EP0241906B1 - Clavier à membrane - Google Patents

Clavier à membrane Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0241906B1
EP0241906B1 EP87105500A EP87105500A EP0241906B1 EP 0241906 B1 EP0241906 B1 EP 0241906B1 EP 87105500 A EP87105500 A EP 87105500A EP 87105500 A EP87105500 A EP 87105500A EP 0241906 B1 EP0241906 B1 EP 0241906B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pins
contact surfaces
membrane
switching contact
keyboard according
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP87105500A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0241906A2 (fr
EP0241906A3 (en
Inventor
Horst Hoffman
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.)
Wilhelm Ruf KG
Original Assignee
Wilhelm Ruf KG
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 Wilhelm Ruf KG filed Critical Wilhelm Ruf KG
Publication of EP0241906A2 publication Critical patent/EP0241906A2/fr
Publication of EP0241906A3 publication Critical patent/EP0241906A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0241906B1 publication Critical patent/EP0241906B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • H01H13/78—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 characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/80—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 characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the manner of cooperation of the contacts, e.g. with both contacts movable or with bounceless contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/703—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by spacers between contact carrying layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00—Contacts
    • H01H2201/008—Both contacts movable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
    • H01H2203/032—Metal foil
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/01—Increasing rigidity; Anti-creep
    • 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
    • H01H2211/00—Spacers
    • H01H2211/006—Individual areas
    • H01H2211/02—Pins forming part of substrate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/036—Manufacturing ultrasonic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/042—Snap coupling; Snap mounting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a membrane keyboard according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a membrane keyboard is known from DE-A-31 08 183.
  • This membrane keyboard consists of a coding plate with electrical switch contact surfaces and a flexible membrane arranged at a distance from it, which has electrically conductive areas.
  • the distance between the coding plate and membrane is produced by bar-shaped spacers which are arranged laterally next to the switching contact surfaces of the coding plate and which are anchored in holes of the coding plate with short pins protruding from the spacers. In the top view, the bar-shaped spacers extend over the full length of the switch contact surfaces and even protrude slightly to the side.
  • An electrical contact is made in that the flexible membrane is pressed down, for example by finger pressure, so that an electrically conductive area protrudes through the cutouts in the spacer layer and electrically connects the associated switch contact surfaces on the coding plate.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to improve the membrane keyboard of the type mentioned in such a way that it is very reliable with a simplified structure.
  • the functional reliability relates to the fact that incorrect contacts are prevented and that the individual components of the membrane keyboard can no longer slide against one another. Furthermore, the membrane keyboard should be easy to manufacture and assemble.
  • the support plate 10 which for example also contains the housing of an electrotechnical function group, for example the housing of a remote control transmitter for television sets, the housing of a Calculator or the housing of a dialing keypad can be made of electrically non-conductive material, such as Plastic and has pins 11 projecting perpendicularly from their base. These pins are preferably connected in one piece to the support plate. However, they can also be made as separate parts and subsequently glued, inserted, screwed, riveted, etc.
  • the cross section of the pins 11 can be circular, square, rectangular, triangular or of any other shape.
  • the support plate 10 has side walls 15, the upper end face of which lies in one plane with the upper end face of the pins 11. Furthermore, these side walls 15 have a widening 17 at their upper end, which in turn has a bevel 16 which faces inwards, ie. H. points to the opposite side wall.
  • the membrane keyboard has a coding plate 20, the switching contact surfaces 21 and conductor tracks, not shown.
  • the switch contact surfaces are designed in a conventional manner, for example accordingly the switching contact surfaces of US-A-4 365 130 or US-A-4 391 845.
  • the coding plate 20 itself is made of electrically insulating material. It can also consist of a thin, flexible film.
  • the switch contact surfaces and the conductor tracks are produced in a conventional manner, for example by etching or printing, from an electrically conductive material.
  • the coding plate 20 has a plurality of openings 22 which are arranged such that one of the pins 11 projects through one of the openings.
  • the coding plate 20 is inserted into the support plate 10 so that its underside rests on the bottom of the support plate.
  • the pins 11 prevent it from slipping sideways. Furthermore, it is centered relative to the support plate.
  • the third assembly is the membrane 30, which consists of elastic material and is electrically conductive at least opposite to the switch contact surfaces 21 on its underside.
  • the membrane 30 is electrically conductive on its entire underside, for example by a coating of conductive lacquer.
  • the membrane 30 lies on the upper end face of the pins 11 and on the edges of the side walls 15.
  • the length of the pins 11 is selected so that the pins protrude from the coding plate 20 to such an extent that they hold the membrane at such a distance above the switching contact surfaces that, on the one hand, undesirable contact between the membrane and the switching contact surfaces 21 in the event of mechanical shocks are avoided, and on the other hand the membrane 30 touches the switching contact surfaces 21 of the selected switching contact by finger pressure at selected “switching points” in the direction of the arrows 32 and thus electrically connect them to one another.
  • the widening 17 of the side walls 15 acts together with the bevels 16 as a snap lock, which secures the coding plate 20 against falling out.
  • the coding plate 20 can be glued to the support plate 10 and in particular in the area of the pins 11.
  • an adhesive can be present between the inside diameter of the openings 22 and the outside diameter of the pins 11.
  • the pins 11 can be given a thickened head 12 by hot upsetting or ultrasonic welding, as a result of which the coding plate 20 is also positively secured in the area of the pins against falling out.
  • care must be taken that the length of the pins 11 is selected such that the shortening that occurs during hot upsetting still leaves a sufficient distance between the underside 31 of the membrane 30 and the switch contact surfaces 21.
  • a "four-point support” is provided, ie the membrane is supported with respect to each switching contact surface 21 by four pins. Since in FIGS. 3 and 4 the switching contact surfaces 21 are arranged in rows and columns in a uniform division are, in both embodiments, the pins 11 can be arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the center of the switch contact surface, ie they lie on a circle, the center of which is also the center of the switch contact surface.
  • the pins 11 lie at intersection points of diagonals 23, which connect the center points of diagonally adjacent switching contact surfaces 21 to one another. In relation to the row and column arrangement of the switching contact surfaces 21, the pins 11 arranged around a switching contact surface thus form a square.
  • FIG. 4 is also a "four-point support".
  • the individual pins 11 lie on straight lines 24, which connect the center points of the switching contact surfaces 21 in rows and columns. Furthermore, the pins 11 lie on these lines in such a way that they lie exactly in the middle between two adjacent switching contact surfaces.
  • the pins surrounding a switch contact surface thus also span a square, which, however, is rotated by 45 ° with respect to the squares of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 6 shows a further development of the support plate 10.
  • This has webs 13 and 14 projecting perpendicularly from their base for the purpose of stiffening, a pin 11 each projecting upwards at the crossings of the webs 13 and 14.
  • the coding plate is then only on the upper end of the webs.
  • the side walls 15 are raised, similarly to FIG. 1, so that their end faces lie in one plane with the end faces of the pins 11.
  • the membrane then also lies here on the pins 11 and the end faces of the side walls 15.

Claims (12)

  1. Clavier à membrane muni d'une plaque de codage (20) qui comporte des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur électrique (21), et d'une membrane flexible (30) qui est disposée à distance, en face de la plaque de codage (20) et qui comporte des zones électriquement conductrices au moins en face des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur, des éléments d'écartement non électriquement conducteurs étant prévus entre la plaque de codage (20) et la membrane (30), ces éléments s'étendant depuis des ouvertures (22) de la plaque de codage (20) prévues latéralement à côté des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur (21) au-delà de la surface extérieure de cette plaque jusqu'à la membrane (30), caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu une plaque d'appui (10) sur laquelle est disposée la plaque de codage (20), en ce que les éléments d'écartement sont constitués par des broches (11), en ce que les broches (11) sont ancrées sur la plaque d'appui (10) et s'étendent en saillie à partir de la plaque d'appui (10) à travers les ouvertures (22) de la plaque de codage (20) et en ce que la section des broches (11) correspond à la section des ouvertures (22).
  2. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les broches (11) sont reliées monobloc à la plaque d'appui (10).
  3. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu' entre le diamètre intérieur des ouvertures (22) de la plaque de codage (20) et le diamètre extérieur des broches (11) est disposé un adhésif.
  4. Clavier à membrane selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ouvertures (22) et les broches (11) sont disposées selon une symétrie de rotation en vue de dessus par rapport aux centres des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur (21).
  5. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les ouvertures (22) et les broches (11) sont disposées selon un réseau de même forme et de telle façon qu'elles se trouvent au point de croisement de diagonales (23) qui relient les centres des surfaces de contact d'interrupteurs (21) voisines.
  6. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les ouvertures (22) et les broches (11) sont disposées selon un réseau de même forme et de telle façon, en fait, qu'elles se trouvent sur des droites (24) qui relient les centres des surfaces de contact d'interrupteurs (21) par lignes et par colonnes et dans lequel, en outre, les ouvertures (22) et les broches (11) sont à la même distance par rapport aux centres de chaque surface de contact d'interrupteur directement voisine.
  7. Clavier à membrane selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ouvertures (22) et les broches (11) sont disposées tout autour de chacune des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur (21), de telle façon que les lignes de liaison (25, 26, 27) forment un triangle dans lequel se trouve le centre des surfaces de contact d'interrupteur associées (21).
  8. Clavier à membrane selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que la plaque d'appui (10) comporte à partir de son fond des traverses partant verticalement (13, 14), une broche (11) dépassant chaque fois au-dessus de l'arête supérieure des traverses aux points de croisement des traverses.
  9. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les parois latérales (15) de la plaque d'appui (10) sont situées dans un même plan que la face frontale supérieure des broches (11).
  10. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que les parois latérales (15) de la plaque d'appui (10) comportent une tête plus épaisse (17) qui présente une partie inclinée (16) qui est inclinée vers l'intérieur, c'est-à-dire en s'éloignant de la paroi latérale opposée.
  11. Clavier à membrane selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la membrane (30) est électriquement conductrice sur toute sa face inférieure.
  12. Clavier à membrane selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que la membrane (30) est réalisée en un matériau homogène et électriquement conducteur.
EP87105500A 1986-04-17 1987-04-14 Clavier à membrane Expired - Lifetime EP0241906B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8610553U DE8610553U1 (de) 1986-04-17 1986-04-17 Membrantastatur
DE8610553U 1986-04-17

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0241906A2 EP0241906A2 (fr) 1987-10-21
EP0241906A3 EP0241906A3 (en) 1989-12-27
EP0241906B1 true EP0241906B1 (fr) 1992-09-30

Family

ID=6793782

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87105500A Expired - Lifetime EP0241906B1 (fr) 1986-04-17 1987-04-14 Clavier à membrane

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US4771143A (fr)
EP (1) EP0241906B1 (fr)
DE (2) DE8610553U1 (fr)
FI (1) FI84671C (fr)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8610553U1 (de) * 1986-04-17 1986-05-28 Wilhelm Ruf Kg, 8000 Muenchen Membrantastatur
EP0322514A3 (fr) * 1987-12-30 1990-09-12 Hewlett-Packard Company Interrupteur pour clavier
JP2522514B2 (ja) * 1988-03-10 1996-08-07 シャープ株式会社 操作入力装置
US5220136A (en) * 1991-11-26 1993-06-15 Elographics, Inc. Contact touchscreen with an improved insulated spacer arrangement
GB2345193B (en) 1998-12-22 2002-07-24 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Metallic keys
US6657146B1 (en) 2000-03-28 2003-12-02 Thomson Licensing, S.A. Button ball and alignment rib
JP4359812B2 (ja) 2002-07-08 2009-11-11 日本電気株式会社 スイッチ一体型筐体およびこれを有する電子機器
US6639165B1 (en) * 2002-10-28 2003-10-28 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Multiple contact fluid pressure switch
GB0403854D0 (en) * 2004-02-20 2004-03-24 Pelikon Ltd Switches
JP5177423B2 (ja) * 2006-02-13 2013-04-03 日本電気株式会社 スイッチおよびこれを有する電子機器
JP4598721B2 (ja) * 2006-05-22 2010-12-15 シャープ株式会社 操作キー部品
US20110290628A1 (en) * 2010-05-31 2011-12-01 Sunrex Technology Corp Membrane keyboard with parts being fixedly secured together

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3600528A (en) * 1969-09-25 1971-08-17 Lematex Corp Multiple switch construction
US4128744A (en) * 1977-02-22 1978-12-05 Chomerics, Inc. Keyboard with concave and convex domes
JPS56128523A (en) * 1980-03-11 1981-10-08 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Method of producing keyboard switch
US4375585A (en) * 1981-01-08 1983-03-01 Atari, Inc. Deformable switch keyboard
FR2541523B1 (fr) * 1983-02-17 1985-10-25 Metallo Ste Fse Preselecteur matriciel
JPS6059429U (ja) * 1983-09-30 1985-04-25 アルプス電気株式会社 スイツチ装置
US4489227A (en) * 1984-01-11 1984-12-18 Sheldahl, Inc. Back lighted, full travel push button membrane keyboard
DE8610553U1 (de) * 1986-04-17 1986-05-28 Wilhelm Ruf Kg, 8000 Muenchen Membrantastatur

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI84671B (fi) 1991-09-13
EP0241906A2 (fr) 1987-10-21
DE3781924D1 (de) 1992-11-05
FI84671C (fi) 1991-12-27
FI871679A0 (fi) 1987-04-15
FI871679A (fi) 1987-10-18
EP0241906A3 (en) 1989-12-27
DE8610553U1 (de) 1986-05-28
US4771143A (en) 1988-09-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE3624579C2 (de) Fassung für einen IC-Träger
EP0236260B1 (fr) Elément de construction pour maquettes, en particulier pour jeux de construction
EP0154870A2 (fr) Arrangement pour dévier la lumière
EP0241906B1 (fr) Clavier à membrane
EP0088365B1 (fr) Clavier
DE2551761B2 (de) Tastenfeldmatrix
DE7521482U (de) Tastschalter mit Tellerfeder
DE2235860B2 (de) Steuergerät mit mindestens einer elektrischen Kontaktsteuervorrichtung
DE10324295A1 (de) Elektrischer Miniaturschalter mit mehreren Schaltkanälen
DE3503847C2 (de) Lenkrad-Plattenschalter
DE4444923A1 (de) Gedruckte Schaltkarte mit E/A Anschlußflächen auf Nebenflächen
DE8302660U1 (de) Tastenanordnung zur Auslösung von bestimmten Symbolen der Tastenoberfläche jeweils zugeordneten Schaltfunktionen oder Schaltsignalen.
DE2244438A1 (de) Elektrische tastatur fuer bueromaschinen
DE2515185A1 (de) Elektrischer schnappschalter
DE3643124C2 (fr)
DE3109313C2 (fr)
EP0131185A2 (fr) Interrupteur à bouton poussoir
DE4102631C2 (de) Drucktastenschalter
DE2939922A1 (de) Elektrische verbinderanordnung
DE2452944C3 (de) Tastenschaltersystem
DE3811737A1 (de) Drucktastenanordnung
DE3703903A1 (de) Elektrische anordnung mit einer mehrzahl von gleitelementen
DE8432252U1 (de) Gehäuse zur Aufnahme von Anzeige- oder Bedienelementen
DE3414009A1 (de) Tastschalter
DE3440226A1 (de) Bauelementensatz fuer spielzwecke

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

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19900625

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19910319

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: DE DOMINICIS & MAYER S.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT SE

ET Fr: translation filed
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3781924

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19921105

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19930414

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

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19930415

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

26N No opposition filed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19930414

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

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19931229

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

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19940101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 87105500.0

Effective date: 19931110

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

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050414