EP0758791B1 - Keybord with simplified switching pad and fixation device - Google Patents

Keybord with simplified switching pad and fixation device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0758791B1
EP0758791B1 EP96110921A EP96110921A EP0758791B1 EP 0758791 B1 EP0758791 B1 EP 0758791B1 EP 96110921 A EP96110921 A EP 96110921A EP 96110921 A EP96110921 A EP 96110921A EP 0758791 B1 EP0758791 B1 EP 0758791B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching
housing
keyboard
mat
pad
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96110921A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0758791A3 (en
EP0758791A2 (en
Inventor
Klaus-Dieter Lukosch
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.)
ZF Electronics GmbH
Original Assignee
Cherry Mikroschalter GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0758791A2 publication Critical patent/EP0758791A2/en
Publication of EP0758791A3 publication Critical patent/EP0758791A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0758791B1 publication Critical patent/EP0758791B1/en
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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches 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
    • H01H13/702Switches 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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/008Part of substrate or membrane
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/012Positioning of individual dome
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/024Packing between substrate and membrane
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/034Positioning of layers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/042Snap coupling; Snap mounting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a keyboard according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a keyboard is e.g. B. from the subsequently published patent application P 44 42 073.0 is known and is used to provide a reduced weight Keyboard with increased bending and torsional rigidity.
  • the in this known keyboard for generating the switching characteristics and elastomers required to activate the contact points on the switching foils Switch mat is made of a relatively expensive silicone elastomer.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a structure for a keyboard to propose according to the preamble of claim 1, in which the the elastomer switch mat, manufacturing costs are significantly reduced is, it should be noted that neither the mechanical stability of the Arrangement still the reliability of the circuit functions among the solution measures may suffer.
  • a safety mat is shaped so that it is not immediately Areas under the key buttons for switching the switching process serving switching domes is provided with recesses, so that a network-like structure of interconnected with thin webs Wegdomen remains. Furthermore, to ensure a mechanical sufficiently stable structure and thus also to ensure the safe Switching functions over this safety mat a flat stabilization element attached, preferably in the form of a stable, thin film or plate, which has a corresponding opening at each position of a switching dome to enclose the relevant switching dome.
  • Fig. 1 shows a partial section through a keyboard 1 according to the invention with a in a recess of the lower housing part 4 form-fitting inserted metal plate 2, which to increase the bending and torsional rigidity and the Improvement of the electromagnetic shielding of the interior of the housing serves.
  • a multilayer switching foil set 3 rests on this metal plate.
  • individual buttons 7 are mounted vertically. These buttons are provided on their underside with plungers 13, which the top of one made of an elastomeric material Switch mat 5 on one piece integrated switch domes 10.
  • the safety mat 5 lies on the top of the top switching film.
  • FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of a section parallel to that in FIG. 1 shown view through the key buttons 7 extending partial section.
  • the switching foil set 3 which is known per se, is described only to the extent that as necessary for the immediate understanding of the present invention is.
  • the switching foil set 3 consists of two outer switching foils and one the so-called spacer film in between, which the two outer Keeps foils at a certain distance from each other and thus consistently electrically isolated from each other (due to the scale used, the individual layers of the film set 3 can neither be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2).
  • the spacer film In the area of the contact points at which the extensions 11 inside the Switch domes 10 when a corresponding button 7 is pressed press the upper switching film, the spacer film is provided with openings. When an extension 11 is pressed onto the upper switching film, it is opened this switching foil below the extension 11 electrical contact point through the opening in the spacer film to an underlying one electrical contact point pressed on the lower switching foil, see above that the electrical contact between the two switching foils at this point is closed.
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of the keyboard 1 used in FIG. 1 Safety mat 5 with switching domes connected via webs 17 10. Due to this network-like structure, there is a continuous surface Switching mat in the area of the recesses 16 to a considerable extent material saved, and as desired the cost share of the safety mat 5 Significantly reduced the total cost of the keyboard.
  • the flat stabilizing element 15 has a large number of openings provided, each at the positions corresponding to the switching domes 10 are attached and the flange-shaped flank areas 10a of the corresponding embrace dome-shaped switching domes 10 so that the switching mat 5 by the stabilizing element 15 encompassing its switching domes 10 Moving or deforming in the lateral direction is protected.
  • the stabilizing element 15 Since very inexpensive materials are used for the stabilizing element 15 can be outweighed by the savings in material costs at the network-like switching mat 5 achieved a reduction in manufacturing costs far that which occurs through the use of the stabilizing element 15 Extra cost.
  • the use of such a stabilizing element is In addition, in manufacturing practice, it is also much cheaper than the one below technical-functional aspects as an alternative also conceivable gluing the network-like switching mat 5 on the switching film set underneath 3rd
  • the stabilizing element 15 can in turn by on the inside of the Housing upper part 4 downwardly projecting stiffening ribs 9 be fixed by which at least a part rests on the top of the stabilizing element 15, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2.
  • a particularly high stabilization of the stabilizing element 15 and also the network-like switching mat 5 and the switching film set 3 can be achieve in that 6 pins 14 are provided on the top of the housing, the socket-shaped receiving elements integrated in the underside 4 of the housing 18 can be snapped in, in the flat stabilizing element 15, the network-like switching mat 5 and the switching film set 3 and Metal plate 2 in the region of the socket-shaped receiving elements 18 corresponding thereto Openings are attached.
  • the upper part of the housing is installed with lying on the top of the flat stabilizing element 15 coming stiffening ribs 9 placed so that the metal plate 2, the Switching film set 3, the network-like switching mat 5 and the flat stabilizing element 15 are also fixed in the horizontal direction.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Tastatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a keyboard according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine derartige Tastatur ist z. B. aus der nachveröffentlichten Patentanmeldung P 44 42 073.0 bekannt und dient zur Bereitstellung einer gewichtsreduzierten Tastatur mit erhöhter Biege- und Verwindungssteifigkeit.Such a keyboard is e.g. B. from the subsequently published patent application P 44 42 073.0 is known and is used to provide a reduced weight Keyboard with increased bending and torsional rigidity.

Die bei dieser bekannten Tastatur zur Erzeugung der Schaltcharakteristik und zur Aktivierung der Kontaktpunkte auf den Schaltfolien erforderliche elastomere Schaltmatte besteht aus einem relativ teuren Silikon-Elastomer. Durch die Verwendung einer die Gesamtfläche des Tastenfelds durchgängig abdeckenden, im Bereich unmittelbar unterhalb der Tastenknöpfe mit kuppelförmigen Schaltdomen zur Vermittlung der Schaltfunktion auf die darunterliegenden Schaltfolienkontaktpunkte versehenen, elastomeren Schaltmatte im Inneren dieser bekannten Tastatur ergibt sich somit ein auf diese durchgängige Schaltmatte entfallender relativ hoher Herstellungskostenanteil. Es ist zu beachten, daß Lösungen zum Senken dieses Herstellungskostenanteils möglichst nicht zu einer Verschlechterung der sonstigen Eigenschaften der Tastatur führen sollten.The in this known keyboard for generating the switching characteristics and elastomers required to activate the contact points on the switching foils Switch mat is made of a relatively expensive silicone elastomer. By the use of a covering the entire surface of the keypad, in the area immediately below the button buttons with dome-shaped Switch domes to convey the switching function to the ones below Switching foil contact points provided, elastomeric switching mat in the Inside this known keyboard there is thus a continuous one Safety mat eliminates relatively high proportion of manufacturing costs. It's closed note that solutions to reduce this share of manufacturing costs if possible not to deteriorate the other properties of the keyboard should lead.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es deshalb, einen Aufbau für eine Tastatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 vorzuschlagen, bei der der auf die elastomere Schaltmatte entfallende Herstellungskostenanteil deutlich reduziert ist, wobei zu beachten ist, daß weder die mechanische Stabilität der Anordnung noch die Zuverlässigkeit der Schaltungsfunktionen unter den Lösungsmaßnahmen leiden dürfen. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a structure for a keyboard to propose according to the preamble of claim 1, in which the the elastomer switch mat, manufacturing costs are significantly reduced is, it should be noted that neither the mechanical stability of the Arrangement still the reliability of the circuit functions among the solution measures may suffer.

Bei der Auswahl von Lösungsmaßnahmen für die obengestellte Aufgabe ist zu beachten, daß eine Senkung des Herstellungskostenanteils der elastomeren Schaltmatte alleine durch Anbringung von Materialaussparungen in der Schaltmatte nicht ausreicht, da dies in der Regel zu einem insgesamt zu labilen, und mechanisch sowie bezüglich der Schaltfunktionen unzuverlässigen Aufbau der verbleibenden Restmatte führt.When choosing solution measures for the above task is too note that a reduction in the manufacturing cost share of the elastomer Switch mat only by making material cutouts in the Safety mat is not sufficient, as this usually leads to an overall unstable and mechanically as well as unreliable with regard to the switching functions Build up the remaining mat.

Die oben gestellte Aufgabe wird deshalb erfindungsgemäß durch eine Tastatur mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Aus den Merkmalen der abhängigen Ansprüche 2 und 3 ergeben sich vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatur.The above object is therefore achieved according to the invention by a keyboard solved with the features of claim 1. From the characteristics of the dependent Claims 2 and 3 result in advantageous developments of the invention Keyboard.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatur ist zur Einsparung von Schaltmattenmaterial vorgesehen, daß eine Schaltmatte so ausgeformt ist, daß sie in nicht unmittelbar unter den Tastenknöpfen liegenden Bereichen von zur Vermittlung des Schaltvorgangs dienenden Schaltdomen mit Aussparungen versehen ist, so daß ein netzartiger Aufbau von mit dünnen Stegen untereinander verbundenen Schaltdomen verbleibt. Weiterhin ist zur Gewährleistung eines mechanisch ausreichend stabilen Aufbaus und somit auch zur sicheren Gewährleistung der Schaltfunktionen über dieser Schaltmatte ein flächiges Stabilisierungelement angebracht, bevorzugterweise in Form einer stabilen, dünnen Folie oder Platte, welches an jeder Position eines Schaltdoms eine dazu korrespondierende Öffnung zum Umschließen des betreffenden Schaltdoms umfaßt.In the keyboard according to the invention is to save on switching mat material provided that a safety mat is shaped so that it is not immediately Areas under the key buttons for switching the switching process serving switching domes is provided with recesses, so that a network-like structure of interconnected with thin webs Schaltdomen remains. Furthermore, to ensure a mechanical sufficiently stable structure and thus also to ensure the safe Switching functions over this safety mat a flat stabilization element attached, preferably in the form of a stable, thin film or plate, which has a corresponding opening at each position of a switching dome to enclose the relevant switching dome.

Die Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels in Verbindung mit den Ansprüchen und den Zeichnungen.The advantages and features of the invention also result from the following Description of an embodiment in connection with the Claims and the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen Teilschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Tastatur mit einer Schaltmatte, deren Schaltdome von Öffnungen in einem darüberliegenden flächigen Stabilisierungselement umgriffen sind;
Fig. 2
eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung eines in einer parallel zu der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ansicht durch die Tastenknöpfe verlaufenden Teilschnitts; und
Fig. 3
eine Draufsicht auf die in der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Tastatur verwendete Schaltmatte mit netzartig verbundenen Schaltdomen.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a partial section through a keyboard according to the invention with a switching mat, the switching domes are encompassed by openings in an overlying flat stabilizing element;
Fig. 2
an enlarged detail of a partial section running parallel to the view shown in FIG. 1 through the key buttons; and
Fig. 3
a plan view of the switching mat used in the keyboard shown in Fig. 1 with network-like switching domes.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen Teilschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Tastatur 1 mit einer in eine Aussparung des Gehäuseunterteils 4 formschlüssig eingelegten Metallplatte 2, welche zur Erhöhung der Biege- und Verwindungssteifigkeit sowie der Verbesserung der elektromagnetischen Abschirmung des Gehäuseinneren dient. Auf dieser Metallplatte liegt ein mehrlagiges Schaltfolienset 3 auf. Im Gehäuseoberteil 6 sind einzelne Tastenknöpfe 7 vertikal verschiebbar gelagert. Diese Tastenknöpfe sind an ihrer Unterseite mit Stößeln 13 versehen, die auf der Oberseite von in einer aus einem elastomeren Material bestehenden Schaltmatte 5 einstückig integrierten Schaltdomen 10 aufliegen. Die Schaltmatte 5 liegt auf der Oberseite der obersten Schaltfolie auf.Fig. 1 shows a partial section through a keyboard 1 according to the invention with a in a recess of the lower housing part 4 form-fitting inserted metal plate 2, which to increase the bending and torsional rigidity and the Improvement of the electromagnetic shielding of the interior of the housing serves. A multilayer switching foil set 3 rests on this metal plate. in the Upper housing part 6, individual buttons 7 are mounted vertically. These buttons are provided on their underside with plungers 13, which the top of one made of an elastomeric material Switch mat 5 on one piece integrated switch domes 10. The safety mat 5 lies on the top of the top switching film.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung eines in einer parallel zu der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ansicht durch die Tastenknöpfe 7 verlaufenden Teilschnitts.FIG. 2 shows an enlargement of a section parallel to that in FIG. 1 shown view through the key buttons 7 extending partial section.

Das an sich bekannte Schaltfolienset 3 wird im weiteren nur so weit beschrieben, wie es für das unmittelbare Verständnis der vorliegenden Erfindung nötig ist. Das Schaltfolienset 3 besteht aus zwei äußeren Schaltfolien sowie einer sich dazwischen befindlichen sogenannten Spacerfolie, die die beiden äußeren Folien in einem bestimmten Abstand voneinander hält und somit durchgängig gegeneinander elektrisch isoliert (wegen des verwendeten Maßstabs sind die einzelnen Lagen des Foliensets 3 weder in Fig. 1 und 2 zu sehen).The switching foil set 3, which is known per se, is described only to the extent that as necessary for the immediate understanding of the present invention is. The switching foil set 3 consists of two outer switching foils and one the so-called spacer film in between, which the two outer Keeps foils at a certain distance from each other and thus consistently electrically isolated from each other (due to the scale used, the individual layers of the film set 3 can neither be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Im Bereich der Anpreßpunkte, an denen die Fortsätze 11 im Inneren der Schaltdome 10 beim Betätigen eines korrespondierenden Tastenknopfes 7 auf die obere Schaltfolie drücken, ist die Spacerfolie mit Durchbrüchen versehen. Beim Anpressen eines Fortsatzes 11 auf die obere Schaltfolie wird der auf dieser Schaltfolie unterhalb des Fortsatzes 11 liegende elektrische Kontaktpunkt durch den Durchbruch in der Spacerfolie hindurch auf einen darunterliegenden elektrischen Kontaktpunkt auf der unteren Schaltfolie gedrückt, so daß der elektrische Kontakt zwischen den beiden Schaltfolien an diesem Punkt geschlossen wird. Beim Loslassen des Tastenknopfs 9 schieben die im elastomeren Material der Schaltmatte 5 wirkenden Rückstellkräfte den Schaltdom 10 und damit den Tastenknopf 7 in seine Ausgangslage zurück und die obere Schaltfolie sowie die untere Schaltfolie werden aufgrund der in ihnen und der Spacerfolie inhärent wirkenden Rückstellkräfte ebenfalls in ihre Ausgangslage zurückgestellt, in der sie durch die Spacerfolie getrennt sind, wodurch der elektrische Kontakt zwischen oberer und unterer Schaltfolie wiederum aufgehoben wird.In the area of the contact points at which the extensions 11 inside the Switch domes 10 when a corresponding button 7 is pressed press the upper switching film, the spacer film is provided with openings. When an extension 11 is pressed onto the upper switching film, it is opened this switching foil below the extension 11 electrical contact point through the opening in the spacer film to an underlying one electrical contact point pressed on the lower switching foil, see above that the electrical contact between the two switching foils at this point is closed. When you release the button 9 push the elastomeric material of the switching mat 5 acting restoring forces Schaltdom 10 and thus the button 7 back to its starting position and the upper switching film and the lower switching film are due to the in them and the restoring forces inherently acting in the spacer film also in their starting position in which they are separated by the spacer film, whereby the electrical contact between the upper and lower switching foil is canceled again.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die in der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Tastatur 1 verwendete Schaltmatte 5 mit netzartig über Stege 17 verbundenen Schaltdomen 10. Durch diesen netzartigen Aufbau wird gegenüber einer flächig durchgängigen Schaltmatte im Bereich der Aussparungen 16 in erheblichem Umfang Material eingespart, und dadurch wie erwünscht der Kostenanteil der Schaltmatte 5 an den Gesamtkosten der Tastatur in erheblichem Umfang reduziert.FIG. 3 shows a top view of the keyboard 1 used in FIG. 1 Safety mat 5 with switching domes connected via webs 17 10. Due to this network-like structure, there is a continuous surface Switching mat in the area of the recesses 16 to a considerable extent material saved, and as desired the cost share of the safety mat 5 Significantly reduced the total cost of the keyboard.

Der durch die Aussparungen 16 bedingte Verlust an mechanischer Stabilität in der Schaltmatte führt parallel damit einhergehend auch zu einem Verlust in der Zuverlässigkeit der Schaltfunktionen der Schaltmatte, da die nunmehr lediglich noch durch die dünnen Stege 17 miteinander verbundenen Schaltdome 10 kaum mehr gegen Verschiebungen relativ zueinander - und somit auch gegen ein seitliches Wegrutschen der Fortsätze 11 von den darunterliegenden Kontaktpunkten im Schaltfolienset 3 weg - stabilisiert sind. Diesem Problem wird bei der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatur dadurch begegnet, daß, wie in Fig. 1 und 2 gezeigt, ein flächiges Stabilisierungselement 15, bevorzugterweise in Form einer stabilen, dünnen Folie oder Platte, über die Schaltmatte 5 gelegt ist.The loss of mechanical stability caused by the cutouts 16 in the safety mat also leads to a loss in parallel the reliability of the switching functions of the safety mat, since the only still interconnected by the thin webs 17 switching domes 10 hardly against displacements relative to each other - and thus also against a lateral sliding of the extensions 11 from the underlying Contact points in the switching foil set 3 away - are stabilized. This problem is countered in the keyboard according to the invention in that, as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a flat stabilizing element 15, preferably in FIG Form a stable, thin film or plate, placed over the switch mat 5 is.

Das flächige Stabilisierungselement 15 ist mit einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen versehen, die jeweils an den den Schaltdomen 10 entsprechenden Positionen angebracht sind und die flanschförmigen Flankenbereiche 10a der korrespondierenden kuppelförmigen Schaltdome 10 umgreifen, so daß die Schaltmatte 5 durch das ihre Schaltdome 10 umgreifende Stabilisierungselement 15 gegen Verschieben oder Verformen in seitlicher Richtung geschützt ist.The flat stabilizing element 15 has a large number of openings provided, each at the positions corresponding to the switching domes 10 are attached and the flange-shaped flank areas 10a of the corresponding embrace dome-shaped switching domes 10 so that the switching mat 5 by the stabilizing element 15 encompassing its switching domes 10 Moving or deforming in the lateral direction is protected.

Die mittels des Stabilisierungselements 15 derart fixierte Schaltmatte 5 garantiert nunmehr wieder trotz der durch die Aussparungen 16 bedingten fehlenden Eigenstabilität ein ausreichendes Maß an Zuverlässigkeit bei der Vermittlung von Schaltfunktionen zwischen den Fortsätzen 11 der durch die Stößel 13 der Tastenknöpfe 7 nach unten gedrückten Schaltdome 10 sowie dem darunter liegenden Schaltfolienset 3.The safety mat 5 fixed in this way by means of the stabilizing element 15 is guaranteed now again in spite of those caused by the cutouts 16 lack of inherent stability a sufficient degree of reliability in the Mediation of switching functions between the extensions 11 by the Tappet 13 of the button buttons 7 pressed down switching domes 10 and the switching foil set below 3.

Da für das Stabilisierungselement 15 sehr preiswerte Materialien verwendet werden können, überwiegt die durch die Einsparung an Materialkosten bei der netzartig gestalteten Schaltmatte 5 erzielte Senkung der Herstellkosten bei weitem die durch die Verwendung des Stabilisierungselements 15 auftretenden Zusatzkosten. Die Verwendung eines derartigen Stabilisierungselements ist zudem in der Fertigungspraxis auch wesentlich preiswerter als das unter rein technisch-funktionellen Gesichtpunkten als Alternative auch denkbare Ankleben der netzartig gestalteten Schaltmatte 5 auf dem darunterliegenden Schaltfolienset 3.Since very inexpensive materials are used for the stabilizing element 15 can be outweighed by the savings in material costs at the network-like switching mat 5 achieved a reduction in manufacturing costs far that which occurs through the use of the stabilizing element 15 Extra cost. The use of such a stabilizing element is In addition, in manufacturing practice, it is also much cheaper than the one below technical-functional aspects as an alternative also conceivable gluing the network-like switching mat 5 on the switching film set underneath 3rd

Das Stabilisierungselement 15 kann seinerseits durch an der Innenseite des Gehäuseoberteils 4 nach unten ragende Versteifungsrippen 9 fixiert sein, von denen zumindest ein Teil auf der Oberseite des Stabilisierungselements 15 aufliegt, wie insbesondere in Fig. 2 zu sehen ist.The stabilizing element 15 can in turn by on the inside of the Housing upper part 4 downwardly projecting stiffening ribs 9 be fixed by which at least a part rests on the top of the stabilizing element 15, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2.

Eine weitere Erhöhung der Lagestabilisierung des Stabilisierungselements 15 und damit auch der netzartig gestalteten Schaltmatte 5 sowie des Schaltfoliensets 3 läßt sich dadurch erzielen, daß die Versteifungsrippen 9 in an der Gehäuseunterseite 4 angebrachte korrespondierende Rastelemente 12 einschnappbar sind, wie in Fig. 1 angedeutet ist.A further increase in the position stabilization of the stabilization element 15 and thus also the network-like switching mat 5 and the switching film set 3 can be achieved in that the stiffening ribs 9 in on the underside of the housing 4 attached corresponding locking elements 12 can be snapped are, as indicated in Fig. 1.

Eine besonders hohe Stabilisierung des Stabilisierungselements 15 und auch der netzartig gestalteten Schaltmatte 5 sowie des Schaltfoliensets 3 läßt sich dadurch erzielen, daß an der Gehäuseoberseite 6 Zapfen 14 vorgesehen sind, die in in die Gehäuseunterseite 4 integrierte buchsenförmige Aufnahmeelemente 18 einschnappbar sind, wobei in dem flächigen Stabilisierungselement 15, der netzartig gestalteten Schaltmatte 5 sowie dem Schaltfolienset 3 und der Metallplatte 2 im Bereich der buchsenförmigen Aufnahmelemente 18 dazu korrespondierende Öffnungen angebracht sind. Dadurch können die Metallplatte 2, das Schaltfolienset 3, die netzartig gestaltete Schaltmatte 5 sowie das flächige Stabilisierungselement 15 bei der Montage mit ihren korrespondierenden Öffnungen über die in der Gehäuseunterseite 4 integrierten buchsenförmige Aufnahmeelemente 18 gestülpt werden, wodurch sie gegen seitliches Verrutschen stabilisiert sind. Anschließend wird bei der Montage das Gehäuseoberteil mit den auf der Oberseite des flächigen Stabilisierungselements 15 zum Liegen kommenden Versteifungsrippen 9 aufgesetzt, so daß die Metallplatte 2, das Schaltfolienset 3, die netzartig gestaltete Schaltmatte 5 sowie das flächige Stabilisierungselement 15 auch in horizontaler Richtung fixiert sind.A particularly high stabilization of the stabilizing element 15 and also the network-like switching mat 5 and the switching film set 3 can be achieve in that 6 pins 14 are provided on the top of the housing, the socket-shaped receiving elements integrated in the underside 4 of the housing 18 can be snapped in, in the flat stabilizing element 15, the network-like switching mat 5 and the switching film set 3 and Metal plate 2 in the region of the socket-shaped receiving elements 18 corresponding thereto Openings are attached. This allows the metal plate 2, the switching film set 3, the network-like switching mat 5 and the flat Stabilizing element 15 during assembly with their corresponding Openings via the socket-shaped integrated in the bottom 4 of the housing Receiving elements 18 are slipped, thereby preventing them from slipping sideways are stabilized. Then the upper part of the housing is installed with lying on the top of the flat stabilizing element 15 coming stiffening ribs 9 placed so that the metal plate 2, the Switching film set 3, the network-like switching mat 5 and the flat stabilizing element 15 are also fixed in the horizontal direction.

Insgesamt ergibt sich durch die erfindungsgemäßen Maßnahmen somit ein kostengünstiger und dennoch in seinen mechanischen Eigenschaften sowie seinen Schaltfunktionen zuverlässiger Aufbau einer Tastatur.Overall, the measures according to the invention thus result in a more cost-effective way and yet in its mechanical properties and its Switching functions reliable construction of a keyboard.

Claims (3)

  1. Keyboard with an inlaid switching pad (5) and a multi-layer switching foil set (3), in which a metal plate (2) is inserted positively into the keyboard between the lower part (4) of the housing and the lowermost of the switching foils in the switching foil set and is clamped between the switching pad and the lower part of the housing, characterised in that the switching pad (5) is provided in regions of switching domes (10) serving to effect the switching process not situated immediately below the key buttons (7) with recesses (16) so as to leave a net-like structure of switching domes (10) connected together by means of thin webs (17), and that a flat stabilising element (15), preferably in the form of a stable, thin foil or plate, is placed over the switching pad (5) and includes at each position of a switching dome (10) a corresponding opening for surrounding the relevant switching dome (10).
  2. Keyboard according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one part of stiffening ribs (9) provided on the upper part (6) of the housing engages in corresponding snap-in elements (12) provided on the lower part (4) of the housing and a second part rests on the top surface of the flat stabilising element (15).
  3. Keyboard according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that pins (14) are provided on the top surface (6) of the housing and can be snapped into sleeve-shaped receiving elements (18) integrated into the underside (4) of the housing, corresponding openings being provided in the flat stabilising element (15), in the net-like switching pad (5), in the switching foil set (3) and in the metal plate (2) in the region of the sleeve-shaped receiving elements (18).
EP96110921A 1995-08-10 1996-07-05 Keybord with simplified switching pad and fixation device Expired - Lifetime EP0758791B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19529492A DE19529492A1 (en) 1995-08-10 1995-08-10 Keyboard with simplified switch mat including fixation devices
DE19529492 1995-08-10

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0758791A2 EP0758791A2 (en) 1997-02-19
EP0758791A3 EP0758791A3 (en) 1997-09-17
EP0758791B1 true EP0758791B1 (en) 2001-12-19

Family

ID=7769212

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96110921A Expired - Lifetime EP0758791B1 (en) 1995-08-10 1996-07-05 Keybord with simplified switching pad and fixation device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5738450A (en)
EP (1) EP0758791B1 (en)
DE (2) DE19529492A1 (en)

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DE10221315A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-20 Mayser Gmbh & Co Electric switch unit, consists of at least two parallel, electrically conducting contact strips, opposing contact strips, spacer elements and a carrier film

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US5899617A (en) * 1997-10-09 1999-05-04 Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd. Flexible component reinforcing mechanism
US6492978B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2002-12-10 Ncr Corporation Keyscreen
US6166662A (en) * 1998-09-15 2000-12-26 Chuang; Wen-Hao Structure of key pad
US5980135A (en) * 1998-09-22 1999-11-09 Acer Peripherals, Inc. Keyboard with an optional metal support for strengthening its structure
DE19846450A1 (en) * 1998-10-08 2000-04-13 Delphi Automotive Systems Gmbh Switch system especially for use in motor vehicles, has electromechanical module containing electromechanical switch element, with mechanical module containing mechanical switch actuator
DE19961728C1 (en) * 1999-12-21 2001-08-30 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Electrical switch
JP2002157940A (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-05-31 Yazaki Corp Switch unit
US6781077B2 (en) 2000-12-14 2004-08-24 Think Outside, Inc. Keyswitch and actuator structure
US7132615B1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2006-11-07 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Switchpad for a pushbutton switch assembly
DE102009054506A1 (en) * 2009-12-10 2011-06-16 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Keyboard i.e. pin pad-keyboard, for card-terminal for interaction with electronic health card, has key head forming obstacle in free area below key head, where obstacle extends from guiding element till to outer end of inner side of head
DE102018108660B3 (en) * 2018-04-12 2019-10-17 Preh Gmbh Switch arrangement with switching mat for operating a motor vehicle component

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AT389398B (en) * 1984-06-20 1989-11-27 Sterner Franz CONTACT MAT
GB8719369D0 (en) * 1987-08-15 1987-09-23 Harboro Rubber Co Ltd Manufacture of contact pad arrays
US5438177A (en) * 1992-05-06 1995-08-01 Key Tronic Corporation Two-layer membrane switch
US5360955A (en) * 1992-08-18 1994-11-01 Key Tronic Corporation Computer keyboard with cantilever switch design and improved PCB/switch membrane interface
US5386091A (en) * 1993-04-08 1995-01-31 Compaq Computer Corporation Low profile keyswitch
KR970004399B1 (en) * 1993-07-02 1997-03-27 B T C Korea Co Ltd Keyboard
US5525979A (en) * 1995-08-14 1996-06-11 Lexmark International, Inc. Low configuration keyboard

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10221315A1 (en) * 2002-05-07 2003-11-20 Mayser Gmbh & Co Electric switch unit, consists of at least two parallel, electrically conducting contact strips, opposing contact strips, spacer elements and a carrier film

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5738450A (en) 1998-04-14
EP0758791A3 (en) 1997-09-17
EP0758791A2 (en) 1997-02-19
DE59608483D1 (en) 2002-01-31
DE19529492A1 (en) 1997-02-13

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