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EP1418602A1 - Layered keyboard - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP1418602A1
EP1418602A1 EP03019959A EP03019959A EP1418602A1 EP 1418602 A1 EP1418602 A1 EP 1418602A1 EP 03019959 A EP03019959 A EP 03019959A EP 03019959 A EP03019959 A EP 03019959A EP 1418602 A1 EP1418602 A1 EP 1418602A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane keyboard
film
key caps
key
keycaps
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
EP03019959A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1418602B1 (en
Inventor
Albert Wasmeier
Josef Rimmele
Manfred Dipl.-Ing. Raasch
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.)
Rafi GmbH and Co KG
Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik
Original Assignee
Rafi GmbH and Co KG
Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rafi GmbH and Co KG, Rafi GmbH and Co Elektrotechnische Spezialfabrik filed Critical Rafi GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP1418602A1 publication Critical patent/EP1418602A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1418602B1 publication Critical patent/EP1418602B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/074—One molded piece
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a membrane keyboard for actuating one or several switching elements according to the preamble of claim 1, on Process for the production of the membrane keyboard according to the preamble of Claim 8 and a method for producing keycaps after Claim 10, which are attachable to the membrane keyboard.
  • a membrane keyboard can be found on the GM DE 297 03 194 U1 Liquid polyurethane caps are poured on.
  • the outer contours of the Caps are thereby printed by, for example, a stop ink, created such that the polyurethane in the liquid state in the interior of the Imprint is filled.
  • a stop ink created such that the polyurethane in the liquid state in the interior of the Imprint is filled.
  • the imprint on the film is applied to the surface of the surface by means of a screen printing process Printed keypad.
  • the contour of the print can be of various types be trained.
  • the surface contour and partly the outer contour of the cap does not change due to this filling process can be designed as desired, since the height as well as the surface of the cap due to the flow behavior of the polyurethane mass and the repulsive forces do not allow the print to be influenced. Rather, the height of the cap is limited, because the physical properties of the materials used are unlimited Do not allow application of the polyurethane mass.
  • the surface of the cap can therefore not be designed freely, since the liquid Polyurethane flows evenly over the film and only through the stop ink Limitation is prevented from continuing to flow. Consequently, the surface of the so produced cap on a dome-shaped shape, since usually liquid Material runs and hardens in this way.
  • the manufacture of the membrane keyboard according to the invention should also be by means of a pick and place machine, so that the production of the Membrane keyboard can be accomplished automatically and in a very short period of time.
  • thermoplastic elastomeric material Because the keycaps from a processing state melted thermoplastic elastomeric material are made, so that this material can be processed by injection molding ensures that the outer contour, the surface and the entire three-dimensional dimension of the keycaps adapted to the insert and Purpose can be designed.
  • the keycaps can be transparent, translucent and / or even be opaque, so that for example by a rear arranged on the foil by a light molded on the key cap Letter light shines through and the rest of the keycap is opaque is. Accordingly, the area of a letter, a number or the like has, illuminated and the remaining area of the keycap is not illuminated.
  • the material used is so elastic even in the hardened state that this allows the film to bend without cracking, so that a reliable and permanent operation and connection between the individual Key cap and the film is guaranteed.
  • the keycap is firmly attached to the surface of the film using an adhesive layer connected so that the key cap does not come loose from the surface of the film is possible.
  • the adhesive layer preferably consists of a UV or thermal hardening material so that after which the keycap is covered by a Pick and place machine was placed on the surface of the membrane keyboard Curing the adhesive layer by means of a UV light source or a heat source a very short period of time. This saves assembly time so that overall the production of the assembled membrane keyboard compared to the known configuration is short.
  • a membrane keyboard 1 can be seen, which from one on one side there is an open housing 3; is in the open side of the housing 3 Clamped film 2, which is elastic. Furthermore, between the Foil 2 and the housing 3 different switching elements 4 arranged by Bending the film 2 are activated.
  • the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11”", 11 IV have different surfaces 15 which are trough-shaped, undulating, with elevations or as an arched roof.
  • the outer contours of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV can be designed individually and can therefore be round, elliptical, star-shaped, polygonal or the like.
  • the key cap 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material.
  • the adhesive layer 12 can be dried in a very short time by means of a UV or a heat source.
  • FIG. 2 shows how the individual key cap 11 is manufactured.
  • an injection mold 13 is created, for example a number 16, t. Any other letter or number or number Characters can be incorporated into the injection mold 13.
  • the injection mold 13 has an inlet channel 14 through which the liquid material enters the free space 17 the injection mold 13 can be filled.
  • the spatial shape of that shown in Figure 2 Key cap 11 is cuboid; on the surface 15 of the key cap 11 is the Molded number one. Any other spatial extension of the key cap 11 is at the same time and exclusively depending on the injection mold 13 used, see above that both the spatial dimension, the height and the surface 15 of the Key cap 11 can be manufactured individually.
  • the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11”', 11 IV thus produced are held on the surface 5 of the film 2 by means of the adhesive layer 12.
  • the adhesive layer 12 is first applied in regions to the surface 5 of the membrane 2.
  • the desired key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are placed on the respective adhesive layer 12 by means of an automatic placement machine.
  • the adhesive layer 12 is dried out in a very short time by a UV or heat source , so that the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are firmly connected to the film 2.
  • the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV are made of a transparent, translucent and / or an opaque material. For example, during the manufacturing process the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11", 11 "', 11 IV, a colored insert is added, so that the color of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV is specified by this. It is also possible to design the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11”', 11 IV in two parts, so that the insert is inserted between the two parts of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV Both parts of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11'', 11 IV are then locked and are therefore firmly connected to one another.
  • the surfaces 15 of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV can be adapted to a different use and intended use, so that they are designed, for example, as a depression to prevent them from slipping off the surface 15
  • elevations or notches can be provided in the surface 15, so that letters of Braille are formed by these, for example.
  • the outer contours of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV have any shape which is selected as a function of the desired function of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11", 11''', 11 IV becomes.
  • the material used ensures that the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV are elastic even in the hardened state, so that the deflection of the film 2 is also carried out by the key cap 11 without the adhesive layer 12 shear forces, which would destroy them, arise.
  • the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are made of an elastically deformable thermoplastic material.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Film keyboard (1) comprises a film (2) which is deformed in the direction of the switching elements (4). Key caps (11, 11', 11'', 11''', 11IV) are fixed to the surface of the film. The key caps are produced in an injection molding process and are adhered to the film. The caps are completely or partially made from transparent, translucent and/or light-impermeable material. An Independent claim is also included for a process for the production of a film keyboard.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Folientastatur zur Betätigung eines oder mehrerer Schaltelemente nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1, auf ein Verfahren zur Herstellung der Folientastatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 8 sowie auf ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Tastenkappen nach Anspruch 10, die auf der Folientastatur anbringbar sind.The invention relates to a membrane keyboard for actuating one or several switching elements according to the preamble of claim 1, on Process for the production of the membrane keyboard according to the preamble of Claim 8 and a method for producing keycaps after Claim 10, which are attachable to the membrane keyboard.

Dem GM DE 297 03 194 U1 ist eine Folientastatur zu entnehmen, auf der einzelne Kappen aus flüssigem Polyurethan aufgegossen sind. Die Außenkonturen der Kappen werden dabei durch einen Aufdruck, beispielsweise durch einen Stop-Ink, derart geschaffen, dass das Polyurethan in flüssigem Zustand in den Innenraum des Aufdruckes eingefüllt wird. Nach dem Aushärten des Polyurethans ist die Kappe sowohl mit der Folie verbunden als auch in ihrer Außenkontur fest. Der Aufdruck auf der Folie wird mittels eines Siebdruckverfahrens auf die Oberfläche der Folientastatur aufgedruckt. Die Kontur des Aufdrucks kann verschiedenartig ausgebildet sein.A membrane keyboard can be found on the GM DE 297 03 194 U1 Liquid polyurethane caps are poured on. The outer contours of the Caps are thereby printed by, for example, a stop ink, created such that the polyurethane in the liquid state in the interior of the Imprint is filled. After curing the polyurethane is the cap both connected to the film and fixed in its outer contour. The imprint on the film is applied to the surface of the surface by means of a screen printing process Printed keypad. The contour of the print can be of various types be trained.

Als nachteilig hat sich hierbei herausgestellt, dass die Oberflächenkontur und teilweise auch die Außenkontur der Kappe durch diesen Einfüllvorgang sich nicht beliebig gestalten lassen, da sich die Höhe als auch die Oberfläche der Kappe aufgrund des Fließverhaltens der Polyurethanmasse sowie der Abstossungskräfte des Aufdrucks nicht beeinflussen lassen. Vielmehr ist die Höhe der Kappe begrenzt, da die physikalischen Eigenschaften der verwendeten Materialien ein unbegrenztes Aufbringen der Polyurethanmasse nicht erlauben.It has been found to be disadvantageous here that the surface contour and partly the outer contour of the cap does not change due to this filling process can be designed as desired, since the height as well as the surface of the cap due to the flow behavior of the polyurethane mass and the repulsive forces do not allow the print to be influenced. Rather, the height of the cap is limited, because the physical properties of the materials used are unlimited Do not allow application of the polyurethane mass.

Die Oberfläche der Kappe kann somit nicht frei gestaltet werden, da das flüssige Polyurethan gleichmäßig über die Folie fließt und ausschließlich durch die Stop-Ink Begrenzung am Weiterfließen gehindert wird. Folglich weist die Oberfläche der derart hergestellten Kappe eine kuppenförmige Gestalt auf, da üblicherweise flüssiges Material in dieser Art und Weise verläuft und aushärtet.The surface of the cap can therefore not be designed freely, since the liquid Polyurethane flows evenly over the film and only through the stop ink Limitation is prevented from continuing to flow. Consequently, the surface of the so produced cap on a dome-shaped shape, since usually liquid Material runs and hardens in this way.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der Erfindung, die eingangs genannte Folientastatur derart weiterzubilden, dass auf dieser Tastenkappen aufgebracht sind, deren Oberfläche, deren räumlichen Abmessungen und deren Außenkonturen in Abhängigkeit von dem jeweiligen Einsatz- und Verwendungszweck individuell gestaltet werden können. Des weiteren sollen die Tastenkappen als Massenware auf einfache und kostengünstige Weise herstellbar sein und nachträglich fest mit der Folie verbindbar sein, so dass eine zuverlässige und dauerhafte Funktionsweise der Folientastatur gewährleistet ist.It is therefore an object of the invention to use the membrane keyboard mentioned in the introduction to further develop that key caps are applied to their surface, their spatial dimensions and their outer contours depending on the can be individually designed for each application and purpose. Of the keycaps are also intended to be mass-produced on simple and inexpensive Be able to be manufactured and subsequently be firmly connected to the film, so that reliable and permanent functioning of the membrane keyboard is guaranteed.

Die erfindungsgemäße Herstellung der Folientastatur soll darüber hinaus mittels einer Bestückungsmaschine erfolgen können, so dass die Herstellung der Folientastatur automatisch und in einem sehr kurzen Zeitraum zu bewerkstelligen ist.The manufacture of the membrane keyboard according to the invention should also be by means of a pick and place machine, so that the production of the Membrane keyboard can be accomplished automatically and in a very short period of time.

Diese Aufgaben werden erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale der kennzeichnenden Teile der Ansprüche 1, 8 und 10 gelöst.According to the invention, these tasks are characterized by the characteristics of the Parts of claims 1, 8 and 10 solved.

Weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Further advantageous developments of the invention result from the Dependent claims.

Dadurch, dass die Tastenkappen aus einem im Verarbeitungszustand aufgeschmolzenen thermoplastischen elastomeren Werkstoff hergestellt sind, so dass dieses Material im Spritzgussverfahren verarbeitet werden kann, ist gewährleistet, dass die Außenkontur, die Oberfläche und die gesamte dreidimensionale Abmessung der Tastenkappen angepasst an den Einsatz- und Verwendungszweck gestaltet werden können. Because the keycaps from a processing state melted thermoplastic elastomeric material are made, so that this material can be processed by injection molding ensures that the outer contour, the surface and the entire three-dimensional dimension of the keycaps adapted to the insert and Purpose can be designed.

Folglich können beispielsweise Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Symbole der Blindenschrift in die Oberflächen der Tastenkappen eingeformt werden, die auch als Erhöhungen auf der Oberflächen der Tastenkappen angebracht sind. Die Höhe, die räumliche Abmessungen sowie die Außenkanten der Tastenkappen sind demnach nicht mehr abhängig von dem Fließverhalten des Werkstoffes, sondern vielmehr von der Gießform, die während des Spritzgussverfahrens eingesetzt wird.As a result, letters, numbers or symbols in Braille can be used be molded into the surfaces of the keycaps, which are also called elevations on the surfaces of the keycaps. The height, the spatial Dimensions and the outer edges of the keycaps are therefore no longer depending on the flow behavior of the material, but rather on the Mold that is used during the injection molding process.

Darüber hinaus können die Tastenkappen sowohl transparent, transluszent und/oder sogar lichtundurchlässig ausgebildet sein, so dass beispielsweise durch eine hinter der Folie angeordnete Leuchtanzeige durch einen auf der Tastenkappe eingeformten Buchstabe Licht hindurchscheint und die restliche Tastenkappe lichtundurchlässig ist. Demnach wird der Bereich, der einen Buchstaben, eine Zahl oder dergleichen aufweist, beleuchtet und der restliche Bereich der Tastenkappe ist nicht ausgeleuchtet.In addition, the keycaps can be transparent, translucent and / or even be opaque, so that for example by a rear arranged on the foil by a light molded on the key cap Letter light shines through and the rest of the keycap is opaque is. Accordingly, the area of a letter, a number or the like has, illuminated and the remaining area of the keycap is not illuminated.

Das verwendete Material ist auch im ausgehärteten Zustand derart elastisch, dass dieses eine Durchbiegung der Folie ohne Rissbildung ermöglicht, so dass eine zuverlässige und dauerhafte Betriebsweise und Verbindung zwischen der einzelnen Tastenkappe und der Folie gewährleistet ist.The material used is so elastic even in the hardened state that this allows the film to bend without cracking, so that a reliable and permanent operation and connection between the individual Key cap and the film is guaranteed.

Die Tastenkappe ist mittels einer Klebeschicht fest mit der Oberfläche der Folie verbunden, so dass ein Lösen der Tastenkappe von der Oberfläche der Folie nicht möglich ist. Die Klebeschicht besteht vorzugsweise aus einem UV- oder thermisch aushärtendem Material, so dass, nach dem die Tastenkappe durch eine Bestückungsmaschine auf die Oberfläche der Folientastatur aufgesetzt wurde, ein Aushärten der Klebeschicht mittels einer UV-Lichtquelle oder einer Wärmequelle in einem sehr kurzem Zeitraum bewerkstelligt wird. Dies erspart Montagezeit, so dass insgesamt die Herstellung der bestückten Folientastatur im Vergleich zu der bekannten Ausgestaltung kurz ist.The keycap is firmly attached to the surface of the film using an adhesive layer connected so that the key cap does not come loose from the surface of the film is possible. The adhesive layer preferably consists of a UV or thermal hardening material so that after which the keycap is covered by a Pick and place machine was placed on the surface of the membrane keyboard Curing the adhesive layer by means of a UV light source or a heat source a very short period of time. This saves assembly time so that overall the production of the assembled membrane keyboard compared to the known configuration is short.

In der Zeichnung wird ein erfindungsgemäßes Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, das nachfolgend näher erläutert wird. Im einzelnen zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine Folientastatur mit einer in einem Gehäuse eingespannten Folie, auf deren Oberfläche verschiedenartig ausgebildete Tastenkappen angebracht sind, im Schnitt, und
Fig. 2
eine Tastenkappe zur Anbringung auf der Folientastatur gemäß Figur 1 in einer Spritzgussform, in dreidimensionaler Ansicht.
In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown, which is explained in more detail below. In detail shows:
Fig. 1
a membrane keyboard with a film clamped in a housing, on the surface of which variously shaped key caps are attached, in section, and
Fig. 2
a key cap for attachment to the membrane keyboard according to Figure 1 in an injection mold, in a three-dimensional view.

Aus Figur 1 ist eine Folientastatur 1 zu entnehmen, die aus einem auf einer Seite offen ausgebildeten Gehäuse 3 besteht; in die offene Seite des Gehäuses 3 ist eine Folie 2 eingespannt, die elastisch ausgebildet ist. Des weiteren sind zwischen der Folie 2 und dem Gehäuse 3 verschiedene Schaltelemente 4 angeordnet, die durch Durchbiegen der Folie 2 aktiviert werden.From Figure 1, a membrane keyboard 1 can be seen, which from one on one side there is an open housing 3; is in the open side of the housing 3 Clamped film 2, which is elastic. Furthermore, between the Foil 2 and the housing 3 different switching elements 4 arranged by Bending the film 2 are activated.

Auf der äußeren Oberfläche 5 der Folie 2 sind verschiedenartige Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV, die mittels einer Klebeschicht 12 auf der Oberfläche 5 befestigt sind, fluchtend zu den Schaltelementen 4 angeordnet. Durch Drücken der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV biegt sich demnach die Folie 2 in diesem Bereich in Richtung der Schaltelemente 4 durch, so dass diese von der auf der Unterseite der Folie 2 elektrisch leitend ausgebildeten Folie 2 aktiviert werden.Various types of keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV , which are attached to the surface 5 by means of an adhesive layer 12, are arranged on the outer surface 5 of the film 2 in alignment with the switching elements 4. By pressing the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV , the film 2 bends in this area in the direction of the switching elements 4, so that they are activated by the film 2, which is electrically conductive on the underside of the film 2.

Die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV weisen unterschiedliche Oberflächen 15 auf, die muldenförmig, wellenförmig, mit Erhebungen oder als bogenförmiges Dach ausgebildet sind.
Die Außenkonturen der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV sind einzeln gestaltbar und können daher rund, elliptisch, sternförmig, vieleckig oder dgl. ausgebildet sein. Die Tastenkappe 11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV ist aus einem thermoplastischen elastomeren Werkstoff hergestellt. Die Klebeschicht 12 kann mittels einer UV- oder einer Wärmequelle innerhalb kürzester Zeit getrocknet werden.The keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"", 11 IV have different surfaces 15 which are trough-shaped, undulating, with elevations or as an arched roof.
The outer contours of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV can be designed individually and can therefore be round, elliptical, star-shaped, polygonal or the like. The key cap 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV is made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material. The adhesive layer 12 can be dried in a very short time by means of a UV or a heat source.

Aus Figur 2 ist ersichtlich, wie die einzelne Tastenkappe 11 hergestellt wird. Zu diesem Zweck wird eine Spritzgussform 13 geschaffen, die beispielsweise eine Zahl 16 aufweis, t. Jeder andere Buchstabe oder jede beliebige Zahl oder jedes Schriftzeichen sind in die Spritzgussform 13 einarbeitbar. Die Spritzgussform 13 weist einen Einlasskanal 14 auf, durch den der flüssige Werkstoff in den Freiraum 17 der Spritzgussform 13 einfüllbar ist. Die räumliche Gestalt des in Figur 2 gezeigten Tastenkappe 11 ist quaderförmig; auf der Oberfläche 15 der Tastenkappe 11 ist die Zahl eins eingeformt. Jede andere räumliche Ausdehnung der Tastenkappe 11 ist zugleich und ausschließlich abhängig von der eingesetzten Spritzgussform 13, so dass sowohl die räumliche Abmessung, die Höhe als auch die Oberfläche 15 der Tastenkappe 11 individuell herstellbar sind.FIG. 2 shows how the individual key cap 11 is manufactured. To For this purpose, an injection mold 13 is created, for example a number 16, t. Any other letter or number or number Characters can be incorporated into the injection mold 13. The injection mold 13 has an inlet channel 14 through which the liquid material enters the free space 17 the injection mold 13 can be filled. The spatial shape of that shown in Figure 2 Key cap 11 is cuboid; on the surface 15 of the key cap 11 is the Molded number one. Any other spatial extension of the key cap 11 is at the same time and exclusively depending on the injection mold 13 used, see above that both the spatial dimension, the height and the surface 15 of the Key cap 11 can be manufactured individually.

Mittels des Spritzgussverfahrens können eine Vielzahl von Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV innerhalb kürzester Zeit und individuell gefertigt werden, so dass ein kostengünstiger Massenartikel herstellbar ist.Using the injection molding process, a large number of keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV can be manufactured individually and in a very short time, so that an inexpensive mass-produced article can be produced.

Die derart gefertigten Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV werden mittels der Klebeschicht 12 auf der Oberfläche 5 der Folie 2 gehalten. Im Herstellungsverfahren der Folientastatur 1 wird zunächst bereichsweise die Klebeschicht 12 auf der Oberfläche 5 der Folie 2 aufgetragen. Mittels eines Bestückungsautomaten werden die jeweils gewünschten Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV auf die jeweilige Klebeschicht 12 aufgesetzt. Um den Herstellungsprozess zu beschleunigen, wird die Klebeschicht 12 durch eine UV- oder Wärmequelle innerhalb kürzester Zeit ausgetrocknet, so dass die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV fest mit der Folie 2 verbunden ist.The key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV thus produced are held on the surface 5 of the film 2 by means of the adhesive layer 12. In the manufacturing process of the membrane keyboard 1, the adhesive layer 12 is first applied in regions to the surface 5 of the membrane 2. The desired key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are placed on the respective adhesive layer 12 by means of an automatic placement machine. In order to accelerate the manufacturing process, the adhesive layer 12 is dried out in a very short time by a UV or heat source , so that the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are firmly connected to the film 2.

Die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV sind aus einem transparenten, transluszenten und/oder einem lichtundurchlässigen Material hergestellt. Beispielsweise kann während des Herstellungsprozesses der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV eine farbliche Einlage zugefügt werden, so dass durch diese die Farbe der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV vorgegeben ist. Es ist auch möglich, die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV zweiteilig auszubilden, so dass zwischen beiden Teilen der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV die Einlage eingesetzt werden kann. Beide Teile der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV werden anschließend verrastet und sind daher fest miteinander verbunden.The keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV are made of a transparent, translucent and / or an opaque material. For example, during the manufacturing process the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11", 11 "', 11 IV, a colored insert is added, so that the color of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV is specified by this. It is also possible to design the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV in two parts, so that the insert is inserted between the two parts of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV Both parts of the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV are then locked and are therefore firmly connected to one another.

Wenn Bereiche der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV mit einem lichtundurchlässigen Material hergestellt sind und beispielsweise die in die Oberfläche 15 der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV eingefärbte Zahl 16 in den darrunterliegenden Teil der Tastenkappe 11 aus einem transparenten bzw. transluszenten Material besteht und in dem Gehäuse 3 eine Leuchtanzeige vorgesehen ist, wird die in die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV eingeformten Zahl 16, Buchstaben oder Schriftzeichen ausgeleuchtet.If areas of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"", 11 IV are produced with an opaque material and, for example, those colored into the surface 15 of the key caps 11, 11', 11", 11 "", 11 IV Number 16 in the underlying part of the key cap 11 consists of a transparent or translucent material and a light indicator is provided in the housing 3, the number 16 molded into the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV , Illuminated letters or characters.

Die Oberflächen 15 der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV können an einen unterschiedlichen Einsatz und Verwendungszweck angepasst sein, so dass diese beispielsweise als Mulde ausgebildet sind, um ein Abrutschen von der Oberfläche 15 zu verhindern. Des weiteren können Erhebungen oder Einkerbungen in die Oberfläche 15 vorgesehen sein, so dass durch diese beispielsweise Buchstaben der Blindenschrift gebildet sind.The surfaces 15 of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV can be adapted to a different use and intended use, so that they are designed, for example, as a depression to prevent them from slipping off the surface 15 In addition, elevations or notches can be provided in the surface 15, so that letters of Braille are formed by these, for example.

Die Außenkonturen der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV weisen eine beliebige Form auf, die in Abhängigkeit von der gewünschten Funktion der Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV gewählt wird.The outer contours of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV have any shape which is selected as a function of the desired function of the keycaps 11, 11 ', 11", 11''', 11 IV becomes.

Der verwendete Werkstoff gewährleistet, dass die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV auch im ausgehärteten Zustand elastisch sind, so dass die Durchbiegung der Folie 2 von der Tastenkappe 11 mit vollzogen wird, ohne dass in der Klebeschicht 12 Scheerkräfte, die diese zerstören würden, entstehen. Die Tastenkappen 11, 11', 11", 11 "', 11IV sind nämlich aus einem elastisch verformbaren thermoplastischen Werkstoff hergestellt.The material used ensures that the key caps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV are elastic even in the hardened state, so that the deflection of the film 2 is also carried out by the key cap 11 without the adhesive layer 12 shear forces, which would destroy them, arise. The keycaps 11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV are made of an elastically deformable thermoplastic material.

Claims (10)

Folientastatur (1) zur Betätigung eines oder mehrerer Schaltelemente (4), bestehend aus einer in Richtung der Schaltelemente (4) verformbaren Folie (2), auf deren Oberfläche (3), vorzugsweise fluchtend zu den Schaltelementen (4), eine oder mehrere Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV) angebracht sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV) einzeln im Spritzgussverfahren hergestellt sind, dass die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV) auf der Folie (2) aufgeklebt sind und dass die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV) ganz oder teilweise aus einem transparenten, transluszenten und/oder aus einem lichtundurchlässigen Material gebildet sind.Membrane keyboard (1) for actuating one or more switching elements (4), consisting of a film (2) deformable in the direction of the switching elements (4), on the surface (3) thereof, preferably in alignment with the switching elements (4), one or more key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV ) are attached,
characterized in that the key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) are manufactured individually by injection molding, that the key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) on the film (2) are glued on and that the keycaps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) are wholly or partly formed from a transparent, translucent and / or from an opaque material. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 1,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV) aus einem thermoplastischen elastomeren Werkstoff hergestellt sind. Membrane keyboard according to claim 1,
characterized in that the key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) are made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass die zwischen der Folie (2) und den Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11 ", 11''', 11IV) vorgesehene Klebeschicht (12) aus einem UV- oder thermisch aushärtenden Werkstoff besteht.Membrane keyboard according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the adhesive layer (12) provided between the film (2) and the key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV ) consists of a UV or thermosetting material. Folientastatur nach einem oder mehreren der vorgenannten Ansprüche,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass in die Tastenkappe (11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV) jeweils eine farblich gestaltete Einlageplatte eingesteckt ist, die in der Tastenkappe (11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV) gehalten ist.Membrane keyboard according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a colored insert plate is inserted into the key cap (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ), which is in the key cap (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) is held. Folientastatur nach einem oder mehreren der vorgenannten Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass die Außenkonturen, die Höhe und/oder die Oberflächen (15) der Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV) variabel gestaltbar sind.Membrane keyboard according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the outer contours, the height and / or the surfaces (15) of the keycaps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV ) can be designed variably. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass in die Oberflächen (15) der Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11 ", 11 "', 11IV) eine oder mehrere Einkerbungen, Erhöhungen, Schriftzeichen und/oder Buchstaben eingeformt oder angearbeitet sind.Membrane keyboard according to claim 5,
characterized in that in the surfaces (15) of the keycaps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11"', 11 IV ) one or more notches, elevations, characters and / or letters are molded or machined. Folientastatur nach einem oder mehreren der vorgenannten Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV) ganz oder teilweise eingefärbt sind und/oder daß die Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11"', 11IV) ganz oder teilweise transparent und/oder lichtundurchlässig ausgebildet sind.Membrane keyboard according to one or more of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV ) are colored in whole or in part and / or in that the key caps (11, 11 ', 11", 11 "', 11 IV ) are completely or partially transparent and / or opaque. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Folientastatur (1), insbesondere nach einem oder mehreren der vorgenannten Ansprüche, bestehend aus einer über einer oder mehreren Schaltelementen (4) angeordneten Folie (2),
   gekennzeichnet durch
   die nacheinander ablaufenden nachfolgend angegebenen Verfahrensschritte: bereichsweises Aufbringen von einer oder mehreren Klebeschichten (12) auf der Oberfläche (3) der Folie (2), Bestücken der Folie (2) mit vorgefertigten Tastenkappen (11) auf die aufgebrachten Klebeschichten (12). Method for producing a membrane keyboard (1), in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, consisting of a membrane (2) arranged over one or more switching elements (4),
marked by
the successive process steps specified below: application of one or more adhesive layers (12) in areas on the surface (3) of the film (2), Equip the film (2) with pre-made key caps (11) on the applied adhesive layers (12). Verfahren und Anspruch 8,
gekennzeichet durch, Aushärten der Klebeschichten (12) mittels UV-Licht oder mittels thermischer Erwärmung. Method and claim 8,
characterized by, Hardening the adhesive layers (12) by means of UV light or by means of thermal heating. Verfahren zur Herstellung von Tastenkappen (11, 11', 11", 11''', 11IV), insbesondere zur Verwendung für eine Folientastatur (1) nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 und/oder für den Herstellungsprozess der Folientastatur (1) nach Anspruch 8,
   dadurch gekennzeichnet,    dass ein flüssiger thermoplastischer elastomerer Werkstoff in eine Spritzgussform (13) eingebracht wird und dass die Spritzgussform (13) nach dem Aushärten des Werkstoffes von diesem abgenommen wird.Method for producing key caps (11, 11 ', 11 ", 11''', 11 IV ), in particular for use for a membrane keyboard (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 and / or for the manufacturing process of the membrane keyboard ( 1) according to claim 8,
characterized in that a liquid thermoplastic elastomeric material is introduced into an injection mold (13) and that the injection mold (13) is removed therefrom after the material has hardened.
EP03019959A 2002-11-07 2003-09-03 Layered keyboard Expired - Lifetime EP1418602B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10252238A DE10252238A1 (en) 2002-11-07 2002-11-07 keypad
DE10252238 2002-11-07

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EP1418602A1 true EP1418602A1 (en) 2004-05-12
EP1418602B1 EP1418602B1 (en) 2006-10-04

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AT (1) ATE341827T1 (en)
DE (2) DE10252238A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006051350A1 (en) * 2006-10-31 2008-05-08 Raumedic Ag Plastic body e.g. cap container, for use during packing of e.g. food, has injection molding-elevations forming Braille-characters and formed as one-piece at base body by injection molding process e.g. sandwich- injection molding

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB705382A (en) * 1950-01-24 1954-03-10 Rooy Method of manufacturing plastic typewriter keys
US5011728A (en) * 1986-10-08 1991-04-30 Suehiro Industrial Co., Ltd. Molding method for manufacture of a resin molded part
US5510782A (en) * 1992-08-03 1996-04-23 Itt Corporation Back lit keypad
DE19740478A1 (en) * 1997-09-15 1999-03-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Thermoplastic elastomer component, especially a switching mat, for electrical equipment in vehicles
US5993019A (en) * 1997-10-03 1999-11-30 Delco Electronics Corporation Molded two part button with illuminated graphic
EP0977225A2 (en) * 1998-07-31 2000-02-02 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key top element, push button switch element and method for manufacturing same
EP1132931A1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2001-09-12 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Push-button switch and method of manufacturing the same
US20020027065A1 (en) * 1997-02-18 2002-03-07 Yoshio Kenmochi Illumination key and method of manufacture

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB705382A (en) * 1950-01-24 1954-03-10 Rooy Method of manufacturing plastic typewriter keys
US5011728A (en) * 1986-10-08 1991-04-30 Suehiro Industrial Co., Ltd. Molding method for manufacture of a resin molded part
US5510782A (en) * 1992-08-03 1996-04-23 Itt Corporation Back lit keypad
US20020027065A1 (en) * 1997-02-18 2002-03-07 Yoshio Kenmochi Illumination key and method of manufacture
DE19740478A1 (en) * 1997-09-15 1999-03-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Thermoplastic elastomer component, especially a switching mat, for electrical equipment in vehicles
US5993019A (en) * 1997-10-03 1999-11-30 Delco Electronics Corporation Molded two part button with illuminated graphic
EP0977225A2 (en) * 1998-07-31 2000-02-02 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key top element, push button switch element and method for manufacturing same
EP1132931A1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2001-09-12 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Push-button switch and method of manufacturing the same

Also Published As

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DE50305242D1 (en) 2006-11-16
EP1418602B1 (en) 2006-10-04
ATE341827T1 (en) 2006-10-15
DE10252238A1 (en) 2004-05-27

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