EP1467390A1 - Key-pad for the control panel of a household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The button block has at least one button with a cap (4) and an actuating element (5), at least one spring element and a frame (2) in which the at least one button is guided. The button cap transfers a force to the actuating element in the actuation direction via an acting surface in contact with a corresponding surface of the actuating element when operated. The cap and actuating element are not connected together, at least at their corresponding acting surfaces.

Description

The invention relates to a keypad for insertion in a control surface of a household appliance, in particular one Cover made of glass, stainless steel, aluminum or materials similar material properties.

The control surfaces of household appliances usually show several different controls. Buttons for Certain functions are set individually or as Keypad arranged side by side. It should be noted, that the functional units are spatially coordinated are so that the buttons attached in or on the housing and the electronics operated via the buttons inside of the device interact smoothly.

The installation of push buttons is especially for glass panels difficult because the feasible at competitive prices Glass processing techniques with larger manufacturing tolerances are connected as, for example, metalworking techniques. Therefore, the use is basically a keypad advantageous, in which the control surface is not required for the functionality of the buttons and accordingly does not have to be specially adapted. Farther it is desirable that the well-known electronics the devices and their arrangement can remain unchanged and that the buttons also appear when larger manufacturing tolerances occur interact with this electronics.

The document DE 197 39 575 discloses a keypad in which molded pushbuttons are attached to a flexible web and are accommodated in openings, for example in a glass panel. A flexible arrangement of the push buttons is achieved through the flexible web. Electronics that are further away can also be operated using a switching plunger on the pressure switch. The switching plunger is dimensioned so generously that when the push button is pressed, the button is also always pressed in a suitable manner.

Due to the flexible bridge and the generously dimensioned Switch plungers can have manufacturing tolerances to a certain extent Degrees are balanced. The keys or their spring geometries rely on between electronics and Cover arranged abutment. Hence the keypad not independent of the electronics or their arrangement behind the control surface.

It is an object of the invention to provide a keypad in which the aforementioned disadvantages in the prior art Technology at least partially overcome or at least reduced become.

This task is carried out by the keypad with the features of claim 1 solved.

The keypad for inserting into a control surface of a Household appliance, in particular a panel made of glass, stainless steel, Aluminum or materials with similar material properties comprises at least one button comprising one Key cap and an actuator between the Key cap and an electrical switching unit of the household appliance is arranged or can be arranged and when pressed the key cap with this and the electrical switching unit interacts to trigger a switching process, at least one spring element that when the button is pressed a restoring force for resetting the keycap provides, and a framework in which the at least one Key is guided, the key cap when pressed over an effective area on a corresponding effective area of the actuating element rests on the actuating element Transmits force in the direction of actuation, and wherein the key cap and the actuating element at least on their corresponding active surfaces not with each other are connected.

The corresponding effective areas are those areas or areas on the surface of the keycap and Actuator, which are key cap and actuator when pressing the key cap in the direction of actuation touch. That the corresponding effective areas not connected or loose or against each other In other words, moving means that the keycap and the actuator physically separate units or are separate components.

The main advantage of the keypad according to the invention is that by physically separating the key cap units and actuating element to compensate for shape and position tolerances, which, for example, on manufacturing tolerances of the Keypads, the control unit or the electronic Switch unit based, is made possible. The actuators can then in the direction of actuation and / or vertically a certain play in the frame for the direction of actuation or have in the keycap, which also makes them a actuate slightly shifted switching element or with it can be engaged.

Another advantage is that the alignment of the keycaps not in the frame by the position of the actuators being affected. This ensures that the keypad always has an even surface on the outside having.

Another advantage is that the spring elements are provided the restoring force are formed on the button. This allows when using the keypad according to the invention the electrical switching unit in the previous devices remain unchanged in their arrangement since they are not is required for the functionality of the buttons. Also on the control surface are not complex modifications perform.

Furthermore, the keypad according to the invention is off very few simple parts built, which also makes it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the keypad according to the invention there is at least one spring element not in force connection with the actuating element. The corresponding effective areas or the separate ones Units therefore touch in a starting position the keycap or a position that the keycap takes if no operation takes place, not mandatory. In other words, that means key cap and actuator can be decoupled from one another if there is no actuation of the key cap in the actuation direction.

The at least one spring element is preferably on the Key cap molded on and lies against the frame. It is Spring element preferably on one or more of the side surfaces molded on the keycap. The frame forms then the abutment for the spring element.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring element in is biased to a starting position. This will make the Keycaps pressed outwards even when not actuated and all the buttons arranged side by side have the same Height up. This creates a uniform surface of the keypad and a visually appealing appearance.

In a particularly expedient embodiment, this is at least a spring element molded onto the keycap Strut. It can be particularly advantageous if four struts are formed on the key cap, each two on opposite sides of the keycap that border only on the frame. This embodiment is preferred for rectangular keycaps that are relative long such pages, because in this way a uniform reset of the keycaps is achieved. The struts can move diagonally from the outer corners Run in the middle of these pages. It is both possible that they're at the corners or in the middle of the keycap are molded onto them.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the key cap two struts are molded, one each on the opposite Pages. This construction is particularly suitable for keys with key caps that have such short sides. It is possible that the struts of this opposite sides in the same or opposite Direction from an outer corner or the center of this Sides run diagonally to the other outer corner.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the keypad according to the invention the frame is together with the buttons guided in it in a breakthrough in the control surface used or usable. The breakthrough is in its dimensions according to the dimensions of the frame dimensioned. If the complete keypad in the Sunk user interface is the surface of the keypad almost flat with the surface of the control surface. The results in an attractive appearance and the control surface is easy to clean.

The frame is preferably with means for attachment of the keypad in the breakthrough. For fixation for example, noses, Snap hooks or spring elements can be provided. Farther Means, in particular noses, can be provided for this purpose serve to press the frame evenly against the surface.

In particular, it is advantageous if in the frame for everyone single button formed a separate guide frame is. The keycap is preferably in the lead frame led from the inside. That means enclosing the key cap the guide frame and lie with areas of its inner surface, especially the inner surface of the side surfaces, at corresponding surfaces or areas or points the surface of the lead frame. The leadership framework prevents the key caps from twisting in the frame. The on the one hand has the advantage of a visually appealing appearance, since the buttons are essentially vertical stand together, on the other hand there is also the danger of a Damage to the keys from rubbing against each other and in the worst case jamming of the buttons is reduced. The keycaps have smooth outer surfaces, which in turn is advantageous from an optical point of view.

It when the actuating element is particularly advantageous in the direction of actuation and / or perpendicular to the direction of actuation in a given tolerance range the position of the keycap can be changed. The The tolerance range is preferably greater than that the manufacturing of the keypad due to manufacturing tolerances. Due to the changeable position or mobility or the play of the actuator perpendicular to the direction of actuation and then in the direction of actuation for example, position tolerances of the switching elements of the electrical Compensate the switching unit. The keycap remains thereby firmly in their starting position in the frame.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the keypad a locking means is formed on the actuating element. For example, depressions, Grooves, grooves, but also noses, hooks or other ridges be provided on the fastener. The locking device serves the fastener with the keypad or to connect to the electrical switching unit, in which it engages with corresponding locking means comes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating element about the locking means with corresponding locking means releasably connected to the electrical switching unit. The actuating element is then when the key cap is pressed performed in the electrical switching unit. The maximum The stroke of the actuating element depends on the locking geometry or the embodiment of the corresponding Latching means.

It when the actuating element is particularly advantageous is formed at least in a cut in a T-shape. at lateral actuation of the button are then via the T-profile the pressure forces are derived in the middle. This is especially when using elongated, rectangular ones Keycaps an advantage.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the keypad according to the invention is the actuator about the locking means with corresponding locking means releasably connected to the frame. The actuator is then carried out exclusively in the frame and participates its side facing away from the keycap with the electrical Switching device together.

It is particularly advantageous if the actuating element on the one that interacts with the electrical switching unit End has a widening that one has a larger diameter than that of the widening adjacent section of the actuator. This will ensures that even with a due to positional tolerances Keypad slightly shifted switching unit the actuator can interact with the switch.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings explained further.

FIG 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Tastenblocks gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 2

eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 1 entlang der Bedienfläche,

FIG 3

eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 2 entlang der Ebene A-A,

FIG 4

eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 2 entlang der Ebene B-B,

FIG 5

eine Schnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 2 entlang der Ebene C-C,

FIG 6

eine Seitenansicht des Tastenblocks nach FIG 2

FIG 7

eine Ausführungsform eines Betätigungselementes für einen Tastenblock nach FIG 2,

FIG 8

eine Ausführungsform eines Rahmens für den Tastenblock nach FIG 2,

FIG 9

eine Draufsicht auf den Rahmen nach FIG 8,

FIG 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform des Tastenblocks gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 11

eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 10,

FIG 12

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnitts K aus FIG 11,

FIG 13

eine Schnittdarstellung des Tastenblocks nach FIG 11 entlang der Ebene D-D,

FIG 14

eine Ausführungsform eines Betätigungselements des Tastenblocks nach FIG 11

FIG 15

eine Ausführungsform einer Tastenkappe des Tastenblocks gemäß der Erfindung mit zwei angeformten Federbeinen,

FIG 16

eine Seitenansicht der Tastenkappe nach FIG 15,

FIG 17

eine Längsschnittdarstellung der Tastenkappe nach FIG 15,

FIG 18

eine Ausführungsform eines Rahmens für den Tastenblock nach FIG 11,

FIG 19

eine Draufsicht auf den Rahmen nach FIG 18.

Each shows in a schematic representation:

FIG. 1

2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a keypad according to the invention,

FIG 2

2 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 1 along the operating surface,

FIG 3

3 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 2 along the plane AA,

FIG 4

3 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 2 along the plane BB,

FIG 5

3 shows a sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 2 along the plane CC,

FIG 6

a side view of the keypad according to FIG. 2

FIG 7

2 shows an embodiment of an actuating element for a keypad according to FIG. 2,

FIG 8

2 shows an embodiment of a frame for the keypad according to FIG. 2,

FIG. 9

8 shows a plan view of the frame according to FIG. 8,

FIG 10

2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the keypad according to the invention,

FIG 11

10 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 10,

FIG 12

11 shows an enlarged illustration of section K from FIG. 11,

FIG. 13

11 shows a sectional illustration of the keypad according to FIG. 11 along the plane DD,

FIG 14

an embodiment of an actuating element of the keypad according to FIG 11

FIG. 15

An embodiment of a key cap of the key block according to the invention with two molded struts,

FIG 16

15 shows a side view of the key cap according to FIG. 15,

FIG 17

15 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration of the key cap according to FIG. 15,

FIG 18

1 shows an embodiment of a frame for the keypad according to FIG. 11,

FIG 19

a plan view of the frame of FIG. 18th

Corresponding parts and sizes are shown in FIG. 1 to 19 provided with the same reference numerals.

1 to 9 show a first advantageous embodiment of a keypad according to the invention.

The keypad 1 in FIG 1 consists of a frame 2 of the encloses three rectangular keys 3 arranged in a row. However, the keypad 1 is not limited to three keys 3, but can be expanded by any number of buttons 3. The entire keypad 1 can break into one preferably made of glass, stainless steel or aluminum manufactured control surface of a household appliance used become.

2 and 3 show the individual components of the keypad 1. In the rectangular frame 2 are the key caps 4 and the actuators 5 out. Every keycap 4 and each actuator 5 is in the frame managed separately. On the sides of the keycaps 4 that too snap hooks are adjacent to the adjacent buttons 6 provided. With the help of the snap hook 6 Keycaps 4 locked to frame 2. The maximum stroke the key caps 4 is through the free path between the Completion of the side surfaces of the key caps 4 in the actuation direction and the framework 2. The actuators 5 are designed as a T-profile, with the Cross struts 7 of the T-shaped actuators 5 in the Extend the longitudinal direction of the key caps 4. The actuators 5 are not connected to the key caps 4. The longitudinal struts 8 of the actuators 5 are with the electronic switching unit 9 locked. The rectangular one Frame 2 usually has on its narrow outside Snap hooks 10 on that serve the entire Keypad 1 in the control surface of the household appliance fix. The key caps 4 are shown in FIG Starting position. The actuators 5 can the keycaps 4 rest or another position between the key caps 4 and the switching element (not here shown) of the electrical switching unit 9.

4 shows a section along the plane B-B in FIG. On the keycaps 4 are on the sides that are exclusive adjoin frame 2, in this case the long sides, Shocks 11 molded from the center of the Longitudinally run diagonally to the outer corners and on rest on the frame 2. By pressing the button cap 4 the struts 11 are deformed, creating a tension is built up (FIG 4, left button). If the key cap 4 released, relax the struts 11 or take their original shape and the key cap 4 is through the released force is returned to its starting position. The struts 11 can be in the starting position already pre-stressed or slightly deformed. Thereby a uniform height of all keycaps 4 can be achieved, because these are pushed out.

The sectional illustration of the keypad in FIG. 5 shows that on the frame 2 in addition to the snap hook 10 additional lugs 12 are attached, which serve the frame 2 in the Fix breakthrough in the control surface of the household appliance and press it evenly onto the control surface. The Arrangement of the snap hooks 10 and lugs 12 on the frame 2 is shown in FIG.

7 shows a possible embodiment of an actuating element 5. The actuator 5 is a T-profile formed or at least in a section T-shaped. about the cross strut 7 can when the button is pressed from the side the compressive forces are derived in the middle. The longitudinal strut 8 can be round or angular and instructs the, facing away from the keypad end a locking means 13 in Form a circumferential depression on that with the corresponding Locking means 25 of the electrical switching unit 9 comes into engagement (see FIG. 3).

The rectangular frame 2 of the keypad 1 comprises one Edge 14 which encloses the key caps 4 and on which the Noses 12 and snap hooks 10 for fastening the keypad 1 are attached to the control surface (see FIG. 8 and FIG 5). At the end with the key caps is the edge 14 bent outwards by 90 °, thereby creating a revolving ledge 15 is formed (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 5). The revolving ledge 15 lies on the surface of the control surface and thus forms a clean end to the keypad 1. The height of the edge 14 usually corresponds to the Thickness of the control surface.

9 shows that the long sides of the edge 14 on the electronic switching device 9 side facing Cross connections 16 are connected. The number of cross connections 16 corresponds to the number of buttons 3. Each cross-connection 16 carries a guide frame 17 for guidance a key cap 4 in the frame 2. The guide frame 17 is substantially rectangular and lower than edge 14 executed. The dimensions of the guide frame 17 are dependent from the key cap 4. Also points the guide frame 17 on the opposite narrow Sides, windows or projections 18 on which the snap hooks 6 of the keycaps 4 that engage the guide frame 17 enclose.

The guide frame 17 has at each corner, offset laterally to the corners two bulges 19 in the direction the edge 14 or the adjacent guide frame 17th on. These bulges 19 are on the inside of the Keycaps 4 on or the keycaps 4 are along the bulges 19 out. As a result, that the keycaps cannot twist and always vertically to stand by each other.

As FIG. 9 shows, cross connections 16 are in the middle Openings 20 attached. Be through these openings 20 the longitudinal struts 8 of the actuators 5 out.

The keypad 1 can be described in the following Sequence. First, the frame 2 in Breakthrough used in the control surface and with the help of Snap hooks and noses fixed. Next are the actuators 5 from the outside through the frame 2 engaged with the electrical switching unit. Then the key caps 4 on the guide frame 17 are put on. Fixing the key caps is done by snapping the snap hooks 6 in the windows or projections 18 in the guide frame 17.

Now the key cap 4 in the direction of the actuator 5 moves, when the key cap works together 4 and actuator 5 this in the same direction moves until it is on the switching element of the electrical switching device 9 is present. By pressing the Actuator 5 applied force is over the Longitudinal strut 7 in the actuating direction on the switching element the electrical switching unit 9 transmitted, whereby the Switching process is triggered. The maximum stroke of the actuator 5 and thus also the maximum on the switching element acting force is due to the circumferential recess of the locking means 13 of the actuating element 5 and that latching means 25 of the electrical switching unit engaging therein 9 limited. If the key cap 4 is released again, it is due to the generated by the struts 11 Restoring force away from the actuating element 5 emotional. The actuator 5 can be in contact with the Switching element remain or another position between Take switching element and key cap 4. Press again the key cap 4 then triggers another switching operation out.

10 to 19 show a second embodiment of the Keypads according to the invention.

The keypad 1 'in FIG 10 consists of a frame 2' which surrounds seven rectangular keys 3 'arranged in series. Keypad 1 'is not on seven keys limited, but expandable by any number of buttons.

The components of the keypad are shown in FIG. 11 and FIG 1 'shown. As with the first embodiment also in this second embodiment in the rectangular Frame 2 'the key caps 4' and the actuators 5 'performed. Each key cap 4 'and each actuator 5 'is performed separately in the frame. The actuators 5 'are not connected to the key caps 4'. in the In contrast to the first embodiment, the actuating elements are here 5 'not with the electrical switching unit (not shown here) but locked with the frame 2 '.

The rectangular frame 2 'has on its narrow outside Snap hooks 10 'and lugs 12', which serve to the entire keypad 1 'in the control surface of the household appliance to fix and press (see FIG. 12 and FIG 13).

15 to 17 show a key cap 4 'for use in the keypad 1 '. On the long sides of the key cap 4 ' is formed a strut 11 ', which from a corner of the Long side runs from to the diagonally opposite corner. The struts 11 'run opposite to each other, this makes the key cap 4 'evenly outward pressed. The struts 11 'can also be in the same Direction. By pressing the key cap 4 ', the struts 11' against the frame 2 'as Abutment tensioned. The struts 11 'can be in the starting position again be biased, causing a uniform height of all keycaps 4 'is reached. On the sides of the keycaps 4 ', which also go to the neighboring ones Windows 21 'can be used to adjoin buttons the detachable with the snap hooks 22 'attached to the frame 2' are connected (see also FIG 12).

The rectangular frame 2 'of the keypad 1' according to FIG. 11 comprises an edge 14 'which encloses the key caps 4' and on which the lugs 12 'and snap hooks 10' for attachment of the keypad are attached to the control surface (see FIG. 18, FIG. 11 and 13). On the one with the keycaps the final end is the edge 14 'with a circumferential Sims 15 'completed (see FIG 19 and FIG 11), the on rests on the surface of the control surface.

19 shows that the long sides of the edge 14 'on its electronics side with cross connections 16 ' are connected, which carry a guide frame 17 ' a key cap 4 'is guided in the frame 2'. The guide frame 17 'is substantially rectangular and executed lower than the edge 14 '. The dimensions of the Guide frames 17 'depend on the key cap used 4 '. Furthermore, the guide frame 17 'points to the opposite narrow sides, snap hooks 22 'on, which can snap into the key caps 4 '.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 12 show that on the, the key cap 4 ' facing surface of the guide frame 17 'in the middle Openings 20 'are attached in which the actuators 5 'are introduced. On the of the electrical switching unit facing side of the openings 20 'extends interlocking 24 'in the direction of the electrical switching unit. The locking frame 24 'ends in locking means 25', the in the recess formed as a locking means 13 'of Intervene in actuator 5 '(see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13).

The maximum stroke of the actuating element 5 'and thus also the maximum on the switching element (not shown here) acting force in this second embodiment by the locking means 13 'of the actuator 5' and locking means 25 'engaging therein are limited. The actuator has at its the switching element of the electrical Switch unit facing side a widening 23 'which is larger in diameter than the rest of the actuating element 5 '(see also FIG 14). The broadening enables it even with a slightly offset switching element the force to trigger the switching process towards this transfer.

The keypad 1 'according to FIG 10 to 19 can be completely pre-assembled become. The pre-assembled keypad 1 'can then with one hand in the control surface of the household appliance be used, which clearly shows the manufacturing process shortened.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

keypad

2, 2 '

frame

3, 3 '

button

4, 4 '

keycap

5, 5 '

actuator

6, 6 '

snap hooks

7

crossmember

8th

longitudinal strut

9

electrical switching unit

10, 10 '

snap hooks

11, 11 '

Suspensions

12, 12 '

nose

13, 13 '

latching means

14. 14 '

edge

15, 15 '

ledge

16, 16 '

cross connection

17, 17 '

guide frame

18

Window or ledge

19

bulge

20, 20 '

opening

21 '

window

22 '

snap hooks

23 '

widening

24 '

Verrastrahmen

25, 25 '

latching means

Claims (17)

Keypad for inserting into a control surface of a household appliance, in particular comprising a panel made of glass, stainless steel, aluminum or materials with similar material properties a) comprising at least one button
a keycap and
an actuating element which is arranged or can be arranged between the key cap and an electrical switching unit of the household appliance and which, when the key cap is actuated, interacts with the latter and the electrical switching unit to trigger a switching operation, b) at least one spring element which provides a restoring force for resetting the keycap when the button is pressed, and c) a frame in which the at least one key is guided,
in which d) the button cap transmits a force in the actuating direction when actuated via an active surface which abuts a corresponding active surface of the actuating element, and wherein e) the key cap and the actuating element are not connected to one another at least on their corresponding active surfaces. Keypad according to claim 1,
in which the at least one spring element is not in force connection with the actuating element. A keypad according to claim 1 or claim 2,
in which the at least one spring element is integrally formed on the key cap and rests on the frame. Keypad according to one or more of claims 1 to 3,
in which the at least one spring element is biased in an initial position. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which the at least one spring element is a spring strut molded onto the key cap. Keypad according to claim 5,
in which four struts are formed on the key caps. Keypad according to claim 5,
in which two struts are formed on the key cap. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which the frame, together with the buttons guided in it, is inserted or can be used in an opening in the control surface. Keypad according to claim 8,
in which means for attaching the key to the frame. blocks are formed in the breakthrough. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which a separate guide frame is formed in the frame for each button. Keypad according to claim 10,
in which areas of the surface of the guide frame bear against corresponding areas of the inner surface, in particular the inner surface of the side surfaces, of the keycap. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which the position of the actuating element can be changed in the actuating direction and / or perpendicular to the actuating direction in each case in a predetermined tolerance range with respect to the key cap. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which a latching means is formed on the actuating element, which in particular comprises depressions or elevations, preferably grooves, grooves, lugs or hooks. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which the actuating element is detachably connected to corresponding locking means on the electrical switching unit via the locking means. Keypad according to one or more of the preceding claims,
in which the actuating element is formed at least in section in a T-shape. Keypad according to one or more of claims 1 to 12 and 13,
in which the actuating element is releasably connected to corresponding locking means on the frame via the locking means. Key pad according to claim 15,
in which the actuating element has a widening at the end which interacts with the electrical switching unit and which has a larger diameter than the section of the actuating element which adjoins the widening.

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