yet stiff coating or a stiff coating before the pressure difference builds up, so that there are no bulges on this contact surface, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the contact surface 2 is shown.
  • the pressure difference is built up by evacuating the interior of the switch mat using a cannula, a pressure difference of approximately 0.5 atmospheres generally being sufficient.
  • the edge-side seal for the evacuation can be carried out in a particularly simple manner in that the switch mat is provided with a coating of such a small thickness that the bulges can easily form during the subsequent build-up of the pressure difference.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Une natte de commutation se compose de deux surfaces de contact (1, 2) électriquement conductrices, opposées et mobiles l'une vers l'autre, séparées par des écarteurs (3) électriquement isolants déformables élastiquement dans le sens perpendiculaire aux surfaces de contact (1, 2) et formant entre eux des fenêtres de contact (4). Des bosses de contact (5) sont formées dans la région des fenêtres de contact (4), sur au moins une des deux surfaces de contact (1, 2) et faisant saillie vers la surface de contact opposée (1, 2) ou vers la bosse de contact opposée. L'écart entre les bosses de contact (5) et la surface (1, 2) ou bosse de contact opposée n'est pas plus grand que la hauteur de levée élastique des écarteurs (3). Ces bosses de contact (5) peuvent être formées par des renflements d'une feuille qui compose les surfaces de contact (1, 2). On les obtient en scellant les bords des deux surfaces de contact (1, 2) et en établissant une différence de pression entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur de la natte de commutation, de sorte que des renflements des surfaces de contact (1, 2) se forment vers le côté intérieur, dans la zone des fenêtres de contact (4). Ces renflements sont ensuite recouverts à l'extérieur d'une couche de durcissement ayant une résistance propre suffisante.A switching mat consists of two electrically conductive contact surfaces (1, 2), opposite and movable towards each other, separated by electrically insulating spacers (3) elastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces ( 1, 2) and forming between them contact windows (4). Contact bumps (5) are formed in the region of the contact windows (4), on at least one of the two contact surfaces (1, 2) and projecting towards the opposite contact surface (1, 2) or towards the opposite contact bump. The distance between the contact bumps (5) and the surface (1, 2) or opposite contact bump is not greater than the elastic lifting height of the spacers (3). These contact bumps (5) can be formed by bulges of a sheet which composes the contact surfaces (1, 2). They are obtained by sealing the edges of the two contact surfaces (1, 2) and by establishing a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the switching mat, so that bulges in the contact surfaces (1, 2) form towards the inside, in the area of the contact windows (4). These bulges are then covered on the outside with a hardening layer having sufficient self-resistance.

Description

Schaltmatte und Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung.Safety mat and process for its manufacture.
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltmatte mit zwei sich gegenüberstehenden, gegeneinander bewegbaren, insbesondere flexiblen und elektrisch leitfähigen Kontaktflächen, die durch zwischen sich Kontaktfenster bildende, in zu den Kontaktflächen senkrechter Richtung elastisch verformbare, elektrisch isolierende Abstandsglieder voneinander getrennt sind und im Bereich der Kontaktfenster an zumindest einer der beiden Kontaktflächen zur gegenüberliegendai Kontaktfläche hin vorstehende Kontaktvorsprünge aufweisen, die von Auswölbungen der Kontaktflächen gebildet sind, wobei der Abstand zwischen den Kontaktvorsprüngen und der gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche bzw. den gegenüberstehenden Kontaktvorsprüngen bei unbelasteter Schaltmatte nicht größer ist als der elastische Federhub der Abstandsglieder.The invention relates to a switching mat with two opposing, mutually movable, in particular flexible and electrically conductive contact surfaces, which are separated from one another by electrically isolating spacers that form between contact windows and are elastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces, and at least one in the area of the contact windows of the two contact surfaces projecting towards the opposite contact surface, which are formed by bulges of the contact surfaces, the distance between the contact projections and the opposite contact surface or the opposite contact projections being no greater than the elastic spring stroke of the spacers when the switching mat is not loaded.
Derartige Schaltmatten finden ihre Anwendung beispielsweise als Schutzeinrichtung von durch einen Antrieb bewegbare Schließkanten. Im Fall einer Berührung eines sich im Bewegungsbereich der Schließkante befindenden Gegenstands mit der Schaltmatte erfolgt in dieser eine Kontaktgabe in der Art eines sich schließenden Schalters, über die eine geeignete Sicherheitsmaßnahme, in der Regel das Abschalten des Antriebs eingeleitet werden kann. Ebenso werden solche Schaltmatten als im Bewegungsbereich der Schließkante angeordnete Fußkontaktmatte verwendet, so daß der Antrieb nicht betätigt werdsι.kann, so lange sich eine Person auf der Schaltmatte befindet.Such safety mats are used, for example, as a protective device for closing edges that can be moved by a drive. In the event of an object in the area of movement of the closing edge touching the safety mat contact is made in the manner of a closing switch, via which a suitable safety measure, usually the switching off of the drive, can be initiated. Such switch mats are also used as a foot contact mat arranged in the range of movement of the closing edge, so that the drive cannot be actuated as long as there is a person on the switch mat.
Eine Schaltmatte dieser Art ist aus der Zeitschrift "OTkhte. 1 S0A7E1 , JSo.u2r2na blek oafnn atutomotive Engineering" , Vol.79,Nr.10. und dient dort als Sensor dafür, ob der Sitz eines Kraftfahrzeugs besetzt ist oder nicht. Die Kontaktflächen bestehen aus dünnen Kupferblechen, in die die Auswölbungen eingeprägt sind. Die für die Einprägung erforderliche Formsteifigkeit dieser Bleche hat jedoch zur Folge, daß für eine Kontaktgabe verhältnismäßig hohe Kräfte erforderlich sind, wie sie etwa bei Belastung durch das Körpergewicht einer Person auftreten. Im übrigen müssen die Kräfte über einen relativ großen Flächenbereich verteilt angreifen, um die Kontaktflächen aufgrund ihrer hohen Formsteifigkeit zur Kontaktgabe in diesem Flächenbereich gegenseitig anzunähern und zur Berührung zu bringen. Wird die Schaltmatte dagegen nur lokal belastet, so tritt bei nur kleinen angreifenden Kräften keine Kontaktgabe, bei großen Kräften dagegen eine bleibende Verformung der Kontaktfläche auf.A switch mat of this type is from the magazine " O T k h t e . 1 S 0 A 7 E 1, J S o . U 2 r 2 na b l ek o a f nn a t utomotive Engineering", Vol.79, No.10. and serves as a sensor for whether the seat of a motor vehicle is occupied or not. The contact surfaces consist of thin copper sheets in which the bulges are stamped. However, the dimensional rigidity of these sheets required for the stamping in has the consequence that relatively high forces are required for contacting, such as occur, for example, when stressed by the body weight of a person. For the rest, the forces have to act distributed over a relatively large surface area in order to bring the contact surfaces closer together and bring them into contact because of their high dimensional stability for making contact in this surface area. If, on the other hand, the switch mat is only loaded locally, there is no contact with only small attacking forces, whereas with large forces there is permanent deformation of the contact surface.
Eine ähnliche Schaltmatte ist auch aus der DE-OS 24 18856 bekannt. Dort sind jedoch die Auswölbungen im Bereich der Kontaktfenster in entgegengesetzter Richtung ausgebildet, so daß die Kontaktflächen im Fenstsrbereich einen größeren Abstand voneinander besitzen als im Bereich der Abstandsglieder. Bei Belastung springen die Auswölbungen zur gegenüberstehenden Kontaktfläche elastisch um und bewirken so die Kontaktgabe. Jedoch sind auch hierfür verhältnismäßig hohe Kräfte erforderlich, da die Kontaktflächen ebenfalls eine hinreichende Formsteifigkeit aufweisen müssen. Im übrigen ist die Schaltmatte zur Vermeidung des Eindringens von Schmutz oder Wasser in eine Kunststoffhülle eingesiegelt, die die Kontaktfläche lose umschließt.A similar safety mat is also known from DE-OS 24 18856. However, there are bulges in the Area of the contact window is formed in the opposite direction, so that the contact areas in the window area have a greater distance from each other than in the area of the spacers. When loaded, the bulges spring over to the opposite contact surface and thus bring about contact. However, comparatively high forces are also required for this, since the contact surfaces must also have sufficient rigidity. In addition, the switch mat is sealed in a plastic cover to prevent the ingress of dirt or water, which loosely surrounds the contact surface.
Bei der aus der DE-AS 11 69001 bekannten Schaltmatte sind die Kontaktflächen plan ausgebildet und verlaufen im unbelasteten Zustand parallel zueinander. Die obere, zu belastende Kontaktfläche besteht aus schwerem Metallblech, das jeglicher Durchbiegung widersteht, während die untere Kontaktfläche aus relativ leichtem Metallblechmaterial besteht. Die untere Kontaktfläche ist an ihrer Unterseite mit fußartigen Vorsprüngen versehen, die im Bereich der Kontaktfenster angeordnet sind. Bei Belastung der Schaltmatte drücken die fußartigen Vorsprünge die untere Kontaktfläche im Bereich der Kontaktfenster nach oben und führen somit zu .einer Kontaktgabe. Auch hier sind erhebliche Kräfte zur Auslösung der Schaltfunktion erforderlich, zumal wegen der oberen steifen Kontaktfläche eine ganzflächige Verformung der unteren Kontaktfläche erfolgen muß. Aus der US-PS 37 22086 ist schließlich ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Schaltmatte bekannt, bei welchem zunächst auf der einen ebenen Kontaktfläche Abstandstücke befestigt und randseitig ein O-Ring aufgelegt werden. Darüber wird die zweite Kontaktfläche gelegt und anschließend der Innenraum über eine Öffnung evakuiert. Dadurch legen sich die Kontaktflächen zwischen den Abstandsstücken einander an. Nach einer spiralförmigen Umwicklung der beiden Kontaktflächen durch einen polymeren Faden werden diese in einer planparallelen Form mit einer Umhüllung umschmolzen. Nach anschließender Belüftung des Innenraums durch eine Hohlnadel nehmen die Kontaktflächen wieder ihre ursprüngliche ebene, zueinander planparallele Form an, wodurch die Umhüllung aύßenseitig eine wellenförmige Gestalt erhält.In the switching mat known from DE-AS 11 69001, the contact surfaces are flat and run parallel to one another in the unloaded state. The upper contact surface to be loaded is made of heavy sheet metal that resists any deflection, while the lower contact surface is made of relatively light sheet metal material. The lower contact surface is provided on its underside with foot-like projections which are arranged in the region of the contact window. When the switch mat is loaded, the foot-like projections push the lower contact surface in the area of the contact window upwards and thus lead to contact. Here, too, considerable forces are required to trigger the switching function, especially since the lower contact surface must be deformed over the entire surface because of the upper rigid contact surface. From US-PS 37 22086, finally, a method for producing a switch mat is known, in which spacers are first attached to one flat contact surface and an O-ring is placed on the edge. The second contact surface is placed over it and then the interior is evacuated via an opening. As a result, the contact surfaces between the spacers abut each other. After a spiral wrapping of the two contact surfaces by a polymer thread, they are melted in a plane-parallel form with a covering. After subsequent ventilation of the interior space by means of a hollow needle, the contact surfaces return to their original flat, plane-parallel shape, as a result of which the outer surface of the covering is given a wavy shape.
Die Umhüllung besitzt dadurch im Bereich der Kontaktfenster eine größere Dicke und bildet dort ebenfalls Vorsprünge, über die bei Belastung der Schaltmatte die Kontaktflächen zur gegenseitigen Anlage gebracht werden. Somit weisen auch hier die beiden Kontaktflächen eine hohe Biegesteifigkeit auf, so daß eine Kontaktgabe erst bei relativ hohen auf die Schaltmatte einwirkenden Druckkräften erfolgt.The covering therefore has a greater thickness in the area of the contact window and likewise forms projections there, via which the contact surfaces are brought into mutual contact when the switch mat is loaded. Thus, here too, the two contact surfaces have a high degree of flexural rigidity, so that contact is only made at relatively high pressure forces acting on the switch mat.
Diese bekannten Anordnungen sind daher lediglich zum Erfasssen solcher Druckkräfte geeignet, wie sie bei Belastung etwa durch das Körpergewicht von Personen auftreten. Sie sind somit nicht geeignet, als empfind liehe , schon auf geringe Druckkräfte ansprechende Schaltleisten beispielsweise an Schließkanten verwendet zu werden.These known arrangements are therefore only suitable for detecting such compressive forces as occur, for example, when stressed by the body weight of people. They are therefore not suitable as sensitive lie, to be used even at low pressure sensitive switching strips, for example on closing edges.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Schaltmatte der eingangs genannten Art so auszubilden, daß bereits bei verhältnismäßig niedriger Druckbelastung eine sichere Kontaktgabe gewährleistet und die Gefahr dauerhafter Verformungen weitgehend ausgeschlossen ist, und daß sie hinsichtlich starker Belastungen ausreichend robust ausgebildet, insbesondere auch begehbar ist, sowie ein Verfahren zur Herstellung solcher Schaltmatten anzugeben.The invention has for its object to design a safety mat of the type mentioned in such a way that reliable contact is ensured even at a relatively low pressure load and the risk of permanent deformation is largely excluded, and that it is sufficiently robust, in particular also walkable, with regard to heavy loads, and to specify a method for producing such safety mats.
Diese Aufgabe wird bezüglich der Schaltmatte nach der Erfindung dadurch gelöst, daß die mit Kontaktvorsprüngen versehene Kontaktfläche von einer formunbeständigen Folie gebildet ist, die auf ihrer der anderon Kontaktfläche abgewandten Seite eine die Auswölbungen fixierende, elastische Beschichtung trägt.This object is achieved with respect to the switching mat according to the invention in that the contact surface provided with contact projections is formed by a shape-impermeable film which, on its side facing away from the other contact surface, has an elastic coating which fixes the bulges.
Der durch die Erfindung erreichte Fortschritt besteht im wesentlichen darin, daß 2urarrlest eine der Kontaktflächen eine geringe Biegesteifigkeit aufweist, so daß bei nur punktueller Berührung mit niedriger Kraft bereits eine Kontaktgabe erfolgt. Die vorgesehenen Kontaktvorsprünge, die ebenfalls eine Verringerung der zur Verformung der Abstandsglieder bis zur Kontaktgabe notwendigen Kräfte bewirken und an sich in die Folie nicht formbeständig eingebracht werden können, werden durch die elastische Beschichtung dauerhaft fixiert. Durch die Elastizität der Beschichtung erfolgt somit im Bereich der Kontaktvorsprünge sogar eine elastische Kontaktgabe.The progress achieved by the invention consists essentially in the fact that one of the contact surfaces has a low bending stiffness, so that contact is already made with only selective contact with low force. The contact projections provided, which likewise bring about a reduction in the forces necessary for the deformation of the spacers until contact is made and cannot be introduced into the film in a dimensionally stable manner, become permanent due to the elastic coating fixed. Due to the elasticity of the coating, elastic contact is even made in the area of the contact projections.
In bevorzugter Ausführungsform der Erfindung empfiehlt es sich, daß die Beschichtung die Kontaktflächen vollständig nach außen abdichtend umschließt. Dadurch kann das Einbetten der Schaltmatte in eine separate Hülle entfallen.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is recommended that the coating completely surrounds the contact surfaces in an outwardly sealing manner. This eliminates the need to embed the safety mat in a separate cover.
In verfahrensmäßiger Hinsicht ist die Erfindung dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zunächst die beiden, durch die die Kontaktfenster bildenden Abstandsglieder voneinander getrennten Kontaktflächen randseitig gegeneinander abgedichtet werden, daß anschließend zwisehen dem Inneren und Äußeren der Schaltmatte eine Druckdifferenz aufgebaut wird derart, daß der Innendruck gegenüber dem Außendruck geringer ist, daß anschließend die durch die Drückdifferenz im Bereich der Kontaktfenster zur Innenseite hin gerichteten Auswölbungen der Kontaktfläche durch eine außenseitig aufgebrachte, insbesondere elastisch aushärtende Beschichtung von ausreichender, die Auswölbungen auch ohne Druckdifferenz erhaltender Formsteifigkeit fixiert werden und daß schließlich nach Aushärtung der Beschichtung die Druckdifferenz abgebaut wird.In procedural terms, the invention is characterized in that first the two contact surfaces separated from one another by the spacers forming the contact windows are sealed against one another at the edges, and then a pressure difference is built up between the inside and the outside of the switching mat such that the internal pressure is lower than the external pressure is that the bulges of the contact surface, which are directed towards the inside by the pressure difference in the area of the contact window, are fixed by an externally applied, in particular elastically curing coating, sufficient shape rigidity which maintains the bulges even without a pressure difference, and that the pressure difference is finally reduced after the coating has hardened becomes.
Der besondere Vorteil dieses Herstellungsverfahrens besteht zunächst darin, daß es zur Ausbildung der Kontaktvorsprünge keinerlei verformender Werkzeuge bedarf, so daß Schaltmatten unterschiedlichster Größe und mit beliebiger Anordnung der Kontaktvorsprünge ohne weiteres hergestellt werden können. Dabei ist sogleich sicher gestellt, daß die Kontaktvorsprünge jeweils genau im Bereich der durch die Abstandsglieder vorgegebenen Kontaktfenster angeordnet sind. Durch die im gesamten Flächenbereich der Schaltmatte konstante Druckdifferenz ist im übrigen eine sehr gleichmäßige Bildung der Kontaktvorsprünge gewährleistet. Im einzelnen wird die The particular advantage of this manufacturing process is that there are no deforming tools to form the contact projections required so that switch mats of various sizes and with any arrangement of the contact projections can be easily produced. It is immediately ensured that the contact projections are arranged precisely in the area of the contact window specified by the spacers. Due to the constant pressure difference in the entire surface area of the switch mat, a very even formation of the contact projections is ensured. In detail, the
Druckdifferenz zweckmäßigerweise so gewählt, daß die beiden Kontaktflächen einander gegenseitig berühren. Hierdurch wird auf besonders einfache Weise erreicht, daß der Kontaktabstand bei unbelasteter Schaltmatte und somit die zur Auslösung der Schaltfunktion notwendige Betätigungskraft über die gesamte Fläche der Schaltmatte im wesentlichen gleich ist. Durch den gegenüber der Außenseite geringeren Innendruck werden nämlich auch die Abstandsglieder in ihrer Betätigungsrichtung durch eine über die Oberfläche im wesentlichen konstante Kraft verformt, wobei dieser Verformungsweg wegen der gegenseitigen Anlage der beiden Kontaktflächen nach dem Abbau der Druckdifferenz den zur Kontaktgabe erforderlichen Betätigungshub darstellt.Pressure difference is expediently chosen so that the two contact surfaces touch each other. As a result, it is achieved in a particularly simple manner that the contact distance when the switching mat is not loaded and thus the actuating force required to trigger the switching function is essentially the same over the entire area of the switching mat. Due to the lower internal pressure compared to the outside, the spacers are deformed in their actuation direction by a force that is essentially constant over the surface, this deformation path representing the actuation stroke required to make contact due to the mutual contact of the two contact surfaces after the pressure difference has been reduced.
Sofern nur eine der beiden Kontaktflächen mit Auswölbungen versehen sein soll, kann eine der beiden Kontaktflächen bereits vor dem Aufbau der Druckdifferenz zur Vermeidung des Auftretens der Auswölbungen an dieser Kontaktfläche mit einer elastischen, dennoch hinreichende Formsteifigkeit aufweisenden, oder aber steifen Beschichtung versehen sein.If only one of the two contact surfaces is to be provided with bulges, one of the two contact surfaces can be provided with an elastic, yet adequate form-stiffness or stiff coating before the build-up of the pressure difference in order to avoid the occurrence of the bulges on this contact surface.
Der Aufbau der Druckdifferenz kann in besonders einfacher Weise durch Evakuierung des Innenraums der Schaltmatte mittels einer Kanüle erfolgen. Die zum Aufbau der Druckdifferenz notwendige randseitige Abdichtung der beiden Kontaktflächen kann im Prinzip durch beliebige übliche Dichtmittel erfolgen. In besonders einfacher Weise läßt sich dies dadurch durch führen, daß die randseitige Abdichtung durch eine erste, die Schaltmatte zumindest randseitig umschliessende Beschichtung geringer Dicke erfolgt. Dabei ist es ohne weiteres möglich, die Schaltmatte auch bereits ganzflächig zu beschichten, wenn die Schichtdicke ausreichend dünn ist, so daß sich die Auswölbungen durch die aufzubauende Druckdifferenz noch ausbilden können.The pressure difference can be built up in a particularly simple manner by evacuating the interior of the switch mat by means of a cannula. The edge-side sealing of the two contact surfaces required to build up the pressure difference can, in principle, be carried out using any conventional sealant. This can be done in a particularly simple manner lead that the edge-side sealing is carried out by a first, the switching mat at least around the edge surrounding coating of small thickness. It is readily possible to coat the switch mat even over the entire surface if the layer thickness is sufficiently thin so that the bulges can still form due to the pressure difference to be built up.
Im folgenden wird die Erfindung an einem in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert; es zeigen:In the following the invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing; show it:
Fig. 1 eine Schaltmatte nach der Erfindung in einer Schnittdarstellung,1 is a control mat according to the invention in a sectional view,
Fig. 2 den Gegenstand nach Fig. 1 in belastetem Zustand,2 shows the object of FIG. 1 in a loaded state,
Die in der Zeichnung dargestellte Schaltmatte besteht aus zwei sich gegenüberstehenden flexiblen und elektrisch leitfähigen Kontaktflächen 1, 2. Die Kontaktflächen 1 , 2 sind durch elastisch verformbare Abstandsglieder 3 voneinander getrennt, wobei die Abstandsglieder 3 zwischen sich Kontaktfenster 4 bilden. Im Bereich der Kontaktfenster 4 sind an jeweils einer der beiden Kontaktflächen 1 zur gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche 2 hin vorstehende Kontaktvorsprünge 5 vorgesehen. Die Kontaktvorsprünge 5 sind so bemessen, daß der Abstand zwischen den Kontakt vorsprüngen 5 und der gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche 2 bei unbelasteter Schaltmatte nicht größer ist als der elastische Federhub der Abstandsglieder 3. Ebenso besteht die in der Zeichnung nicht näher dargestellte Möglichkeit, daß jeweils beide Kontaktflächen 1 , 2 mit entsprechenden Kontaktvorsprüngen 5 versehen sind. ie sich im einzelnen aus Fig. 1 ergibt, ist die Kontaktfläche 1 von einer Folie gebildet, die mit die Kontaktvorsprünge 5 bildenden Auswölbungen versehen ist. Auf ihrer der anderen Kontaktfläche 2 abgewandten Seite trägt die Folie dabei eine die Auswölbungen fixierende, elastische Beschichtung 6, die im übrigen die gesamte Schaltmatte vollständig nach außen abdichtend umschließt. Die Beschichtung 6 kann in vorteilhafter Weise aus einer natürlichen oder synthetischen Gießmasse bestehen,, die beim Vergießen durch Erhitzung oder Zugabe von Lösungsmitteln oder Weichmachern in viskoser Form vorliegt oder durch chemische Reaktion von Ausgangskomponenten entsteht.The switching mat shown in the drawing consists of two opposing flexible and electrically conductive contact surfaces 1, 2. The contact surfaces 1, 2 are separated from one another by elastically deformable spacers 3, the spacers 3 forming contact windows 4 between them. In the area of the contact window 4, contact projections 5 are provided on each of the two contact surfaces 1, which protrude toward the opposite contact surface 2. The contact projections 5 are dimensioned so that the distance between the contacts projections 5 and the opposite contact surface 2 when the switching mat is not loaded is not greater than the elastic spring stroke of the spacers 3. Likewise, there is the possibility, not shown in the drawing, that both contact surfaces 1, 2 are provided with corresponding contact projections 5. 1 is shown in detail, the contact surface 1 is formed by a film which is provided with bulges forming the contact projections 5. On its side facing away from the other contact surface 2, the film has an elastic coating 6 which fixes the bulges and which, moreover, completely seals the entire switch mat to the outside. The coating 6 can advantageously consist of a natural or synthetic casting compound, which is present in the viscous form during the casting by heating or adding solvents or plasticizers, or is formed by chemical reaction of starting components.
Die Beschichtung kann auch in Schaumform vorliegen, kann aber auch durch Versintern von pulverförmigen Ausgangsmaterialien hergestellt werden unter der Voraussetzung, daß die Abdichtung gewährleistet ist.The coating can also be in the form of foam, but can also be produced by sintering powdery starting materials, provided that the seal is guaranteed.
Als besonders geeignet hat sich eine PUR-Beschichtung erwiesen, die aus zwei oder mehr Komponenten hergestellt wird. A PUR coating that is produced from two or more components has proven to be particularly suitable.
Die Abstandsglieder 3 sind von einer Schaumstoffmatte gebildet, die die Kontaktfenster 4 bildende Freischneidungen aufweist. Die Kontaktfenster 4 können dabei beispielsweise kreisrunde oder quadratische Gestalt besitzen, und aus der Schaumstoffmatte ausgestanzt sein, wobei deren gegenseitige Anordnung so gewählt sein kann, daß die Abstandsglieder 3 lediglich schmale Stege bilden. Ebenso können die Abstandsglieder 3 auch von rasterartig mit gegenseitigem Abstand angeordneten Schaummstoffstreifen gebildet sein, deren Zwischenräume die Kontaktfenster 4 bilden.The spacers 3 are formed by a foam mat which has the cutouts forming the contact window 4. The contact windows 4 can have a circular or square shape, for example, and can be punched out of the foam mat, the mutual arrangement of which can be chosen such that the spacers 3 form only narrow webs. Likewise, the spacers 3 can also be formed from foam strips arranged in a grid-like manner with mutual spacing, the spaces between which form the contact windows 4.
Zur Herstellung einer Schaltmatte, bei der die Kontaktflächen 1 , 2 von einer Folie gebildet sind, werden zunächst die beiden durch die Abstandsgiieder 3 voneinander getrennten Kontaktflächen 1, 2 randseitig gegeneinander abgedichtet. Anschliessend wird zwischen dem Inneren und dem Äußeren der Schaltmatte eine Druckdifferenz aufgebaut, wobei der Innendruck geringer ist als der Außendruck. Durch diese Druckdifferenz bilden sich im Bereich der Kontaktfenster 4 zur Innenseite der Schaltmatte hin gerichtete Auswölbungen, die durch eine außenseitig aufgebrachte, elastisch aushärtende Beschichtung 6 von ausreichender, die Auswölbungen auch ohne Druckdifferenz erhaltender Formsteifigkeit fixiert werden. Nach deren Aushärtung wird schließlich die Druckdifferenz wieder abgebaut. In der Regel wird die Druckdifferenz so gewählt werden, daß die beiden Kontaktflachen 1, 2 einander gegenseitig berühren, da dann nach Abbau der Druckdifferenz der Abstand des Kontaktvorsprungs 5 von der gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche 2 bzw. dem gegenüberstehenden Kontaktvorsprung gleich dem Federweg des Abstandsgliedes 3 ist, um den dieses unter dem Einfluß der Druckdifferenz elastisch verformt worden ist.To produce a switch mat in which the contact surfaces 1, 2 are formed by a film, the two contact surfaces 1, 2 separated from one another by the spacers 3 are first sealed off from one another at the edges. A pressure difference is then built up between the inside and the outside of the switch mat, the inside pressure being lower than the outside pressure. This pressure difference forms in the area the contact window 4 towards the inside of the switch mat bulges, which are fixed by an externally applied, elastically curing coating 6 of sufficient, the bulges maintain the stiffness even without pressure difference. After they have hardened, the pressure difference is finally reduced again. As a rule, the pressure difference will be chosen so that the two contact surfaces 1, 2 touch each other, since then, after the pressure difference has been reduced, the distance of the contact projection 5 from the opposite contact surface 2 or the opposite contact projection is equal to the spring travel of the spacer 3, by which it has been elastically deformed under the influence of the pressure difference.
Eine der beiden Kontaktflächen 1 , 2 kann bereits vor dem Aufbau der Druckdifferenz mit einer elastischen, dennoch hinreichende Formsteifigkeit aufweisenden oder auch steifen Beschichtung versehen sein, so daß an dieser Kontaktfläche keine Auswölbungen auftreten, wie dies in den Fig. 1 und 2 für die Kontaktfläche 2 dargestellt ist. Der Aufbau der Druckdifferenz erfolgt im einfachsten Fall durch Evakuierung des Innenraums der Schaltmatte mittels einer Kanüle, wobei in der Regel eine Druckdifferenz von etwa 0, 5 Atmosphären ausreichend ist. Die randseitige Abdichtung für die Evakuierung läßt sich in besonders einfacher Weise dadurch vornehmen, daß die Schaltmatte mit einer Beschichtung von so geringer Dicke versehen wird, daß sich die Auswölbungen beim anschließenden Aufbau der Druckdifferenz noch ohne weiteres ausbilden können. One of the two contact surfaces 1, 2 can be provided with an elastic yet stiff coating or a stiff coating before the pressure difference builds up, so that there are no bulges on this contact surface, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the contact surface 2 is shown. In the simplest case, the pressure difference is built up by evacuating the interior of the switch mat using a cannula, a pressure difference of approximately 0.5 atmospheres generally being sufficient. The edge-side seal for the evacuation can be carried out in a particularly simple manner in that the switch mat is provided with a coating of such a small thickness that the bulges can easily form during the subsequent build-up of the pressure difference.

Claims

Ansprüche : Expectations :
1. Schaltmatte mit zwei sich gegenüberstehenden, gegeneinander bewegbaren, insbesondere flexiblen, und elektrisch leitfähigen Kontaktflächen, die durch zwischen sich Kontaktfenster bildende, in zu den Kontaktflächen senkrechter Richtung elastisch verformbare, elektrisch isolierende Abstandsglieder voneinander getrennt sind und im Bereich der Kontaktfenster an zumindest einer der beiden Kontaktflächen zur gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche hin vorstehende Kontaktvorsprünge aufweisen, die von Auswölbungen der Kontaktfläche gebildet sind, wobei der Abstand zwischen den Kontaktvorsprüngen und der gegenüberliegenden Kontaktfläche bzw. den gegenüberstehenden Kontaktvorsprüngen bei unbelasteter Schaltmatte nicht größer ist als der elastische Federhub der Abstandsglieder, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die mit Kontaktvorsprüngen (5) versehene Kontaktfläche (1, 2) von einer formunbeständigen Folie gebildet ist, die auf ihrer der anderen Kontaktfläche (1, 2) abgewandten Seite eine die Auswölbungen fixierende, elastische Beschichtung (6) trägt. 1.Switching mat with two opposing, mutually movable, in particular flexible, and electrically conductive contact surfaces which are separated from one another by electrically isolating spacers forming contact windows which form elastically deformable in the direction perpendicular to the contact surfaces and in the region of the contact windows on at least one of the have two contact surfaces projecting toward the opposite contact surface, which are formed by bulges of the contact surface, the distance between the contact projections and the opposite contact surface or the opposite contact projections when the switching mat is unloaded is not greater than the elastic spring stroke of the spacers, characterized in that the contact surface (1, 2) provided with contact projections (5) is formed by a shape-impermeable film which on its side facing away from the other contact surface (1, 2) ne carries the bulges fixing, elastic coating (6).
2. Schaltmatte nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Beschichtung (6) die Kontaktflächen (1, 2) vollständig nach außen abdichtend umsdiießt.2. Switching mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating (6), the contact surfaces (1, 2) completely surrounds sealingly.
3. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Schaltmatte nach den Ansprüchen 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zunächst die beiden, durch die die Kontaktfenster (4) bildenden Abstandsglieder (3) voneinander getrennten Kontaktflächen (1, 2) randseitig gegeneinander abgedichtet werden, daß anschließend zwischen dem Inneren und Äußeren der Schaltmatte eine Druckdifferenz aufgebaut wird derart, daß der Innendruck gegenüber dem Außendruck geringer ist, daß anschließend die durch die Druckdifferenz im Bereich der Kontaktfenster (4) zur Innenseite hin gerichteten Auswölbungen der Kontaktflache (1, 2) durch eine außenseitig aufgebrachte, insbesondere elastisch aushärtende Beschichtung (6) von ausreichender, die Auswölbungen auch ohne Druckdifferenz erhaltender Formsteifigkeit fixiert werden und daß schließlich nach Aushärtung der Beschichtung (6) die Druckdifferenz abgebaut wird.3. A method for producing a switch mat according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that first the two, by the contact window (4) forming spacers (3) separate contact surfaces (1, 2) are sealed against each other at the edges, that then between a pressure difference is built up inside and outside of the switch mat such that the internal pressure is lower than the outside pressure, so that the bulges of the contact surface (1, 2) directed towards the inside by the pressure difference in the area of the contact window (4) are then applied by an outside , in particular an elastically curing coating (6) of sufficient dimensional rigidity which maintains the bulges even without a pressure difference and that the pressure difference is finally reduced after the coating (6) has hardened.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Druckdifferenz so gewählt wird, daß die beiden Kontaktflächen (1, 2) einander gegenseitig berühren.4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressure difference is chosen so that the two contact surfaces (1, 2) touch each other.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine der beiden Kontaktflächen (1, 2) bereits vor dem Aufbau der Druckdifferenz zur Vermeidung des Auftretens von Auswölbungen an dieser Kontaktfläche (1, 2) mit einer elastischen, dennoch hinreichende Formsteifigkeit aufweisenden oder aber steifen Beschichtung (6) versehen ist.5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that one of the two contact surfaces (1, 2) Even before the build-up of the pressure difference in order to avoid the occurrence of bulges on this contact surface (1, 2), it is provided with an elastic but stiff coating (6) which has sufficient dimensional stability.
6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Aufbau der Druckdifferenz durch Evakuierung des Innenraums der Schaltmatte mittels einer Kanüle erfolgt.6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the pressure difference is built up by evacuating the interior of the switch mat by means of a cannula.
7. Verfahren nach den Ansprüchen 3 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die randseitige Abdichtung durch eine erste, die Schaltmatte zumindest randseitig umsch ließende Beschichtung (6) geringer Dicke erfolgt. 7. The method according to claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the edge-side sealing by a first, the switching mat at least around the edge-closing coating (6) of small thickness.
EP86901354A 1985-03-06 1986-03-03 Switching mat and process for its manufacture Expired EP0215037B1 (en)

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AT86901354T ATE45644T1 (en) 1985-03-06 1986-03-03 KEYPAD AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION.

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DE3507922 1985-03-06
DE19853507922 DE3507922A1 (en) 1985-03-06 1985-03-06 SHIFTING MAT AND METHOD FOR THEIR PRODUCTION

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EP0215037A1 true EP0215037A1 (en) 1987-03-25
EP0215037B1 EP0215037B1 (en) 1989-08-16

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WO (1) WO1986005317A1 (en)

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WO1986005317A1 (en) 1986-09-12
DE3507922A1 (en) 1986-09-11
DE3507922C2 (en) 1987-10-08
US4773155A (en) 1988-09-27
EP0215037B1 (en) 1989-08-16

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