EP0322515A2 - Tastatur mit Entlüftung - Google Patents

Tastatur mit Entlüftung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0322515A2
EP0322515A2 EP88115128A EP88115128A EP0322515A2 EP 0322515 A2 EP0322515 A2 EP 0322515A2 EP 88115128 A EP88115128 A EP 88115128A EP 88115128 A EP88115128 A EP 88115128A EP 0322515 A2 EP0322515 A2 EP 0322515A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keyboard
dome
accordance
switch
channels
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP88115128A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0322515A3 (de
Inventor
Brian G. Spreadbury
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.)
HP Inc
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Co
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 Hewlett Packard Co filed Critical Hewlett Packard Co
Publication of EP0322515A2 publication Critical patent/EP0322515A2/de
Publication of EP0322515A3 publication Critical patent/EP0322515A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01H13/702—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
    • H01H2203/00—Form of contacts
    • H01H2203/02—Interspersed fingers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/002—Venting with external pressure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/01—Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2213/00—Venting
    • H01H2213/01—Venting with internal pressure of other switch sites
    • H01H2213/014—Accumulator chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H01H2215/006—Only mechanical function
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/002—Layer thickness
    • H01H2227/006—Spacer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/018—Printed contacts; Metal foil
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/022—Collapsable dome

Definitions

  • This invention relates to keyboard systems. More parti­cularly, this invention relates to keyboard systems for elec­tronic devices such as calculators.
  • keyboard systems in use in vari­ous types of electronic devices such as calculators.
  • Some of these keyboard systems such as are found in some portable calculators, involve the use of a dome sheet over a printed circuit which is in turn supported or carried on a relatively rigid substrate.
  • the dome sheet includes a plurality of domes in a prede­termined pattern which is in registry with a pattern of switch locations on the printed circuitry.
  • a dome When a dome is depressed or collapsed by finger pressure it causes a corresponding con­nection to be made in the underlying switch in the printed circuitry. This may be effected by finger pressure directly on the dome or indirectly by finger pressure on a key button positioned over the dome.
  • Previous keyboards of this type have included a spacer sheet between the dome sheet and the printed circuitry. A series of slots were die cut in the spacer sheet to allow for air to be forced out from beneath a dome when the dome is depressed or collapsed.
  • keyboards which comprise spaced-apart parallel conductors at each switch site. When the upper conductor is deflected down­wardly to contact the lower conductor an electrical connection is made. The air which is present between the two conductors should be vented in some manner to prevent mushiness of key action.
  • the present invention provides a system which represents an improvement in venting techniques in a keyboard such as is used in a calculator, for example.
  • an improved keyboard comprising in one embodiment:
  • Each switch site communicates with at least one of the chan­nels in a manner such that air present under a dome is forced into one of the channels when the dome is deflected downward­ly.
  • channels in the upper surface of the base member avoids the need for die cutting a spacer sheet.
  • the spacer sheet could be left out, if desired. Even where the spacer sheet is used, there is no need to cut slots in it.
  • the electrical circuitry includes membrane switches comprising spaced-apart parallel conductors at each switch site.
  • membrane switches comprising spaced-apart parallel conductors at each switch site.
  • a key button may also be positioned over each switch site. Finger pressure is then applied to the key button.
  • keyboard embodi­ment 10 of the type which is useful, for example, in a port­able calculator or any other electronic device including switches and a keyboard.
  • the keyboard includes a rigid base member 12 which may be, for example, metal, plastic, etc. It is dimensionally stable and may vary in thickness so long as it retains its shape and provides a firm support.
  • the base member 12 includes a pattern of channels 14 which may all be interconnected to provide a pathway for air movement when a dome is depressed or collapsed, as described in more detail hereafter.
  • Each switch site on the printed circuit communicates with at least one such channel. If desired, all of the channels may interconnect with each other.
  • the channels may have varying cross-sectional configurations so long as they are capable of allowing air to move there­through when a dome is depressed.
  • the volume of each channel it is easier to alleviate the extent of air compression when a single switch is actuated.
  • a chamber may be provided in the base member into which air may be forced when a switch is actuated. If the base member is thin, however, this may not be entirely satisfactory.
  • the channels are provided in the upper surface of the base member. It is possible for the channels to be located below the upper surface so long as there is an appropriate aperture communicating between each switch site and a channel.
  • the printed circuitry comprises a thin dielectric layer 16 on which the required conductive paths are located.
  • the thickness of the layer 16 may vary, but it preferably is thin and flexible.
  • each such finger may vary, a width of about 0.005 to 0.020 inch is common.
  • the spacing between adjacent fingers may vary, although a spacing of about 0.005 to 0.020 inch is also common.
  • conductors may also be used at each switch site. All that is required is that there be two or more spaced conductors present which will complete an electri­cal connection when contacted with another conductor.
  • the conductors may be in parallel, spaced arrangement or in a spiral arrangement, etc.
  • Three pole switches may also be used if desired.
  • This spacer is preferably in the form of a sheet having a uniform thickness and having openings or cut-outs in a pattern which corresponds with the locations of the switch sites.
  • the spacer member is preferably a dielectric material, and it preferably has a thickness in the range of about 0.005 inch.
  • a typical spacer member is polyester film (which may be rigid or flexible).
  • the spacer member may be conductive so long as it is electrically insulated from the printed circuitry.
  • each dome Positioned over the spacer member is the dome sheet 20.
  • This sheet includes a pattern of raised domes 24 which are in registry with the switch sites on the printed circuitry.
  • the bottom surface of each dome includes a thin conductive layer or coating 22.
  • layer 22 may comprise a conductive ink or conductive particles in a polymerized coating.
  • Each dome may be formed in the dome sheet by means of heat and pressure, for example, when the sheet is plastic.
  • the dome sheet is flexible and resilient so that each dome can be depressed or collapsed by means of finger pressure and will then return to its original shape and position when the finger pressure is released.
  • each dome is normally the same.
  • each dome is circular and has a diameter of about 0.25 inch. Other sizes may, of course, be used in this invention.
  • a dome When finger pressure is used to depress or collapse a dome (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 2) the conductive layer 22 on the underside of the dome comes into contact with the interdigitated fingers 17 and 17A on the printed circuitry at a switch site. At the same time the air present under dome 24 is forced through aperture 14A and into channel 14. This allows the air to dissipate through the channel system. If desired, there may also be included a vent aperture 14B com­municating between channel 14 and the atmosphere, as illus­trated in Figure 5. This is not required, however, and could allow moisture to enter the keyboard.
  • the spacer sheet 18 is optional, It's presence is pre­ferred, however, because it increases the distance which the dome can travel as it is being depressed or collapsed. This provides a better "feel" to the key being operated.
  • the domes may be integral with a sheet as illustrated in the drawings, or the domes may be individual components posi­tioned over and in registry with the switch sites.
  • the dome sheet may be dielectric (e.g., plastic) or it may comprise a thin metal sheet (e.g., cold rolled stainless steel).
  • the dome sheet may be bonded to the top of the circuitry (or to the top of the spacer member, if present) or it may be clamped in place.
  • keyboard 30 of the invention which includes spaced-apart, parallel conductors 34 and 35 as a membrane switch on base member 37.
  • a spacer member 33 is positioned between the con­ductors 34 and 35 except in the area of the switch site.
  • a dome sheet 31 having dome 31A may be positioned on top of the structure, as illustrated, with a spacer member 32 positioned between the dome sheet and the upper conductor 34, except in the area of the switch site.
  • the upper surface of the base member includes a channel 36 which communicates with the air space between the conduc­tors 34 and 35 via aperture 36A in the lower conductor 35. This allows air present between the conductors to exit and enter the channel 36 when the conductor 34 is deflected down­wardly to contact conductor 35 and actuate the switch.
  • conductor 34 may also include an aperture to enable air present under the dome to enter into the channel when the dome is depressed or collapsed.
  • Layers 34 and 35 are thin and may comprise metal or, alternatively, may comprise plastic or other such dielectric material with a conductive matter on the opposing surfaces of layers 34 and 35.
  • Dome sheet 31 may be metal or plastic. Because the elec­trical connection for the switch is made when layer 34 con­tacts layer 35, it is not necessary for the underside of dome 31A to be conductive.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of keyboard 40 of the invention which includes membrane switches.
  • One such mem­brane switch is illustrated. It includes spaced-apart paral­lel layers 42 and 43 which are separated by spacer member 41 except in the area of the switch site.
  • spacer member 41 except in the area of the switch site.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP19880115128 1987-12-30 1988-09-15 Tastatur mit Entlüftung Withdrawn EP0322515A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13941587A 1987-12-30 1987-12-30
US139415 1987-12-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0322515A2 true EP0322515A2 (de) 1989-07-05
EP0322515A3 EP0322515A3 (de) 1990-09-12

Family

ID=22486538

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19880115128 Withdrawn EP0322515A3 (de) 1987-12-30 1988-09-15 Tastatur mit Entlüftung

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0322515A3 (de)
JP (1) JPH01209616A (de)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0917167A1 (de) * 1997-07-23 1999-05-19 Molex Incorporated Elektrischer Schalter und Schaltungsanordnung
US6417467B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2002-07-09 Takeo Yamagata Sheet with movable contacts and sheet switch
WO2004008096A1 (en) * 2002-07-10 2004-01-22 Ab Beheer B.V. Hand pressure sensor warning device
US6727445B2 (en) * 2001-06-14 2004-04-27 Secure Care Products, Inc. Sensor pads for patient monitoring devices
EP1528584A2 (de) * 2000-05-22 2005-05-04 Digit Wireless, Llc Eingabegeräte und ihre Verwendung
US7056042B2 (en) 2002-05-30 2006-06-06 Nokia Corporation Cover structure for a keypad
DE10158629B4 (de) * 2000-11-29 2006-08-10 Yazaki Corp. Schalter
DE10158580B4 (de) * 2000-11-29 2006-09-28 Yazaki Corp. Schalter
US7145092B2 (en) 2005-02-25 2006-12-05 Nokia Corporation Keyboard structure
DE102004058482A9 (de) * 2003-12-05 2006-12-21 Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd., Fujiyoshida Tastenflächenelementmodul
US7214874B2 (en) * 2004-11-04 2007-05-08 International Business Machines Corporation Venting device for tamper resistant electronic modules
US7391861B2 (en) 2000-05-22 2008-06-24 Digit Wireless, Llc Input devices and their use
EP2114727A2 (de) * 2007-01-05 2009-11-11 Johnson Controls Technology Company Tiefzugformungs-hinterfolie mit mehreren enden
EP2175465A1 (de) 2008-10-07 2010-04-14 Research In Motion Limited Abgedichtete Kuppelschaltung für eine mobile elektronische Vorrichtung
DE102009051829A1 (de) * 2009-11-04 2011-05-05 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Elektrischer Schalter
US8002564B2 (en) * 2009-09-22 2011-08-23 Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Housing of portable electronic device
US8066191B1 (en) * 2009-04-06 2011-11-29 Dynamics Inc. Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
WO2018064077A3 (en) * 2016-09-29 2018-05-11 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Construction and protection of components in negative pressure wound therapy systems

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2571274Y2 (ja) * 1991-09-12 1998-05-18 松下電器産業株式会社 パネルスイッチ
KR20040088165A (ko) * 2003-04-09 2004-10-16 이수호 피씨비형 택트 스위치
KR100607042B1 (ko) * 2003-06-07 2006-08-01 이수호 피씨비 택트 스위치
JP5555547B2 (ja) * 2010-05-31 2014-07-23 ホシデン株式会社 キースイッチ

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995126A (en) * 1975-04-03 1976-11-30 Magic Dot, Inc. Membrane keyboard apparatus
EP0051749A1 (de) * 1980-11-06 1982-05-19 PREH, Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Jakob Preh Nachf. GmbH & Co. Tastatur
US4423294A (en) * 1982-06-17 1983-12-27 The Hall Company Laminate switch assembly having improved durability
US4463234A (en) * 1983-11-02 1984-07-31 Centralab Inc. Tactile feel membrane switch assembly
GB2183401A (en) * 1985-11-22 1987-06-03 Morse Nena Switch assembly
GB2191340A (en) * 1986-05-20 1987-12-09 Amalgamated Wireless Australas Interchangeable designation for membrane keyboard

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995126A (en) * 1975-04-03 1976-11-30 Magic Dot, Inc. Membrane keyboard apparatus
EP0051749A1 (de) * 1980-11-06 1982-05-19 PREH, Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Jakob Preh Nachf. GmbH & Co. Tastatur
US4423294A (en) * 1982-06-17 1983-12-27 The Hall Company Laminate switch assembly having improved durability
US4463234A (en) * 1983-11-02 1984-07-31 Centralab Inc. Tactile feel membrane switch assembly
GB2183401A (en) * 1985-11-22 1987-06-03 Morse Nena Switch assembly
GB2191340A (en) * 1986-05-20 1987-12-09 Amalgamated Wireless Australas Interchangeable designation for membrane keyboard

Cited By (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6100484A (en) * 1997-07-23 2000-08-08 Molex Incorporated Electrical switch with insert-molded circuitry
EP0917167A1 (de) * 1997-07-23 1999-05-19 Molex Incorporated Elektrischer Schalter und Schaltungsanordnung
US6417467B1 (en) * 1999-06-29 2002-07-09 Takeo Yamagata Sheet with movable contacts and sheet switch
US8094806B2 (en) 2000-05-22 2012-01-10 Nuance Communications, Inc. Input devices and their use
US7391861B2 (en) 2000-05-22 2008-06-24 Digit Wireless, Llc Input devices and their use
EP1528584A2 (de) * 2000-05-22 2005-05-04 Digit Wireless, Llc Eingabegeräte und ihre Verwendung
EP1528584A3 (de) * 2000-05-22 2005-05-25 Digit Wireless, Llc Eingabegeräte und ihre Verwendung
DE10158580B4 (de) * 2000-11-29 2006-09-28 Yazaki Corp. Schalter
DE10158629B4 (de) * 2000-11-29 2006-08-10 Yazaki Corp. Schalter
US6727445B2 (en) * 2001-06-14 2004-04-27 Secure Care Products, Inc. Sensor pads for patient monitoring devices
US7056042B2 (en) 2002-05-30 2006-06-06 Nokia Corporation Cover structure for a keypad
US7362231B2 (en) 2002-07-10 2008-04-22 Arie Cornelis Bos Hand pressure sensor warning device
WO2004008096A1 (en) * 2002-07-10 2004-01-22 Ab Beheer B.V. Hand pressure sensor warning device
DE102004058482B4 (de) * 2003-12-05 2015-08-20 Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. Folienschaltfeld
DE102004058482A9 (de) * 2003-12-05 2006-12-21 Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd., Fujiyoshida Tastenflächenelementmodul
US8287336B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2012-10-16 International Business Machines Corporation Method of manufacturing a venting device for tamper resistant electronic modules
US7214874B2 (en) * 2004-11-04 2007-05-08 International Business Machines Corporation Venting device for tamper resistant electronic modules
US8961280B2 (en) 2004-11-04 2015-02-24 International Business Machines Corporation Method of manufacturing a venting device for tamper resistant electronic modules
US7145092B2 (en) 2005-02-25 2006-12-05 Nokia Corporation Keyboard structure
EP2114727A2 (de) * 2007-01-05 2009-11-11 Johnson Controls Technology Company Tiefzugformungs-hinterfolie mit mehreren enden
EP2114727A4 (de) * 2007-01-05 2011-02-16 Johnson Controls Tech Co Tiefzugformungs-hinterfolie mit mehreren enden
US8507820B2 (en) 2008-10-07 2013-08-13 Research In Motion Limited Sealed dome switch for mobile electronic device
US8089017B2 (en) 2008-10-07 2012-01-03 Research In Motion Limited Sealed dome switch for mobile electronic device
EP2175465A1 (de) 2008-10-07 2010-04-14 Research In Motion Limited Abgedichtete Kuppelschaltung für eine mobile elektronische Vorrichtung
US8172148B1 (en) 2009-04-06 2012-05-08 Dynamics Inc. Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
US8066191B1 (en) * 2009-04-06 2011-11-29 Dynamics Inc. Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
US9928456B1 (en) 2009-04-06 2018-03-27 Dynamics Inc. Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
US10176419B1 (en) 2009-04-06 2019-01-08 Dynamics Inc. Cards and assemblies with user interfaces
US8002564B2 (en) * 2009-09-22 2011-08-23 Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Housing of portable electronic device
DE102009051829A1 (de) * 2009-11-04 2011-05-05 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Elektrischer Schalter
DE102009051829B4 (de) * 2009-11-04 2014-05-28 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Elektrischer Schalter
WO2018064077A3 (en) * 2016-09-29 2018-05-11 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Construction and protection of components in negative pressure wound therapy systems
US11369730B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2022-06-28 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Construction and protection of components in negative pressure wound therapy systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0322515A3 (de) 1990-09-12
JPH01209616A (ja) 1989-08-23

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