DE4424496A1 - Flat input keyboard for data processing device or the like and method for their production - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flat input keyboard for data processing equipment or the like, which of the one Side facing away from the operating side one after the other Carrier, an electrical switching function system with one Keyboard pattern corresponding electrical contact points and a Be on the switching function system facing away Service side with flexible keyboard pattern has elastic cover film, the carrier, the switching Functional system and the cover film at least along the order Fangrandes are interconnected, as well as a process for the production of such a flat input keyboard.  

From DE-GM 74 34 187 is a flat keyboard Known above, in which the cover sheet the labeled keyboard and possibly design elements generally bears the keyboard pattern.

The contact foil system, to which an electronic evaluation system is supplied is generally composed of three on top of each other laminated film layers, namely a first contact foil, a second contact foil and one in between arranged spacer film, which is usually punched and openings at the intended contact points points. The two contact foils support the distance film-facing side preferably printed layers made of conductive paint. It can be provided that one of the two contact foils all electrical conductors tracks carries. These are then common on the contact surfaces executed so that here two conductor track ends in a comb shape protrude. The other contact foil is attached to the con cycle points then complete printing conductive paint. But it can also be provided that both contact foils carry conductor tracks, which may result in the Number of conductor crossings on one of the contact foils can be reduced. The contact foils also exist like the spacer film usually made of plastic material.

By applying force to the cover foils on one of the Keyboard pattern given contact point, so at Be serving a "button", that of the cover film bends next  contact foil lying at the pressure point over the edges of the corresponding punched holes in the spacer film and be stirs the contact surface of the lower contact foil. Through the Touch becomes an electrically conductive connection between the upper and lower contact point. About the With this confi guration flow while connecting electrical current, which is used to evaluate the key press as a signal can be.

For data entry on data processing devices, e.g. B. even with so-called notebook computers, in addition to Flat keyboards of the type described above also other keyboards are used that are related to the Key shape and arrangement of a typewriter keyboard are comparable. Individual keys may be relative large key travel provided. All previously used Keyboards have a fixed housing or at least one rigid base plate.

The conventional keyboards have a number of after share on. It should first be emphasized that the Transport, especially when using portable small computer (notebooks), the keyboard in relation to the remaining functional units of the computer take up a lot of space Takes up and is relatively difficult. Will the keyboard on the other hand, reduced to the size of the small one computers is adapted, it becomes ergonomically unwieldy. The conventional keyboards are inherently rigid  and therefore bulky when transporting, moving and when Stow away. In the case of membrane keyboards, there is contact security usually over the contact dome-shaped design Ensure membrane keys. These offer finger pressure usually considerable resistance and thus prevent a easy and quick keyboard operation. The high of Keyboard is usually ergonomically inconvenient for that Hand position if there are no contact surfaces for the ball of the hand be created. Furthermore, the keyboard is hampered by its Construction height in the workplace working with other workers unless the flat keyboard of the described Kind, but with other disadvantages, such as unfavorable ergono mix handling, can be used. Often they are like keyboards against unintentional keys solution that is uncontrollable in some user programs Can have consequences up to data loss, not protected. Often, portable keyboards are used for notebook computers for reasons of space savings compared to DIN 2137 changed layout with significantly smaller key spacing and smaller buttons used, the ease of use suffers particularly badly here. The keyboard is under host from an economic point of view as a rule only to a limited extent designable, since the top usually consists of approx. 100 There are individual buttons and these only with great effort can be included in a uniform design.

In contrast, flat input keyboards, as in the Generic DBGM 74 34 187 already cited ben are the advantage that they are extremely flat.  

However, will be a convenient size for the handler Maintain keyboard area, so the keyboard takes up Transport more space than e.g. B. the portable small computer.

The invention has for its object a flat input keyboard and specify a method for their production, which gives the opportunity to work at an optimal size To have the smallest possible space requirement, combined with an elimination of the disadvantages described the previously known keyboards.

According to the invention this object is achieved in that the Carrier flexible at least about a roll axis Has support film; and that the switching function system around the roll axis (s) is flexible.

The invention also provides that the carrier the switching radio tion system and the cover film essentially rectangular are trained; and that the beam two to the roll axis has parallel, essentially rigid first edge webs.

According to the invention it can also be provided that the carrier two second ones substantially perpendicular to the roll axis Has edge webs.

The invention also proposes that at least the first Edge webs detachable with the support film, the switching function system and the cover film are connected.  

It can also be provided that at least the second Edge webs are designed to be flexible around the roll axis.

It can be provided that part of the keyboard pattern the cover sheet as a control surface for a computer mouse is trained.

The invention is also characterized by a releasable Plug connection for connection to data processing device or the like.

The invention also provides that the plug connection in one of the edge webs is integrated.

According to the invention it can also be provided that in one a control unit is integrated in the edge webs.

The invention also proposes that the control unit as SMD assembly is formed.

It can also be provided that in at least one of the Edge bars illuminate the keyboard pattern from the edge Lighting device is integrated.

The invention is further characterized by an as Carrier and / or base plate trained accessory base for picking up the support foil, the electrical switching Functional system and possibly the edge webs.  

It can be provided that the base plate on her Top of an Aus provided with a flat contact surface Take for the positive reception of the support film and / or the carrier plate and possibly the edge webs.

The invention also provides that the switching function system an essentially mechanically movable functional element has free sensor keyboard.

According to the invention it can also be provided that the Switch function system with a short-stroke keyboard with fixed a flexible circuit board or the like Has short-stroke keys.

The invention also proposes that the switching function System has a contact film system, which in the connection at least one successive to the support film richly on the side facing away from the support film an electrically conductive first contact layer first contact foil, one according to the keyboard pattern Breakthrough spacer and an on at least on the side facing the spacing device in some areas with an electrically conductive second Has contact layer provided second contact film.

It can also be provided that between the second Contact film and the cover film an elastically compliant Buffer layer is arranged.  

It can be provided that the spacer at least in part as essentially the entire area the spacer foil covering the contact foils is formed.

The invention also provides that the spacer at least partially from the keyboard pattern the discrete spacing elements surrounding the contact points consists.

According to the invention it can also be provided that the Ab Stand elements are essentially annular are.

The invention also proposes that one of the contact foils ent at least in regions from the spacer elements speaking discrete contact areas.

It can also be provided that the contact areas in the are essentially circular.

It can be provided that one of the contact foils carries all discrete electrical traces.

The invention also proposes that the conductor tracks on the contact points corresponding to the keyboard pattern comb-shaped interlock.

It can be provided that the contact areas on the the side facing the spacers essentially  are coated completely electrically conductive and the continuous contact foil the discrete electrical Carries interconnects.

The invention also provides that the electrical contact place the contact foil in parallel to the roll axis Rows are arranged.

The invention is characterized by a number of Target bending lines running parallel to the roll axis.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized by the Extended air chambers for the keyboard pattern Use under extreme pressure conditions and the like.

It can also be provided that the switching function system is cast in elastic plastic material, which in one piece the support film, the cover film and one of these connecting, the switching function system revolving order the brim forms.

The invention also provides that the support film and the Cover film through a number of flow openings of the Switch-function system penetrating connecting webs while fixing the relative position of the functional elements of the switching function system are interconnected.

The method according to the invention for producing such a keyboard is characterized by the fact that the switching  Functional system under the creation of the overlay, the deck foil and a continuous one connecting it in one piece Circumferential edge web is poured into plastic material.

The invention also provides that in a mold, the internal dimensions measured in the plane of their bottom surface the external dimensions of the switching function system on all sides around the width of the peripheral edge web to be produced step, first pour the cover film and at least partial curing of a first layer of plastic material terials is provided; that then left alone the at least partially cured cover film in the casting form the switching function system introduced into the mold and on the support film, leaving a revolving, corresponding to the width of the peripheral web to be produced is placed on the edge strip; that then more liquid pourable plastic material with filling of the peripheral edge strip and covering the switching Functional system in one of the thickness of the to be manufactured Support film of appropriate height is poured on; that then the final curing of all the plastic materials done; and that then the all about art one-piece tightly enclosed flat material keyboard is removed from the mold.

It can be provided that the cover film after the casting and curing as well as any demolding process the keyboard pattern.  

The invention also proposes that a switching function system is used, which a variety of both for Side of the support film to be produced as well as to the side open openings in the cover film to be produced points; and that the openings with the plastic material material are poured out, which after curing a enforcing the switching function system and its radio tion elements in a spatially defined relative position fixing elastic, one-piece spatial plastic matrix is generated from the overlay, the deck foil, the peripheral edge web and connecting webs, which the support film and the cover film through the through Connect breaks in the switching function system.

It can also be provided that the plastic material Polyurethane is used.

The invention also provides that as a plastic material Silicone is used.

A further development of the method according to the invention provide a substantially rectangular flat input keyboard with roll parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle axis is characterized in that to the roll axis parallel sections of the peripheral edge web essentially stiff, the sections perpendicular to the bending or rolling axis the peripheral edge web, however, is essentially flexible be formed.  

It can be provided that the rigid and the bend different sections of the peripheral edge web Strength is given.

The invention may also suggest that for the rigid and the flexible sections of the peripheral edge web differed Liche plastic materials are used.

Finally, the subject of the invention is also an after Flat input key produced according to the method of the invention door.

The invention also includes knowledge reasons that it succeeds the disadvantages of the well-known Tasta fix and an ergonomically perfect keyboard with an optimal work surface and the smallest possible space allowed to create a total of flexible flat input keyboard is used, which in the non- Condition of use rolled up and then with the slightest Space requirements can be easily stowed away. It can be featured be seen to form a buffer film so that it for better power distribution and more pleasant tactile sensation leads. The keyboard may be designed accordingly Accessory base that fun as a base plate or the like yaw, positive or positive and at any time again be releasably applied. The key entry can be done by Activation of a certain key combination can be switched off or can be switched on again.  

The moisture resistance is also of particular advantage ability of the flat input keyboard according to the invention, further also the ease of care, since the Flat keyboard just because of the Insensitivity to moisture by simply washing off can be cleaned. The flat input keyboard can of course Reliable even on non-plan, solid surfaces use when claimed Embodiments of the support device, etc. used become. Of course, you can also use the keyboard Control surface can be integrated for every type of display, e.g. B. LEDs and displays.

In a special embodiment of the flat input key tur according to the invention, a pouring process with liquid pourable elastic or thermoplastic materials used.

With this plastic material, the switching function system potted, where you either already have the electronics can pour in to evaluate the keyboard matrix or but can only provide that in the casting process manufactured peripheral edge web from a feed line to the Traces of the switching function system is interspersed.

In the invention, therefore, no separate opening is preferred layer and cover foils are used more, rather they are used produced in situ using the casting process. It can be both use a contact sheet system as well as a fixed or  flexible circuit board, on which buttons or switches are attached are. The casting process can, for example, in an open Casting mold can be carried out in such a way that the first Cover foil or the key side of the keyboard pattern on the Flat input keyboard is poured "upside down", so to speak and hardens. Then the switching function system also upside down on the hardened cover film forming layer, with the side next to the Switching function system edges of the first cast layer stay open. Then a second layer of liquid plastic material into the mold via the switching Functional system cast. Can for better mediation the open top with an adhesive or other suitable substances can be coated. The last poured This layer connects either through the material Properties of the plastic material used or by the mediation in such a way with the ready in the mold located plastic material that a waterproof and tearproof connection is created. Of course, when casting make sure that no casting material in the electrical contact points can penetrate. This is at Contact foil systems accessible by gluing, at Short-stroke keys through appropriate design inspection of rubber seals or the like.

It should be noted that the keyboard in any arrangement with Bending lines can be provided that are parallel to intended roll axis, the roll axis not necessarily parallel to one of the side edges of the keyboard  must lie. These predetermined bending lines can in particular also by lamellar row arrangement of the electrical con cycle points etc. are generated. Of course it is also possible Lich, if necessary, the edge webs at least partially from a telescope elements or from connected by tension wires to build up individual elements, which, when in use Flat input keyboard a rigid frame can be created while stowing in the transport state as little as possible Lich space requirement can take place.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the claims and from the description below, in of the embodiments with reference to the schematic drawing are explained in detail. It shows:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a flat input keyboard according to the invention in a perspective exploded view.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a flat input keyboard according to the invention in a perspective exploded view;

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a flat input keyboard according to the invention in section perpendicular to the keyboard plane.

FIG. 4 shows the exemplary embodiment of a flat input keyboard according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 in a perspective view, partially cut away, the first contact film and the spacer film being designed in the form of individual elements;

Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a part of a flat input keyboard according to the inven tion, in Figure 5a) a section along the line a) -a) of Figure 5b) and in Figure 5b) the embodiment in plan view.

Fig. 6 shows the bending displacement with a Flacheinga beta keyboard according to Figure 1 perpendicular to the roll axis; and

Fig. 7 shows the bending displacement with a flat input keyboard according to Fig. 5 in Fig. 6 accordingly.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the flat input keyboard according to the invention in the embodiment shown there has a flexible support film 10 made of plastic material, a first contact film 12 , which has a first contact layer 14 in the form of discrete electrical conductor tracks, a spacer film 16 , which is flexible is and a number of a keyboard pattern corresponding through openings 18 , a second contact film 20 , which is provided with a second electrical contact layer 22 in the form of discrete electrical conductor tracks and also consists of elastically bendable plastic material, a resiliently elastic buffer film 24 made of plastic material and a cover sheet 26 made of elastic plastic material, which is provided with the keyboard pattern 28 . The switching function system 12 , 16 , 20 described above, which consists of essentially rectangular, tabular individual elements, can be held together along the narrower sides of the rectangle by fixed edge webs 30 , 32 . A detachable connector 34 allows connection to a data processing device, for. B. a notebook computer.

As can Fig. 2 seen in the flat extension can input keyboard of FIG. 1 in the example shown there, the edge web guide 30, for example an integrated BL LEVEL that can illuminate the keyboard pattern 28 from the side processing device 36 wear. Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows that a control unit 38 is integrated there near the edge web 30 in the edge area of the flat input keyboard. The flexible part of the flat input keyboard, which ends on its underside with the support film 10 , can be inserted in a form-fitting manner in a thin, rigid carrier plate 40 onto which the edge webs 30 , 32 can be plugged. The carrier plate 40 in turn can be inserted in a form-fitting manner in a recess 42 in a base plate 44 . A part of the keyboard pattern 28 is formed in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 as an operating area for a computer mouse 46 .

.. The membrane keypad according to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 is used as follows:

In the stored state, namely without the support plate 40 or the base plate 44 , both of which are rigid, the extremely flat-built keyboard according to the invention is so flexible that it is parallel to the edge webs 30 , 32 in FIGS . 1 and 2 Rolling axis can be rolled up and then stowed away with the smallest possible space requirement. As a result, the flat input keyboard according to the invention combines improved mobility compared to conventional keyboards due to low weight and flexibility with the possibility of being able to use a full keyboard with a common layout and normal Din standard key distances. The flat design enables the flat input keyboard to remain on the desk, even if other work is to be carried out in the area of the flat input keyboard. In order to prevent the accidental triggering of keys of the keyboard pattern 28 , the flat input keyboard can be switched off via at least one special key combination.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the keyboard has a modular structure. The actual flat input keyboard, consisting of the support film 10 , the first contact film 12 , from the stand film 16 , the second contact film 20 , the buffer film 24 and the cover film 26 , can be form-fitting with the help of the fixed edge webs 30 , 32 , which are shaped accordingly Various bases are fastened, for example on the carrier plate 40 or also directly or, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, indirectly, on the base plate 44 or the like. At least two different bases are provided as accessories. One consists of the simple, flat and thin, but rigid, preferably made of plastic carrier plate 40 , which can be used as a base in the case of uneven work surfaces. The second base is a larger, firmer component in the form of the base plate 44 , in the recess 42 of which the flat input keyboard can be inserted together with the carrier plate 40 described above. This second base, that is to say the base plate 44 , is provided for stationary use on a desk or the like.

The electronic control unit 38 with an electrical line connector plug connector 34 is mounted as a flat functional unit on the side of the keyboard within the edge area of the same.

Due to their low weight, their flexibility and their low height, the flat input keyboard 1 can according to the embodiments of FIG. And FIG. 2 are very compact and easily transported. For transport, the actual keyboard can be separated by the detachable plug connection 34 on the side of the keyboard from the data processing device.

The extremely flat design of the flat input keyboard enables an ergonomically favorable hand position during operation without additional design effort, since the palms of the hands can be placed loosely in front of the keyboard. There is no need to raise your hands to reach the buttons. Arranged between the cover film 26 representing an upper key film and the contact film system is the buffer film 24 which transfers the finger pressure which is exerted on the cover film 26 at the locations predetermined by the keyboard pattern 28 onto the contact film system. The finger pressure required to release the keys is therefore low, which enables the keyboard to be operated reliably, quickly, quietly and comfortably. Otherwise, it is of course readily possible to adapt the keyboard pattern 28 and the other modules in terms of design to the needs of the user, as is the overall design of the cover film 26 .

3 and 4 shown in Fig. 3 and 4 game of the flat input keyboard according to the invention, the support film 10 is made of castable plastic material, whereupon the first contact film 12 , the spacer film 16 , the second contact film 20 and the cover film 26 , which consists of the same plastic material like the support foil 10 , connect. The support film 10 and the cover film 26 are integrally connected to one another by a circumferential peripheral web 48 in the casting process, which also integrates the webs 30 , 32 ( FIG. 3).

The first contact film 12 and the spacer film 16 are embodied in the form of individual elements, as will be explained further below with reference to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 5, without this being more extensive here in connection with the exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIG. 4 Presentation needed. Flow openings 19 can be seen in the second contact film 20 , which are penetrated by plastic material during the manufacture of the flat input keyboard and thus connect and secure the individual functional layers of the flat input keyboard in their relative positions.

. The preparation of the membrane keypad of Figure 3 and 4, as indicated below: First, in a ge is shaped flat mold which is open at the top, is filled to a polyurethane mixture in the for preparation of the cover film thickness corresponding to 26th This layer is then hardened. Then the switching function system consisting of the first contact film 12 , the spacer film 16 and the second contact film 20 is placed upside down on the layer thus produced. Subsequently, another curable polyurethane mixture is poured in an amount sufficient to produce the support film 10 on the one hand and the circumferential web 48 on the other hand. When hanging up the switching function system 12 , 16 , 20 , it is naturally ensured that a circumferential strip of the casting mold corresponding to the circumferential edge web 48 to be produced is released all around, all dosing and positioning processes being carried out under suitable electronic control or by robots or the like .

A final hardening then takes place, whereupon the flat input keyboard, which has not yet been provided with the keyboard pattern 28 in this state, is removed from the mold. At closing z. B. the screen pattern 28 applied the keyboard pattern 28 on the cover sheet 20 . After usual testing etc. the flat input keyboard is ready for dispatch.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the contact film 12 , consisting of flexible plastic material, is formed continuously. They are sluggish discrete electrical conductor tracks, which represent the first contact layer 14 . The spacer foil 16 consists only of spacer foil rings which surround the contact point corresponding to the respective keyboard pattern. The second contact film 20 is also not continuous, but has the shape of circular surfaces corresponding in diameter to the outer diameter of the spacer film rings of the spacer film 16 , circular electrical contacts being applied as the second contact layer 22 on the side facing the first contact layer 14 .

The different relationships that arise when bending or rolling the flat input keyboards according to FIGS . 1 and 2 on the one hand and FIG. 5 on the other hand are compared in FIGS. 6 and 7:

Fig. 6 shows that because of the different bending radii R1, for the first contact film 12 , R2 for a neutral fiber 50 , which is approximately centered in the full-surface spacer film 16 , and R3 for the second, also continuously formed contact film 20 , in each case corresponding to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, results in a tendency towards the relative length shift of the individual foils. In the case of tight bending radii or long film systems which are firmly bonded over the entire area, the forces which occur in the resulting tendency length difference cannot be absorbed by the elasticity of the film material, so that the adhesive layers dissolve under unfavorable circumstances and that Can affect the system.

In the case of FIG. 7, however, regarding the embodiment of FIG. 5, problems of this type do not occur, since the functional elements consisting of the individual spacer film rings 16 and the two contact film cutouts 20 seem to shift readily relative to the full-surface first contact film 12 can, so that different bending radii play no role here.

This is the case because a single film, like the first contact film 12 , even if it is provided with an electrical conductor layer or printed with conductor tracks corresponding to the contact layer 14 , will bend up to a certain radius depending on its thickness behaves neutrally. It is not destroyed and is not subjected to excessive pressure. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, as explained in more detail in FIG. 7, this individual film represents the first contact film 12 provided with the first contact layer 14 in the form of discrete conductor tracks. The conditions could of course also be reversed, namely by the second contact film 20 continuously and instead the first contact foil 12 would be constructed from discrete contact foil cutouts.

On the first contact film 12 , which carries the first contact layer 14 in the form of the discrete conductor tracks according to FIG. 5, only one ring is applied as a spacer film 16 at each of the contact points. This ring encloses the exact area of the contact point and creates a contact surface of defined width on the outside of this contact area. This bearing surface serves as a support for the Kontaktfolienab section 20 , which has the same dimensions as the outer contour of the spacer ring ring 16th On the side of the contact film section 20 , which is opposite the comb-shaped mutually protruding conductor track ends of the first contact layer 14 of the first contact film 12 , a layer of conductive material corresponding to the contact area is applied as a component of the discrete circular areas, the second contact layer 22 is applied.

Cut by a force acting from the side of Kontaktfolienab 20 of the loaded contact sheet 20 bends at the printing position on the Rände of the spacer ring 16 by foil and contacts the opposing contact layer 14 of the first contact sheet 12th The contact creates an electrically conductive connection between the comb ends of the conductor tracks of the first contact layer 14 on the first contact film 12 , which is used to evaluate the key press.

The spacer film rings 16 are firmly bonded to the first contact film 12 , which carries the electrical conductor tracks as the first contact layer 14 , and to the contact film sections 20 . The composite of spacer foil ring 16 and contact foil cut-off or cutout 20 can cover both a single contact point and a plurality of combined contact points. In the latter case, the composite more suitably consists of strips which can then be applied next to one another on the first contact film 12 , the strip axis advantageously lying parallel to the roll axis. This arrangement ensures that the entire United bundle system can be bent without the individual films can move against each other. The length of a composite of first contact foil 12 , spacer foils 16 and second contact foil cutout 20 is small enough in relation to the thickness of the foils so that even with smaller bending radii no length changes of the individual foil sections against one another are too great.

The in the above description, in the drawing as well features of the invention disclosed in the claims both individually and in any combination for the Realization of the invention in its various forms forms of management are essential.

Reference list

10 overlay
12 first contact foil
14 first contact layer
16 spacer film
18 contact break
19 flow breakthrough
20 second contact foil
22 second contact layer
24 buffer film
26 cover film
28 keyboard patterns
30 edge web
32 edge web
34 plug connection
36 lighting device
38 control unit
40 carrier plate
42 recess
44 base plate
46 computer mouse
48 peripheral edge web
50 neutral fiber.

Claims (42)

1. Flat input keyboard for data processing devices or the like, which from the one side facing th consecutively a carrier, an electrical switching function system with a keyboard pattern correspond to the electrical contact points and a flexible operating cover sheet provided on the operating side facing away from the switching function system with the keyboard pattern has, the carrier, the switching function system and the cover film are connected to one another at least along the circumferential edge, characterized in that the carrier ( 10 , 30 , 32 , 40 , 44 ) is a flexible support film ( 10 ) having; and that the Schaltfunk tion system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) around the roll axis (s) is flexible. 2. Flat input keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier ( 10 , 30 , 32 , 40 , 44 ), the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) and the cover film ( 26 ) are substantially rectangular; and that the carrier ( 10 , 30 , 32 , 40 , 44 ) has two substantially rigid first edge webs ( 30 , 32 ) parallel to the roll axis. 3. Flat input keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier ( 10 , 30 , 32 , 40 , 44 ) has two to the roll axis substantially perpendicular second webs. 4. Flat input keyboard according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least the first edge webs ( 30 , 32 ) are detachably connected to the support film ( 10 ), the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) and the cover film ( 26 ). 5. Flat input keyboard according to claim 3 or 4, characterized ge indicates that at least the second edge webs around the Roll axis are designed to be flexible. 6. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that part of the keyboard pattern ( 28 ) of the cover film ( 26 ) is designed as an operating surface for a computer mouse ( 46 ). 7. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detachable plug connection ( 34 ) for connection to the data processing device or the like. 8. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the plug connection ( 34 ) is integrated into one of the edge webs ( 30 , 32 ). 9. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in one of the edge webs ( 30 , 32 ) a control unit ( 38 ) is integrated. 10. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 38 ) is designed as an SMD module. 11. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that in at least one of the edge webs ( 30 , 32 ) a keyboard pattern ( 28 ) from the edge illuminating lighting device ( 36 ) is integrated. 12. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a support ( 40 ) and / or base plate ( 44 ) designed as an accessory base for receiving the support film ( 10 ), the electrical switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) and, if appropriate the edge webs ( 30 , 32 )
13. Flat input keyboard according to claim 12, characterized in that the base plate ( 44 ) on its upper side is provided with a flat support surface recess ( 42 ) for the positive reception of the support film ( 10 ) and / or the support plate ( 40 ) and possibly the Has edge webs ( 30 , 32 ). 14. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) has a sensor keyboard which is essentially free of mechanically movable functional elements. 15. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the switching function system ( 12 , 15 , 20 ) has a short-stroke keyboard with short-stroke keys firmly attached to a flexible circuit board or the like. 16. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) has a contact film system which, in connection with the support film ( 10 ) in succession one at least in regions on the of the support film ( 10 ) facing away with an electrically conductive first contact layer ( 14 ) provided first contact film ( 12 ), a corresponding to the keyboard pattern ( 28 ) with openings ( 18 ) provided spacer ( 16 ) and on the side of the spacer ( 16 ) facing at least be provided with an electrically conductive second contact layer ( 22 ) second contact film ( 20 ). 17. Flat input keyboard according to claim 16, characterized in that an elastically flexible buffer layer ( 24 ) is arranged between the second contact film ( 20 ) and the cover film ( 26 ). 18. Flat input keyboard according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the spacing device is at least partially as substantially the entire surface of the contact foils ( 12 , 20 ) covering spacer foil ( 16 ) is formed. 19. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the spacing device consists at least partially of the keyboard pattern ( 28 ) corresponding to the contact points surrounding discrete spacer elements ( 16 ). 20. Flat input keyboard according to claim 19, characterized in that the spacer elements ( 16 ) are substantially annular. 21. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that one of the contact foils ( 12 , 20 ) consists at least in regions of the spacer elements ( 16 ) corresponding discrete contact areas. 22. Flat input keyboard according to claim 21, characterized indicates that the contact areas are essentially circular are formed.   23. Flat input keyboard according to one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that one of the contact foils ( 12 , 20 ) carries all discrete electrical conductor tracks. 24. Flat input keyboard according to claim 23, characterized in that the conductor tracks project in a comb-like manner at the contact points corresponding to the keyboard pattern ( 28 ). 25. Flat input keyboard according to claim 24 and one of claims 21 or 22, characterized in that the contact areas on the side facing the spacer elements are coated essentially completely electrically conductive and the continuous contact film ( 12 , 20 ) carries the discrete electrical interconnects. 26. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contact points of the contact film ( 12 , 20 ) are arranged in rows parallel to the roll axis. 27. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a number of parallel to Deflection lines running along the roll axis. 28. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the keyboard pattern ( 28 ) corresponding expanded air chambers for use under extreme pressure conditions and the like. 29. Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) is cast in an elastic plastic material, which integrally the support film ( 10 ), the cover film ( 26 ) and one connecting these , The switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) forms circumferential peripheral web ( 48 ). 30 flat input keyboard according to claim 29, characterized in that the support film ( 10 ) and the cover film ( 26 ) through a number of flow openings ( 19 ) of the switching function system ( 12 , 16 , 20 ) enforcing connecting webs gene while fixing the relative position of the Functional elements of the switching function system are interconnected. 31. A method of making a flat keyboard according to Claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the switching Functional system under the creation of the overlay, the deck foil and a continuous one connecting it in one piece Circumferential edge web is poured into plastic material. 32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that elastically curing plastic material is used. 33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in net that the injection molding process in an all since the injection mold is closed. 34. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized  net that pouring by means of a liquid pourable and then curable elastomeric plastic material he follows. 35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that in a mold whose ge in the plane of its bottom surface measured internal dimensions the external dimensions of the switching Functional system on all sides to the width of the Exceed the peripheral edge web, first the cover film by casting and at least partially curing a first one Layer of the plastic material is provided; that at finally leaving the at least partially cured cover film in the mold, the switching function system placed in the mold and on the support film below Leave a circumferential, the width of the to be manufactured Peripheral edge web corresponding edge strip placed becomes; that then further liquid pourable plastic material material while filling the peripheral edge strip and Covering the switching function system in one of the thickness of the poured on the corresponding support film becomes; that then the final curing of the whole Plastic material is made; and that then the all around the plastic material tightly enclosed flat keyboard is removed from the mold. 36. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 35 thereby characterized in that the cover film following the casting and curing and, if necessary, demolding process with the Keyboard pattern is provided.   37. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 36 provide a flat keyboard according to claim 28, characterized characterized in that a switching function system is used which is a variety of both side by side the supporting sheet as well as the side of the the cover film has open openings; and that the Openings poured out with the plastic material which, after hardening, is a switching function system and its functional elements in space Lich defined relative position fixing elastic, a lumpy spatial plastic matrix is generated that from the support film, the cover film, the peripheral edge web and There are connecting webs, which the support film and the Cover foil through the openings of the switching function Connect systems through. 38. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 37, characterized characterized in that the plastic material is polyurethane is used. 39. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized characterized in that silicone is used as the plastic material becomes. 40. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 39 provide a substantially rectangular flat input keyboard with roll parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle axis, characterized in that the to the roll axis parallel sections of the peripheral edge web essentially  stiff, the sections perpendicular to the bending or rolling axis the peripheral edge web, however, is essentially flexible be formed. 41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the rigid and flexible sections of the circumference edge strength is given different strength. 42. The method according to claim 40 or 41, characterized records that for the stiff and flexible sections of the peripheral edge web different plastic materials be used. 43. Flat input keyboard, manufactured according to one of the Claims 31 to 42.