EP0616344B1 - Keyboard - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0616344B1
EP0616344B1 EP93105222A EP93105222A EP0616344B1 EP 0616344 B1 EP0616344 B1 EP 0616344B1 EP 93105222 A EP93105222 A EP 93105222A EP 93105222 A EP93105222 A EP 93105222A EP 0616344 B1 EP0616344 B1 EP 0616344B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
keyboard
guide
key
mat
rubber
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
EP93105222A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0616344A1 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Hochgesang
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.)
PrehKeyTec GmbH
Original Assignee
Preh GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0616344A1 publication Critical patent/EP0616344A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0616344B1 publication Critical patent/EP0616344B1/en
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    • 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
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/022—Modular assembly
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/034—Positioning of layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/12—Push-buttons
    • H01H3/122—Push-buttons with enlarged actuating area, e.g. of the elongated bar-type; Stabilising means therefor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a keyboard with a plurality of guide parts according to the preamble of claim 1 (see US-A-4 531 033),
  • Keyboards with a large number of guide parts are known. They are characterized in that the functional elements required for a single key position are reproduced in levels and are available as one-piece parts for several or all key positions. Such levels are easy to use and ultimately lead to inexpensive keyboards.
  • the design and arrangement of the individual keyboard levels can be different. For example, it is known to additionally equip the domes of the rubber-like mat with electrically conductive partial surfaces for switching purposes (EP-A-0 453 274).
  • the contact plane can consist of a film coated with guide surfaces, which, if necessary, has a supporting plane under it for mechanical stabilization.
  • Printed circuit boards with e.g. etched guide surfaces EP-A-0 398 186).
  • the document US 4,531,033 C1 shows a multi-key guide with a keyboard housing in one piece, in which adjacent segments can be separated by separating one or more stable webs.
  • the number and distribution of the key positions are determined by the production tool in the case of keyboards of the type described in the introduction, this applies in particular to the complicated design of a multiple key guide. Subsequent changes in the dimension of the key field resulting from all key positions would be economically feasible without a new tool.
  • the invention had the object to facilitate the design of a keypad in keyboards of the type described in such a way that even smaller production quantities of different keyboards can be manufactured economically.
  • the segments can be separated, for example by punching with simple stamps, and, on the other hand, the desired mechanical stability is maintained by appropriately dimensioning the webs and by virtue of the fact that part of the tangent receptacles are standardized.
  • the subclaims contain advantageous developments of the invention.
  • the invention relates to a keyboard which is composed of several levels, each level fulfilling a specific function and this function being available at every key position on the keyboard.
  • a keyboard is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
  • Keys 1 arranged in a uniform grid form the keypad of the keyboard as a whole.
  • Each key 1 is slidably mounted in a guide part 2.
  • All guide parts 2 together form a one-piece multiple key guide 3 and each guide part 2 is a segment of the multiple key guide 3.
  • the multiple key guide 3 rests on a rubber-like mat 4.
  • Dome 5 are formed on the mat 4, each in a Extend guide part 2.
  • the domes 5 hold a respective button 1 elastically in their starting position; a key 1 actuated by pressing is reset to its initial position by the dome 5 assigned to it.
  • a support plate 6 additionally stiffens the keyboard against twisting.
  • the keyboard is to be attached to a housing using holes 7 in the support plate 6, for example.
  • the conductor pattern of the contact plane 8 consists of contact surfaces 18 and connecting lines 10 (FIG. 7). The position of the contact surfaces 18 is assigned to the keys 1.
  • the connecting lines 10 are guided to the outside via a tongue 11 of the contact plane 8.
  • the various levels of the keyboard have continuously aligned holes 12 which engage in the pins 13 and hold the keyboards together.
  • the keys 1 have 14 symbols on their actuating surface as indications of the function which is triggered when the corresponding key 1 is depressed.
  • the multiple key guide 3 forms one level of the keyboard (FIG. 3, FIG. 4).
  • Each segment of the multiple key guide lying in the grid of the keys 1 contains a guide part 2 with guide grooves 15 which engage in the guide elements of the keys, not shown, and which are displaceably supported between end positions.
  • Adjacent segments of the multiple key guide 3 are each connected by a stable web 17.
  • the webs 17 have flat surfaces, they can be cut with the help of a simple tool with a stamp gradually or in groups. With this possibility, smaller units can be generated from a more extensive multiple key guide 3 with little effort, if necessary.
  • the multiple key guide 3 can be divided with little effort, in particular along predetermined dividing lines.
  • the dividing lines in the extension of the arrows T favor the generation of preferred sizes with, for example, 4 x 4, 4 x 5, 6 x 5 or 8 x 4 keys.
  • the segments have receptacles 16 on all sides in their border area for mounting a parallel guide member. Large buttons, the operating surface of which covers several guide parts, require a parallel guide link.
  • the receptacles 16 for a parallel guide element lie in the edge region of a segment, on the border to the neighboring segment.
  • the tangent receptacles 16 'of adjacent segments are formed together.
  • the receptacles 16 ′′ are divided accordingly only along the predetermined dividing lines (arrow T).
  • Bores 12 are made in some webs 17, these are used for assembly with further levels of the keyboards. Instead of the holes 12, pins for welding the keyboards could also be formed. The holes 12 are distributed over the surface of the multiple key guide 3 that they can also be used for smaller units.
  • the rubber-like mat 4 carries molded domes 5 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6).
  • the domes 5 are also in the grid of the keys 1.
  • the domes 5 represent spring elements for an elastic return of actuated keys 1 to their rest position.
  • the domes 5 are electrically conductive on their inner surface (9). When the assigned key 1 is pressed, the inner surface 9 is pressed against a contact surface 18 of the contact plane 8 and causes a switching operation by short-circuiting the contact surface electrodes.
  • the level of the rubber-like mat 4 with the dome-like restoring elements can be easily divided by hand, if necessary, by indentations 19 and can therefore be adapted to smaller units of multiple key guides without any problems.
  • the holes 12 of the rubber-like mat 4 correspond to the holes 12 of the multiple key guide 3, they also serve to assemble the keyboard.
  • FIG. 7 shows a section of the contact plane 8 with contact surfaces 18 and connecting lines 10 leading to the tongue 11.
  • the contact surfaces 18 are aligned with the keys 1.
  • the contact plane 1 itself consists of an insulating film which is provided on one side with a conductor pattern applied in several layers . Insulating layers separate connecting cables that cross. A contact level made of insulating film can be easily dimensioned mechanically using a knife or scissors.
  • the connecting lines 10 and the contact surfaces 18 are to be adapted to the conditions of a new, smaller keyboard and therefore always have to be newly manufactured; a division of existing contact levels would separate connecting lines and electrically isolate the associated contact surfaces.
  • the final support plate 6 as a support for the contact plane is not shown in detail.
  • the level of the multiple key guide 3, the level of the mat 4 with the restoring elements, the contact level 8 and the support plate 6 as a support level are placed one above the other in mutual alignment and e.g. held together by welded pins 13.
  • the keyboard is finished. If a smaller unit of the keyboard is desired, then separation tools may be required for appropriate dimensioning of the levels; new molds for multiple key guides are no longer required.

Landscapes

  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Tastatur mit einer Vielzahl von Führungsteilen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 (siehe US-A-4 531 033),The invention relates to a keyboard with a plurality of guide parts according to the preamble of claim 1 (see US-A-4 531 033),

Tastaturen mit einer Vielzahl von Führungsteilen sind bekannt. Sie zeichnen sich dadurch aus, daß die für eine einzelne Tastenposition erforderlichen Funktionselemente in Ebenen vervielfältigt als einstückige Teile für mehrere oder alle Tastenpositionen verfügbar sind. Solche Ebenen sind einfach zu handhaben und führen letztlich zu preisgünstigen Tastaturen. Die Ausgestaltung und Anordnung der einzelnen Tastaturen-Ebene kann unterschiedlich sein. Beispielsweise ist bekannt, die Dome der gummiartigen Matte zusätzlich mit elektrisch leitenden Teilflächen für Schaltzwecke auszurüsten (EP-A-0 453 274). Die Kontaktebene kann aus einer mit Leitflächen beschichteten Folie bestehen, der erforderlichenfalls eine Tragebene zur mechanischen Stabilisierung untergelegt ist. Als Kontaktebene bekannt sind auch Leiterplatten mit z.B. freigeätzten Leitflächen (EP-A-0 398 186). Das Dokument US 4,531,033 C1 zeigt eine Mehrfach-Tastenführung mit einem Tastatur-Gehäuse in einstückiger Ausformung, bei der benachbarte Segmente durch Abtrennen eines oder mehrer stabiler Stege abgetrennt werden können.Keyboards with a large number of guide parts are known. They are characterized in that the functional elements required for a single key position are reproduced in levels and are available as one-piece parts for several or all key positions. Such levels are easy to use and ultimately lead to inexpensive keyboards. The design and arrangement of the individual keyboard levels can be different. For example, it is known to additionally equip the domes of the rubber-like mat with electrically conductive partial surfaces for switching purposes (EP-A-0 453 274). The contact plane can consist of a film coated with guide surfaces, which, if necessary, has a supporting plane under it for mechanical stabilization. Printed circuit boards with e.g. etched guide surfaces (EP-A-0 398 186). The document US 4,531,033 C1 shows a multi-key guide with a keyboard housing in one piece, in which adjacent segments can be separated by separating one or more stable webs.

Anzahl und Verteilung der Tastenpositionen sind bei Tastaturen der eingangs bezeichneten Art durch das Fertigungswerkzeug bestimmt, dies gilt insbesondere für die komplizierte Ausgestaltung einer MehrfachTastenführung. Im nachhinein gewünschte Änderungen in der Dimension des aus allen Tastenpositionen sich ergebenenden Tastenfeldes wären so ohne ein neues Werkzeug wirtschaftlich zu verwirklichen.The number and distribution of the key positions are determined by the production tool in the case of keyboards of the type described in the introduction, this applies in particular to the complicated design of a multiple key guide. Subsequent changes in the dimension of the key field resulting from all key positions would be economically feasible without a new tool.

Es sind auch andere Lösungen bekannt, die eine beliebige oder begrenzte Gestaltbarkeit eines Tastenfeldes zulassen. So ist beispielsweise in der DE 37 19 839 C1 vorgeschlagen, ein beliebiges Tastenfeld aufzubauen durch allseitiges Aneinanderreihen einzelner Tastenführungen, die auf einer gemeinsamen Platte befestigt sind. Bei diesem Vorschlag ist vorgesehen, daß zwischen dem Tastenkopf und dem Führungskörper eine Schere vorgesehen ist, die zwei Arme aufweist. An den Armen sind jeweils ein Zapfen ausgebildet. An dem Führungskörper sind für diese Zapfen Eingriffsschlitze vorgesehen. Diese lassen sich nur bei einzelnen Tastenführungen gießtechnisch herstellen. Derart vereinzelte oder gruppierte Funktionselemente einer Tastatur sind aufwendig zu handhaben.Other solutions are known which allow any or limited design of a keypad. For example, in DE 37 19 839 C1 it is proposed to build up an arbitrary keypad by stringing together individual key guides, which are fastened on a common plate. In this proposal it is provided that a pair of scissors is provided between the key head and the guide body, which has two arms. A pin is formed on each arm. Engagement slots are provided on the guide body for these pins. These can only be cast using individual key guides. Such isolated or grouped functional elements of a keyboard are difficult to handle.

Die Erfindung hatte die Aufgabe, bei Tastaturen der eingangs bezeichneten Art die Gestaltbarkeit eines Tastenfeldes in einer Weise zu erleichtern, daß auch kleinere Produktionsmengen unterschiedlicher Tastaturen wirtschaftlich zu fertigen sind.The invention had the object to facilitate the design of a keypad in keyboards of the type described in such a way that even smaller production quantities of different keyboards can be manufactured economically.

Diese Aufgabe ist durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 genannten Merkmale gelöst.This object is achieved by the features mentioned in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Mit diesen Merkmalen wird bei einer Mehrfach-Tastenführung neben dem geführten Halten von Tasten auch eine ausreichende Stabilität gegen Knicken oder Verwinden erreicht. Durch die Erfindung ist zum einen ein Trennen der Segmente, beispielsweise durch Stanzen mit einfachen Stempeln, einfach zu vollziehen und zum anderen bleibt durch entsprechendes Dimensionieren der Stege und dadurch, daß ein Teil der tangierenden Aufnahmen vereinheitlicht sind, die erwünschte mechanische Stabilität erhalten. Die Unteransprüche enthalten vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.With these features, in addition to the guided holding of keys, a sufficient stability against kinking or twisting is achieved with a multiple key guide. By means of the invention, on the one hand, the segments can be separated, for example by punching with simple stamps, and, on the other hand, the desired mechanical stability is maintained by appropriately dimensioning the webs and by virtue of the fact that part of the tangent receptacles are standardized. The subclaims contain advantageous developments of the invention.

Es folgt die Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispieles der Erfindung anhand Zeichnungen. Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1
    eine erfindungsgemäße Tastatur in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 2
    die Tastatur aus Figur 1 mit teilweise abgezogenen Betätigungstasten, in Draufsicht,
  • Figur 3
    die Mehrfach-Tastenführung der Tastatur aus Figur 1 bzw. Figur 2 in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 4
    die Mehrfach-Tastenführung aus Figur 3 in Draufsicht,
  • Figur 5
    die gummmiartige Matte aus Figur 1 in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 6
    die gummiartige Matte aus Figur 5 in Draufsicht und
  • Figur 7
    einen Endabschnitt der Kontaktebene der Tastatur aus Figur 1 bzw. Figur 2 in Draufsicht.
The following is a description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to drawings. Show it:
  • Figure 1
    a keyboard according to the invention in side view,
  • Figure 2
    1 the keyboard from FIG. 1 with the actuation keys partially removed, in a top view,
  • Figure 3
    the multiple key guide of the keyboard of Figure 1 or Figure 2 in side view,
  • Figure 4
    the multiple key guide from Figure 3 in plan view,
  • Figure 5
    the rubber-like mat of Figure 1 in side view,
  • Figure 6
    the rubber-like mat of Figure 5 in plan view and
  • Figure 7
    an end portion of the contact plane of the keyboard of Figure 1 or Figure 2 in plan view.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Tastatur, die sich aus mehreren Ebenen zusammensetzt, wobei jede Ebene eine bestimmt Funktion erfüllt und diese Funktion an jeder Tastenposition der Tastatur verfügbar ist. Eine solche Tastatur ist in Figur 1 bzw. Figur 2 dargestellt.The invention relates to a keyboard which is composed of several levels, each level fulfilling a specific function and this function being available at every key position on the keyboard. Such a keyboard is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Im einheitlichen Raster angeordnete Tasten 1 bilden in ihrer Gesamtheit das Tastenfeld der Tastatur. Jede Taste 1 ist in einem Führungsteil 2 verschieblich gelagert. Alle Führungsteile 2 bilden gemeinsam eine einstückige Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 und jedes Führungsteil 2 stellt sich als ein Segment der MehrfachTastenführung 3 dar. Die Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 ruht auf einer gummiartigen Matte 4. An der Matte 4 sind Dome 5 ausgeformt, die jeweils in ein Führungsteil 2 hineinragen. Die Dome 5 halten eine jeweilige Taste 1 elastisch in ihrer Ausgangslage; eine durch Drücken betätigte Taste 1 wird durch den ihr zugeordneten Dom 5 in ihre Ausgangslage zurückgestellt. Unterhalb der gummiartigen Matte 4 versteift ein Tragblech 6 die Tastatur zusätzlich gegen Verwinden. Die Tastatur ist anhand Bohrungen 7 im Tragblech 6 z.B. an einem Gehäuse zu befestigen. Zwischen der gummiartigen Matte 4 und dem Tragblech 6 ist eine auf ihrer Oberseite mit einem Leitermuster beschichtete Isolierfolie als Kontaktebene 8 eingefügt. Das Leitermuster der Kontaktebene 8 besteht aus Kontaktflächen 18 und Anschlußleitungen 10 (Figur 7). Die Kontaktflächen 18 sind hinsichtlich ihrer Position den Tasten 1 zugeordnet. Die Anschlußleitungen 10 sind über eine Zunge 11 der Kontaktebene 8 nach außen geführt.Keys 1 arranged in a uniform grid form the keypad of the keyboard as a whole. Each key 1 is slidably mounted in a guide part 2. All guide parts 2 together form a one-piece multiple key guide 3 and each guide part 2 is a segment of the multiple key guide 3. The multiple key guide 3 rests on a rubber-like mat 4. Dome 5 are formed on the mat 4, each in a Extend guide part 2. The domes 5 hold a respective button 1 elastically in their starting position; a key 1 actuated by pressing is reset to its initial position by the dome 5 assigned to it. Below the rubber-like mat 4, a support plate 6 additionally stiffens the keyboard against twisting. The keyboard is to be attached to a housing using holes 7 in the support plate 6, for example. Between the rubber-like mat 4 and the support plate 6, an insulating film coated on its upper side with a conductor pattern is inserted as the contact plane 8. The conductor pattern of the contact plane 8 consists of contact surfaces 18 and connecting lines 10 (FIG. 7). The position of the contact surfaces 18 is assigned to the keys 1. The connecting lines 10 are guided to the outside via a tongue 11 of the contact plane 8.

Die diversen Ebenen der Tastatur besitzen durchgehend fluchtende Bohrungen 12 in die Stifte 13 eingreifen und die Tastaturen zusammenhalten. Die Tasten 1 tragen auf ihrer Betätigungsfläche 14 Symbole als Hinweise auf die Funktion, die beim Niederdrucken der entsprechenden Taste 1 ausgelöst wird.The various levels of the keyboard have continuously aligned holes 12 which engage in the pins 13 and hold the keyboards together. The keys 1 have 14 symbols on their actuating surface as indications of the function which is triggered when the corresponding key 1 is depressed.

Die Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 bildet eine Ebene der Tastatur (Fig. 3, Fig. 4). Jedes im Raster der Tasten 1 liegende Segment der MehrfachTastenführung enthält ein Führungsteil 2 mit Führungsrillen 15 in die nicht dargestellte Führungselemente der Tasten eingreifen und diese zwischen Endpositionen verschieblich lagern. Benachbarte Segmente der Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 sind jeweils durch einen stabilen Steg 17 verbunden. Die Stege 17 haben ebene Oberflächen, sie sind mit Hilfe eines einfachen Werkzeuges durch einen Stempel problemlos nach und nach oder gruppenweise zu durchtrennen. Mit dieser Möglichkeit sind bedarfsweise aus einer umfassenderen Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 mit wenig Aufwand kleinere Einheiten zu erzeugen. Die Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 ist insbesondere längs vorbestimmter Trennungslinien mit wenig Aufwand teilbar. Die Trennungslinien in der Verlängerung der Pfeile T begünstigen das Erzeugen bevorzugter Größen mit z.B. 4 x 4, 4 x 5, 6 x 5 oder 8 x 4 Tasten. Die Segmente tragen in ihrem Grenzbereich allseitig Aufnahmen 16 zur Lagerung eines Parallelführungsgliedes. Große Tasten, deren Betätigungsfläche mehrere Führungsteile überdeckt, benötigen ein Parallelführungsglied. Die Aufnahmen 16 für ein Parallelführungsglied liegen aus Platzgründen im Randbereich eines Segmentes, an der Grenze zum Nachbarsegment. Zur Verbesserung der Stabilität der anhand Stege 17 erhaltenen Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 sind die tangierenden Aufnahmen 16' benachbarter Segmente gemeinsam ausgeformt.The multiple key guide 3 forms one level of the keyboard (FIG. 3, FIG. 4). Each segment of the multiple key guide lying in the grid of the keys 1 contains a guide part 2 with guide grooves 15 which engage in the guide elements of the keys, not shown, and which are displaceably supported between end positions. Adjacent segments of the multiple key guide 3 are each connected by a stable web 17. The webs 17 have flat surfaces, they can be cut with the help of a simple tool with a stamp gradually or in groups. With this possibility, smaller units can be generated from a more extensive multiple key guide 3 with little effort, if necessary. The multiple key guide 3 can be divided with little effort, in particular along predetermined dividing lines. The dividing lines in the extension of the arrows T favor the generation of preferred sizes with, for example, 4 x 4, 4 x 5, 6 x 5 or 8 x 4 keys. The segments have receptacles 16 on all sides in their border area for mounting a parallel guide member. Large buttons, the operating surface of which covers several guide parts, require a parallel guide link. For reasons of space, the receptacles 16 for a parallel guide element lie in the edge region of a segment, on the border to the neighboring segment. To improve the stability of the multiple key guide 3 obtained by means of webs 17, the tangent receptacles 16 'of adjacent segments are formed together.

Lediglich längs den vorbestimmten Trennungslinien (Pfeil T) sind die Aufnahmen 16 " entsprechend geteilt.The receptacles 16 ″ are divided accordingly only along the predetermined dividing lines (arrow T).

In einigen Stegen 17 sind Bohrungen 12 eingebracht, diese dienen dem Zusammenbau mit weiteren Ebenen der Tastaturen. Anstelle der Bohrungen 12 könnten auch Zapfen zum Verschweißen der Tastaturen angeformt sein. Die Bohrungen 12 sind so über die Fläche der Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 verteilt, daß sie auch für kleinere Einheiten zu nutzen sind.Bores 12 are made in some webs 17, these are used for assembly with further levels of the keyboards. Instead of the holes 12, pins for welding the keyboards could also be formed. The holes 12 are distributed over the surface of the multiple key guide 3 that they can also be used for smaller units.

Die gummiartige Matte 4 trägt ausgeformte Dome 5 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). Die Dome 5 liegen gleichfalls im Raster der Tasten 1. Die Dome 5 stellen Federelemente dar für ein elastisches Rückstellen betätigter Tasten 1 in ihre Ruheposition. Die Dome 5 sind an ihrer Innenfläche (9) elektrisch leitend. Die Innenfläche 9 wird beim Betätigen der zugeordneten Taste 1 gegen eine Kontaktfläche 18 der Kontaktebene 8 gedrückt und bewirkt durch Kurzschließen von Kontaktflächenelektroden einen Schaltvorgang. Die Ebene der gummiartigen Matte 4 mit den domartigen Rückstellelementen ist durch eingebrachte Einkerbungen 19 bedarfsweise leicht von Hand zu teilen und somit problemfrei kleineren Einheiten von Mehrfach-Tastenführungen anzupassen. Die Bohrungen 12 der gummiartigen Matte 4 entsprechen den Bohrungen 12 der Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3, sie dienen gleichfalls dem Zusammenbau der Tastatur.The rubber-like mat 4 carries molded domes 5 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). The domes 5 are also in the grid of the keys 1. The domes 5 represent spring elements for an elastic return of actuated keys 1 to their rest position. The domes 5 are electrically conductive on their inner surface (9). When the assigned key 1 is pressed, the inner surface 9 is pressed against a contact surface 18 of the contact plane 8 and causes a switching operation by short-circuiting the contact surface electrodes. The level of the rubber-like mat 4 with the dome-like restoring elements can be easily divided by hand, if necessary, by indentations 19 and can therefore be adapted to smaller units of multiple key guides without any problems. The holes 12 of the rubber-like mat 4 correspond to the holes 12 of the multiple key guide 3, they also serve to assemble the keyboard.

Figur 7 zeigt einen Abschnitt der Kontaktebene 8 mit Kontaktflächen 18 und zur Zunge 11 geführten Anschlußleitungen 10. Die Kontaktflächen 18 liegen in Ausrichtung zu den Tasten 1. Die Kontaktebene 1 selbst besteht aus einer Isolierfolie, die einseitig mit einem in mehreren Schichten aufgetragenen Leitermuster versehen ist. Dabei trennen Isolierschichten sich kreuzende Anschlußleitungen. Eine Kontaktebene aus Isolierfolie ist durch ein Messer oder eine Schere mechanisch leicht zu dimensionieren. Die Anschlußleitungen 10 und die Kontaktflächen 18 sind den Gegebenheiten einer neuen, kleineren Tastatur anzupassen und daher stets neu anzufertigen; eine Teilung bestehender Kontaktebenen würde Anschlußleitungen zertrennen und die zugehörigen Kontaktflächen elektrisch isolieren. Das abschließende Tragblech 6 als Stütze der Kontaktebene ist nicht im Einzelnen dargestellt.FIG. 7 shows a section of the contact plane 8 with contact surfaces 18 and connecting lines 10 leading to the tongue 11. The contact surfaces 18 are aligned with the keys 1. The contact plane 1 itself consists of an insulating film which is provided on one side with a conductor pattern applied in several layers . Insulating layers separate connecting cables that cross. A contact level made of insulating film can be easily dimensioned mechanically using a knife or scissors. The connecting lines 10 and the contact surfaces 18 are to be adapted to the conditions of a new, smaller keyboard and therefore always have to be newly manufactured; a division of existing contact levels would separate connecting lines and electrically isolate the associated contact surfaces. The final support plate 6 as a support for the contact plane is not shown in detail.

Für den Zusammenbau einer Tastatur werden die Ebene der Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3, die Ebene der Matte 4 mit den Rückstellelementen, die Kontaktebene 8 und das Tragblech 6 als Stützebene in gegenseitiger Ausrichtung übereinandergelegt und an den Bohrungen 12 z.B. mittels verschweißter Stifte 13 zusammengehalten. Nach Einsetzen der Tasten 1 in die Führungsteile 2 der Mehrfach-Tastenführung 3 ist die Tastatur fertiggestellt. Ist eine kleinere Einheit der Tastatur erwünscht, so werden für eine entsprechende Dimensionierung der Ebenen allenfalls Trennwerkzeuge benötigt; neue Formwerkzeuge für Mehrfach-Tastenführungen entfallen.For the assembly of a keyboard, the level of the multiple key guide 3, the level of the mat 4 with the restoring elements, the contact level 8 and the support plate 6 as a support level are placed one above the other in mutual alignment and e.g. held together by welded pins 13. After inserting the keys 1 in the guide parts 2 of the multiple key guide 3, the keyboard is finished. If a smaller unit of the keyboard is desired, then separation tools may be required for appropriate dimensioning of the levels; new molds for multiple key guides are no longer required.

Claims (3)

  1. Keyboard having a plurality of guide components (2) in each of which there is movably mounted a key (1), and wherein the guide components are segments of an integral multiple-key-guiding arrangement (3), adjacent segments of which can be separated by dividing connecting bars (17), the keyboard also having a rubber-like mat (4) on which domes (5) are formed, e.g. for resetting actuated keys, and further having a contact level (8) which carries conductor tracks (10) and contact arrangements (18) which can each be switched by a key,
    characterised in that
    holders (16, 16', 16") for a parallel guide component are formed on the segments, and tangential holders (16') of adjacent segments are uniformly standardised and are correspondingly divided only along a predetermined dividing line (arrow T) and/or along a dividing line corresponding to those already separated.
  2. Keyboard according to claim 1, characterised in that selected connecting bars (17) are provided with bores (12) or pins, or both, which are used for assembly of the keyboard.
  3. Keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the rubber-like mat (4) is notched along possible dividing lines (arrow T) to facilitate division.
EP93105222A 1993-03-16 1993-03-30 Keyboard Expired - Lifetime EP0616344B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE9303837U DE9303837U1 (en) 1993-03-16 1993-03-16 Keyboard
DE9303837U 1993-03-16

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0616344A1 EP0616344A1 (en) 1994-09-21
EP0616344B1 true EP0616344B1 (en) 1997-01-08

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EP93105222A Expired - Lifetime EP0616344B1 (en) 1993-03-16 1993-03-30 Keyboard

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US (1) US5494363A (en)
EP (1) EP0616344B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3237957B2 (en)
DE (2) DE9303837U1 (en)
ES (1) ES2096126T3 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0616344A1 (en) 1994-09-21
JPH075964A (en) 1995-01-10
ES2096126T3 (en) 1997-03-01
US5494363A (en) 1996-02-27
DE9303837U1 (en) 1993-07-01
DE59305075D1 (en) 1997-02-20
JP3237957B2 (en) 2001-12-10

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