EP0074315A2 - Hermetically sealed, modular, tactile keyboard - Google Patents

Hermetically sealed, modular, tactile keyboard Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0074315A2
EP0074315A2 EP82401609A EP82401609A EP0074315A2 EP 0074315 A2 EP0074315 A2 EP 0074315A2 EP 82401609 A EP82401609 A EP 82401609A EP 82401609 A EP82401609 A EP 82401609A EP 0074315 A2 EP0074315 A2 EP 0074315A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
membrane
keyboard according
key
keyboard
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
EP82401609A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0074315A3 (en
EP0074315B1 (en
Inventor
Rémy Bacon
Gérard Juery
Michel Naulin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telemecanique SA
Original Assignee
Telemecanique Electrique SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telemecanique Electrique SA filed Critical Telemecanique Electrique SA
Publication of EP0074315A2 publication Critical patent/EP0074315A2/en
Publication of EP0074315A3 publication Critical patent/EP0074315A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0074315B1 publication Critical patent/EP0074315B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
    • B41J5/08—Character or syllable selected by means of keys or keyboards of the typewriter type
    • B41J5/12—Construction of key buttons
    • 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
    • H01H13/7006—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 comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/014—Layers composed of different layers; Lubricant in between
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/008—Part of substrate or membrane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/034—Separate snap action
    • H01H2215/036—Metallic disc
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/014—LED
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/066—Actuators replaceable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/03—Separate key housing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/022—Modular assembly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/042—Snap coupling; Snap mounting

Definitions

  • the subject of the invention is a waterproof modular keyboard with a tactile effect.
  • this type of keyboard has the major drawback of not having a stroke allowing the operator to realize without display means, by simple tactile sensation, if his action has been taken into account by the machine connected to the keyboard.
  • keyboards of the typewriter type with mobile keys having large strokes of the order of 4 mm and making it possible to realize without means of visualization, by simple tactile sensation, that the key has been pressed.
  • these keyboards because of their large stroke, are not waterproof and easy to maintain.
  • the invention combines the advantages of these different keyboards, while eliminating their respective drawbacks.
  • the invention enables a reliable, waterproof, easy-to-maintain, robust, modular keyboard to be produced at low cost.
  • the keyboard comprises a printed circuit 4 constituting an electrical connection and support means for a modular honeycomb spacer 3 comprising a plurality of cells 30, of square shape, defined by partitions 31 and arranged in rows and columns, contact modules 7 or indicator modules mounted on the printed circuit in the cells of the spacer, a waterproof and elastic membrane 1 secured to the spacer, keys cooperating with the contact modules by means of the portion keys above said membrane on which the finger acts and means 105 FIG. 5, 9 FIG. 2 to achieve a tactile effect by rapid tilting.
  • FIG. 1 represents a set of keys 8 resting on a membrane 1 partially removed to reveal a spacer 3 on which the key-membrane assembly rests.
  • This modular honeycomb spacer 3 obtained by molding comprises a plurality of cells 30 arranged in rows and columns.
  • This plurality of housings or cells of square shape are defined by partition walls 31 comprising pre-cutouts 32 so as to modify the dimension of a cell and to obtain cells having several modules of length.
  • contact modules or indicator modules are available depending on the type of keyboard that one wishes to make and, in cooperation with these contact modules, square keys with alphanumeric characters or other signs corresponding to the keyboard that we want to achieve.
  • all or part of the modular honeycomb spacer is used.
  • this spacer in combination with the modular elements constituting a keyboard makes it possible to obtain keyboards easily adaptable to demand.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a waterproof short-stroke keyboard, in which a printed circuit 4 serves as a means of electrical connection with an apparatus and the keyboard, and as support for a plurality of contact modules 7 arranged on the circuit according to adequate spacings and secured to the printed circuit by solder points also making the electrical connections between the pins 77, 78 of the module and the printed circuit.
  • a printed circuit 4 serves as a means of electrical connection with an apparatus and the keyboard, and as support for a plurality of contact modules 7 arranged on the circuit according to adequate spacings and secured to the printed circuit by solder points also making the electrical connections between the pins 77, 78 of the module and the printed circuit.
  • Holes 40 provided at suitable locations in the printed circuit allow a modular spacer 3 made of thermoplastic, formed by partitions arranged so as to delimit a succession of square cells arranged in a matrix network, by crimping or by screw. come to house the contact modules.
  • a notch 39 is provided on the periphery of each housing formed by four partitions, to allow the mounting of a dome 9 constituted by a curved sheet, of elastic metal, cut according to the shape of a housing.
  • a flat and waterproof membrane 1 made of transparent polyurethane is glued or welded over the entire surface formed by the partitions of the spacer.
  • another interchangeable membrane 2 consisting of a sheet of mylar or polycarbonate which comprises, as required, opaque areas or transparent areas.
  • this interchangeable membrane are reported by gluing or ultrasonic welding of the keys 8, in thermoplastic or any other similar material, bearing the desired alphanumeric inscriptions for the keyboard.
  • a contact module is replaced by an indicator module constituted by an electroluminescent diode 6 mounted in a support 5 and connected to the printed circuit by soldering.
  • an indicator module constituted by an electroluminescent diode 6 mounted in a support 5 and connected to the printed circuit by soldering.
  • Four angles 13 are arranged at the periphery of the printed circuit and secured to the latter to stiffen the entire structure.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show a contact module used in the keyboard of Figure 1 or 5, comprising a polycarbonate housing 74 of circular shape provided with two holes in the bottom of the housing to allow passage of two pins 77, 78 of material conductor, fitted with contact heads.
  • the bottom of the housing also includes two bosses 70, 71 FIG. 4.
  • a contact blade 75 constituted by a thin sheet of conductive material, comes to rest in the housing bearing on the bosses 70, 71 and the pin 77 so that at rest the electrical connection between the pins 77 and 78 is not established, while in the working position it will be established.
  • a thin waterproof polycarbonate film constituting a membrane 76 is glued or welded to the housing 74.
  • This type of contact module used for keyboards of the type in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 5, has the advantage of not having a tactile effect due to the passage of a hard point. This contact module therefore avoids superimposing a tactile effect due to the module, to the tactile effect of the dome 9 of FIG. 2 or of the boss 105 of FIG. 5.
  • the housing 74 has on its periphery a circular rib 79.
  • the membranes 1 and 2 deform, the dome 9 flexes up to a certain limit while opposing an increasing resistance force until the moment when it suddenly switches to the position shown in dotted lines to act on the membrane of the contact module and bring the contact blade 75 into contact with the pins 77 and 78.
  • the sudden tilting of the blade provides a tactile effect which allows the operator to feel that his action has been taken into account.
  • the membrane 1 seals the keyboard while the membrane 2 with the keys allows the adaptation of the configuration of the keyboard to demand and its interchangeability. A waterproof modular keyboard with an interchangeable front face and a tactile effect has thus been created. This keyboard will be mounted against the internal face of the housing 12 of the device of which it is a part so that the seal between the housing and the keyboard is achieved by tightening the membrane 1.
  • the holding in place of the membrane 2 is secured by another means, clamp or clip.
  • FIG. 5 represents another embodiment of a waterproof modular keyboard with tactile effect and with a greater stroke than the previous one, in which there is a support constituted by a printed circuit 4, on which contact modules 7 have been mounted at the locations corresponding to the housings of a modular spacer 3 which are fixed on the printed circuit by means of screws 22 for example.
  • the modular spacer 3 can also be fixed to the printed circuit by crimping or any other fixing means.
  • This modular spacer 3 comprises, like the previous spacer, partitions 31 separating the housings from the pre-cutouts 32 for detaching several partitions and obtaining housings with dimensions adapted to the keys and in addition to the housing covers 33 connected to the partitions delimiting the housing, by a thin veil 34 allowing by pressing on the cover to detach the cover from the grid and to obtain an opening at the location chosen to place a button 30.
  • the partitions of the grid have a flat lower face in contact with the circuit printed, an upper face in which a longitudinal groove 35 is formed and two lateral faces each comprising a vertical portion 36 and an inclined portion 37 forming with the vertical portion 36 a shoulder 38.
  • the face of the covers, outside the housings, is in a plane parallel to the plane in which the upper faces of the partitions are situated.
  • a membrane 1 made of polyurethane or any other elastic and waterproof material that can be easily molded has bosses 100 in the form of a trunk of pyramid 105 with a square base, the upper base of which cooperates with a key or rests on the upper face of the associated cover in the case where there is no key, and whose lower base is secured to the spacer by longitudinal and transverse ribs 101 which are fixed in the grooves 35 of the spacer 3 by gluing, crimping, welding or any other suitable means .
  • the upper base of the membrane boss has a bead 102 sealing with the key 8 which is mounted on this upper base after having made a cruciform notch 107 in the membrane, as shown in Figures 11 and 12 to allow the passage of the latching head 84 of the key 8 with the assembly part 11, comprising a collar 110 which limits the movement of the part 11 coming into abutment against the shoulder 38.
  • the collar also cooperates with the vertical faces 36 of the partitions closing the housing to form a means for guiding the button when the latter is moves vertically.
  • the seal between the keyboard and the housing 12 of the device using the keyboard is ensured by tightening the membrane against the housing 12 for example by means of a device such as that shown in FIG. 5 comprising a nut 122 welded to the housing, a flange 120 and a screw 121.
  • FIG. 6 represents the production and mounting of a multiple key, for example a double key.
  • a double key 81 of length equal to twice the length of a single key plus the distance separating two adjacent keys is produced.
  • This double button has two latching heads 84 which are mounted by means of two assembly parts 11 on the membrane integral with the grid 3 from which a intermediate partition where you want to mount the double button.
  • FIG. 7 shows a variant of the second method of mounting a unitary button with label housing.
  • the partitions 31 of the spacer 3 do not have a shoulder 38 but have on their vertical parts 36 an extension 360 constituting a circular opening in which a contact module is fixed by snap-fastening of the rib 79 with a corresponding groove 361.
  • the assembly part 11 does not have a collar but a guide surface 112 and is assembled by snap-fastening with the button 8 label holder, constituted in a manner known per se by a body 85 comprising in a housing 88 a label protector 85 made of material transparent and a label 87.
  • a tongue 104 makes it possible to remove a piece of pre-cut membrane according to the pre-cut 103 of square shape and to obtain an opening 106 which allows the mounting of a key as shown in the figure 7.
  • FIG. 8 represents a top view of a square shaped button having in a corner of the button a transparent circular window 83 for an indicator and a label protector 86 of circular shape adapted to the shape of the finger.
  • FIG. 9 represents a diagonal section view of the button with indicator mounted on the keyboard in a housing comprising in addition to the contact module 7 a support 51 for light-emitting diode 6 mounted in an opening 41 made in the printed circuit.
  • Assembly part 11 mounted in the housing has a skylight 111 opposite the diode and the transparent window provided on the button.
  • FIG. 10 shows the mounting of a fixed indicator in an opening provided for a key in which a support 51 for light-emitting diode 6 has been mounted on the printed circuit.
  • a cabochon made of transparent material 23 of shape suitable for cutting out the membrane and comprising on its lateral faces 25 a groove 24 in which the bead 102 of the membrane is clamped by an internal collar 114 provided on the assembly part which just snaps onto the cap.
  • An outer flange 113 and the lateral faces 25 prevent any movement of the cap relative to the grid.

Abstract

Le clavier comprend un circuit imprimé (4) constituant un moyen de connexion électrique et de support pour une entretoise alvéolée modulaire (3) comportant une pluralité d'avéoles (30) de forme carrée, définies par des cloisons (31) et disposées suivant des rangées et des colonnes, des modules de contact (7) ou des modules de voyant montés sur le circuit imprimé dans les alvéoles de l'entretoise, une membrane étanche et élastique (1) solidaire de l'entretoise, des touches coopérant avec les modules de contact au moyen de la portion des touches extérieure à ladite membrane, sur laquelle agit le doigt, et des moyens (105 figure 5, 9 figure 2) de réaliser un effet tactile par basculement rapide.The keyboard comprises a printed circuit (4) constituting an electrical connection and support means for a modular honeycomb spacer (3) comprising a plurality of square shaped aveoli (30), defined by partitions (31) and arranged according to rows and columns, contact modules (7) or indicator modules mounted on the printed circuit in the cells of the spacer, a waterproof and elastic membrane (1) integral with the spacer, keys cooperating with the modules contact by means of the portion of the keys external to said membrane, on which the finger acts, and means (105 FIG. 5, 9 FIG. 2) for achieving a tactile effect by rapid tilting.

Description

L'invention a pour objet un clavier modulaire étanche et à effet tactile.The subject of the invention is a waterproof modular keyboard with a tactile effect.

Elle s'applique particulièrement aux claviers à faibles courses pour les machines à commande numérique, les automates programmables, les machines à écrire et à traitement de textes.It is particularly applicable to short stroke keyboards for numerically controlled machines, programmable logic controllers, typewriters and word processors.

Il est connu, pour réaliser des claviers minces étanches et à faible coût, de déposer par sérigraphie une encre conductrice sur une face d'une feuille en matière plastique dont l'autre face comporte les inscriptions correspondantes aux caractères, de recommencer le dépôt d'encre conductrice sur une face d'une autre feuille souple en matière plastique, de solidariser les deux feuilles ensemble de façon que les deux faces recouvertes d'encre conductrice se retrouvent face à face, séparées par une mince pellicule d'air de quelques dixièmes de millimètre. On obtient de cette façon un clavier mince et étanche, facilement nettoyable, mais de fiabilité inacceptable pour des utilisations sur des produits industriels.It is known, in order to produce thin waterproof keyboards and at low cost, to deposit by screen printing a conductive ink on one side of a plastic sheet, the other side of which contains the inscriptions corresponding to the characters, to start depositing again. conductive ink on one side of another flexible plastic sheet, to join the two sheets together so that the two faces covered with conductive ink meet face to face, separated by a thin film of air of a few tenths of millimeter. In this way, a thin, waterproof keyboard is obtained, which can be easily cleaned, but whose reliability is unacceptable for use on industrial products.

De plus, ce type de clavier présente l'inconvénient majeur de ne pas avoir de course permettant à l'opérateur de se rendre compte sans moyen de visualisation, par simple sensation tactile, si son action a été prise en compte par la machine reliée au clavier.In addition, this type of keyboard has the major drawback of not having a stroke allowing the operator to realize without display means, by simple tactile sensation, if his action has been taken into account by the machine connected to the keyboard.

Il existe également des claviers fiables et robustes du type machine à écrire avec des touches mobiles ayant des courses importantes de l'ordre de 4 mm et permettant de se rendre compte sans moyen de visualisation, par simple sensation tactile, que la touche a été actionnée. Toutefois ces claviers, du fait de leur grande course, ne sont pas étanches et faciles d'entretien.There are also reliable and robust keyboards of the typewriter type with mobile keys having large strokes of the order of 4 mm and making it possible to realize without means of visualization, by simple tactile sensation, that the key has been pressed. . However, these keyboards, because of their large stroke, are not waterproof and easy to maintain.

L'invention réunit les avantages de ces différents claviers, tout en éliminant leurs inconvénients respectifs.The invention combines the advantages of these different keyboards, while eliminating their respective drawbacks.

L'invention permet de réaliser un clavier fiable, étanche, facile d'entretien, robuste, modulaire, pour un faible coût.The invention enables a reliable, waterproof, easy-to-maintain, robust, modular keyboard to be produced at low cost.

Suivant l'invention le clavier comprend un circuit imprimé 4 constituant un moyen de connexion électrique et de support pour une entretoise alvéolée modulaire 3 comportant une pluralité d'alvéoles 30, de forme carrée, définies par des cloisons 31 et disposées suivant des rangées et des colonnes, des modules de contact 7 ou des modules de voyant montés sur le circuit imprimé dans les alvéoles de l'entretoise, une membrane étanche et élastique 1 solidaire de l'entretoise, des touches coopérant avec les modules de contact au moyen de la portion des touches supérieure à ladite membrane sur laquelle agit le doigt et des moyens 105 figure 5, 9 figure 2 de réaliser un effet tactile par basculement rapide.According to the invention the keyboard comprises a printed circuit 4 constituting an electrical connection and support means for a modular honeycomb spacer 3 comprising a plurality of cells 30, of square shape, defined by partitions 31 and arranged in rows and columns, contact modules 7 or indicator modules mounted on the printed circuit in the cells of the spacer, a waterproof and elastic membrane 1 secured to the spacer, keys cooperating with the contact modules by means of the portion keys above said membrane on which the finger acts and means 105 FIG. 5, 9 FIG. 2 to achieve a tactile effect by rapid tilting.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement à la lumière de la description détaillée ci-après.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the detailed description below.

Aux dessins annexés :

  • La figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un clavier reposant par l'intermédiaire d'une membrane sur une entretoise modulaire associée.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un premier mode de réalisation du clavier.
  • La figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'un module de contact.
  • La figure 4 est une vue de dessus du module de contact.
  • La figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'un deuxième mode de réalisation du clavier.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'une touche double.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en coupe d'une touche simple utilisant un autre mode de réalisation d'une membrane modulaire et étanche.
  • La figure 8 est une vue de dessus d'une touche avec voyant.
  • La figure 9 est une vue en coupe diagonale de la même touche avec voyant.
  • La figure 10 est une vue en coupe d'un voyant fixe.
  • La figure 11 est une vue en perspective de la membrane d'étanchéité.
  • La figure 12 est une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de montage de la touche sur la membrane.
  • La figure 13 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de montage de la touche.
  • La figure 14 est une vue en coupe d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de la membrane utilisée avec le deuxième mode de montage de la touche.
In the accompanying drawings:
  • Figure 1 is a top view of a keyboard resting via a membrane on an associated modular spacer.
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the keyboard.
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of a contact module.
  • Figure 4 is a top view of the contact module.
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the keyboard.
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view of a double button.
  • Figure 7 is a sectional view of a single key using another embodiment of a modular and waterproof membrane.
  • Figure 8 is a top view of a button with indicator.
  • Figure 9 is a diagonal sectional view of the same button with indicator.
  • Figure 10 is a sectional view of a fixed indicator.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sealing membrane.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first method of mounting the button on the membrane.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second method of mounting the button.
  • Figure 14 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the membrane used with the second method of mounting the button.

La figure 1 représente un ensemble de touches 8 reposant sur une membrane 1 partiellement otée pour laisser voir une entretoise 3 sur laquelle repose l'ensemble touche-membrane. Cette entretoise alvéolée modulaire 3 obtenue par moulage comprend une pluralité d'alvéoles 30 disposées suivant des lignes et des colonnes. Cette pluralité de logements ou d'alvéoles de forme carrée sont définies par des cloisons de séparation 31 comportant des pré-découpes 32 de façon à modifier la dimension d'une alvéole et à obtenir des alvéoles ayant plusieurs modules de longueur. Dans ces logements ou alvéoles on dispose des modules de contact ou des modules de voyant suivant le type de clavier que l'on voudra réaliser et en coopération avec ces modules de contact des touches de forme carrée comportant les caractères alphanumériques ou autre signes correspondant au clavier que l'on veut réaliser. Suivant le type de clavier que l'on souhaite réaliser on utilise tout ou partie de l'entretoise alvéolée modulaire.FIG. 1 represents a set of keys 8 resting on a membrane 1 partially removed to reveal a spacer 3 on which the key-membrane assembly rests. This modular honeycomb spacer 3 obtained by molding comprises a plurality of cells 30 arranged in rows and columns. This plurality of housings or cells of square shape are defined by partition walls 31 comprising pre-cutouts 32 so as to modify the dimension of a cell and to obtain cells having several modules of length. In these housings or cells, contact modules or indicator modules are available depending on the type of keyboard that one wishes to make and, in cooperation with these contact modules, square keys with alphanumeric characters or other signs corresponding to the keyboard that we want to achieve. Depending on the type of keyboard that one wishes to achieve, all or part of the modular honeycomb spacer is used.

Comme nous le verrons par la suite, l'utilisation de cette entretoise en combinaison avec les éléments modulaires constituant un clavier permet d'obtenir des claviers facilement adaptables à la demande.As we will see later, the use of this spacer in combination with the modular elements constituting a keyboard makes it possible to obtain keyboards easily adaptable to demand.

La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un clavier étanche à faible course, dans laquelle un circuit imprimé 4 sert de moyen de connexion électrique avec un appareil et le clavier, et de support à une pluralité de modules de contact 7 disposés sur le circuit suivant des espacements adéquats et solidarisés au circuit imprimé par des points de soudure réalisant également les liaisons électriques entre les picots 77, 78 du module et le circuit imprimé.FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a waterproof short-stroke keyboard, in which a printed circuit 4 serves as a means of electrical connection with an apparatus and the keyboard, and as support for a plurality of contact modules 7 arranged on the circuit according to adequate spacings and secured to the printed circuit by solder points also making the electrical connections between the pins 77, 78 of the module and the printed circuit.

Des trous 40 prévus à des emplacements adéquats dans le circuit imprimé permettent de monter par sertissage ou par vis une entretoise modulaire 3 en thermoplastique, formée de cloisons disposées de façon à délimiter une succession d'alvéoles carrées disposées suivant un réseau matriciel dans lesquelles viennent se loger les modules de contact.Holes 40 provided at suitable locations in the printed circuit allow a modular spacer 3 made of thermoplastic, formed by partitions arranged so as to delimit a succession of square cells arranged in a matrix network, by crimping or by screw. come to house the contact modules.

Une encoche 39 est prévue sur la périphérie de chaque logement formé par quatre cloisons, pour permettre le montage d'un dôme 9 constitué par une feuille bombée, de métal élastique, découpée suivant la forme d'un logement.A notch 39 is provided on the periphery of each housing formed by four partitions, to allow the mounting of a dome 9 constituted by a curved sheet, of elastic metal, cut according to the shape of a housing.

Une membrane plane et étanche 1 en polyuréthane transparent est collée ou soudée sur toute la surface formée par les cloisons de l'entretoise. Sur cette membrane est appliquée une autre membrane interchangeable 2 constituée d'une feuille en mylar ou en polycarbonate qui comporte suivant les besoins, des zones opaques ou des zones transparentes. Sur cette membrane interchangeable on rapporte par collage ou soudure à ultra-son des touches 8, en thermoplastique ou tout autre matériau similaire, portant les inscriptions alphanumériques souhaitées pour le clavier.A flat and waterproof membrane 1 made of transparent polyurethane is glued or welded over the entire surface formed by the partitions of the spacer. On this membrane is applied another interchangeable membrane 2 consisting of a sheet of mylar or polycarbonate which comprises, as required, opaque areas or transparent areas. On this interchangeable membrane are reported by gluing or ultrasonic welding of the keys 8, in thermoplastic or any other similar material, bearing the desired alphanumeric inscriptions for the keyboard.

Dans certains logements de l'entretoise on remplace un module de contact par un module de voyant constitué par une diode électro-luminescente 6 montée dans un support 5 et connectée au circuit imprimé par soudure. Quatre cornières 13 sont disposées à la périphérie du circuit imprimé et solidarisées avec ce dernier pour rigidifier l'ensemble de la structure.In certain housings of the spacer, a contact module is replaced by an indicator module constituted by an electroluminescent diode 6 mounted in a support 5 and connected to the printed circuit by soldering. Four angles 13 are arranged at the periphery of the printed circuit and secured to the latter to stiffen the entire structure.

Les figures 3 et 4 représentent un module de contact utilisé dans le clavier de la figure 1 ou 5, comportant un boîtier 74 en polycarbonate de forme circulaire pourvu de deux trous dans le fond du boîtier pour laisser passage à deux picots 77, 78 en matériau conducteur, munis de têtes de contact. Le fond du boîtier comporte également deux bossages 70, 71 figure 4. Une lame de contact 75, constituée par une mince feuille de matériau conducteur, vient reposer dans le boîtier en appui sur les bossages 70, 71 et le picot 77 de façon qu'au repos la liaison électrique entre les picots 77 et 78 ne soit pas établie, tandis qu'en position de travail elle sera établie. Un mince film étanche en polycarbonate constituant une membrane 76 est collé ou soudé sur le boîtier 74.Figures 3 and 4 show a contact module used in the keyboard of Figure 1 or 5, comprising a polycarbonate housing 74 of circular shape provided with two holes in the bottom of the housing to allow passage of two pins 77, 78 of material conductor, fitted with contact heads. The bottom of the housing also includes two bosses 70, 71 FIG. 4. A contact blade 75, constituted by a thin sheet of conductive material, comes to rest in the housing bearing on the bosses 70, 71 and the pin 77 so that at rest the electrical connection between the pins 77 and 78 is not established, while in the working position it will be established. A thin waterproof polycarbonate film constituting a membrane 76 is glued or welded to the housing 74.

Ce type de module de contact, utilisé pour les claviers du type de la figure 2 ou de la figure 5, présente l'avantage de ne pas avoir d'effet tactile dû au passage d'un point dur. Ce module de contact évite donc de superposer un effet tactile dû au module, à l'effet tactile du dôme 9 de la figure 2 ou du bossage 105 de la figure 5.This type of contact module, used for keyboards of the type in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 5, has the advantage of not having a tactile effect due to the passage of a hard point. This contact module therefore avoids superimposing a tactile effect due to the module, to the tactile effect of the dome 9 of FIG. 2 or of the boss 105 of FIG. 5.

Le boîtier 74 comporte sur sa périphérie une nervure circulaire 79.The housing 74 has on its periphery a circular rib 79.

En fonctionnement lorsque l'opérateur appuie sur une touche du clavier, les membranes 1 et 2 se déforment, le dôme 9 fléchit jusqu'à une certaine limite tout en opposant une force de résistance croissante jusqu'au moment où il bascule brutalement dans la position représentée en pointillé pour venir agir sur la membrane du module de contact et mettre en contact la lame de contact 75 avec les picots 77 et 78. Le basculement soudain de la lame procure un effet tactile qui permet à l'opérateur de sentir que son action a été prise en compte. La membrane 1 assure l'étanchéité du clavier tandis que la membrane 2 avec les touches permet l'adaptation de la configuration du clavier à la demande et son interchangeabilité. On a ainsi constitué un clavier modulaire étanche à face avant interchangeable et à effet tactile. Ce clavier sera monté contre la face interne du boîtier 12 de l'appareil dont il fait partie de façon que l'étanchéité entre le boîtier et le clavier soit réalisée par serrage de la membrane 1. Le maintien en place de la membrane 2, est assuré par un autre moyen, pince ou clip.In operation when the operator presses a key on the keyboard, the membranes 1 and 2 deform, the dome 9 flexes up to a certain limit while opposing an increasing resistance force until the moment when it suddenly switches to the position shown in dotted lines to act on the membrane of the contact module and bring the contact blade 75 into contact with the pins 77 and 78. The sudden tilting of the blade provides a tactile effect which allows the operator to feel that his action has been taken into account. The membrane 1 seals the keyboard while the membrane 2 with the keys allows the adaptation of the configuration of the keyboard to demand and its interchangeability. A waterproof modular keyboard with an interchangeable front face and a tactile effect has thus been created. This keyboard will be mounted against the internal face of the housing 12 of the device of which it is a part so that the seal between the housing and the keyboard is achieved by tightening the membrane 1. The holding in place of the membrane 2 is secured by another means, clamp or clip.

La figure 5 représente une autre forme de réalisation d'un clavier modulaire étanche à effet tactile et à course plus importante que le précédent, dans lequel on retrouve un support constitué par un circuit imprimé 4, sur lequel on a monté des modules de contact 7 aux emplacements correspondant aux logements d'une entretoise modulaire 3 que l'on fixe sur le circuit imprimé au moyen de vis 22 par exemple. L'entretoise modulaire 3 peut également être fixée sur le circuit imprimé par sertissage ou tout autre moyen de fixation. Cette entretoise modulaire 3 comporte comme l'entretoise précédente, des cloisons 31 séparant les logements des pré-découpes 32 pour détacher plusieurs cloisons et obtenir des logements aux dimensions adaptées aux touches et en plus des couvercles de logement 33 reliés aux cloisons délimitant le logement, par un mince voile 34 permettant par pression sur le couvercle de détacher le couvercle de la grille et d'obtenir une ouverture à l'emplacement choisi pour placer une touche 30. Les cloisons de la grille comportent une face inférieure plane en contact avec le circuit imprimé, une face supérieure dans laquelle on forme une rainure longitudinale 35 et deux faces latérales comportant chacune une portion verticale 36 et une portion inclinée 37 formant avec la portion verticale 36 un épaulement 38.FIG. 5 represents another embodiment of a waterproof modular keyboard with tactile effect and with a greater stroke than the previous one, in which there is a support constituted by a printed circuit 4, on which contact modules 7 have been mounted at the locations corresponding to the housings of a modular spacer 3 which are fixed on the printed circuit by means of screws 22 for example. The modular spacer 3 can also be fixed to the printed circuit by crimping or any other fixing means. This modular spacer 3 comprises, like the previous spacer, partitions 31 separating the housings from the pre-cutouts 32 for detaching several partitions and obtaining housings with dimensions adapted to the keys and in addition to the housing covers 33 connected to the partitions delimiting the housing, by a thin veil 34 allowing by pressing on the cover to detach the cover from the grid and to obtain an opening at the location chosen to place a button 30. The partitions of the grid have a flat lower face in contact with the circuit printed, an upper face in which a longitudinal groove 35 is formed and two lateral faces each comprising a vertical portion 36 and an inclined portion 37 forming with the vertical portion 36 a shoulder 38.

La face des couvercles, extérieure aux logements, se trouve dans un plan parallèle au plan dans lequel se situent les faces supérieures des cloisons.The face of the covers, outside the housings, is in a plane parallel to the plane in which the upper faces of the partitions are situated.

Une membrane 1 en polyuréthane ou tout autre matériau élastique et étanche facilement moulable comporte des bossages 100 en forme de tronc de pyramide 105 à base carrée, dont la base supérieure coopère avec une touche ou repose sur la face supérieure du couvercle associé dans le cas où il n'y a pas de touche, et dont la base inférieure est solidarisée à l'entretoise par des nervures longitudinales et transversales 101 qui sont fixées dans les rainures 35 de l'entretoise 3 par collage, sertissage, soudure ou tout autre moyen approprié.A membrane 1 made of polyurethane or any other elastic and waterproof material that can be easily molded has bosses 100 in the form of a trunk of pyramid 105 with a square base, the upper base of which cooperates with a key or rests on the upper face of the associated cover in the case where there is no key, and whose lower base is secured to the spacer by longitudinal and transverse ribs 101 which are fixed in the grooves 35 of the spacer 3 by gluing, crimping, welding or any other suitable means .

La base supérieure du bossage de la membrane comporte un bourrelet 102 réalisant l'étanchéité avec la touche 8 que l'on monte sur cette base supérieure après avoir effectué une entaille cruciforme 107 dans la membrane, comme représenté aux figures 11 et 12 pour permettre le passage de la tête d'encliquetage 84 de la touche 8 avec la pièce d'assemblage 11, comportant une collerette 110 qui limite le déplacement de la pièce 11 en venant en butée contre l'épaulement 38. La collerette coopère également avec les faces verticales 36 des cloisons fermant le logement pour former un moyen de guidage de la touche lorsque celle-ci se déplace verticalement.The upper base of the membrane boss has a bead 102 sealing with the key 8 which is mounted on this upper base after having made a cruciform notch 107 in the membrane, as shown in Figures 11 and 12 to allow the passage of the latching head 84 of the key 8 with the assembly part 11, comprising a collar 110 which limits the movement of the part 11 coming into abutment against the shoulder 38. The collar also cooperates with the vertical faces 36 of the partitions closing the housing to form a means for guiding the button when the latter is moves vertically.

Ainsi en enlevant les couvercles des logements où on souhaite mettre des touches et en montant les touches que l'on désire aux emplacements souhaités on obtient un clavier étanche qui à partir d'éléments modulaires peut avoir la disposition et le nombre de touches que l'on souhaite.Thus by removing the covers of the housings where one wishes to put keys and by mounting the keys that one desires in the desired locations one obtains a waterproof keyboard which from modular elements can have the arrangement and the number of keys that the we wish.

L'étanchéité entre le clavier et le boîtier 12 de l'appareil utilisant le clavier est assurée par serrage de la membrane contre le boîtier 12 par exemple au moyen d'un dispositif tel que celui représenté figure 5 comportant un écrou 122 soudé au boîtier, une bride 120 et une vis 121.The seal between the keyboard and the housing 12 of the device using the keyboard is ensured by tightening the membrane against the housing 12 for example by means of a device such as that shown in FIG. 5 comprising a nut 122 welded to the housing, a flange 120 and a screw 121.

En fonctionnement, lorsque l'on appuie sur une touche, les flancs du bossage se compriment jusqu'au moment où la membrane prend brusquement la forme de la pyramide inverse comme représenté sur la figure 4, créant ainsi un effet tactile. Dans cette deuxième position la touche appuie sur le dôme de contact et établit la liaison électrique entre les picots 77 et 78. Dès que l'on relâche la touche, la membrane reprend sa forme initiale. Aux endroits ne comportant pas de touche le couvercle 33 soutient le bossage de la membrane et évite que l'on puisse enfoncer la membrane. On obtient ainsi un clavier permettant à l'opérateur de sentir tactilement les opérations effectuées.In operation, when a key is pressed, the sides of the boss compress until the membrane suddenly takes the shape of the reverse pyramid as shown in FIG. 4, thus creating a tactile effect. In this second position, the key presses on the contact dome and establishes the electrical connection between the pins 77 and 78. As soon as the key is released, the membrane returns to its initial shape. In places where there is no key, the cover 33 supports the boss of the membrane and prevents the membrane from being pushed in. A keyboard is thus obtained allowing the operator to feel the operations carried out by touch.

La figure 6 représente la réalisation et le montage d'une touche multiple, par exemple double. Pour cela on réalise une touche double 81 de longueur égale à deux fois la longueur d'une touche simple plus la distance séparant deux touches adjacentes. Cette touche double comporte deux têtes d'encliquetage 84 que l'on monte grâce à deux pièces d'assemblage 11 sur la membrane solidaire de la grille 3 dont on a supprimé une cloison intermédiaire à l'endroit où l'on souhaite monter la touche double.FIG. 6 represents the production and mounting of a multiple key, for example a double key. For this, a double key 81 of length equal to twice the length of a single key plus the distance separating two adjacent keys is produced. This double button has two latching heads 84 which are mounted by means of two assembly parts 11 on the membrane integral with the grid 3 from which a intermediate partition where you want to mount the double button.

La figure 7 représente une variante du deuxième mode de montage d'un bouton unitaire avec logement d'étiquette. Les cloisons 31 de l'entretoise 3 ne comportent pas d'épaulement 38 mais comportent sur leurs parties verticales 36 un prolongement 360 constituant une ouverture circulaire dans laquelle un module de contact se fixe par encliquetage de la nervure 79 avec une gorge correspondante 361. La pièce d'assemblage 11 ne comporte pas de collerette mais une surface de guidage 112 et est assemblée par encliquetage avec la touche 8 porte-étiquette, constituée de façon connue en soi par un corps 85 comprenant dans un logement 88 un protège étiquette 85 en matériau transparent et une étiquette 87.FIG. 7 shows a variant of the second method of mounting a unitary button with label housing. The partitions 31 of the spacer 3 do not have a shoulder 38 but have on their vertical parts 36 an extension 360 constituting a circular opening in which a contact module is fixed by snap-fastening of the rib 79 with a corresponding groove 361. The assembly part 11 does not have a collar but a guide surface 112 and is assembled by snap-fastening with the button 8 label holder, constituted in a manner known per se by a body 85 comprising in a housing 88 a label protector 85 made of material transparent and a label 87.

Le corps 85 de la touche et la pièce d'assemblage 11 après assemblage, serrent, de façon à réaliser l'étanchéité entre la touche et la membrane, un bourrelet 102 formé à la périphérie d'une ouverture obtenue dans la membrane de la façon représentée aux figures 13 et 14. Une languette 104 permet d'enlever un morceau de membrane pré-découpée suivant la pré-découpe 103 de forme carrée et d'obtenir une ouverture 106 qui permet le montage d'une touche comme représenté à la figure 7.The body 85 of the key and the connecting part 11 after assembly, tighten, so as to seal between the key and the membrane, a bead 102 formed at the periphery of an opening obtained in the membrane in the way represented in FIGS. 13 and 14. A tongue 104 makes it possible to remove a piece of pre-cut membrane according to the pre-cut 103 of square shape and to obtain an opening 106 which allows the mounting of a key as shown in the figure 7.

La figure 8 représente une vue de dessus d'une touche de forme carrée présentant dans un coin de la touche un hublot circulaire transparent 83 pour un voyant et un protège-étiquette 86 de forme circulaire adapté à la forme du doigt.FIG. 8 represents a top view of a square shaped button having in a corner of the button a transparent circular window 83 for an indicator and a label protector 86 of circular shape adapted to the shape of the finger.

La figure 9 représente une vue en coupe diagonale de la touche avec voyant montée sur le clavier dans un logement comportant en plus du module de contact 7 un support 51 pour diode électro-luminescente 6 monté dans une ouverture 41 pratiquée dans le circuit imprimé. La pièce d'assemblage 11 montée dans le logement comporte une lucarne 111 en face de la diode et du hublot transparent prévu sur la touche.FIG. 9 represents a diagonal section view of the button with indicator mounted on the keyboard in a housing comprising in addition to the contact module 7 a support 51 for light-emitting diode 6 mounted in an opening 41 made in the printed circuit. Assembly part 11 mounted in the housing has a skylight 111 opposite the diode and the transparent window provided on the button.

La figure 10 représente le montage d'un voyant fixe dans une ouverture prévue pour une touche dans lequel on a monté sur le circuit imprimé un support 51 pour diode électro-luminescente 6. Un cabochon en matière transparente 23 de forme adaptée à la découpe de la membrane et comportant sur ses faces latérales 25 une gorge 24 dans laquelle le bourrelet 102 de la membrane est serré par une collerette intérieure 114 prévue sur la pièce d'assemblage qui vient s'encliqueter sur le cabochon. Une collerette extérieure 113 et les faces latérales 25 empêchent tout mouvement du cabochon par rapport à la grille. Ainsi grâce à ces différents éléments modulaires, aux grilles et aux membranes qui ont des dimensions déterminées on pourra réaliser à la demande des claviers étanches, avec ou sans voyant, et adaptés à tous les types d'application. Il est évident que dans ces différents modes de réalisation on pourra rigidifier la structure en montant sur le circuit imprimé une cornière 13.FIG. 10 shows the mounting of a fixed indicator in an opening provided for a key in which a support 51 for light-emitting diode 6 has been mounted on the printed circuit. A cabochon made of transparent material 23 of shape suitable for cutting out the membrane and comprising on its lateral faces 25 a groove 24 in which the bead 102 of the membrane is clamped by an internal collar 114 provided on the assembly part which just snaps onto the cap. An outer flange 113 and the lateral faces 25 prevent any movement of the cap relative to the grid. Thus thanks to these different modular elements, grids and membranes which have predetermined dimensions, it will be possible to produce watertight keyboards, with or without sight glass, and suitable for all types of application. It is obvious that in these different embodiments it will be possible to stiffen the structure by mounting an angle 13 on the printed circuit.

Il va de soi que diverses modifications pourront être apportées aux réalisations décrites et représentées, sans s'écarter de l'esprit de l'invention.It goes without saying that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described and shown, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Il va de soi que toute modification à la portée de l'homme de métier et toute combinaison des différents éléments entre eux, font également partie de l'esprit de l'invention.It goes without saying that any modification within the reach of those skilled in the art and any combination of the different elements between them, are also part of the spirit of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. Clavier à touches destiné à être monté dans le boîtier d'un appareil et comprenant : une carte à circuits imprimés servant de support et de moyen de raccordement pour une multiplicité d'interrupteurs modulaires logés dans des boîtiers, placés côte à côte et actionnés chacun par un poussoir guidé axialement pour recevoir et transmettre les déplacements d'une touche coopérante, des moyens déformables étant associés à chaque ensemble touche-poussoir- interrupteur pour communiquer une sensation tactile à l'utilisateur,
caractérisé en ce que le guidage de chacun desdits poussoirs (84) est assuré par une pièce d'assemblage (11) coulissant dans un alvéole (30) qui appartient à une entretoise plane (3) et qui entoure le boîtier de l'interrupteur modulaire (7) correspondant, une membrane déformable (1) qui reçoit sur ses faces opposées le poussoir (84) et une touche (8), étant fixées sur des cloisons (31) de l'entretoise, placées autour de cet alvéole.1. Keypad keyboard intended to be mounted in the housing of an apparatus and comprising: a printed circuit board serving as a support and connection means for a multiplicity of modular switches housed in housings, placed side by side and actuated each by a pusher guided axially to receive and transmit the displacements of a cooperating key, deformable means being associated with each key-switch-switch assembly to communicate a tactile sensation to the user,
characterized in that the guidance of each of said pushers (84) is ensured by an assembly part (11) sliding in a cell (30) which belongs to a flat spacer (3) and which surrounds the housing of the modular switch (7) corresponding, a deformable membrane (1) which receives on its opposite faces the pusher (84) and a key (8), being fixed on partitions (31) of the spacer, placed around this cell. 2. Clavier selon la revendication 1, comportant en outre des modules de voyant (3) montés sur le circuit imprimé dans d'autres alvéoles de l'entretoise, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens déformables sont constitués par un dôme métallique (9, figure 2) placé dans l'alvéole entre l'interrupteur et la membrane déformable (1), que ladite membrane déformable (1) est transparente, les touches (8, figure 2) sont interchangeables et collées ou soudées sur une feuille interchangeable (2, figure 2) qui comporte des zones transparentes en face des modules de voyant (3) et des zones opaques.2. Keyboard according to claim 1, further comprising indicator modules (3) mounted on the printed circuit in other cells of the spacer, characterized in that said deformable means consist of a metal dome (9, Figure 2) placed in the cell between the switch and the deformable membrane (1), that said deformable membrane (1) is transparent, the keys (8, FIG. 2) are interchangeable and glued or welded onto an interchangeable sheet (2, Figure 2) which has transparent areas opposite the indicator modules (3) and opaque areas. 3. Clavier selon la revendication 2,
caractérisé en ce que les moyens déformables sont constitués par des bossages en forme de tronc de pyramide (105) aménagés sur ladite membrane déformable (1) elle-même, lesdits bossages ayant leur base inférieure solidaire de l'entretoise plane (3) et leur base supérieure mobile supportant des touches (8, figure 5), lesdits bossages étant associés à des moyens de montage (84, 11, 102) des touches de façon étanche et des moyens de guidage (110, 36) des touches lors du déplacement.3. Keyboard according to claim 2,
characterized in that the deformable means consist of bosses in the form of a pyramid trunk (105) arranged on said deformable membrane (1) itself, said bosses having their lower base secured to the inter flat height rod (3) and their mobile upper base supporting keys (8, FIG. 5), said bosses being associated with mounting means (84, 11, 102) for sealing keys and guide means (110, 36 ) keys when moving. 4. Clavier selon la revendication 3,
caractérisé en ce que les moyens de montage étanche des touches sont constitués par un bourrelet (102) solidaire de la membrane déformable (1) serré entre une surface d'appui de la touche (8) et une surface d'appui d'une pièce d'assemblage (11) fixée sur la touche par encliquetage (84), ladite pièce d'assemblage comportant une surface (110, 112) coopérant avec les faces verticales des cloisons pour assurer le guidage de la touche dans ses déplacements.4. Keyboard according to claim 3,
characterized in that the means for tightly fitting the keys consist of a bead (102) integral with the deformable membrane (1) clamped between a bearing surface of the key (8) and a bearing surface of a part assembly (11) fixed to the key by snap-fastening (84), said assembly part comprising a surface (110, 112) cooperating with the vertical faces of the partitions in order to guide the key in its movements. 5. Clavier selon la revendication 4,
caractérisé en ce que la touche comprend un logement circulaire (88), une étiquette (87) placée dans ce logement et recouverte par un protège étiquette (86) s'adaptant dans le logement.5. Keyboard according to claim 4,
characterized in that the key comprises a circular housing (88), a label (87) placed in this housing and covered by a label protector (86) fitting in the housing. 6. Clavier selon la revendication 5,
caractérisé en ce que la touche est de forme sensiblement carrée et comporte dans un coin un hublot (83) pour voyant.6. Keyboard according to claim 5,
characterized in that the button is of substantially square shape and comprises in a corner a window (83) for sight glass. 7. Clavier selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le fond du boîtier de chaque interrupteur modulaire comprend deux bossages (70, 71) et est traversé par deux picots de contact (77, 78), une lame de contact métallique (75) étant disposée en appui sur les bossages (70, 71) et une membrane (76) recouvrant le boîtier.7. Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bottom of the housing of each modular switch comprises two bosses (70, 71) and is crossed by two contact pins (77, 78), a blade metal contact (75) being disposed in abutment on the bosses (70, 71) and a membrane (76) covering the housing. 8. Clavier selon la revendication 7,
caractérisé en ce que la surface externe dudit boîtier comporte une nervure circulaire (79, figure 3) coopérant avec une gorge (361, figure 7) prévue sur les faces latérales (36) des cloisons des logements.8. Keyboard according to claim 7,
characterized in that the external surface of said housing comprises a circular rib (79, FIG. 3) cooperating with a groove (361, FIG. 7) provided on the lateral faces (36) of the partitions of the housings. 9. Clavier selon l'une des revendications 2 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'un module de voyant comprend une diode électro-luminescente (6) montée sur un support (5).9. Keyboard according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that an indicator module comprises an electroluminescent diode (6) mounted on a support (5). 10. Clavier selon la revendication 3,
caractérisé en ce que ladite membrane déformable (1) comporte des ouvertures pré-découpées ayant la forme et sensiblement la dimension des touches.10. Keyboard according to claim 3,
characterized in that said deformable membrane (1) has pre-cut openings having the shape and substantially the size of the keys. 11. Clavier selon la revendication 10,
caractérisé en ce qu'un cabochon de voyant (23) est monté dans une ouverture (106) de la membrane.11. Keyboard according to claim 10,
characterized in that a sight glass (23) is mounted in an opening (106) in the membrane. 12. Clavier selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit clavier est monté de façon étanche dans le boîtier d'un appareil d'utilisation, par serrage de la membrane déformable (1) contre la face interne de la paroi externe du boîtier de l'appareil.12. Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said keyboard is mounted in a sealed manner in the housing of a device for use, by tightening the deformable membrane (1) against the internal face of the outer wall of the device housing.
EP82401609A 1981-09-01 1982-08-31 Hermetically sealed, modular, tactile keyboard Expired EP0074315B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR818116623A FR2511941B1 (en) 1981-09-01 1981-09-01 MODULAR, WATERPROOF, TOUCHPAD KEYBOARD
FR8116623 1981-09-01

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0074315A2 true EP0074315A2 (en) 1983-03-16
EP0074315A3 EP0074315A3 (en) 1983-10-05
EP0074315B1 EP0074315B1 (en) 1986-06-04

Family

ID=9261822

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82401609A Expired EP0074315B1 (en) 1981-09-01 1982-08-31 Hermetically sealed, modular, tactile keyboard

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4471189A (en)
EP (1) EP0074315B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5853120A (en)
CA (1) CA1194962A (en)
DE (1) DE3271560D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2511941B1 (en)
NO (1) NO160633C (en)

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FR2562286A1 (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-10-04 Telemecanique Electrique Keyboard with multi-cell metal support plate
FR2562320A1 (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-10-04 Telemecanique Electrique Modular switch for computer system
FR2566574A1 (en) * 1984-06-26 1985-12-27 Tabur Caoutchouc KEYBOARD FOR CONTROL BOX OF AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE
WO1986003053A1 (en) * 1984-11-09 1986-05-22 Marquardt Gmbh Electric component such as a keyboard or similar
FR2587833A1 (en) * 1985-09-21 1987-03-27 Rheinmetall Gmbh Multiple pushbutton switch panel for machine control
US4671688A (en) * 1985-10-02 1987-06-09 Honeywell Inc. Shielded keyboard
GB2269054A (en) * 1992-07-20 1994-01-26 Digitran Co Moisture-sealed switch assembly
EP0585536A1 (en) * 1992-09-02 1994-03-09 PROTO EL S.r.l. An anti-vandal hermetically sealed push-button panel
EP0657908A2 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-14 AT&T Corp. Rubber dome/mylar switch
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FR2562320A1 (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-10-04 Telemecanique Electrique Modular switch for computer system
FR2562286A1 (en) * 1984-03-28 1985-10-04 Telemecanique Electrique Keyboard with multi-cell metal support plate
FR2566574A1 (en) * 1984-06-26 1985-12-27 Tabur Caoutchouc KEYBOARD FOR CONTROL BOX OF AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE
WO1986000462A1 (en) * 1984-06-26 1986-01-16 Tabur Caoutchouc (Societe Anonyme) Keyboard for the control box of an electric apparatus
US4710597A (en) * 1984-06-26 1987-12-01 Tabur Caoutchouc Keyboard for the control box of an electric apparatus
AU582171B2 (en) * 1984-06-26 1989-03-16 Tabur Caoutchouc (Societe Anonyme) Keyboard for the control box of an electronic apparatus
WO1986003053A1 (en) * 1984-11-09 1986-05-22 Marquardt Gmbh Electric component such as a keyboard or similar
FR2587833A1 (en) * 1985-09-21 1987-03-27 Rheinmetall Gmbh Multiple pushbutton switch panel for machine control
US4671688A (en) * 1985-10-02 1987-06-09 Honeywell Inc. Shielded keyboard
GB2269054B (en) * 1992-07-20 1996-04-17 Digitran Co A key switch assembly
GB2269054A (en) * 1992-07-20 1994-01-26 Digitran Co Moisture-sealed switch assembly
EP0585536A1 (en) * 1992-09-02 1994-03-09 PROTO EL S.r.l. An anti-vandal hermetically sealed push-button panel
EP0657908A2 (en) * 1993-12-07 1995-06-14 AT&T Corp. Rubber dome/mylar switch
EP0657908A3 (en) * 1993-12-07 1997-04-02 At & T Corp Rubber dome/mylar switch.
EP0729164A3 (en) * 1995-02-21 1998-03-18 Preh-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Keyboard with protection sheet
WO1998050930A1 (en) * 1997-05-07 1998-11-12 Marquardt Gmbh Switching arrangement
US6204459B1 (en) 1997-05-07 2001-03-20 Marquardt Gmbh Switching arrangement
WO2015021560A1 (en) 2013-08-16 2015-02-19 Blackberry Limited Double pre-loaded deflection webs for keypad
CN105637606A (en) * 2013-08-16 2016-06-01 黑莓有限公司 Double pre-loaded deflection webs for keypad
EP3033759A4 (en) * 2013-08-16 2016-08-03 Blackberry Ltd Double pre-loaded deflection webs for keypad
US9823754B2 (en) 2013-08-16 2017-11-21 Blackberry Limited Method of forming a keypad assembly
CN105637606B (en) * 2013-08-16 2018-12-11 黑莓有限公司 Double preloadings of keypad deflect web

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2511941A1 (en) 1983-03-04
DE3271560D1 (en) 1986-07-10
FR2511941B1 (en) 1988-02-05
NO160633C (en) 1989-05-10
JPS5853120A (en) 1983-03-29
NO160633B (en) 1989-01-30
EP0074315A3 (en) 1983-10-05
JPH0373973B2 (en) 1991-11-25
EP0074315B1 (en) 1986-06-04
CA1194962A (en) 1985-10-08
NO822937L (en) 1983-03-02
US4471189A (en) 1984-09-11

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