EP0100875B1 - Kontaktanordnung - Google Patents

Kontaktanordnung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0100875B1
EP0100875B1 EP19830106650 EP83106650A EP0100875B1 EP 0100875 B1 EP0100875 B1 EP 0100875B1 EP 19830106650 EP19830106650 EP 19830106650 EP 83106650 A EP83106650 A EP 83106650A EP 0100875 B1 EP0100875 B1 EP 0100875B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
foil
arrangement according
contact arrangement
carrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19830106650
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0100875A2 (de
EP0100875A3 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Dipl.-Ing. Oelsch
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.)
Preh GmbH
Original Assignee
Preh GmbH
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 Preh GmbH filed Critical Preh GmbH
Publication of EP0100875A2 publication Critical patent/EP0100875A2/de
Publication of EP0100875A3 publication Critical patent/EP0100875A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0100875B1 publication Critical patent/EP0100875B1/de
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/7006—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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a contact arrangement with a planar support made of electrically insulating material, which carries electrical conductors, and with at least one electrically conductive, snap-like resilient contact element, which is supported on a contact surface of the one electrical conductor and which can be contacted by an actuating force with a further contact surface which is connected to the other electrical conductor, both contact surfaces being arranged on the same surface of the carrier, and the electrical conductor connected to the other contact surface being arranged on the other surface of the carrier.
  • US-A-4 033 030 describes the method of manufacturing a contact arrangement for keyboards. Building on a rigid substrate, the conductors and switching contacts are finally fixed in a pressing device using a thermoformable plastic film.
  • the contact arrangement of US-A-4 046 981 shows both contact surfaces on one side of the metal carrier, which is usually covered with an insulating layer. One of the two contact surfaces is electrically connected to the conductor track on the other side of the carrier via a via.
  • the contact arrangement arches a contact element, the actuation of which connects both contact surfaces.
  • a corresponding stroke of the contact element is set up, the stroke being achieved either by raising the contact element using distance measures or by lowering the central contact surface using local curvature or bulging of the carrier.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a contact arrangement of the type mentioned, which is constructed so that it can be easily manufactured.
  • the above object is achieved in a contact arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset by the characterizing features of claim 1.
  • This structure ensures that the contact arrangement can be produced from a roll of the carrier film.
  • the individual manufacturing steps can be carried out between roller stations. Continuous production is therefore possible. This allows the contact arrangement to be produced economically, especially in large series.
  • the snap behavior creates a dome-shaped, spring-elastic metal disc when pressure is applied.
  • the metal disc as the contact element spans the two contact surfaces.
  • a support film is also stored under the carrier film, the support film being provided with an opening which is approximately the same or larger than the projection surface of the contact element.
  • the support film stiffens the film layer on the one hand. On the other hand, its recess allows the carrier film to slightly escape below the pole area of the contact element.
  • the electrical conductors and the contact surfaces are formed from metal coverings which completely cover the surfaces of the carrier film.
  • a high-quality contact pairing for example gold over nickel, can be achieved by using the subtractive or semi-additive technique.
  • the electrically conductive connection from the other contact surface to the electrical conductor of the other surface is preferably formed by plastically deformable metal parts, such as rivets, for example.
  • a plated-through hole or plated-through hole is also possible using one of the known methods.
  • the electrical conductor of one surface and the contact surfaces are galvanically formed from a metal covering on one surface and the other electrical conductor and the connection are printed on the other surface as conductive paste, then the contact surfaces are wear-resistant on the one hand and the other surface is on the other associated greater effort saved. This results in a favorable compromise for the construction of the electrically conductive parts of the carrier film.
  • a receiving film in order to position the contact element in the plane of the carrier film, a receiving film is provided with a recess which engages around the circumference of the contact element. On the one hand, this ensures the necessary mobility of the contact element and, on the other hand, it is fixed over the contact surfaces.
  • a depression can be formed in the carrier film for this purpose, which receives the contact element.
  • a flexible insulating film is provided for positioning the contact element in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the carrier film, which overlaps the contact element.
  • the contact element is thus held captively in the recess or recess mentioned.
  • the layering consisting of carrier film, receiving film and insulating film is preferably glued. This ensures a permanent, easy to manufacture seat of the contact element.
  • the insulating film forms the actuating front of the contact arrangement, then it is preferably on its side facing the one surface with the necessary markings or signs for the function of the contact element is printed and made transparent.
  • a pressure piece is arranged above the contact element and is guided in a recess in a frame.
  • a cover film is preferably provided for positioning the pressure piece in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame. This can be made transparent for the identification of the pressure piece in question and can be printed on the side facing the frame.
  • the carrier film has an extension forming a connecting line, on which the electrical conductors run, and a connector strip is fastened to the free end of the connecting line.
  • the carrier film thus also forms the flexible connecting line of the contact arrangement.
  • the contact arrangement generally has a large number of contact elements. For example, it is provided with 3 x 4 contact elements. It is suitable for example for pocket calculators, remote control desks or similar.
  • a carrier film 1 is provided on its one surface 2 with an annular contact surface 3 and an electrical conductor 4 connected to it.
  • a further contact surface 5 is arranged in the center of the contact surface 3.
  • An electrical conductor 7 is applied to the other surface 6 of the carrier film 1.
  • An electrically conductive connection 9 extends through this and the contact surface 5 through a hole 8 in the flexible carrier film 1. This connection does not have to be in the center but only within the annular contact surface 3.
  • the contact surfaces 3 and 5, the electrical conductors 4 and 7 and the connection 9 can be easily applied to the flexible carrier film 1 in various ways.
  • the insulating film which is continuously drawn off a roll can be provided with the holes 8 and then printed with the contact surface and conductor structure (cf. FIG. 2) with a conductive paste.
  • the electrical connection 9 results from the fact that the conductive paste penetrates the holes 8.
  • the surface 2 of the film 1 can also first be provided with a 6 continuous metal coating, from which the contact surface and conductor structure is then galvanically formed. It is also possible to form the conductor 7 from a metal covering of the surface 6.
  • the connection 9 is then made by plastically deformable metal parts, such as rivets, or by one of the known through-plating or through-plating processes.
  • an extension 1 'of the flexible carrier film 1 is shown.
  • the conductors 4 and 7 run parallel to one another thereon.
  • a plug-in strip 10 is fastened to the free end of the extension 1 '.
  • the necessary, flexible connecting line is thus formed by the carrier film 1 itself.
  • the carrier film 1 only needs to be punched out accordingly.
  • a contact element 11 with its peripheral region 11 ′ is placed on the contact surface 3. With its pole area 11 ", it arches the contact surface 5.
  • the contact element 11 consists of a spherically shaped, spring-elastic metal disk with snap behavior when pressure is applied in the pole area 11".
  • the contact element 11 is held in a recess 12 in a receiving film 13.
  • the receiving film 13 is glued to the carrier film 1.
  • the thickness of the receiving film corresponds approximately to the height of the contact element 11. Its recess 12 makes it easier to place the contact element 11 on the contact surface 3 and secures the space into which the peripheral region 11 'escapes when the pole region 11 "is pressed down onto the surface
  • An insulating film 14 is provided in the receiving film 13. This holds the contact element 11 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the carrier film 1, so that it does not fall out of the cutout 14.
  • the insulating film 14 is also glued onto the receiving film 13.
  • the insulating film 14 can also do this Fix the contact element 11 in an adhesive manner.
  • the receiving film 13 can then be omitted and the insulating film 14 can be glued directly onto the carrier film 1.
  • the thickness of the carrier film 1 is preferably greater than 0.05 mm and less than 0.250 mm; in the exemplary embodiment it is approximately 0.125 mm.
  • the support film 15 has an opening 16 below the contact element 11. This allows the film 1 to escape in the area of the contact area 5 when the contact element 11 is pressed with its pole area 11 ′′ onto the contact area 5.
  • the contact element 11 is designed in such a way that it engages in a snapping contact movement -Characteristic with a force acting in the pole region 11 "so that it can be approximately described by a 3rd degree polynomial. In connection with the possible deflection of the film 1 in the area of the contact surface 5, it is achieved that an abrupt contact or separation of the pole area 11 "with or from the Contact area 5 takes place. As a result, the contact bounce is low both when opening and when closing.
  • a protective film 20 is glued to the bottom of the supporting film 15. If this is double-sided adhesive, the contact arrangement can be glued directly onto a carrier of the device for which it is intended.
  • the protective film 17 closes the electrical conductors 7 tightly from the environment. It can be advantageous if the connection 9 does not completely fill the hole 8, since it then allows a certain air balance.
  • the insulating film 14, the supporting film 15 and the protective film 17 can be glued over a large area to the carrier film 1 pulled off the roll after the contact elements 11 have been put on. They can then be punched out together with this. It is also possible to simply punch out the insulating film 14 together with the carrier film 1.
  • the insulating film 14 then also covers the electrical conductors 4 and 7 running on the extension 1 '. In order for the conductors 7 to be on the same side of the extension 1' as the conductors 4, the electrical connections 9 have the same connections 9 'for the conductors 7 the contact surfaces 5 provided (see FIG. 2). Similarly, the conductors 4 and 7 can lie on the surface 6 of the carrier film 1 or on the extension 1 ', the connection being made by means of corresponding plated-through holes for the conductors 4.
  • a rigid pressure piece 18 is provided above the contact element 11 and is guided in a recess 19 of a fixed frame 20.
  • the pressure piece 18 can preferably have a spherical cap shape on one or both sides.
  • the frame 20 can be placed directly on the carrier film 1 or the receiving film 13.
  • a likewise flexible, transparent cover film 21 is glued on top of the frame 20 and is provided with markings or inscriptions on its surface facing the carrier film 1.
  • the cover film 21 is provided with a profiling (not shown in more detail) which receives the pressure piece 18.
  • the contact element 11 is provided in the pole region 11 ′′ with an indentation which is adapted to the contact surface 5.
  • the transparent, flexible insulating film 14 is adhered to the receiving film 13. This is on its side 14 ′ facing the carrier film 1. printed in one or more colors with the markings, numbers, letters or symbols characterizing the respective contact function.
  • the insulating film 14 above the pole area 11" is provided with a profile 14 "running around the pole area 11", which means that Marksmanship for operation improved.
  • no receiving film is provided.
  • These receiving chambers 22 can be produced, for example, by deep drawing or hot stamping.
  • the electrical conductors 4 and 7 and the contact surfaces 3 and 5 are applied to the carrier film 1 before the receiving chambers 22 are formed.
  • the insulating film 14 is glued directly onto the carrier film 1 and spans the contact elements 11. As in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, it can be transparent and labeled.
  • the insulating film 14 has an opening 23 encompassing the pole region 11 ".
  • the contact element 11 is thus held in the recess 12 without the insulating film 14 having to be deformed when the pressure element 18 is actuated.
  • the pressure element 18 is on an axis 24 is mounted in the frame 20, about which it can be tilted, the pressure piece 18 protrudes through an opening 25 in the cover film 21. This prevents the pressure piece 18 from falling out.
  • the pressure piece 18 can also be provided with symbols or characters 21 ". In the case of multiple occupancy, both the cover film 21 and the pressure piece 18 can carry characters or symbols.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
EP19830106650 1982-08-06 1983-07-07 Kontaktanordnung Expired EP0100875B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19823229348 DE3229348A1 (de) 1982-08-06 1982-08-06 Kontaktanordnung
DE3229348 1982-08-06

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0100875A2 EP0100875A2 (de) 1984-02-22
EP0100875A3 EP0100875A3 (en) 1986-11-05
EP0100875B1 true EP0100875B1 (de) 1988-10-19

Family

ID=6170260

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19830106650 Expired EP0100875B1 (de) 1982-08-06 1983-07-07 Kontaktanordnung

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0100875B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
JP (1) JPS5944726A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
DE (1) DE3229348A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6383734U (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) * 1986-11-20 1988-06-01
FR2660484B1 (fr) * 1990-03-30 1993-08-06 Sextant Avionique Dispositif interrupteur miniature a effet tactile.
US5294762A (en) * 1991-09-10 1994-03-15 Fujikura Ltd. Click-action membrane switch unit
BE1006720A6 (nl) * 1994-07-18 1994-11-22 Velleman Nv Membraantoetsenbord
US5598918A (en) * 1995-05-18 1997-02-04 Trw Inc. Switch for vehicle power window
JP2001008874A (ja) * 1999-06-30 2001-01-16 Toshiba Tec Corp 電気掃除機
DE20208010U1 (de) 2002-05-22 2002-10-10 Woehr Richard Gmbh Folienabgedeckte, magnetische und indirekt beleuchtete Tastatur mit taktiler Rückmeldung und indirekter Trägerplatte
US6765158B1 (en) * 2003-05-08 2004-07-20 Lear Corporation Low profile switch with flat wire harness
EP1648010A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-19 IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. Foil-type pressure sensor adapted for minimizing critical preload issues
JP2008021593A (ja) * 2006-07-14 2008-01-31 Tokai Rika Co Ltd メンブレンスイッチ

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5535807B2 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) * 1972-03-09 1980-09-17
US3749859A (en) * 1972-04-19 1973-07-31 Colorado Instr Inc Keyboard switch assembly with improved hermetically sealed diaphragm contact structure
US4033030A (en) * 1974-09-12 1977-07-05 Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation Method of manufacturing keyswitch assemblies
US4029916A (en) * 1975-04-18 1977-06-14 Northern Electric Company Limited Multi-contact push-button switch and plural embodiment for keyboard switch assembly
US3967084A (en) * 1975-05-12 1976-06-29 Kb-Denver, Inc. Keyboard switch assemblies having two foot support legs on dome-shaped contact member
US4046981A (en) * 1975-12-24 1977-09-06 Texas Instruments Incorporated Keyboard switch with printed wiring board structure and its method of manufacture
US4083100A (en) * 1977-01-24 1978-04-11 Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation Method of manufacturing a keyboard assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3229348A1 (de) 1984-02-09
EP0100875A2 (de) 1984-02-22
JPS5944726A (ja) 1984-03-13
DE3229348C2 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1988-02-18
EP0100875A3 (en) 1986-11-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE19746031B4 (de) Kontaktfolie zur Herstellung eines Tastenfeldes und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Tastenfeldes unter Verwendung einer derartigen Kontaktfolie
DE3015634C2 (de) Druckschalter mit einer Anzeigetafel
DE2902769A1 (de) Drucktastenschalter
DE2828435C2 (de) Druckknopfschalter
DE60113638T2 (de) Elektro-lumineszente folie und diese verwendender schalter
DE2902892A1 (de) Mit elektrischen kontaktstuecken versehene elastomerfolie
DE3011674A1 (de) Tastatur
EP0051749A1 (de) Tastatur
DE2319042B2 (de) Tastatur
EP0100875B1 (de) Kontaktanordnung
DE3503847C2 (de) Lenkrad-Plattenschalter
DE2925736C2 (de) Flexibler Tastschalter
DE2907697C2 (de) Tastatur für ein elektronisches Gerät
DE2943108A1 (de) Tastschalter fuer leiterplatten
DE2902357C2 (de) Mehrere Tastschalter aufweisendes Tastenfeld
DE3307659C2 (de) Tastschalter
DE2439697B2 (de) Druckschalter
DE2025581B2 (de) Mehrfachkontaktsystem fuer nockenschalter
DE2926312A1 (de) Tastschalter
DE3135427C2 (de) Tastschalter
DE3337122C2 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
DE69828885T2 (de) "Elektrischer Sachlter mit beleuchteter Membran"
DE2455522B2 (de) Drucktastenaggregat fuer fernsprechgeraete
DE3214454A1 (de) Elektrischer schalter in folienbauweise
DE2455522C (de) Drucktastenaggregat fur Fernsprechgerate

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH FR GB IT LI NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH FR GB IT LI NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19870505

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19870810

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH FR GB IT LI SE

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
ET Fr: translation filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19890630

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19890711

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19890720

Year of fee payment: 7

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19890824

Year of fee payment: 7

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19900707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19900708

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19900731

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19900731

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19910329

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 83106650.1

Effective date: 19910402