DE10357649B4 - Keypad with operation buttons - Google Patents

Abstract

Keypad with keys (3, 4, 5, 6) which are embedded in recesses (2) in a front panel (1), each of the keys (3, 4, 5, 6) consisting of a key body (7, 18), a label and at least one color and relief-like feel markings (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are arranged in the surface thereof, characterized in that the key body (7, 18) has at least one recess (14, 20), in the at least one symbol body (8) is anchored, which is provided with both the color marking and the feeling marking (9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d).

Description

The invention is based on a keypad with operation keys according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a keypad with operation keys is used in particular for the keyboard at cash machines or other public input terminals.

In general, a stainless steel front panel is used, in which a number of recesses are arranged. In these recesses buttons are inserted, which reach through the front panel and arranged underneath, operate switches. Such a keyboard must be highly resistant to wear because of the many interplay and unfavorable operating conditions.

The keys are assigned a specific symbol content. For this purpose, it is provided that the function keys (for example, the enter key, the delete key or the confirmation key) are assigned both a colored label field and a feel marker.

So far, it was only known that the surfaces of the function keys at different locations both a colored marker field and a feel marker was arranged. For example, it is known that the colored marking as an elongated, rectangular beam in the form of a recessed recess -. B. in the lower part - to arrange in the key body and form the Fühlmarkierung on the outer right side of the key body surface.

With regard to the formation of the feel marking, it is also known that the feel marker lifted as a raised symbol surface relief-like from the material of the key body and material-integral with the material of the key body is connected. As a result, a high abrasion resistance and a high wear resistance was ensured.

Disadvantage of the known design of the function keys, however, is that in the manufacture of the feel marker and the colored keypad can be arranged at different locations on the surface of the key body, so that no uniform appearance and a uniform functional surface are given.

Thus, at different input terminals (for example, at a domestic or a foreign ATM) no functionally identical operation of each individual key is possible.

With the DE 200 02 629 U1 discloses a PC keyboard with colored and soft keys, wherein the keys have a key body and a frontally connected elastic layer and the layer is colored in different colors.

This PC keyboard has the disadvantage that the probe body has no feel marking on its surface and replacement of the probe body with the elastic layer is expensive.

With the DE 82 30 442 U discloses a marking device for dome or actuator control devices, the dome or an actuator having a base body, a mask and a label, the label can be applied to the label and the label is placed behind glass.

This arrangement has the disadvantage that the label has no feel mark due to their arrangement behind glass.

The publication DE 73 27 094 U1 discloses an electrical installation switch, which has a raised, distinctive symbol on the surface of the actuating handle, wherein the symbol is connected as a self-contained molded body with the handle resting on the surface thereof.

This arrangement has the disadvantage that the moldings are only releasably connected to the handle.

With the DE 3923747 A1 For example, there is disclosed an electric switch actuator whose push buttons carry, on the operating side, a cover made of a transparent material provided with relief-type characters in Braille.

Although these pushbuttons have feel markings, the pushbuttons are not embedded in a front panel.

The utility model DE 298 01 861 U1 discloses a keyboard on which different colors can be applied, pasted or colored. However, the individual keys have no feel marker, so that a simplified finding of individual keys is not possible.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a front panel with buttons and recessed therein Tastkörpern so that always the same function image is achieved with respect to color marking and Fühlmarkierung on the surface of the key body.

To achieve the object, the invention is characterized in that the key body carries at least one label and has at least one recess in which at least one symbol body is anchored, which forms both the color marking and the Fühlmarkierung.

With the given technical teaching, there is the advantage that an always the same appearance of the function keys is achieved, because according to the invention carries the surface of the key body only at least one label, which may well be different from country to country. It is important, however, that at least one recess is always arranged in the same place of the key body, in which a symbol body is embedded.

Due to the fact that the symbol body forms both the color marking and the feel marking, it is now always ensured that the symbol body is anchored in only a single location on the surface of the key body. Accordingly, it is now ensured that when operating such a keyboard - regardless of the type of label - always the symbol body is in the same place.

This was not guaranteed in the previously known key bodies in which the Fühlmarkierungen were located at different locations with respect to the color markings.

Due to the fact that a symbol body is embedded in a recess in the key body, there is the further advantage that one can produce a plurality of similar key body, so to speak "blank". The unprocessed key body are without lettering and carry for receiving the symbol body only said recess.

Thus, it is only possible during assembly of the front panel with the keys arranged there, the individual function keys to assign their symbol content by the different symbol body are introduced into the respective associated recess in the probe body.

To increase the wear resistance and as protection against vandalism, it is important, This is achieved according to a first embodiment of the invention in that the symbol body has on its lower side locking tabs which engage under the edges of the recess in the key body. With the impressions of the symbol body in the recess thus the locking tabs are elastically bent inwards and then snap behind the peripheral edges of the recess in the key body and lie there inextricably fixed.

In another embodiment, it is provided that the symbol bodies are glued into the recess or fixed in another way.

This results in the advantage that it is no longer necessary to produce a large number of different function keys with different feel marks integrated thereon, but that for the first time it is possible to produce a single key body which carries only one recess and then the corresponding symbol body is anchored in this recess ,

Thus, the manufacturing cost is lowered and the interchangeability of the individual keys is improved because the storage can be reduced.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

It should also be noted that the symbol body is made of a plastic material, with a single-color plastic material being preferred. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The plastic material may also be formed in multiple colors and so that the material of the symbol body of a first color and the material of the molded thereon, relief-like feel marker 9 made of a different colored plastic material.

It is also possible to make the symbol body overall of more than two colors.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is not only intended that the symbol body is formed of a plastic material. Rather, metal materials should also be according to the invention. In particular, the symbol body may consist of a stainless steel plate, whose visible side is colored with the corresponding color and bears the feel marking as an embossing.

In a second embodiment, the symbol body is formed as a metal plate of a sintered metal, the visible side is in turn colored and the Fühlmark is formed in the sintered material as a raised surface.

In a third embodiment of the symbol body as a deep-drawn, preferably made of a deep-drawn stainless steel sheet, formed, the visible side is colored and the Fühlmarkierung is formed as a raised structure in the deep drawing tool.

In a fourth embodiment of the symbol body is formed of a metal plate, the visible side is colored and the Fühlmarkierung is formed as a cutout in the surface on the visible side.

In all embodiments, the feel marker may be differently colored than comparatively the color of the visible surface.

In particular, the feel marking can be blackened by means of a laser beam.

Incidentally, the invention is not limited to the rectangular or square shape of a symbol body. It can be used all forms for a symbol body, such as. As rectangular, oval, polygonal or elliptical shapes.

Show it:

1 : a perspective view of a keypad

2 : a cut through a button

3 - 6 : the top view on various symbolic bodies

7 Fig. 1 schematically shows a section through a second embodiment according to the invention

In 1 is generally a front panel 1 shown, which preferably consists of a stainless steel material or other abrasion and wear-resistant material. In the front panel 1 are a series of mutually parallel recesses 2 arranged, in the - in a conventional manner - keys 3 - 6 are admitted.

The button's 3 - 6 are springy in the recesses 2 stored and act on switches, not shown, below the buttons 3 - 6 are arranged.

According to the invention, there is every key 3 - 6 from a key body 7 , which preferably consists of a metal material and in particular of a stainless steel material.

However, the invention is not limited thereto. The key body may also consist of other materials, such. As plastic, a plastic-metal composite and the like.

According to 2 is the key body 7 formed in two parts and consists of a lower, approximately rectangular support plate 10 , which is preferably also formed of a metal material. In the surface of this carrier plate 10 are a series of spaced studs 12 molded, made of the material of the carrier plate 10 are formed out.

The spacer knobs 12 lie with their upper side against the underside of the key body 7 at.

As stated above, the key body consists 7 of a metal material, preferably of a high-strength, abrasion-resistant stainless steel material and has at least one recess 14 on.

The connection between the spacer knobs 12 and the underside of the key body 7 takes place via welds 13 with which the spacer knobs 12 at the bottom of the key body 7 are fixed.

Instead of such welds 13 It is also possible to use splices or other mechanical fasteners.

In a further embodiment, it may also be provided that the connection between the key body 7 and the carrier plate 10 is formed material integral.

A symbol body 8th preferably consists of a different colored plastic material as compared to the material of the key body 7 , He is about cube-shaped.

At the surface of the symbol body 8th are a series of feel marks 9 arranged in the form of the feel marks 9a - 9d in the 3 to 6 are shown schematically.

It is important now that for the identification of the respective key 3 - 6 different symbol bodies 8th in the respective associated recess 14 can be pressed from the front and then with the associated locking tabs 15 on the inside of the circumference of the recess 14 invest.

This is the symbol body 8th insoluble in the recess 14 anchored. He can only by damaging the symbol body 8th be removed again.

The symbol body 8th is preferably from the front into the recess 14 or the recesses 14 / 20 introduced. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, it may be provided that the symbol body from behind into the respectively associated recess 14 respectively. 14 / 20 is inserted and fixed there in such a way that he can not fall out to the front.

On the surface of the symbol body 8th are the different feel marks 9a - 9d arranged. For the functionally different training of each key 3 - 6 becomes each a symbol body with a different color and a different feel marker 9a - 9d used.

On the key body 7 Therefore, no further changes must be made.

As a result, the surface of the key body carries a label only in a manner known per se, and the orientation color previously arranged on the key body and the symbol spatially separated therefrom are now combined in the form of a single unitary symbol body which is received in the key body is.

For completeness, it is still shown that from the surface of the carrier plate 10 one or more downwardly directed knobs 11 are formed, which against non-illustrated switching elements on the underside of the front panel 1 Act.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to a two-part construction of the keys 3 - 6 consisting of an upper key body 7 and a spacer plate disposed thereunder 10 must exist.

In another embodiment, it may also be provided that the key body 7 directly at its bottom the Betätigungsnoppe 11 carries and the symbol body 8th in the material of the key body 7 is introduced from the front insoluble.

The two-part education after 2 only serves the purpose that between the two parts 7 . 10 a distance 16 is formed, as a receiving space for the locking tabs 15 of the symbol body 8th serves.

However, it can be provided in another embodiment that the receiving space for the locking tabs directly in the region of the circumference of the recess 14 into the key body 7 is incorporated.

The 7 schematically shows a section through a second embodiment of the invention. Here is shown that in the front panel 1 in the region of the recess 2 a button 21 is arranged, consisting of a key body 18 consists. The key body 18 preferably consists of a thin deep-drawn stainless steel material, which is profiled cup-shaped and with lateral projections 19 the recess 2 in the front panel 1 engages below.

The key body 18 carries in the manner described above at least one recess 14 for receiving the symbol body 8th ,

In contrast to the aforementioned embodiment, the key body 18 however, designed so that it is firmly in its interior with a packing 17 is connected, which consists of a plastic material and to the underside of the key body 18 For example, glued or pressed.

The filler 17 carries on its underside the Betätigungsnoppe 11 for confirmation of a switch not shown.

The in the surface of the key body 18 arranged recess 14 is in alignment in the form of another recess 20 in the packing 17 continued. In this common recess 14 . 20 is the symbol body 8th pressed in and lies down there with the previously described locking tabs 15 in the area of undercuts 22 in the region of the recess 20 at. He is therefore also from the front into the recess 14 . 20 inserted and pushed in, so that the locking tabs 15 insoluble in the undercuts 22 in the packing 17 establish.

The embodiment shown here 7 has the advantage that it can be produced more cheaply because of bulky metal materials for the key body 7 can be omitted and the key body 18 only consists of a relatively thin, inexpensive to produce deformed stainless steel sheet.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

front panel

2

recesses

3

button

4

button

5

button

6

button

7

key bodies

8th

Symbol body

9

sensing mark 9a - 9d

10

support plate

11

Betätigungsnoppe

12

Abstandsnoppe

13

weld

14

recess

15

snap tab

16

distance

17

packing

18

key bodies

19

approaches

20

recess

21

button

22

undercut

Claims (14)

Keypad with buttons ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 ) in recesses ( 2 ) a front panel ( 1 ), each of the keys ( 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 ) from a key body ( 7 . 18 ), in the surface of which a label and at least one color and one relief-type feeler mark ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) are arranged, characterized in that the key body ( 7 . 18 ) at least one recess ( 14 . 20 ), in which at least one symbol body ( 8th ), with both the color marking and the feeler mark ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) is provided. Keypad according to claim 1, characterized in that the symbol bodies ( 8th ) with the key body ( 7 . 18 ) are permanently connected. Keypad according to claim 2, characterized in that the symbol bodies ( 8th ) from the front into the recess ( 14 . 20 ) of the key body ( 7 . 18 ) are introduced. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) in the recess ( 14 . 20 ) are locked. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) consists of plastic. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the key body ( 7 ) is formed in two parts and from a lower, approximately rectangular support plate ( 10 ), which maintains the spacing with the key body ( 7 ) connected is. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the key body ( 18 ) consists of a deep-drawn, cup-shaped profiled stainless steel material, with lateral extensions ( 19 ) the recess ( 2 ) in the front panel ( 1 ). Keypad according to claim 7, characterized in that the key body ( 18 ) in its interior firmly with a filling body ( 17 ) connected to the underside of the key body ( 18 ) is attached. Keypad according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that in the surface of the key body ( 18 ) arranged recess ( 14 ) in the form of a further recess ( 20 ) in the packing ( 17 ) into which the symbol body ( 8th ) is pressed in and there with locking tabs ( 15 ) in the area of undercuts ( 22 ) in the region of the recess ( 20 ) applies. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) consists of a stainless steel plate whose visible side is colored with the corresponding color and the feeler mark ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) bears as an imprint. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) is formed as a metal plate made of a sintered metal, dyed the visible side and the Fühlmarkierung ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) is formed in the sintered material as a raised surface. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) as a deep-drawn part, preferably from a deep-drawn stainless steel sheet, consists, whose visible side is colored and the Fühlmarkierung ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) is formed as a raised structure in the thermoforming tool. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the symbol body ( 8th ) consists of a metal plate, the visible side is colored and the feel marker ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) is introduced as a cutout in the surface on the visible side. Keypad according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the feeler mark ( 9 . 9a . 9b . 9c . 9d ) is blackened by means of a laser beam.

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