EP0952598A2 - Control device with metallised push buttons - Google Patents

Control device with metallised push buttons Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0952598A2
EP0952598A2 EP99107779A EP99107779A EP0952598A2 EP 0952598 A2 EP0952598 A2 EP 0952598A2 EP 99107779 A EP99107779 A EP 99107779A EP 99107779 A EP99107779 A EP 99107779A EP 0952598 A2 EP0952598 A2 EP 0952598A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keys
metallizations
metallization
buttons
electrically conductive
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
EP99107779A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0952598A3 (en
EP0952598B1 (en
Inventor
Peter GRUNDIG AG Krieger
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Grundig AG
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Grundig AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0952598A3 publication Critical patent/EP0952598A3/en
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Publication of EP0952598B1 publication Critical patent/EP0952598B1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H13/702—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/002—Materials
    • H01H2209/0021—Materials with metallic appearance, e.g. polymers with dispersed particles to produce a metallic appearance
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/07—Properties of the membrane metallic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H01H2219/034—Coloured areas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/014—Electro deposition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0214—Hand-held casings
    • H01H9/0235—Hand-held casings specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an operating device, in particular remote control transmitter for a consumer electronics device, with a contact mat which has buttons. to which certain functions are assigned.
  • buttons on the remote control transmitter usually consist of a silicone contact mat, in which the individual buttons are arranged in a spring-loaded manner.
  • the keys are not able to cope with such a high load and the key surface is discolored and, if necessary, even dissolves.
  • the optical impression of the buttons made of silicone is not very high quality.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an operating device of the type mentioned at the beginning, the buttons of which are robust against mechanical wear and which can be produced simply and inexpensively.
  • buttons of the control device consist of a silicone contact mat in the usual and known manner.
  • a higher strength of the keys and a higher-quality visual impression are achieved in that the key surfaces are provided with a metallization.
  • the metallization can also be carried out in different colors and designs. so that certain function groups can be provided with different colors and designs. There is no need to apply different colored silicone structures.
  • the control device according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner and has a high strength of the keyboard surfaces.
  • the operating device has different keypad areas. whose keys are each provided with different metallizations, the different metallizations being produced in each case in that the keys are provided with the same metallizations with a common electrically conductive layer.
  • the manufacture is advantageously carried out in such a way that the contact mat for producing the electrically conductive layers is covered with a template. that only the keys intended for metallization and connecting webs between those keys remain which are each provided with the same metallizations.
  • Metallization common to several keys can take place in that the keypad areas provided for the same metallizations each have contact points which serve as contact points with the keys to be metallized and the connecting webs for applying the different metallizations.
  • Advantageous designs for the metallization and the electrically conductive layer consist in the fact that galvanic metallization is provided and that the electrically conductive layer is formed by conductive lacquer or plasma vaporization.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a contact mat of a remote control with metallized buttons.
  • the contact mat 4 is, for example, made of silicone rubber and has certain keyboard areas 5, 6, 7, 8 with keys 11.
  • the keypad area 6 is for program selection and volume control
  • the keypad area 7 is for example for programming a television and for teletext applications
  • the keypad area 8 is for direct program selection by means of numeric keys
  • the key 9 for switching off the television into standby mode
  • the keypad area 5 is provided for teletext applications etc.
  • the special feature of the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 1 is that the keys 11, which are subject to high stress, for example of the keyboard area 6 for program selection and volume, are metallized, the metallization being produced in such a way that the keys 11 are in a first step are provided with a conductive layer during production, which is provided with a metallization in a second step.
  • the metallization of the keys 11 of the silicone mat 4 results in a higher strength of the keys 11 and a higher-quality appearance.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a remote control transmitter, in which the contact mat 4 shown in Fig. 1 is integrated.
  • the remote control transmitter 1 consists of an upper housing part 2 and a lower housing part 3. On the surface of the remote control transmitter 1 there are 2 recesses in the upper housing part which the keys 11 of the contact mat 4 (see FIG. 1) protrude. Otherwise, the reference symbols already introduced in connection with FIG. 1 are used in the same way.
  • the special feature of the remote control transmitter shown in FIG. 2 is that the remote control transmitter 1 has metallized buttons 11.
  • the metallization of the keys leads both to a higher strength of the keys 11 and to a higher optical quality of the remote control transmitter 1 as a whole.
  • the principle of the metallized buttons is also applicable to operating devices integrated in devices. for example in the car radio area etc.
  • 3a to 3e show a basic illustration of the individual method steps for metallizing the keys 11 of a contact mat 4, which are used, for example, for a remote control transmitter or another an integrated control device can be used.
  • 3a shows a contact mat 4 which has buttons 11. The representation is made on the left side from above and on the right side from the side. This also applies to FIGS. 3b to 3e.
  • 3b shows a template 10 which has recesses 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. The recesses essentially correspond to the arrangement pattern of the keys 11 of the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 3a.
  • the template 10 there are left free connecting webs 24, 26 and contact connection recesses 23, 25, 27, 28 which serve to ensure that the keyboard field areas, whose keys are each to be provided with the same metallizations, are "connected" to one another by recesses within the template 10.
  • 3c shows the method step in which the template 10 is placed on the contact mat 4.
  • the areas of the contact mat 4 which remain free through the template 3 are coated in an electrically conductive manner.
  • Both the buttons 20 and the connecting webs 21 are made electrically conductive, for example by conductive lacquer or plasma vaporization.
  • 3e shows the last method step for metallizing the keys 11 of the contact mat 4. It is shown that the individual key field areas are each provided with different metallizations via the contact points 13, 15, 17, 18.
  • the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 3e thus results in a metallization 32 ... 36 of the keyboard surfaces.
  • the metallization can be applied as galvanic metallization.
  • the individual process steps thus run together in the following manner:
  • the silicone contact mat 4 is covered by the template 10 so that only the keys 11 and thin connecting webs 24, 26 between the keys 11 remain free. With the help of the connecting webs 24, 26 different groups of buttons can be combined, which are later to receive different metallizations and designs.
  • the structure of the stencils 10 free surfaces are made using conductive varnish or Provide plasma vaporization with an electrically conductive layer 20, with the final step then being a galvanic metallization of these areas via contact points 13 ... 18.
  • the invention thus relates to an operating device, in particular for a consumer electronics device.
  • the operating device has a contact mat with buttons, the buttons being metallized in order to achieve a higher strength.
  • the metallization takes place in that the keys to be metallized are galvanized in an initial step with an electrically conductive layer and in a second step.
  • the keys which are each to be given the same metallization, are electrically conductively connected to one another via electrically conductive connecting webs, so that keys to be provided with the same metallization can be easily metallized together.

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  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The arrangement has a contact mat (4) with keys (11) that are associated with defined functions. At least one key is metallised. The metallisation is produced by providing the metallised key with an electrically conducting coating in a first step and applying the metallisation in a second step. There are different regions (5-8) with keys with different metallisations produced by providing the keys with the same metallisation with a common electrically conducting coating. An Independent claim is also included for a method of producing a control arrangement.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Bedienvorrichtung, insbesondere Fernbedienungsgeber für ein Gerät der Unterhaltungselektronik, mit einer Kontaktmatte, die Tasten aufweist. denen bestimmte Funktionen zugeordnet sind.The invention relates to an operating device, in particular remote control transmitter for a consumer electronics device, with a contact mat which has buttons. to which certain functions are assigned.

Eine derartige Bedienvorrichtung kommt beispielsweise als Fernbedienungsgeber für ein Fernsehgerät zum Einsatz. Die Tasten des Fernbedienungsgebers bestehen dabei in der Regel aus einer Silikonkontaktmatte, bei der die einzelnen Tasten federnd gelagert angeordnet sind. Insbesondere bei häufiger Betätigung bestimmter Tasten, wie beispielsweise der Programmwahltaste oder Lautstärkeregelungstasten besteht das Problem, daß die Tasten einer derartig hohen Beanspruchung nicht gewachsen sind und sich bei hoher Beanspruchung die Tastenoberflache verfärbt und ggfs. gar auflöst. Zudem ist der optische Eindruck der aus Silikon gebildeten Tasten nicht sehr hochwertig.Such an operating device is used, for example, as a remote control transmitter for a television set. The buttons on the remote control transmitter usually consist of a silicone contact mat, in which the individual buttons are arranged in a spring-loaded manner. In particular, with frequent operation of certain keys, such as the program selection key or volume control keys, there is the problem that the keys are not able to cope with such a high load and the key surface is discolored and, if necessary, even dissolves. In addition, the optical impression of the buttons made of silicone is not very high quality.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Bedienvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, deren Tasten robust gegen mechanische Abnutzung sind und das einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar ist.The object of the present invention is to provide an operating device of the type mentioned at the beginning, the buttons of which are robust against mechanical wear and which can be produced simply and inexpensively.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Bedienvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, daß mindestens eine Taste galvanisch metallisiert ist, daß die Metallisierung der Tasten dadurch hergestellt ist, daß die zu metallisierende Taste in einem ersten Schritt mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht versehen ist. die in einem zweiten Schritt mit einer Metallisierung versehen ist.This object is achieved in an operating device of the type mentioned in that at least one key is galvanically metallized, that the metallization of the keys is made in that the metallizing button is provided with an electrically conductive layer in a first step. which is provided with a metallization in a second step.

Der grundlegende Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedienvorrichtung kann dabei im wesentlichen unverändert bleiben. So bestehen die Tasten der Bedienvorrichtung in gewohnter und bekannter Weise aus einer Silikonkontaktmatte. Eine höhere Festigkeit der Tasten sowie ein höherwertiger optischer Eindruck werden dadurch erzielt, daß die Tastenoberflächen mit einer Metallisierung versehen werden. Die Metallisierung kann dabei auch in unterschiedlichen Farben und Designs ausgeführt werden. so daß bestimmte Funktionsgruppen mit unterschiedlichen Farben und Designs versehen werden können. Die Aufbringung verschiedener farblicher Silikonstrukturen entfällt. Die ertindungsgemäße Bedienvorrichtung ist auf einfache Weise herstellbar und weist eine hohe Festigkeit der Tastaturobertlächen auf.The basic structure of an operating device according to the invention can remain essentially unchanged. So the buttons of the control device consist of a silicone contact mat in the usual and known manner. A higher strength of the keys and a higher-quality visual impression are achieved in that the key surfaces are provided with a metallization. The metallization can also be carried out in different colors and designs. so that certain function groups can be provided with different colors and designs. There is no need to apply different colored silicone structures. The control device according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner and has a high strength of the keyboard surfaces.

Veschiedenen farblichen und Design-Anforderungen kann auf einfache Weise dadurch Rechnung getragen werden, daß die Bedienvorrichtung verschiedene Tastenfeldbereiche aufweist. deren Tasten jeweils mit unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen versehen sind, wobei die unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen jeweils dadurch erzeugt werden, daß die Tasten mit gleichen Metallisierungen mit einer gemeinsamen elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht versehen sind.Different color and design requirements can be easily taken into account by the fact that the operating device has different keypad areas. whose keys are each provided with different metallizations, the different metallizations being produced in each case in that the keys are provided with the same metallizations with a common electrically conductive layer.

Die Herstellung erfolgt in vorteilhafter Weise so, daß die Kontaktmatte zur Erzeugung der elektrisch leitfähigen Schichten mit einer Schablone derart abgedeckt wird. daß nur die für eine Metallisierung vorgesehenen Tasten sowie Verbindungsstege zwischen solchen Tasten frei bleiben, die mit jeweils gleichen Metallisierungen versehen werden.The manufacture is advantageously carried out in such a way that the contact mat for producing the electrically conductive layers is covered with a template. that only the keys intended for metallization and connecting webs between those keys remain which are each provided with the same metallizations.

Eine für mehrere Tasten gemeinsame Metallisierung kann dadurch erfolgen, daß die für gleiche Metallisierungen vorgesehenen Tastenfeldbereiche jeweils Kontaktpunkte aufweisen, die mit den zu metallisierenden Tasten und den Verbindungsstegen als Kontaktpunkte zur Aufbringung der unterschiedlichen Metaliisierungen dienen.Metallization common to several keys can take place in that the keypad areas provided for the same metallizations each have contact points which serve as contact points with the keys to be metallized and the connecting webs for applying the different metallizations.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungen für die Metallisierung sowie die elektrisch leitfähige Schicht bestehen darin, daß eine galvanische Metallsierung vorgesehen ist und daß die elektrisch leiffähige Schicht durch Leitlack oder Plasmabedampfung gebildet wird.Advantageous designs for the metallization and the electrically conductive layer consist in the fact that galvanic metallization is provided and that the electrically conductive layer is formed by conductive lacquer or plasma vaporization.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher beschreiben und erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Silikonmatte für einen Fembedienungsgeber mit metallisierten Tasten,
Fig. 2
einen Fernbedienungsgeber mit metallisierten Tasten und
Fig. 3a - Fig. 3e
die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte zur Metallisierung der Tasten einer Bedienvorrichtung.
The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:
Fig. 1
a silicone mat for a remote control with metallized buttons,
Fig. 2
a remote control transmitter with metallized buttons and
Figures 3a-3e
the individual process steps for metallizing the buttons of an operating device.

Fig. 1 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Kontaktmatte eines Fembedienungsgebers mit metallisierten Tasten. Die Kontaktmatte 4 ist beispielsweise aus Silikonkautschuk ausgebildet und weist bestimmte Tastaturfeldbereiche 5, 6, 7, 8 mit Tasten 11 auf. So ist der Tastaturfeldbereich 6 beispielsweise für die Programmwahl und die Lautstärkeregelung, der Tastaturfeldbereich 7 beispielsweise für die Programmierung eines Fernsehgerats sowie für Videotextanwendungen, der Tastaturfeldbereich 8 für die direkte Programmanwahl mittels Ziffemtasten, die Taste 9 für das Ausschalten des Fernsehgeräts in den Standby-Betrieb und der Tastaturfeldbereich 5 für Videotextanwendungen etc. vorgesehen.Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a contact mat of a remote control with metallized buttons. The contact mat 4 is, for example, made of silicone rubber and has certain keyboard areas 5, 6, 7, 8 with keys 11. For example, the keypad area 6 is for program selection and volume control, the keypad area 7 is for example for programming a television and for teletext applications, the keypad area 8 is for direct program selection by means of numeric keys, the key 9 for switching off the television into standby mode and the keypad area 5 is provided for teletext applications etc.

Das Besondere der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Kontaktmatte 4 besteht darin, daß insbesondere die einer hohen Beanspruchung unterliegenden Tasten 11 beispielsweise des Tastaturfeldbereichs 6 für Programmwahl und Lautstärke metallisiert sind, die Metallisierung ist dabei in der Weise erzeugt, daß die Tasten 11 in einem ersten Schritt bei der Herstellung mit einer leitfähigen Schicht versehen sind, die in einem zweiten Schritt mit einer Metallisierung versehen ist. Dies wird im Zusammenhang mit den Fig. 3a bis 3e noch ausführlich erläutert. Insgesamt ergibt sich durch die Metallisierung der Tasten 11 der Silikonmatte 4 eine höhere Festigkeit der Tasten 11 sowie eine höherwertige Optik.The special feature of the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 1 is that the keys 11, which are subject to high stress, for example of the keyboard area 6 for program selection and volume, are metallized, the metallization being produced in such a way that the keys 11 are in a first step are provided with a conductive layer during production, which is provided with a metallization in a second step. This will be explained in detail in connection with FIGS. 3a to 3e. Overall, the metallization of the keys 11 of the silicone mat 4 results in a higher strength of the keys 11 and a higher-quality appearance.

Fig. 2 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Fernbedienungsgebers, in der die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Kontaktmatte 4 integriert ist.Der Fernbedienungsgeber 1 besteht aus einem Gehäuseoberteil 2 sowie einem Gehäuseunterteil 3. An der Oberfläche des Fernbedienungsgebers 1 sind im oberen Gehäuseteil 2 Ausnehmungen vorhanden, aus denen die Tasten 11 der Kontaktmatte 4 (vgl. Fig. 1) herausragen. Ansonsten werden die bereits im Zusammenhang mit Fig. 1 eingeführten Bezugszeichen in gleicher Weise verwendet.Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a remote control transmitter, in which the contact mat 4 shown in Fig. 1 is integrated. The remote control transmitter 1 consists of an upper housing part 2 and a lower housing part 3. On the surface of the remote control transmitter 1 there are 2 recesses in the upper housing part which the keys 11 of the contact mat 4 (see FIG. 1) protrude. Otherwise, the reference symbols already introduced in connection with FIG. 1 are used in the same way.

Das Besondere des in Fig. 2 dargestellten Fernbedienungsgebers ist, daß der Fembedienungsgeber 1 metallisierte Tasten 11 aufweist. Die Metallisierung der Tasten führt sowohl zu einer höheren Festigkeit der Tasten 11 als auch zu einer höheren optischen Wertigkeit des Fernbedienungsgebers 1 insgesamt. Neben der Anwendung eines Fernbedienungsgebers ist das Prinzip der metallisierten Tasten auch bei in Geräten integrierten Bedienvorrichtungen. beispielsweise im Autoradiobereich etc., einsetzbar.The special feature of the remote control transmitter shown in FIG. 2 is that the remote control transmitter 1 has metallized buttons 11. The metallization of the keys leads both to a higher strength of the keys 11 and to a higher optical quality of the remote control transmitter 1 as a whole. In addition to the use of a remote control transmitter, the principle of the metallized buttons is also applicable to operating devices integrated in devices. for example in the car radio area etc.

Fig. 3a bis Fig. 3e zeigt in einer Prinzipdarstellung die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte zur Metallisierung der Tasten 11 einer Kontaktmatte 4, die beispielsweise für einen Fernbedienungsgeber oder eine sonstige in einem Gerät integrierte Bedienvorrichtung zum Einsatz kommen kann. In Fig. 3a ist eine Kontaktmatte 4 dargestellt, die Tasten 11 aufweist. Die Darstellung erfolgt dabei auf der linken Seite von oben und auf der rechten Seite von der Seite. Dies gilt auch für die Fig. 3b bis Fig. 3e. In Fig. 3b ist eine Schablone 10 gezeigt, die Ausnehmungen 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 aufweist. Die Ausnehmungen entsprechen dabei im wesentlichen dem Anordnungsmuster der Tasten 11 der in Fig. 3a dargestellten Kontaktmatte 4. Dabei sind in der Schablone 10 freigelassene Verbindungsstege 24, 26 sowie Kontaktanschlußausnehmungen 23, 25, 27, 28 vorgesehen, die dazu dienen, daß die Tastaturfeldbereiche, deren Tasten jeweils mit gleichen Metallisierungen versehen werden sollen, miteinander durch Ausnehmungen innerhalb der Schablone 10 miteinander "verbunden" sind. Fig. 3c zeigt den Verfahrensschritt, bei welchem die Schablone 10 auf die Kontaktmatte 4 aufgelegt ist. In Fig. 3d ist weiter dargestellt, daß die durch die Schablone 3 freibleibenden Bereiche der Kontaktmatte 4 elektrisch leitend beschichtet werden. So werden sowohl die Tasten 20, als auch die Verbindungsstege 21, beispielsweise durch Leitlack oder Plasmadampfung, elektrisch leitfähig gemacht. Fig. 3e zeigt den letzten Verfahrensschritt zur Metallisierung der Tasten 11 der Kontaktmatte 4. Dabei ist dargestellt, daß über die Kontaktpunkte 13, 15, 17, 18 die einzelnen Tasturfeldbereiche mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen versehen werden. Dies ist durch die unterschiedliche Struktur der Oberflächen der Tasten symbolisiert. Insgesamt ergibt sich bei der in Fig. 3e dargestellten Kontaktmatte 4 somit eine Metallisierung 32 ... 36 der Tastaturoberflächen. Die Metallisierung kann dabei als galvanische Metallisierung aufgebracht werden. Die einzelnen Verfahrensschritte laufen somit zusammengefaßt in folgender Weise ab: Die Silikonkontaktmatte 4 wird mittels der Schablone 10 so abgedeckt, daß nur die Tasten 11 und dünne Verbindungsstege 24, 26 zwischen den Tasten 11 frei bleiben. Mit Hilfe der Verbindungsstege 24, 26 können verschiedene Tastengruppen zusammengefaßt werden, die später unterschiedliche Metallisierungen und Designs erhalten sollen. Die Struktur der Schabone 10 freibleibenden Flächen werden mittels Leitlack oder Plasmabedampfung mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht 20 versehen, wobei anschließend als letzter Schritt über die Kontaktpunkte 13 ... 18 eine galvanische Metallisierung dieser Bereiche erfolgt.3a to 3e show a basic illustration of the individual method steps for metallizing the keys 11 of a contact mat 4, which are used, for example, for a remote control transmitter or another an integrated control device can be used. 3a shows a contact mat 4 which has buttons 11. The representation is made on the left side from above and on the right side from the side. This also applies to FIGS. 3b to 3e. 3b shows a template 10 which has recesses 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. The recesses essentially correspond to the arrangement pattern of the keys 11 of the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 3a. In the template 10 there are left free connecting webs 24, 26 and contact connection recesses 23, 25, 27, 28 which serve to ensure that the keyboard field areas, whose keys are each to be provided with the same metallizations, are "connected" to one another by recesses within the template 10. 3c shows the method step in which the template 10 is placed on the contact mat 4. In FIG. 3d it is further shown that the areas of the contact mat 4 which remain free through the template 3 are coated in an electrically conductive manner. Both the buttons 20 and the connecting webs 21 are made electrically conductive, for example by conductive lacquer or plasma vaporization. 3e shows the last method step for metallizing the keys 11 of the contact mat 4. It is shown that the individual key field areas are each provided with different metallizations via the contact points 13, 15, 17, 18. This is symbolized by the different structure of the surfaces of the buttons. Overall, the contact mat 4 shown in FIG. 3e thus results in a metallization 32 ... 36 of the keyboard surfaces. The metallization can be applied as galvanic metallization. The individual process steps thus run together in the following manner: The silicone contact mat 4 is covered by the template 10 so that only the keys 11 and thin connecting webs 24, 26 between the keys 11 remain free. With the help of the connecting webs 24, 26 different groups of buttons can be combined, which are later to receive different metallizations and designs. The structure of the stencils 10 free surfaces are made using conductive varnish or Provide plasma vaporization with an electrically conductive layer 20, with the final step then being a galvanic metallization of these areas via contact points 13 ... 18.

Zusammenfassend betrifft die Erfindung somit eine Bedienvorrichtung insbesondere für ein Gerät der Unterhaltungselektronik. Die Bedienvorrichtung weist eine Kontaktmatte mit Tasten auf, wobei die Tasten zur Erzielung einer höheren Festigkeit dadurch metallisiert sind. Die Metallisierung erfolgt dadurch, daß die zu metallisierenden Tasten in einem ersten Schritt mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht und in einem zweiten Schritt galvanisch metallisiert werden. Die Tasten, die jeweils dieselbe Metallisierung erhalten sollen, sind über elektrisch leitende Verbindungsstege miteinander elektrisch leitend verbunden, so daß mit der gleichen Metallisierung zu versehendeTasten auf`einfache Weise gemeinsam metallisierbar sind. Neben der Erzielung einer höheren mechanischen Festigkeit ergibt sich außerdem ein höherwertiger optischer Eindruck der Tasten und damit der Bedienvorrichtung.In summary, the invention thus relates to an operating device, in particular for a consumer electronics device. The operating device has a contact mat with buttons, the buttons being metallized in order to achieve a higher strength. The metallization takes place in that the keys to be metallized are galvanized in an initial step with an electrically conductive layer and in a second step. The keys, which are each to be given the same metallization, are electrically conductively connected to one another via electrically conductive connecting webs, so that keys to be provided with the same metallization can be easily metallized together. In addition to achieving a higher mechanical strength, there is also a higher-quality visual impression of the buttons and thus of the operating device.

Claims (10)

Bedienvorrichtung (1), insbesondere Fernbedienungsgeber für ein Gerät der Unterhaltungselektronik mit einer Kontaktmatte (4), die Tasten (11) aufweist, denen bestimmte Funktionen zugeordnet sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß mindestens eine Taste (11) metallisiert ist. daß die Metallisierung der Tasten (11) dadurch hergestellt ist, daß die zu metallisierende Taste (11) in einem ersten Schritt mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (20, 21) versehen ist, die in einem zweiten Schritt mit einer Metallisierung (32, .., 36) versehen ist.Operating device (1), in particular remote control transmitter for a consumer electronics device with a contact mat (4) which has buttons (11) to which certain functions are assigned,
characterized by
that at least one button (11) is metallized. that the metallization of the keys (11) is produced in that the key (11) to be metallized is provided in a first step with an electrically conductive layer (20, 21), which in a second step is provided with a metallization (32, .. , 36) is provided. Bedienvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet.
daß die Bedienvorrichtung verschiedene Tastenfeldbereiche (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) aufweist, deren Tasten (11) jeweils mit unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) versehen sind, wobei die unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (22, .., 26) jeweils dadurch erzeugt werden, daß die Tasten (11) mit gleichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) mit einer gemeinsamen elektrisch Ieitfähigen Schicht (20, 21) versehen sind.Operating device according to claim 1,
characterized.
that the operating device has different keypad areas (5, 6, 7, 8, 9), the keys (11) of which are each provided with different metallizations (32, .., 36), the different metallizations (22, .., 26) are each produced in that the keys (11) are provided with the same metallizations (32, .., 36) with a common electrically conductive layer (20, 21). Bedienvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2,
dadurch gekennzeichnet.
daß die Kontaktmatte (4) zur Erzeugung der elektrisch leitfähigen Schichten (20, 21) mit einer Schablone (10) derart abgedeckt wird, daß nur die für eine Metallisierung (32, .., 36) vorgesehenen Tasten (11) sowie Verbindungsstege (14) zwischen solchen Tasten (11) frei bleiben, die mit jeweils gleichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) versehen werden.Operating device according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized.
that the contact mat (4) for producing the electrically conductive layers (20, 21) is covered with a template (10) in such a way that only the keys (11) and connecting bars (14.) provided for metallization (32, .., 36) ) remain free between such buttons (11), which are each provided with the same metallizations (32, .., 36). Bedienvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die für gleiche Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) vorgesehenen Tastenfeldbereiche (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) jeweils Kontaktpunkte (13, 15, 17, 18) aufweisen, die mit den zu metallisierenden Tasten (11) und den Verbindungsstegen (14) als Kontaktpunkte zur Aufbringung der unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) dienen.Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
that the keypad areas (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) provided for the same metallizations (32, .., 36) each have contact points (13, 15, 17, 18) which are to be metallized with the keys (11) and the Connecting webs (14) serve as contact points for applying the different metallizations (32, .., 36). Bedienvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß eine galvanische Metallsierung (32, .., 36) vorgesehen ist.Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized,
that a galvanic metal coating (32, .., 36) is provided. Bedienvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet.
daß die elektrisch leitfähige Schicht (20, 21) durch Leitlack oder Plasmabedampfung gebildet wird.Operating device according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized.
that the electrically conductive layer (20, 21) is formed by conductive lacquer or plasma vaporization. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Bedienvorrichtung (1), insbesondere eines Fernbedienungsgebers für ein Gerät der Unterhaltungselektronik mit einer Kontaktmatte (4), die Funktionstasten (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfaßt: - Abdecken der Kontaktmatte (4) mit einer Schablone (10) in der Weise. daß nur die zu metallisierenden Tasten (11) sowie zwischen den zu metallisierenden Tasten angeordnete Verbindungsstege (14) durch die Schablone (10) frei bleiben. - Versehen der zu metallisierenden Tasten (11) sowie der zwischen den zu metallisierenden Tasten angeordnete Verbindungsstege (14) mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht und - Metallisierung der mit der elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht versehenen Bereiche. Method for producing an operating device (1), in particular a remote control transmitter for a consumer electronics device with a contact mat (4) which has function keys (5, 6, 7, 8, 9),
characterized,
that the process comprises the following steps: - Cover the contact mat (4) with a template (10) in the way. that only the keys (11) to be metallized and the connecting webs (14) arranged between the keys to be metallized remain free through the template (10). - Providing the buttons (11) to be metallized and the connecting webs (14) arranged between the buttons to be metallized with an electrically conductive layer and - Metallization of the areas provided with the electrically conductive layer. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Tasten (11) vorgebbarer Tastenfeldbereiche (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) jeweils mit unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) versehen werden, wobei die unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) jeweils dadurch erzeugt werden. daß die Tasten (11) mit gleichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) mit einer gemeinsamen elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht (20, 21) versehen versehen werden.Method according to claim 7,
characterized,
that the keys (11) of predeterminable keypad areas (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) are each provided with different metallizations (32, .., 36), the different metallizations (32, .., 36) each being produced thereby . that the keys (11) are provided with the same metallizations (32, .., 36) with a common electrically conductive layer (20, 21). Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 oder 8,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Kontaktmatte (4) zur Erzeugung der elektrisch leitfähigen Schichten (20, 21) mit einer Schablone (10) derart abgedeckt wird, daß nur die für eine Metallisierung (32, .., 36) vorgesehenen Tasten (11) sowie Verbindungsstege (14) zwischen solchen Tasten (11) frei bleiben, die mit jeweils gleichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) versehen werden.Method according to one of claims 7 or 8,
characterized,
that the contact mat (4) for producing the electrically conductive layers (20, 21) is covered with a template (10) in such a way that only the keys (11) and connecting bars (14.) provided for metallization (32, .., 36) ) remain free between such buttons (11), which are each provided with the same metallizations (32, .., 36). Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9,
dadurch gekennzeichnet.
daß die Metalliesierung von Tasten (11) in mit gleicher Metallisietung (32, .., 36) vorgesehenen Tastenfeldbereiche (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) über Kontaktpunkte (13, 15, 17, 18) erfolgt, die mit den zu metallisierenden Tasten (11) und den Verbindungsstegen (14) als Kontaktpunkte zur Aufbringung der unterschiedlichen Metallisierungen (32, .., 36) dienen.Method according to one of claims 7 to 9,
characterized.
that the metallization of keys (11) in the same metallization (32, .., 36) provided keypad areas (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) via contact points (13, 15, 17, 18), which with the Metallizing buttons (11) and the connecting webs (14) serve as contact points for applying the different metallizations (32, .., 36).
EP19990107779 1998-04-22 1999-04-20 Control device with metallised push buttons Expired - Lifetime EP0952598B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19817958 1998-04-22
DE1998117958 DE19817958A1 (en) 1998-04-22 1998-04-22 Control device with metallized buttons

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EP0952598A2 true EP0952598A2 (en) 1999-10-27
EP0952598A3 EP0952598A3 (en) 2000-05-10
EP0952598B1 EP0952598B1 (en) 2006-09-06

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DE3228242A1 (en) * 1982-07-28 1984-02-02 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Keyboard
US4876145A (en) * 1984-02-09 1989-10-24 Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Plated resin article
EP0244698A1 (en) * 1986-05-05 1987-11-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Detector mat and method for its production

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DE59913827D1 (en) 2006-10-19
EP0952598A3 (en) 2000-05-10
DE19817958A1 (en) 1999-11-04
EP0952598B1 (en) 2006-09-06

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