EP1701368A1 - Switching pad for an electric switch - Google Patents

Switching pad for an electric switch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1701368A1
EP1701368A1 EP05005330A EP05005330A EP1701368A1 EP 1701368 A1 EP1701368 A1 EP 1701368A1 EP 05005330 A EP05005330 A EP 05005330A EP 05005330 A EP05005330 A EP 05005330A EP 1701368 A1 EP1701368 A1 EP 1701368A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching
mat
safety
switching mat
mat 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.)
Granted
Application number
EP05005330A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1701368B1 (en
Inventor
Friedhelm Lotz
Ingo Petzhold
Anja Martens
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.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=34934204&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1701368(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority to DE502005007313T priority Critical patent/DE502005007313D1/en
Priority to EP05005330A priority patent/EP1701368B1/en
Priority to US11/369,250 priority patent/US20060219539A1/en
Publication of EP1701368A1 publication Critical patent/EP1701368A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1701368B1 publication Critical patent/EP1701368B1/en
Revoked legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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
    • H01H13/702—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
    • H01H13/704—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 the layers, e.g. by their material or structure
    • 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
    • H01H13/83—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 legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/074—Properties of the membrane elastomeric
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/082—Properties of the membrane transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/05—Key offset in relation to switch site
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/064—Optical isolation of switch sites

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a switching mat for an electrical switch with a mounted in a housing backlit actuator for acting on switching contacts, wherein at least one of the switching contacts of the switching mat is assigned.
  • an actuating element of an electrical switch a switching mat with accommodated in domes contacts for acting on fixed contacts, for example, a corresponding circuit board assigned.
  • the circuit board carries light bulbs, z. B. LEDs, whose light radiates from a transparent or slightly hazy and elastic material made of switching mat. It proves to be problematic that light emitted by the light source as stray light often adversely affects the desired appearance of the switch, the stray light often being visible to a user through a gap between the actuator and a housing supporting the actuator, and thus the visual appearance the switch is unfavorable.
  • the DE 196 41 786 A1 shows a switching mat with individual switching elements, via which a contact is made to a circuit board.
  • the switching elements have cavities into which light is coupled, wherein key surfaces of the switching mat made of an opaque material are translucent. Due to the opacity of the material of the switching mat, the leakage of stray light to a design surface is avoided.
  • the keypad is first painted and then the paint is removed in the key area by means of a laser, which is associated with considerable costs. Furthermore, it is necessary, in particular for stylistic reasons, to arrange a rigid actuating element above the switching mat.
  • the object is achieved in that the switching mat is colored so dark that on the one scattered light is absorbed by the switching mat and the other light is transmitted to the backlighting of the actuating element of the switching mat.
  • the actuator or the switching mat As from the prior Technique known to submit several steps, namely the painting and subsequent lasering, on the one hand to ensure the backlighting of a symbol and on the other to avoid unwanted leakage of stray light.
  • a translucency is achieved which simultaneously absorbs light rays reflected inside the housing, for example stray light emerging from the switch in an uncontrolled manner , causes and yet ensures a light leakage to the backlighting of the actuator.
  • a targeted adjustment of the light attenuation, ie the brightness is possible for a given light source.
  • the switching mat is dyed with a black dye or black color pigments.
  • the proportion of the dye or the color pigments is less than 0.5%, in particular 0.1%. With this small proportion by weight of the dye or the color pigments in the total component weight, the required effects are achieved.
  • the switching mat In order to favor a targeted transmission of the switching mat, preferably has to be screened through the wall of the switching mat on the other walls reduced thickness.
  • the switching mat on at least one dome for receiving a switching contact, which is associated with at least one fixed contact.
  • the dome due to its design enables a tactile detection of the switching.
  • the fixed contact is formed on a printed circuit board or by a stamped grid of the switch.
  • a light source within the housing of the switch preferably carries the printed circuit board or the lead frame a light emitting element, in particular an LED.
  • the actuator is translucent in a symbol area.
  • the actuating element is designed as a button and acted upon with a peripheral edge at its free, the switching mat associated end of the dome of the switching mat.
  • the arrangement of additional switching elements for actuating the dome is avoided.
  • the bottom-mounted switching mat on at least one light-emitting element spanning bulge, which projects into the actuating element.
  • the switching mat can be arranged for example on the circuit board or a socket of the housing. The light emitted by the light source penetrates the bulge and enters an area between the switching mat and the actuating element to backlight its symbol.
  • the switching mat is made of a silicone.
  • the silicone is relatively easy to color and process and has the required flexibility or elasticity.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of an electrical switch with a switching mat according to the invention.
  • the switch 1 comprises a housing 2 in which two actuating elements 4 designed as buttons 3 are mounted, each with a translucent symbol 5 on the upper side.
  • the keys 3 have a peripheral edge 6, are arranged under each equipped with a switching contact dome 7 of a switching mat 8.
  • the edge side of a circuit board 9 cross-switching mat 8 made of silicone has protrusions 10 which protrude into the associated key 3. In the bulges 10 are electrically connected to the circuit board 9 lighting elements 11 for backlighting the symbols 5 of the made of an opaque material key.
  • the silicone of the switching mat 8 is dyed with black color pigments whose weight fraction is about 0.1%.

Abstract

The switch mat (8) has a housing (2) with a supported background illuminating actuating element for admission of switching contacts. The switching mat is darkly dyed in such a manner that on one hand, the scattered light is absorbed by the switching mat and on the other hand, the background illumination of the actuating element (4) is let through by the switch mat.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Schaltmatte für einen elektrischen Schalter mit einem in einem Gehäuse gelagerten hinterleuchteten Betätigungselement zur Beaufschlagung von Schaltkontakten, wobei mindestens einer der Schaltkontakte der Schaltmatte zugeordnet ist.The invention relates to a switching mat for an electrical switch with a mounted in a housing backlit actuator for acting on switching contacts, wherein at least one of the switching contacts of the switching mat is assigned.

Aus der Praxis ist es bekannt, einem Betätigungselement eines elektrischen Schalters eine Schaltmatte mit in Domen aufgenommenen Kontakten zur Beaufschlagung von Festkontakten, beispielsweise einer entsprechenden Leiterplatte, zuzuordnen. Zur Hinterleuchtung des in der Regel ein Symbol aufweisenden Betätigungselementes trägt die Leiterplatte Leuchtmittel, z. B. LEDs, deren Licht die aus einem transparenten oder leicht trüben und elastischen Werkstoff gefertigte Schaltmatte durchstrahlt. Als problematisch erweist es sich, dass von dem Leuchtmittel emittiertes Licht als Streulicht oftmals das gewünschte Erscheinungsbild des Schalters negativ beeinträchtigt, wobei das Streulicht häufig durch einen zwischen dem Betätigungselement und einem das Betätigungselement lagernden Gehäuse vorhandenen Spalt für einen Benutzer sichtbar ist und demnach das optische Erscheinungsbild des Schalters ungünstig ist.From practice it is known, an actuating element of an electrical switch, a switching mat with accommodated in domes contacts for acting on fixed contacts, for example, a corresponding circuit board assigned. For backlighting of the usually a symbol having actuator the circuit board carries light bulbs, z. B. LEDs, whose light radiates from a transparent or slightly hazy and elastic material made of switching mat. It proves to be problematic that light emitted by the light source as stray light often adversely affects the desired appearance of the switch, the stray light often being visible to a user through a gap between the actuator and a housing supporting the actuator, and thus the visual appearance the switch is unfavorable.

Die DE 196 41 786 A1 zeigt eine Schaltmatte mit einzelnen Schaltelementen, über die ein Kontakt zu einer Leiterplatte hergestellt wird. Die Schaltelemente weisen Hohlräume auf, in die Licht eingekoppelt wird, wobei Tastenflächen der aus einem lichtundurchlässigen Material gefertigten Schaltmatte lichtdurchlässig sind. Aufgrund der Lichtundurchlässigkeit des Materials der Schaltmatte ist der Austritt von Streulicht zu einer Designoberfläche vermieden. Um die Lichtundurchlässigkeit des Materials der Schaltmatte bei gleichzeitig lichtdurchlässiger Tastenfläche zu gewährleisten, wird die Schaltmatte zunächst lackiert und anschließend wird der Lack im Bereich der Tastenfläche mittels eines Lasers abgetragen, was mit erheblichen Kosten verbunden ist. Des Weiteren ist es, insbesondere aus stilistischen Gründen, erforderlich, ein starres Betätigungselement oberhalb der Schaltmatte anzuordnen.The DE 196 41 786 A1 shows a switching mat with individual switching elements, via which a contact is made to a circuit board. The switching elements have cavities into which light is coupled, wherein key surfaces of the switching mat made of an opaque material are translucent. Due to the opacity of the material of the switching mat, the leakage of stray light to a design surface is avoided. In order to ensure the opacity of the material of the switching mat while translucent key surface, the keypad is first painted and then the paint is removed in the key area by means of a laser, which is associated with considerable costs. Furthermore, it is necessary, in particular for stylistic reasons, to arrange a rigid actuating element above the switching mat.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Schaltmatte der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die kostengünstig zu fertigen ist und das optische Erscheinungsbild des Schalters nicht negativ durch austretendes Streulicht beeinflusst.It is an object of the invention to provide a switching mat of the type mentioned, which is inexpensive to manufacture and the optical appearance of the switch is not adversely affected by leaking stray light.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass die Schaltmatte derart dunkel eingefärbt ist, dass zum einen Streulicht von der Schaltmatte absorbiert und zum anderen Licht zur Hinterleuchtung des Betätigungselementes von der Schaltmatte durchgelassen wird.According to the invention the object is achieved in that the switching mat is colored so dark that on the one scattered light is absorbed by the switching mat and the other light is transmitted to the backlighting of the actuating element of the switching mat.

Aufgrund dieser Maßnahme ist es nicht erforderlich, das Betätigungselement oder die Schaltmatte, wie aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt, mehreren Arbeitschritten, nämlich dem Lackieren und dem anschließenden Lasern, zu unterwerfen, um zum einen die Hinterleuchtung eines Symbols zu gewährleisten und zum anderen ein unerwünschtes Austreten von Streulicht zu vermeiden. Überraschender Weise stellte sich heraus, dass bei einer definierten dunklen Einfärbung der Schaltmatte, die von einem Fachmann mittels weniger Vergleichsversuche zu ermitteln ist, eine Transluszenz zu erzielen ist, die gleichzeitig eine Absorbtion innerhalb des Gehäuses reflektierter Lichtstrahlen, beispielsweise von unkontrolliert aus dem Schalter austretendem Streulicht, bewirkt und dennoch einen Lichtaustritt zur Hinterleuchtung des Betätigungselementes sicherstellt. Gleichzeitig ist eine gezielte Einstellung der Lichtdämpfung, also der Helligkeit, bei einer gegebenen Lichtquelle möglich.Due to this measure, it is not necessary, the actuator or the switching mat, as from the prior Technique known to submit several steps, namely the painting and subsequent lasering, on the one hand to ensure the backlighting of a symbol and on the other to avoid unwanted leakage of stray light. Surprisingly, it has been found that in the case of a defined dark coloration of the switching mat, which is to be determined by a person skilled in the art by means of a few comparative tests, a translucency is achieved which simultaneously absorbs light rays reflected inside the housing, for example stray light emerging from the switch in an uncontrolled manner , causes and yet ensures a light leakage to the backlighting of the actuator. At the same time, a targeted adjustment of the light attenuation, ie the brightness, is possible for a given light source.

In Ausgestaltung ist die Schaltmatte mit einem schwarzen Farbstoff oder schwarzen Farbpigmenten eingefärbt. Bevorzugt ist der Anteil des Farbstoffes oder der Farbpigmente kleiner 0,5 %, insbesondere 0,1 %. Mit diesem geringen Gewichtsanteil des Farbstoffes oder der Farbpigmente am Gesamtbauteilgewicht werden die erforderlichen Effekte erzielt.In an embodiment, the switching mat is dyed with a black dye or black color pigments. Preferably, the proportion of the dye or the color pigments is less than 0.5%, in particular 0.1%. With this small proportion by weight of the dye or the color pigments in the total component weight, the required effects are achieved.

Um ein gezielte Durchstrahlung der Schaltmatte zu begünstigen, weist vorzugsweise die zu durchleuchtende Wandung der Schaltmatte eine gegenüber den übrigen Wandungen reduzierte Dicke auf.In order to favor a targeted transmission of the switching mat, preferably has to be screened through the wall of the switching mat on the other walls reduced thickness.

Zweckmäßigerweise weist die Schaltmatte mindestens einen Dom zur Aufnahme eines Schaltkontaktes auf, dem wenigstens ein Festkontakt zugeordnet ist. Bei einer Beaufschlagung des Doms mittels des Betätigungselementes knickt dieser ein und es wird ein entsprechender Schaltkreis geschlossen, wobei der Dom aufgrund seiner Gestaltung ein taktiles Erfassen des Schaltens ermöglicht. Bevorzugt ist der Festkontakt auf einer Leiterplatte oder durch ein Stanzgitter des Schalters ausgebildet.Conveniently, the switching mat on at least one dome for receiving a switching contact, which is associated with at least one fixed contact. At an admission of the cathedral by means of the actuating element, this buckles and it is closed a corresponding circuit, the dome due to its design enables a tactile detection of the switching. Preferably, the fixed contact is formed on a printed circuit board or by a stamped grid of the switch.

Zur kostengünstigen Anordnung einer Lichtquelle innerhalb des Gehäuses des Schalters trägt vorzugsweise die Leiterplatte bzw. das Stanzgitter ein Leuchtelement, insbesondere eine LED.For cost-effective arrangement of a light source within the housing of the switch preferably carries the printed circuit board or the lead frame a light emitting element, in particular an LED.

Bevorzugt ist das Betätigungselement in einem Symbolbereich lichtdurchlässig. Nach einer Weiterbildung ist das Betätigungselement als Taste ausgebildet und beaufschlagt mit einem umfangsseitigen Rand an seinem freien, der Schaltmatte zugeordneten Ende den Dom der Schaltmatte. Damit ist die Anordnung zusätzlicher Schaltelemente zur Betätigung des Domes vermieden.Preferably, the actuator is translucent in a symbol area. According to a development, the actuating element is designed as a button and acted upon with a peripheral edge at its free, the switching mat associated end of the dome of the switching mat. Thus, the arrangement of additional switching elements for actuating the dome is avoided.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung weist die bodenseitig befestigte Schaltmatte mindestens eine das Leuchtelement überspannende Ausbuchtung auf, die in das Betätigungselement ragt. Die Schaltmatte kann beispielsweise auf der Leiterplatte oder einem Sockel des Gehäuses angeordnet werden. Das von der Lichtquelle ausgesandte Licht durchdringt die Ausbuchtung und gelangt in einen Bereicht zwischen der Schaltmatte und dem Betätigungselement, um dessen Symbol zu hinterleuchten.According to a further embodiment, the bottom-mounted switching mat on at least one light-emitting element spanning bulge, which projects into the actuating element. The switching mat can be arranged for example on the circuit board or a socket of the housing. The light emitted by the light source penetrates the bulge and enters an area between the switching mat and the actuating element to backlight its symbol.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Schaltmatte aus einem Silikon gefertigt. Das Silikon lässt sich verhältnismäßig leicht einfärben und verarbeiten und weist die erforderliche Flexibilität bzw. Elastizität auf.Conveniently, the switching mat is made of a silicone. The silicone is relatively easy to color and process and has the required flexibility or elasticity.

Es versteht sich, dass die vorstehend genannten und nachstehend noch zu erläuternden Merkmale nicht nur in der jeweils angegebenen Kombination, sondern auch in anderen Kombinationen verwendbar sind. Der Rahmen der Erfindung ist nur durch die Ansprüche definiert.It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles unter Bezugnahme auf die zugehörige Zeichnung näher erläutert. Die einzige Fig. der Zeichnung zeigt eine Schnittdarstellung eines elektrischen Schalters mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltmatte.The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The only Fig. The drawing shows a sectional view of an electrical switch with a switching mat according to the invention.

Der Schalter 1 umfasst ein Gehäuse 2, in dem zwei als Tasten 3 ausgebildete Betätigungselemente 4 mit jeweils einem lichtdurchlässigen Symbol 5 auf der Oberseite gelagert sind. An der Unterseite weisen die Tasten 3 einen umlaufenden Rand 6 auf, unter dem mit jeweils einem Schaltkontakt bestückte Dome 7 einer Schaltmatte 8 angeordnet sind. Die randseitig eine Leiterplatte 9 übergreifende Schaltmatte 8 aus Silikon weist Ausbuchtungen 10 auf, die in die zugeordnete Taste 3 ragen. In den Ausbuchtungen 10 befinden sich mit der Leiterplatte 9 elektrisch gekoppelte Leuchtelemente 11 zur Hinterleuchtung der Symbole 5 der aus einem lichtundurchlässigen Werkstoff gefertigten Taste 3.The switch 1 comprises a housing 2 in which two actuating elements 4 designed as buttons 3 are mounted, each with a translucent symbol 5 on the upper side. At the bottom, the keys 3 have a peripheral edge 6, are arranged under each equipped with a switching contact dome 7 of a switching mat 8. The edge side of a circuit board 9 cross-switching mat 8 made of silicone has protrusions 10 which protrude into the associated key 3. In the bulges 10 are electrically connected to the circuit board 9 lighting elements 11 for backlighting the symbols 5 of the made of an opaque material key. 3

Um einen unerwünschten Austritt von Streulicht, insbesondere aus einem zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 und den Tasten 3 vorhandenen Spalt 12, zu vermeiden und dennoch einen Lichtaustritt zur Beleuchtung der Symbole 5 der Tasten 3 sicherzustellen, ist das Silikon der Schaltmatte 8 mit schwarzen Farbpigmenten eingefärbt, deren Gewichtsanteil etwa 0,1 % beträgt. Durch die Einfärbung wird von dem Gehäuse 2 oder den Tasten 3 reflektiertes Streulicht von der Schaltmatte 8 absorbiert und gleichzeitig eine Hinterleuchtung der Tasten 3 erreicht.In order to avoid unwanted leakage of stray light, in particular from an existing between the housing 2 and the keys 3 gap 12, and yet a light exit to To ensure illumination of the symbols 5 of the buttons 3, the silicone of the switching mat 8 is dyed with black color pigments whose weight fraction is about 0.1%. By coloring the light reflected from the housing 2 or the keys 3 scattered light from the switching mat 8 and at the same time reaches a backlighting of the keys 3.

Claims (11)

Schaltmatte für einen elektrischen Schalter (1) mit einem in einem Gehäuse (2) gelagerten hinterleuchteten Betätigungselement (4) zur Beaufschlagung von Schaltkontakten, wobei mindestens einer der Schaltkontakte der Schaltmatte (8) zugeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltmatte (8) derart dunkel eingefärbt ist, dass zum einen Streulicht von der Schaltmatte (8) absorbiert und zum anderen Licht zur Hinterleuchtung des Betätigungselementes (4) von der Schaltmatte (8) durchgelassen wird.Switching mat for an electrical switch (1) with a in a housing (2) mounted backlit actuator (4) for acting on switching contacts, wherein at least one of the switching contacts of the switching mat (8) is associated, characterized in that the switching mat (8) in such a way is colored dark, that on the one hand scattered light from the switching mat (8) and the other light for backlighting of the actuating element (4) from the switching mat (8) is transmitted. Schaltmatte nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltmatte (8) mit einem schwarzen Farbstoff oder schwarzen Farbpigmenten eingefärbt ist.Safety mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching mat (8) is colored with a black dye or black color pigments. Schaltmatte nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Anteil des Farbstoffes oder der Farbpigmente kleiner 0,5 %, insbesondere 0,1 % ist.Safety mat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the proportion of the dye or the color pigments is less than 0.5%, in particular 0.1%. Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zu durchleuchtende Wandung der Schaltmatte (8) eine gegenüber den übrigen Wandungen reduzierte Dicke aufweist.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wall to be screened by the switching mat (8) has a reduced thickness compared to the other walls. Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltmatte (8) mindestens einen Dom (7) zur Aufnahme eines Schaltkontaktes aufweist, dem wenigstens ein Festkontakt zugeordnet ist.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the switching mat (8) has at least one dome (7) for receiving a switching contact, which is assigned at least one fixed contact. Schaltmatte nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Festkontakt auf einer Leiterplatte (9) oder durch ein Stanzgitter des Schalters (1) ausgebildet ist.Safety mat according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixed contact on a printed circuit board (9) or by a punched grid of the switch (1) is formed. Schaltmatte nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Leiterplatte (9) bzw. das Stanzgitter ein Leuchtelement (11), insbesondere eine LED, trägt.Safety mat according to claim 6, characterized in that the printed circuit board (9) or the stamped grid carries a luminous element (11), in particular an LED. Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Betätigungselement (4) in einem Symbolbereich lichtdurchlässig ist.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is translucent in a symbol area. Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Betätigungselement (4) als Taste (3) ausgebildet ist und mit einem umfangsseitigen Rand (6) an seinem freien, der Schaltmatte (8) zugeordneten Ende den Dom (7) der Schaltmatte (8) beaufschlagt.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the actuating element (4) is designed as a button (3) and with a peripheral edge (6) at its free, the switching mat (8) associated end of the dome (7) Switching mat (8) acted upon. Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bodenseitig befestigte Schaltmatte (8) mindestens eine das Leuchtelement (11) überspannende Ausbuchtung (10) aufweist, die in das Betätigungselement (4) ragt.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom-mounted switching mat (8) has at least one lighting element (11) spanning bulge (10) which projects into the actuating element (4). Schaltmatte nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltmatte (8) aus einem Silikon gefertigt ist.Safety mat according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the switching mat (8) is made of a silicone.
EP05005330A 2005-03-11 2005-03-11 Switching pad for an electric switch Revoked EP1701368B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE502005007313T DE502005007313D1 (en) 2005-03-11 2005-03-11 Safety mat for an electric switch
EP05005330A EP1701368B1 (en) 2005-03-11 2005-03-11 Switching pad for an electric switch
US11/369,250 US20060219539A1 (en) 2005-03-11 2006-03-07 Switch mat for an electrical switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05005330A EP1701368B1 (en) 2005-03-11 2005-03-11 Switching pad for an electric switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1701368A1 true EP1701368A1 (en) 2006-09-13
EP1701368B1 EP1701368B1 (en) 2009-05-20

Family

ID=34934204

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05005330A Revoked EP1701368B1 (en) 2005-03-11 2005-03-11 Switching pad for an electric switch

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20060219539A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1701368B1 (en)
DE (1) DE502005007313D1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4343975A (en) * 1979-12-07 1982-08-10 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key board switch unit with illumination
JPH01154414A (en) * 1987-11-20 1989-06-16 Fuji Rubber Kk Manufacture of light radiation type contact rubber
US5491313A (en) * 1994-07-22 1996-02-13 General Motors Corporation Halo lighting for keypad switch assemblies
US5739486A (en) * 1996-08-07 1998-04-14 Ford Motor Company Push-button system for control panels
DE19641786A1 (en) 1996-10-10 1998-04-16 Bosch Gmbh Robert Switch mat with backlit switching elements
EP0920039A2 (en) * 1997-11-28 1999-06-02 Bitron S.p.A. A control push-button board for an automatic machine, in particular for a drink vending machine
US6229320B1 (en) * 1994-11-18 2001-05-08 Fujitsu Limited IC socket, a test method using the same and an IC socket mounting mechanism

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0476219U (en) * 1990-11-15 1992-07-03
JP3103833B2 (en) * 1994-08-10 2000-10-30 信越ポリマー株式会社 Illuminated pushbutton switch device
US5661279A (en) * 1995-10-26 1997-08-26 Sunarrow Co., Ltd. Pushbutton switch
US5718326A (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-02-17 Delco Electronics Corporation Backlit button/switchpad assembly
US6326569B1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2001-12-04 Key Plastics, Inc. Control panel assembly and method of making same
JP3693857B2 (en) * 1999-07-01 2005-09-14 アルプス電気株式会社 Illuminated switch unit
US20030006128A1 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-01-09 Giles John T. Two-shot molded backlit switch cap and method of manufacture
EP1571682A1 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-07 Nec Corporation Transmissive key sheet, input keys using transmissive key sheet and electronic equipment with input keys

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4343975A (en) * 1979-12-07 1982-08-10 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key board switch unit with illumination
JPH01154414A (en) * 1987-11-20 1989-06-16 Fuji Rubber Kk Manufacture of light radiation type contact rubber
US5491313A (en) * 1994-07-22 1996-02-13 General Motors Corporation Halo lighting for keypad switch assemblies
US6229320B1 (en) * 1994-11-18 2001-05-08 Fujitsu Limited IC socket, a test method using the same and an IC socket mounting mechanism
US5739486A (en) * 1996-08-07 1998-04-14 Ford Motor Company Push-button system for control panels
DE19641786A1 (en) 1996-10-10 1998-04-16 Bosch Gmbh Robert Switch mat with backlit switching elements
EP0920039A2 (en) * 1997-11-28 1999-06-02 Bitron S.p.A. A control push-button board for an automatic machine, in particular for a drink vending machine

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 013, no. 416 (E - 821) 14 September 1989 (1989-09-14) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE502005007313D1 (en) 2009-07-02
US20060219539A1 (en) 2006-10-05
EP1701368B1 (en) 2009-05-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE102007025433B4 (en) Sheet switch module
EP1376872B1 (en) Illumination device for touchscreens
EP1257057B1 (en) Sensor element for a capacitive touch switch
DE112006003887B4 (en) Light-emitting keyboard
EP2201685B1 (en) Capacitive proximity and/or touch switch
EP1346336B1 (en) Electrical domestic appliance
DE102009033538A1 (en) Operating device for an electrical appliance
DE102007003271A1 (en) Keyboard arrangement and mobile terminal equipped therewith
DE3045962A1 (en) KEYBOARD WITH ILLUMINATED KEYS
DE102007059698A1 (en) Foil switch module (English title: Sheet switch module)
DE3535217C2 (en)
EP1903284A1 (en) Device for household appliance and its use
EP3280053B1 (en) Operating module for a domestic appliance
DE112007000420T5 (en) Side surface light emission unit and lighting panel
DE8032982U1 (en) Device for illuminating the keys of a keypad
DE10259297A1 (en) Transparent panel illumination arrangement for baking oven, has light source spaced apart from switch surface of transparent panel, to radiate light towards waveguides
DE102010033390B4 (en) Capacitive touch and / or proximity switch
DE112007001138T5 (en) Light guide key plate and the same light emitting keyboard
DE102014200316A1 (en) Home appliance control device
EP1701368B1 (en) Switching pad for an electric switch
DE19627212C2 (en) Actuating unit for a vehicle component, in particular a vehicle air conditioning system
DE202012100518U1 (en) Illuminated keyboard with a light-bundling effect
DE102012022597A1 (en) Display- or operating device, particularly for electronic domestic appliance, such as oven, has partially transparent cover plate, and light-proof support plate arranged on side of cover plate, where light source is mounted on support plate
DE102008056758B4 (en) display device
EP1462726B1 (en) Illuminable switch-panel for household appliance

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060316

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR LV MK YU

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502005007313

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20090702

Kind code of ref document: P

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: ROBERT SEUFFER GMBH & CO. KG

Effective date: 20100219

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20100324

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20100310

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20100318

Year of fee payment: 6

RDAG Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

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

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

27W Patent revoked

Effective date: 20100531

GBPR Gb: patent revoked under art. 102 of the ep convention designating the uk as contracting state

Effective date: 20100531