EP0965899B1 - Face plate cover for an electronic apparatus - Google Patents
Face plate cover for an electronic apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0965899B1 EP0965899B1 EP19990110566 EP99110566A EP0965899B1 EP 0965899 B1 EP0965899 B1 EP 0965899B1 EP 19990110566 EP19990110566 EP 19990110566 EP 99110566 A EP99110566 A EP 99110566A EP 0965899 B1 EP0965899 B1 EP 0965899B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- front unit
- membrane
- control elements
- circuit board
- front panel
- 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
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Classifications
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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
- H01H13/84—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 ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback
- H01H13/85—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 ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback characterised by tactile feedback features
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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
- H01H13/705—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 construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
- H01H2011/0081—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches using double shot moulding, e.g. for forming elastomeric sealing elements on form stable casing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
- H01H2215/008—Part of substrate or membrane
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/09—Flexible integral part of housing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2223/00—Casings
- H01H2223/002—Casings sealed
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
- H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
- H01H2229/046—Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2231/00—Applications
- H01H2231/026—Car
Definitions
- the invention relates to a front unit for an electronic device, in particular a car radio.
- electronics control is usually via keys located in corresponding recesses of a front cap.
- the key tappet actuate switches, which are arranged as well as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting the keys on a circuit board behind the front cap.
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- the circuit board with the switching elements arranged on it and he control panel with their integrated controls a flexible cover mat made of silicone rubber.
- the flexible cover mat has arranged in the region of the switching elements Tastendome over which the confirmation elements act on the switching elements and work as reset elements.
- the FR 2 562 320 A1 shows a key element in which a tactile surface is connected via a membrane with a key body. Upon movement of the tactile surface, the membrane deforms elastically.
- the button can be illuminated via a photoelectric diode. About a Tastst Schemeel a switching contact below the touch surface can be triggered.
- the GB 2 253 586 A which is considered to be the closest prior art, shows a keyboard in which keys and keyboard surface are integrally formed in an injection molding step and of a material.
- a conductive paint can be applied to the backs of the keys.
- the front unit according to the invention for an electronic device, in particular a car radio, with the features of claim 1 has the advantage that the front cap can be produced integrally in one piece together with the controls for operating the device and the flexible membranes to return the controls. As a result, the effort and thus the cost of assembling the electronic device are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the direct connection of the controls with the front cap through a diaphragm without additional tuning ensures smooth movement of the controls relative to the front cap.
- One Another advantage lies in the fact that an opaque membrane effectively prevents any stray light when backlighting the controls of the front unit. The completely closed front of the front unit also protects the underlying electronics from moisture or dirt.
- the front cap and the control elements are made of a polycarbonate and the membrane is made of an elastomer. These materials enable cost-effective and simple production in the two-component injection molding process. For this purpose, either a tool with multiple nests is used or the component is sprayed using two different tools. Crystal-clear Makrolon is preferably used for the front cap and the controls. The optical properties and finish of the front cap and controls can then be determined by the finish used.
- a printed circuit board with correspondingly arranged LEDs is attached to the backlighting of the controls behind the front cap.
- To control the functions of the device tact switches are provided on the circuit board, which are actuated by the movement of the controls connected to the front cap.
- the underside of the control elements is provided with an electrically conductive lacquer.
- an electrical contact is made immediately. In this embodiment, therefore, can be dispensed with the key switch on the circuit board, resulting in a further significant cost reduction in the production of the front unit.
- the front unit of an electronic device shown in Fig. 1 allows the operation of a (not shown) associated electronic device, in particular a car radio.
- the front unit is usually located at the front of the car radio and includes elements for controlling the various functions, such as station selection, start / stop the playback of a music cassette / CD, etc.
- buttons 20 are shown as an example in Fig. 1, also possible However, they are also two- or four-way rockers, which combine several functions in one control.
- the shape of the buttons depends only on the desired design.
- an elastic membrane 30th Between the keys 20 and the front cap 10 is according to the invention in each case an elastic membrane 30th
- the elastic membrane 30 preferably fulfills several functions. First, it allows movement of the key 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front cap 10 direction. On the other hand, it generates on actuation the key 20, the necessary restoring force to return it to the starting position when it is relieved by the operator.
- the mechanical resistance on actuation of the key 20 is determined by the shape of the diaphragm 30 and the flexibility of the material used.
- the membrane 30 is U-shaped in cross section (see Fig. 2). It is also conceivable, however, a bellows-like training. Since the membrane 30 surrounds the key 20 all around, thereby movement of the key 20 in the plane of the front cap 10 is made difficult while the movement is made perpendicular to the plane of the front cap 10.
- the front cap 10, the keys 20 and the diaphragm 30 are produced according to the invention by injection molding of two components.
- the front cap 10 is first injected in a tool. Then the component is converted into another tool and sprayed the individual keys. If the same plastic is to be used for the front cap 10 and the keys 20, the two steps can be performed in one pass using a single tool having branches in the gate.
- the membrane surrounding the keys between the keys 20 and the front cap 10 is injected and the two keys thereby integrally connected.
- the illustrated method can be extended by further spraying operations, e.g. the symbols on the buttons or graphic elements on the cap should be made of a different plastic than the respective surrounding material.
- polycarbonates are used for the front cap 10 and the keys 20, and elastomers are used for the membrane 30.
- Transparent polyacrolone is preferably used as the polycarbonate, so that the light transmission of the components is determined only by the paint used, or targeted transparent surfaces can be set.
- the front cap 10 and the keys 20 are first eroded, eg according to VDI step 24, before a white base coat is applied.
- the color of the topcoat depends on the respective requirements of the design, but usually a black topcoat (eg available under the trade name RAL 9005) is used.
- a glaze RAL 9002 is applied to the keys 20 and optionally the front cap 10. This ensures that at these points, the light for backlighting of the controls can penetrate to the outside.
- a printed circuit board 40 is mounted on the back of the front cap 10 via links 43 which are inserted into recesses 11 of the front panel, which is aligned parallel to the plane of the front cap 10.
- the connections 42 shown only schematically in FIG. 3 can be realized by screwing, riveting, pinning or the like.
- On the circuit board 40 are preferably arranged push-button 41, which are actuated by the backs of the keys 20 (the key tappets).
- light-emitting diodes 42 are preferably provided for backlighting the keys 20, which enable operation of the device even in the dark.
- the key switches 41 and the LEDs 42 are preferably formed as SMD components ("surface mounted device") to allow a flat design of the front unit. Since the gaps between the keys 20 and the front cap 10 are covered by the membrane 30, the light of the light emitting diodes 42 only falls through the - depending on the design - provided for translucent points in the keys 20 and the front cap 10th
- the cover of the column through the membrane 30 also protects the circuit board 40 and the underlying electronics and mechanics of the device effectively against moisture and contamination.
- the front unit according to the invention can therefore be used in particular also for radios which are frequently exposed to weathering, e.g. in motorcycles or vehicles with removable top.
- an electrically conductive lacquer layer is preferably applied by printing on the back of the keys 20 on the key tappet.
- the key tappet and thus the conductive lacquer layer is pressed against two contact surfaces which are provided on the printed circuit board 40. In this way, an electrical contact between the two contact surfaces is produced directly. Since the keys thus take over the switching function together with the printed circuit board, the push-button switch 41 is omitted in this embodiment. In addition to further cost savings, an even flatter design of the entire front unit is possible.
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
- Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)
- Channel Selection Circuits, Automatic Tuning Circuits (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Fronteinheit für ein elektronisches Gerät, insbesondere ein Autoradio.The invention relates to a front unit for an electronic device, in particular a car radio.
Bei bekannten Fronteinheiten für elektronischen Geräte nach dem Stand der Technik erfolgt die Steuerung der Elektronik gewöhnlich über Tasten, die in entsprechenden Aussparungen einer Frontkappe angeordnet sind. Die Tastenstößel betätigen dabei Schalter, die ebenso wie Leuchtdioden (LEDs) zum Hinterleuchten der Tasten auf einer Leiterplatte hinter der Frontkappe angeordnet sind. Zur Erzeugung der notwendigen Rückstellkraft ist dabei üblicherweise für jede Taste eine zugehörige Rückstellfeder vorgesehen, die die Taste nach ihrer Betätigung wieder in ihre Ausgangsposition zurückbringt.In known prior art electronic device front units, electronics control is usually via keys located in corresponding recesses of a front cap. The key tappet actuate switches, which are arranged as well as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting the keys on a circuit board behind the front cap. To generate the necessary restoring force an associated return spring is usually provided for each key, which returns the key after its operation back to its original position.
Dabei treten jedoch die folgenden Probleme auf: Die Montage einer solchen Fronteinheit ist außerordentlich aufwendig und damit kostenintensiv, da je nach Gerät viele Tasten mit den entsprechenden Rückstellfedern zwischen der Leiterplatte und der eigentlichen Frontkappe eingesetzt werden müssen. Häufig ist darüber hinaus eine nachträgliche Abstimmung der Mechanik der einzelnen Tasten notwendig, um ein reibungsloses Funktionieren zu gewährleisten. Ein weiteres Problem stellt das Hinterleuchten der Tasten dar. Da die Tasten nicht direkt mit der Frontplatte verbunden sind, dringt durch die zwangsläufig vorhandenen Schlitze Streulicht, das im Dunkeln die Identifizierung einzelner Tasten erschwert.However, the following problems occur: The installation of such a front unit is extremely complicated and therefore expensive, since depending on the device many buttons with the corresponding return springs between the circuit board and the actual front cap must be used. In addition, a subsequent adjustment of the mechanics of the individual keys is often necessary to ensure a smooth functioning. One Another problem is the backlighting of the keys. Since the keys are not directly connected to the front panel, stray light penetrates through the inevitable slots, making it difficult in the dark to identify individual keys.
Nach einem alternativen Ansatz, wie er beispielsweise in der
Die
Die
Die erfindungsgemäße Fronteinheit für ein elektronisches Gerät, insbesondere ein Autoradio, mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 hat den Vorteil, dass die Frontkappe zusammen mit den Steuerelementen zur Bedienung des Geräts sowie den flexiblen Membranen zur Rückstellung der Steuerelemente integral in einem Stück hergestellt werden kann. Dadurch werden der Aufwand und damit die Kosten beim Zusammenbau des elektronisches Geräts deutlich reduziert. Ferner stellt die unmittelbare Verbindung der Steuerelemente mit der Frontkappe durch eine Membran ohne zusätzliche Abstimmung eine problemlose Bewegung der Steuerelemente relativ zur Frontkappe sicher. Ein weiterer Vorteil liegt in der Tatsache, dass eine undurchsichtige Membran jegliches Streulicht beim Hinterleuchten der Steuerelemente der Fronteinheit wirksam verhindert. Die völlig geschlossene Vorderseite der Fronteinheit schützt darüber hinaus die dahinterliegende Elektronik vor Feuchtigkeit oder Verschmutzung.The front unit according to the invention for an electronic device, in particular a car radio, with the features of
Erfindungsgemäß werden die Frontkappe und die Steuerelemente aus einem Polycarbonat und die Membran aus einem Elastomer gefertigt. Diese Materialien ermöglichen eine kostengünstige und einfache Herstellung im Zweikomponenten-Spritzgussverfahren. Dazu wird entweder ein Werkzeug mit mehreren Nestern verwendet oder das Bauteil wird unter Verwendung von zwei verschiedenen Werkzeugen gespritzt. Für die Frontkappe und die Steuerelemente wird dabei vorzugsweise glasklares Makrolon verwendet. Die optischen Eigenschaften und das Finish der Frontkappe sowie der Steuerelemente kann dann durch die verwendete Lackierung bestimmt werden.According to the invention, the front cap and the control elements are made of a polycarbonate and the membrane is made of an elastomer. These materials enable cost-effective and simple production in the two-component injection molding process. For this purpose, either a tool with multiple nests is used or the component is sprayed using two different tools. Crystal-clear Makrolon is preferably used for the front cap and the controls. The optical properties and finish of the front cap and controls can then be determined by the finish used.
Durch die in den weiteren Ansprüchen aufgeführten Maßnahmen sind vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Verbesserungen der im Anspruch 1 angegebenen Fronteinheit möglich.The measures listed in the further claims advantageous refinements and improvements of the
Bevorzugt ist zum Hinterleuchten der Steuerelemente hinter der Frontkappe eine Leiterplatte mit entsprechend angeordneten LEDs angebracht. Zur Steuerung der Funktionen des Geräts sind auf der Leiterplatte Tastschalter vorgesehen, die durch die Bewegung der mit der Frontkappe verbundenen Steuerelemente betätigt werden.Preferably, a printed circuit board with correspondingly arranged LEDs is attached to the backlighting of the controls behind the front cap. To control the functions of the device tact switches are provided on the circuit board, which are actuated by the movement of the controls connected to the front cap.
Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist die Unterseite der Steuerelemente mit einem elektrisch leitenden Lack versehen. Beim Bewegen des Steuerelementes und dem damit verbundenen Berühren einer entsprechenden Kontaktstelle auf der Leiterplatte wird unmittelbar ein elektrischer Kontakt hergestellt. Bei dieser Ausführungsform kann daher auf die Tastschalter auf der Leiterplatte verzichtet werden, was zu einer weiteren erheblichen Kostenreduzierung bei der Herstellung der Fronteinheit führt.According to a further preferred embodiment, the underside of the control elements is provided with an electrically conductive lacquer. When moving the control and the associated touching a corresponding contact point on the circuit board an electrical contact is made immediately. In this embodiment, therefore, can be dispensed with the key switch on the circuit board, resulting in a further significant cost reduction in the production of the front unit.
Die Erfindung ist anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen in schematischer Darstellung:
- Fig. 1
- eine Aufsicht auf die Fronteinheit mit vier Steuerelementen von oben;
- Fig. 2
- einen Längsschnitt durch die Fronteinheit entlang der Linie B-B in Fig. 1; und
- Fig. 3
- einen Schnitt durch die Fronteinheit entlang der Linie A-A.
- Fig. 1
- a top view of the front unit with four controls from above;
- Fig. 2
- a longitudinal section through the front unit along the line BB in Fig. 1; and
- Fig. 3
- a section through the front unit along the line AA.
Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Fronteinheit eines elektronischen Geräts ermöglicht die Bedienung eines (nicht dargestellten) zugehörigen elektronischen Geräts, insbesondere eines Autoradios. Die Fronteinheit befindet sich zumeist an der Vorderseite des Autoradios und umfaßt Elemente zur Steuerung der verschiedenen Funktionen, wie Senderanwahl, Start/Stop der Wiedergabe einer Musikkassette/CD etc. Als Steuerelemente sind in Fig. 1 beispielhaft vier verschieden große Tasten 20 gezeigt, ebenso möglich sind jedoch auch Zwei- oder Vierfach-Wippen, die mehrere Funktionen in einem Steuerelement vereinen. Die Form der Tasten richtet sich nur nach dem gewünschten Design. Zwischen den Tasten 20 und der Frontkappe 10 befindet sich erfindungsgemäß jeweils eine elastische Membran 30.The front unit of an electronic device shown in Fig. 1 allows the operation of a (not shown) associated electronic device, in particular a car radio. The front unit is usually located at the front of the car radio and includes elements for controlling the various functions, such as station selection, start / stop the playback of a music cassette / CD, etc. As controls, four differently sized
Die elastische Membran 30 erfüllt bevorzugt mehrere Funktionen. Zum einen ermöglicht sie eine Bewegung der Taste 20 in einer zur Frontkappe 10 im wesentlichen senkrechten Richtung. Zum anderen erzeugt sie bei einer Betätigung der Taste 20 die notwendige Rückstellkraft, um sie wieder in die Ausgangsposition zurückzubewegen, wenn sie von der Bedienperson entlastet wird. Der mechanische Widerstand beim Betätigen der Taste 20 wird durch die Form der Membran 30 und die Flexibilität des verwendeten Materials bestimmt. Bevorzugt ist die Membran 30 im Querschnitt U-förmig ausgebildet (vergl. Fig. 2). Denkbar ist jedoch auch eine faltenbalgartige Ausbildung. Da die Membran 30 die Taste 20 ringsum umschließt, wird dadurch eine Bewegung der Taste 20 in der Ebene der Frontkappe 10 erschwert, während die Bewegung senkrecht zur Ebene der Frontkappe 10 erleichtert wird.The
Die Frontkappe 10, die Tasten 20 und die Membran 30 werden erfindungsgemäß im Spritzgußverfahren aus zwei Komponenten hergestellt. Dazu wird zuerst in einem Werkzeug die Frontkappe 10 gespritzt. Daraufhin wird das Bauteil in ein weiteres Werkzeug umgesetzt und die einzelnen Tasten gespritzt. Soll für die Frontkappe 10 und die Tasten 20 der gleiche Kunststoff verwendet werden, lassen sich die beiden Schritte unter Verwendung eines einzigen Werkzeuges, das Verzweigungen im Anguß aufweist, in einem Durchgang durchführen. In einem weiteren Arbeitsschritt wird die die Tasten umgebende Membran zwischen die Tasten 20 und die Frontkappe 10 gespritzt und die beiden Tasten dadurch integral verbunden. Das dargestellte Verfahren läßt sich um weitere Spritzvorgänge erweitern, wenn z.B. die Symbole auf den Tasten oder auch graphische Elemente auf der Abdeckkappe aus einem anderen Kunststoff gefertigt werden sollen, als das jeweils umgebende Material.The
Für die Frontkappe 10 und die Tasten 20 werden erfindungsgemäß Polycarbonate und für die Membran 30. Elastomere verwendet. Als Polycarbonat kommt bevorzugt durchsichtiges Makrolon zum Einsatz, so daß die Lichtdurchlässigkeit der Bauteile nur durch den verwendeten Lack bestimmt wird, bzw. gezielt transparente Flächen gesetzt werden können. Zur Erzeugung der gewünschten Oberflächeneigenschaften werden die Frontkappe 10 und die Tasten 20 zuerst erodiert, z.B. nach VDI Stufe 24, bevor ein weißer Unterlack aufgetragen wird. Die Farbe des Decklacks richtet sich nach den jeweiligen Anforderungen an das Design, meistens wird jedoch ein schwarzer Decklack (z.B. erhältlich unter dem Handelsnamen RAL 9005) verwendet. Zur Darstellung der Symbole wird auf den Tasten 20 und gegebenenfalls der Frontkappe 10 eine Lasur (RAL 9002) aufgetragen. Dadurch wird erreicht, daß an diesen Stellen das Licht zum Hinterleuchten der Bedienelemente nach außen dringen kann.According to the invention, polycarbonates are used for the
Unter Bezugnahme auf Fig. 3 ist auf der Rückseite der Frontkappe 10 über Verbindungen 43, die in Vertiefungen 11 der Frontplatte eingeführt werden, eine Leiterplatte 40 angebracht, die parallel zur Ebene der Frontkappe 10 ausgerichtet ist. Die in Fig. 3 nur schematisch dargestellten Verbindungen 42 können durch Verschraubungen, Vernietungen, Verstiftungen oder ähnliches realisiert sein. Auf der Leiterplatte 40 sind bevorzugt Tastschalter 41 angeordnet, die durch die Rückseiten der Tasten 20 (den Tastenstößeln) betätigt werden. Bevorzugt sind ferner Leuchtdioden 42 zum Hinterleuchten der Tasten 20 vorgesehen, die auch im Dunkeln eine Bedienung des Geräts ermöglichen. Die Tastschalter 41 und die Leuchtdioden 42 sind bevorzugt als SMD-Bauteile ("surface mounted device") ausgebildet, um eine flache Bauform der Fronteinheit zu ermöglichen. Da die Spalte zwischen den Tasten 20 und der Frontkappe 10 durch die Membran 30 abgedeckt sind, fällt das Licht der Leuchtdioden 42 nur durch die - je nach Design - dafür vorgesehenen lichtdurchlässigen Stellen in den Tasten 20 und der Frontkappe 10.Referring to FIG. 3, a printed
Es ist jedoch auch eine Hinterleuchtung mit Lampe plus Lichtleiter möglich. Dabei flutet eine Lampe (SMD-Bauform) einen Lichtleiter (Block aus transparentem PC) mit Licht, das hinter den Tastensymbolen ausgekoppelt wird. Diese Variante kann je nach Anzahl und Lage der Tasten wirtschaftlicher sein.However, it is also possible to backlight with lamp plus optical fiber. It floods a lamp (SMD design) a light guide (block of transparent PC) with light, which is decoupled behind the key symbols. This variant can be more economical depending on the number and location of the keys.
Die Abdeckung der Spalte durch die Membran 30 schützt ferner die Leiterplatte 40 und die dahinterliegende Elektronik und Mechanik des Geräts wirksam vor Feuchtigkeit und Verschmutzung. Die erfindungsgemäße Fronteinheit kann deshalb insbesondere auch für Radios verwendet werden, die häufig Witterungseinflüssen ausgesetzt sind, z.B. in Motorrädern oder Fahrzeugen mit abnehmbarem Verdeck.The cover of the column through the
Gemäß einer weiteren (nicht dargestellten) Ausführungsform wird auf der Rückseite der Tasten 20 auf die Tastenstößel eine elektrisch leitende Lackschicht vorzugsweise durch Drucken aufgebracht. Bei der Bedienung wird der Tastenstößel und damit die leitende Lackschicht gegen zwei Kontaktflächen gedrückt, die auf der Leiterplatte 40 vorgesehen sind. Auf diese Weise wird unmittelbar ein elektrischer Kontakt zwischen den beiden Kontaktflächen hergestellt. Da die Tasten gemeinsam mit der Leiterplatte somit selbst die Schaltfunktion übernehmen, entfallen in dieser Ausführungsform die Tastschalter 41. Neben einer weiteren Kostenersparnis wird dadurch eine noch flachere Bauform der gesamten Fronteinheit möglich.According to a further (not shown) embodiment, an electrically conductive lacquer layer is preferably applied by printing on the back of the
Claims (6)
- Front unit for an electronic device, in particular a car radio, the front unit comprising:a front panel (10);movable control elements (20), which are in each case integrally connected by means of a membrane (30) to the front panel (10), so that, when there is a movement of the control element (20), the membrane (30) serves as a guide and as a resetting element, characterized in that the front panel (10), the control elements (20) and the membrane (30) are produced by a two-component injection-moulding process in such a way that the front panel (10) and the control elements (20) are produced from a polycarbonate and the membrane (30) is produced from an elastomer.
- Front unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the membrane (30) has a U-shaped or bellows-like cross section.
- Front unit according to one of the preceding claims, the front unit also having a printed circuit board (40), with preference releasably connected to it, with light-emitting diodes (42) for backlighting the control elements (20) and the front panel (10).
- Front unit according to Claim 3, pushbutton switches (41), which are actuated by the movement of the control elements (20), being arranged on the printed circuit board (40) behind the front panel.
- Front unit according to Claim 3, an electrically conducting lacquer being applied to the underside of the control elements (20), in order to establish an electrical contact when the circuit board (40) is touched.
- Front unit according to either of Claims 1 and 2, the front unit having a printed circuit board (40), with preference releasably connected to it, with a lamp and a light guide for backlighting the control elements (20) and the front panel (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE1998126851 DE19826851A1 (en) | 1998-06-16 | 1998-06-16 | Front unit for an electronic device |
| DE19826851 | 1998-06-16 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0965899A2 EP0965899A2 (en) | 1999-12-22 |
| EP0965899A3 EP0965899A3 (en) | 2003-03-26 |
| EP0965899B1 true EP0965899B1 (en) | 2007-12-12 |
Family
ID=7871079
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19990110566 Expired - Lifetime EP0965899B1 (en) | 1998-06-16 | 1999-06-01 | Face plate cover for an electronic apparatus |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0965899B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000057868A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19826851A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2296354T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10062554B4 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2004-07-01 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for producing an operating element and operating element |
| DE10224267A1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2003-12-11 | Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg | Fiber optic light guide body (FOLGB) for decoupling has a surface for decoupling rays of light coupled into the FOLGB and a diffuser layer for even light density near this surface |
| ITMI20070397A1 (en) * | 2007-03-01 | 2008-09-02 | Campagnolo Srl | COMMAND DEVICE FOR BICYCLE AND BICYCLE THAT INCLUDES IT |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2037079A (en) * | 1978-12-05 | 1980-07-02 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Modular keyboard |
| FR2523365B1 (en) * | 1982-03-11 | 1988-05-13 | Mektron France Sa | MONOLITHIC AND FLAT TOUCH KEYBOARD |
| FR2562320B1 (en) * | 1984-03-28 | 1988-03-25 | Telemecanique Electrique | MODULAR CONSTRUCTIVE ELEMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DIALOGUE APPARATUS BETWEEN AN OPERATOR AND AN INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM |
| DE3831314A1 (en) * | 1988-09-15 | 1990-03-29 | Hagenuk Telecom Gmbh | COVER MAT FOR CIRCUIT BOARD |
| DE9106424U1 (en) * | 1990-07-19 | 1991-07-18 | Silitek Corp., Taipeh/T'ai-Pei | button |
| US5311656A (en) * | 1991-03-12 | 1994-05-17 | Mitel Corporation | Keypad method of manufacture |
| DE9302229U1 (en) * | 1993-02-16 | 1993-04-01 | Silitek Corp., Taipeh/T'ai-Pei | Key switch |
-
1998
- 1998-06-16 DE DE1998126851 patent/DE19826851A1/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-06-01 DE DE59914575T patent/DE59914575D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-06-01 ES ES99110566T patent/ES2296354T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-06-01 EP EP19990110566 patent/EP0965899B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-06-16 JP JP11170174A patent/JP2000057868A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE19826851A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
| DE59914575D1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
| ES2296354T3 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
| JP2000057868A (en) | 2000-02-25 |
| EP0965899A3 (en) | 2003-03-26 |
| EP0965899A2 (en) | 1999-12-22 |
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