EP0366832A1 - Cover for contact foil keyboards - Google Patents

Cover for contact foil keyboards Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0366832A1
EP0366832A1 EP88118451A EP88118451A EP0366832A1 EP 0366832 A1 EP0366832 A1 EP 0366832A1 EP 88118451 A EP88118451 A EP 88118451A EP 88118451 A EP88118451 A EP 88118451A EP 0366832 A1 EP0366832 A1 EP 0366832A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
plate
recess
cover according
keyboard
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
EP88118451A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0366832B1 (en
Inventor
Max Schenk
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.)
DYNALAB AG
Original Assignee
DYNALAB AG
SCHENK AND Co
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 DYNALAB AG, SCHENK AND Co filed Critical DYNALAB AG
Priority to EP88118451A priority Critical patent/EP0366832B1/en
Priority to AT88118451T priority patent/ATE102388T1/en
Priority to DE88118451T priority patent/DE3888182D1/en
Publication of EP0366832A1 publication Critical patent/EP0366832A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0366832B1 publication Critical patent/EP0366832B1/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
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/01—Increasing rigidity; Anti-creep
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/07—Properties of the membrane metallic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/076—Properties of the membrane non elastomeric
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/024—Profile on actuator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/044—Protecting cover
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/038—Anti-vandalism

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cover of an actuating surface of membrane keyboards.
  • Membrane keyboards which already respond to low pressure and / or travel and switch or generate an electrical signal, are increasingly used thanks to their simple installation options and their low cost.
  • a pressure sensitive membrane keyboard is e.g. known from European patent application 0 210 386.
  • the relatively thin cover membrane of the membrane keyboard is not aesthetically satisfactory or offers insufficient protection for the membrane keyboard; this is particularly the case for applications on publicly accessible devices, e.g. Vending machines, telephones, which are increasingly exposed to the risk of vandalism.
  • the cover film can not be made arbitrarily thick, since otherwise there is no sufficient pressure transfer to the individual buttons or several buttons are pressed at the same time.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of a cover for the actuating surface of To create membrane keyboards, which offers this additional protection and improved appearance, without impairing the operability of the keyboard.
  • Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a part of the cover according to the invention, which lies over a key of a membrane keyboard.
  • the membrane keyboard 10 is shown, for example, in the form of a pressure-actuated, pathless piezoelectric membrane keyboard, as is known from EP 0 210 386.
  • the cover can be used with membrane keyboards of any construction.
  • the membrane keyboard consists of two foils 12 and 13 and one Spacer film 11. Piezo crystal elements are inserted into recesses in the spacer film 11, one of which, the element 16, is shown in the partial view of FIG. 1. This element 16 is contacted via conductor tracks 15 on the foils 12 and 13.
  • the membrane keyboard 10 When pressure acts on the film 12 forming the actuating surface of the keyboard in the area of the element 16, this emits an electrical signal.
  • the membrane keyboard 10 is attached to the housing 18 of any electrical device.
  • the contact with pressure causes electrical contacts (conductor tracks) to come into contact or elements to be deformed, which become conductive.
  • the cover according to the invention has a rigid plate 1.
  • a rigid plate 1 This can be chosen as thick and made of such a material, e.g. Aluminum that a good protection of the membrane keyboard 10 arranged below is guaranteed.
  • the plate 1 can e.g. made of brass or wood.
  • a rigid plate is understood to mean a plate which is so thick that the membrane keyboard underneath cannot be operated properly when pressed on the plate, be it that no key responds or that several keys respond simultaneously.
  • zones of reduced rigidity are therefore provided in the cover, which come to lie over the respective key areas of the membrane keyboards when the plate 1 is arranged on the membrane keyboard.
  • the arrangement of the plate 1 on the membrane keyboard 10 can be done for example by gluing or by a keyboard and plate holding frame or by attaching the plate 1 to the housing 18 of a device lying under the keyboard.
  • the plate 1 is provided with a recess above the key area.
  • the recess is open towards the film 12 and is chosen so deep that the plate part 2 remaining above the recess has sufficient elasticity to pass on the finger pressure on the part 2 to actuate the key on the key. what happens by means of the insert 4 held movably in the recess.
  • the part 2 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 2 mm. An actuation of the piezocrystal keyboard, which works practically without a path, is thus easily possible.
  • part 2 In the case of membrane keyboards that require a work path to switch, part 2 must be selected thinner (approximately 0.5 to 1 mm) to ensure that the keyboard is actuated.
  • the insert 4 can be made of any rigid or only slightly compressible material, e.g. from a plastic.
  • a print can be provided on the plate 1 to identify the key area below it.
  • the marking can also be etched in the plate or applied or inserted as scratch-resistant as possible in another known manner.
  • a zone of reduced stiffness can also be provided for each key of the membrane keyboard only for part of it; the other buttons are then not usable because covered by the rigid plate 1 and thus locked.
  • certain buttons can be locked by means of the cover, if this is desired, and these buttons can be made operable again by exchanging the plate 1 for a correspondingly differently provided with other plate 1.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the recess is formed only by a narrow groove 3 surrounding the key area.
  • the recesses can be created using a variety of processing methods, e.g. by milling.
  • Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment, the insert 4 in this case e.g. is attached to the part 2 of reduced thickness by gluing, welding or soldering.
  • Fig. 4 shows an embodiment with a movable insert 4, which is connected to the part 2 via a snap spring 6 ("frog") arranged in the recess 3.
  • frog snap spring 6
  • FIG. 5 shows the case in which the recess extends through the plate 1.
  • a further plate 5 is then arranged on the plate 1, which has a thickness which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the remaining part 2 in the previously described embodiments.
  • the insert 4 again corresponds to FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the recess extends into the plate 1 from the operating side. This also leaves a thinner material area 2, which allows the button to be pressed. In this embodiment, a depression is also created in which the operator's finger is held when the button is pressed, which prevents incorrect operation.

Abstract

A plate (1) which protects the keyboard is arranged above a contact foil keyboard (12). Above each key element (16), the plate (1) has a cutout which makes the plate sufficiently resilient in this zone for it to be possible for the key to be actuated properly. Contact foil keyboards can be made vandal-proof with the cover. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Abdeckung einer Betätigungsfläche von Folientastaturen.The invention relates to a cover of an actuating surface of membrane keyboards.

Folientastaturen, welche schon auf geringen Druck und/oder geringen Weg ansprechen und ein elektrisches Signal schalten oder erzeugen, finden dank ihren einfachen Einbaumöglichkeiten und ihrer Kostengünstigkeit zunehmend Verwendung.Membrane keyboards, which already respond to low pressure and / or travel and switch or generate an electrical signal, are increasingly used thanks to their simple installation options and their low cost.

Eine auf Druck ansprechende Folientastatur ist z.B. aus der europäischen Patentanmeldung 0 210 386 bekannt.A pressure sensitive membrane keyboard is e.g. known from European patent application 0 210 386.

In manchen Fällen vermag jedoch die relativ dünne Deckfolie der Folientastatur ästhetisch nicht zu befriedigen oder bietet ungenügenden Schutz für die Folientastatur; dies insbesonderes bei Anwendungen an öffentlich zugänglichen Geräten, z.B. Warenautomaten, Telefonen, welche zunehmender Vandalismusgefahr ausge­setzt sind. Die Deckfolie kann dabei nicht beliebig dick gemacht werden, da sonst keine genügende Druckübertragung auf die einzelnen Tasten erfolgt oder aber mehrere Tasten zugleich betätigt werden.In some cases, however, the relatively thin cover membrane of the membrane keyboard is not aesthetically satisfactory or offers insufficient protection for the membrane keyboard; this is particularly the case for applications on publicly accessible devices, e.g. Vending machines, telephones, which are increasingly exposed to the risk of vandalism. The cover film can not be made arbitrarily thick, since otherwise there is no sufficient pressure transfer to the individual buttons or several buttons are pressed at the same time.

Der Erfindung liegt deshalb die Aufgabe zu­grunde, eine Abdeckung für die Betätigungsfläche von Folientastaturen zu schaffen, welche diesen zusätzliche Schutz und verbessertes Aussehen bietet, ohne die Betä­tigbarkeit der Tastatur zu beeinträchtigen.The invention is therefore based on the object of a cover for the actuating surface of To create membrane keyboards, which offers this additional protection and improved appearance, without impairing the operability of the keyboard.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Abdeckung mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Patentanspruches 1 er­reicht.This object is achieved by a cover with the characterizing features of claim 1.

Im folgenden werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 eine Schnittansicht durch eine Folien­tastatur mit einer ersten Ausführung der erfindungsgemässen Abeckung;
  • Fig. 2 eine Schnittansicht wie Fig. 1 mit einer Ausführungsform der Abdeckung;
  • Fig. 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform in Schnittansicht;
  • Fig. 4 eine Ausführungsform mit Schnappfeder in Schnittansicht;
  • Fig. 5 eine Ausführung mit zusätzlicher Deck­platte in Schnittansicht, und
  • Fig. 6 eine Ausführung mit einer muldenförmigen Ausnehmung.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It shows:
  • 1 shows a sectional view through a membrane keyboard with a first embodiment of the cover according to the invention;
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectional view like FIG. 1 with an embodiment of the cover;
  • 3 shows a further embodiment in sectional view;
  • 4 shows an embodiment with a snap spring in a sectional view;
  • Fig. 5 shows an embodiment with an additional cover plate in a sectional view, and
  • Fig. 6 shows an embodiment with a trough-shaped recess.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Schnittansicht eines Teiles der erfindungsgemässen Abdeckung, welcher über einer Taste einer Folientastatur liegt. Die Folientastatur 10 ist dabei beispielsweise in der Form einer druckbetätig­baren, weglosen piezoelektrischen Folientastatur gezeigt, wie sie aus der EP 0 210 386 bekannt ist. Die Abdeckung kann aber bei Folientastaturen beliebiger Konstruktion verwendet werden. Bei dem gezeigten Beispiel besteht die Folientastatur aus zwei Folien 12 und 13 und einer Abstandsfolie 11. In Ausnehmungen der Abstandsfolie 11 sind Piezokristallelemente eingesetzt, von denen in der Teilansicht der Fig. 1 eines, das Element 16, gezeigt ist. Dieses Element 16 wird über Leiterbahnen 15 auf den Folien 12 und 13 kontaktiert. Bei Druckeinwirkung auf die die Betätigungsfläche der Tastatur bildende Folie 12 im Bereich des Elementes 16, gibt dieses ein elektrisches Signal ab. Im gezeigten Beispiel ist die Folientastatur 10 auf dem Gehäuse 18 eines beliebigen elektrischen Gerätes angebracht. Bei anderen, nicht weglosen Arten von Folientastaturen werden durch die Druckeinwirkung elek­trische Kontakte (Leiterbahnen) in Berührung gebracht oder Elemente verformt, welche dabei leitfähig werden.Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a part of the cover according to the invention, which lies over a key of a membrane keyboard. The membrane keyboard 10 is shown, for example, in the form of a pressure-actuated, pathless piezoelectric membrane keyboard, as is known from EP 0 210 386. However, the cover can be used with membrane keyboards of any construction. In the example shown, the membrane keyboard consists of two foils 12 and 13 and one Spacer film 11. Piezo crystal elements are inserted into recesses in the spacer film 11, one of which, the element 16, is shown in the partial view of FIG. 1. This element 16 is contacted via conductor tracks 15 on the foils 12 and 13. When pressure acts on the film 12 forming the actuating surface of the keyboard in the area of the element 16, this emits an electrical signal. In the example shown, the membrane keyboard 10 is attached to the housing 18 of any electrical device. In other types of membrane keypads, which are not without paths, the contact with pressure causes electrical contacts (conductor tracks) to come into contact or elements to be deformed, which become conductive.

Die erfindungsgemässe Abdeckung weist eine starre Platte 1 auf. Diese kann so dick gewählt werden und aus einem solchen Material, z.B. Aluminium, dass ein guter Schutz der darunter angeordneten Folientastatur 10 gewährleistet ist. Um gewünschte ästhetische Wirkungen zu erreichen, kann die Platte 1 z.B. aus Messing oder Holz bestehen. Jedenfalls wird unter einer starren Platte eine Platte verstanden, welche so dick ist, dass die darun­terliegende Folientastatur bei Druck auf die Platte nicht einwandfrei betätigbar ist, sei es, dass keine Taste anspricht oder dass mehrere Tasten zugleich ansprechen.The cover according to the invention has a rigid plate 1. This can be chosen as thick and made of such a material, e.g. Aluminum that a good protection of the membrane keyboard 10 arranged below is guaranteed. In order to achieve desired aesthetic effects, the plate 1 can e.g. made of brass or wood. In any case, a rigid plate is understood to mean a plate which is so thick that the membrane keyboard underneath cannot be operated properly when pressed on the plate, be it that no key responds or that several keys respond simultaneously.

Zur Betätigung der Tastatur sind deshalb in der Abeckung Zonen verminderter Steifigkeit vorgesehen, welche über den jeweiligen Tastenbereichen der Folienta­staturen zu liegen kommen, wenn die Platte 1 auf der Folientastatur angeordnet ist. Die Anordnung der Platte 1 auf der Folientastatur 10 kann z.B. durch Klebung erfol­gen oder durch einen Tastatur und Platte haltenden Rahmen oder durch Befestigung der Platte 1 am unter der Tastatur liegenden Gehäuse 18 eines Gerätes.To actuate the keyboard, zones of reduced rigidity are therefore provided in the cover, which come to lie over the respective key areas of the membrane keyboards when the plate 1 is arranged on the membrane keyboard. The arrangement of the plate 1 on the membrane keyboard 10 can be done for example by gluing or by a keyboard and plate holding frame or by attaching the plate 1 to the housing 18 of a device lying under the keyboard.

Die Zonen verminderter Steifigkeit können durch Aenderungen in den Materialeigenschaften der Platte an den jeweiligen Stellen erreicht werden. Bei den gezeigten Beispielen wird die Platte 1 jeweils oberhalb des Ta­stenbereiches mit einer Ausnehmung versehen. Bei dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten Beispiel ist die Ausnehmung gegen die Folie 12 hin offen und ist so tief gewählt, dass der über der Ausnehmung verbleibende Plattenteil 2 eine genügende Elastizität aufweist, um den Fingerdruck auf den Teil 2 zur Tastenbetätigung auf die Taste weiterzugeben, was mittels dem in der Ausnehmung beweglich gehaltenen Einsatz 4 geschieht. Bei einer Platte 1 aus Aluminium von 5 mm Dicke kann der Teil 2 eine Dicke von ca. 0,5 bis 2 mm aufweisen. Damit ist eine Betätigung der Piezokristalltastatur, welche praktisch weglos arbeitet, ohne weiteres möglich. Bei Folientastaturen, welche zum Schalten einen Arbeitsweg benötigen, muss der Teil 2 dünner gewählt werden (etwa 0,5 bis 1 mm), um eine Betätigung der Tastatur sicherzustellen.The zones of reduced stiffness can be reached by changing the material properties of the plate at the respective points. In the examples shown, the plate 1 is provided with a recess above the key area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the recess is open towards the film 12 and is chosen so deep that the plate part 2 remaining above the recess has sufficient elasticity to pass on the finger pressure on the part 2 to actuate the key on the key. what happens by means of the insert 4 held movably in the recess. In the case of a plate 1 made of aluminum with a thickness of 5 mm, the part 2 can have a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 2 mm. An actuation of the piezocrystal keyboard, which works practically without a path, is thus easily possible. In the case of membrane keyboards that require a work path to switch, part 2 must be selected thinner (approximately 0.5 to 1 mm) to ensure that the keyboard is actuated.

Der Einsatz 4 kann aus einem beliebigen starren oder nur geringfügig kompressiblen Material bestehen, z.B. aus einem Kunststoff.The insert 4 can be made of any rigid or only slightly compressible material, e.g. from a plastic.

Auf der Platte 1 kann ein Aufdruck vorgesehen werden zur Kennzeichnung des darunterliegenden Tastenbe­reiches. Für besonders beanspruchte Tastaturen kann die Kennzeichnung auch in der platte geätzt oder auf andere bekannte Weise möglichst kratzfest auf- oder eingebracht werden. Es kann ferner für jede Taste der Folientastatur eine Zone verminderter Steifigkeit vorgesehen werden oder nur für einen Teil davon; die anderen Tasten sind dann nicht benützbar, da durch die starre Platte 1 abgedeckt und somit gesperrt. So können mittels der Abdeckung gewisse Tasten gesperrt werden, sofern dies gewünscht ist, und diese Tasten können durch Austausch der Platte 1 gegen eine entsprechend anders mit Ausnehmungen versehene andere Platte 1 wieder betätigbar gemacht werden.A print can be provided on the plate 1 to identify the key area below it. For particularly stressed keyboards, the marking can also be etched in the plate or applied or inserted as scratch-resistant as possible in another known manner. A zone of reduced stiffness can also be provided for each key of the membrane keyboard only for part of it; the other buttons are then not usable because covered by the rigid plate 1 and thus locked. Thus, certain buttons can be locked by means of the cover, if this is desired, and these buttons can be made operable again by exchanging the plate 1 for a correspondingly differently provided with other plate 1.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Ausnehmung nur durch eine schmale, um den Tastenbe­reich umlaufende Nut 3 gebildet wird. Die Ausnehmungen können je nach Material der Platte mittels verschieden­ster Bearbeitungsmethoden erzeugt werden, z.B. durch Fräsen.Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the recess is formed only by a narrow groove 3 surrounding the key area. Depending on the material of the plate, the recesses can be created using a variety of processing methods, e.g. by milling.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform, wobei der Einsatz 4 in diesem Falle z.B. durch Kleben, Schweissen oder Löten an dem Teil 2 verminderter Dicke befestigt ist.Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment, the insert 4 in this case e.g. is attached to the part 2 of reduced thickness by gluing, welding or soldering.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine Ausführungsform mit einem beweglichen Einsatz 4, wobei dieser mit dem Teil 2 über eine in der Ausnehmung 3 angeordnete Schnappfeder 6 ("Frosch") in Verbindung steht. Damit erhält die Tastatur einen Druckpunkt, und es entsteht ein - je nach Wahl der Feder 6 - mehr oder weniger ausgeprägtes Betäti­gungsgeräusch.Fig. 4 shows an embodiment with a movable insert 4, which is connected to the part 2 via a snap spring 6 ("frog") arranged in the recess 3. This gives the keyboard a pressure point, and there is a - depending on the choice of spring 6 - more or less pronounced operating noise.

Fig. 5 zeigt den Fall, bei welchem die Ausnehmung durch die Platte 1 hindurch verläuft. Auf der Platte 1 ist dann eine weitere Platte 5 angeordnet, welche eine Dicke besitzt, die etwa der Dicke des ver­bleibenden Teiles 2 bei den vorherig beschriebenen Ausführungsformen entspricht. Der Einsatz 4 entspricht wiederum der Fig. 1.5 shows the case in which the recess extends through the plate 1. A further plate 5 is then arranged on the plate 1, which has a thickness which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the remaining part 2 in the previously described embodiments. The insert 4 again corresponds to FIG. 1.

Fig. 6 zeigt eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher sich die Ausnehmung von der Bedienungsseite her in die Platte 1 erstreckt. Auch dabei verbleibt ein dünnerer Materialbereich 2, welcher die Betätigung der Taste erlaubt. Bei dieser Ausführungsform wird zugleich eine Mulde geschaffen, in welcher der Finger der Bedienungs­person bei der Tastenbetätigung Halt findet, was Fehlbe­dienungen verhindert.FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the recess extends into the plate 1 from the operating side. This also leaves a thinner material area 2, which allows the button to be pressed. In this embodiment, a depression is also created in which the operator's finger is held when the button is pressed, which prevents incorrect operation.

Claims (10)

1. Abdeckung einer Betätigungsfläche von Folientastaturen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abdeckung eine starre Platte aufweist, welche auf die Betätigungsfläche der Folientastatur auflegbar ist und dass im Bereich mindestens einer Taste der Folientastatur mindestens eine Druckübertragungszone verminderter Steifigkeit vorgesehen ist.1. Cover of an operating surface of membrane keyboards, characterized in that the cover has a rigid plate which can be placed on the operating surface of the membrane keyboard and that at least one pressure transmission zone of reduced rigidity is provided in the area of at least one key of the membrane keyboard. 2. Abdeckung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, dass die Zone verminderter Steifigkeit mittels einer Ausnehmung in der Platte gebildet ist.2. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the zone of reduced rigidity is formed by means of a recess in the plate. 3. Abdeckung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung gegen die Betätigungsfläche der Folientastatur offen ist.3. Cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess against the actuating surface of the membrane keyboard is open. 4. Abdeckung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung gegen den Bedienungsbereich der Abdeckung offen ist.4. Cover according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess against the operating area of the cover is open. 5. Abdeckung nach den Ansprüchen 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass über mindestens einem Teil der Platte eine Deckplatte vorgesehen ist.5. Cover according to claims 3 or 4, characterized in that a cover plate is provided over at least part of the plate. 6. Abdeckung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Ausnehmung ein Einsatz beweglich angeordnet ist, mittels welchem Druck­einwirkung vom Bedienungsbereich der Abdeckung auf die Betätigungsfläche der Folientastatur übertragbar ist.6. Cover according to one of claims 3 or 5, characterized in that an insert is movably arranged in the recess, by means of which pressure can be transmitted from the operating area of the cover to the actuating surface of the membrane keyboard. 7. Abdeckung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung als den Tastenbereich umlaufende Nut ausgebildet ist.7. Cover according to claim 3, characterized in that the recess is designed as a groove surrounding the key area. 8. Abdeckung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an der Zone verminderter Steifigkeit ein Einsatz befestigt ist, mittels welchem Druckeinwirkung vom Bedienungsbereich der Abdeckung auf die Betätigungsfläche der Folientastatur übertragbar ist.8. Cover according to one of claims 3 or 5, characterized in that an insert is fastened to the zone of reduced stiffness, by means of which pressure can be transferred from the operating area of the cover to the actuating surface of the membrane keyboard. 9. Abeckung nach einem der Ansprüche 6,7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein einen Druckpunkt definierendes und/oder ein Betätigungsgeräusch erzeugen­des Element in der Ausnehmung angeordnet ist.9. Cover according to one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that an element defining a pressure point and / or generating an actuating noise element is arranged in the recess. 10. Abdeckung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung einen muldenförmigen Bedienungsbereich bildet.10. Cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess forms a trough-shaped operating area.
EP88118451A 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 Cover for contact foil keyboards Expired - Lifetime EP0366832B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP88118451A EP0366832B1 (en) 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 Cover for contact foil keyboards
AT88118451T ATE102388T1 (en) 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 COVER FOR FOIL KEYBOARDS.
DE88118451T DE3888182D1 (en) 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 Cover for membrane keyboards.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP88118451A EP0366832B1 (en) 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 Cover for contact foil keyboards

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0366832A1 true EP0366832A1 (en) 1990-05-09
EP0366832B1 EP0366832B1 (en) 1994-03-02

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88118451A Expired - Lifetime EP0366832B1 (en) 1988-11-04 1988-11-04 Cover for contact foil keyboards

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0366832B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE102388T1 (en)
DE (1) DE3888182D1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4202438A1 (en) * 1992-01-29 1993-08-05 Siemens Ag OPERATING PANEL FOR A DENTAL DEVICE
EP0692803A1 (en) * 1994-07-13 1996-01-17 GRUNDIG E.M.V. Elektro-Mechanische Versuchsanstalt Max Grundig &amp; Co. KG. Device for transmitting the force applied to a key onto a force sensor
WO1996002061A1 (en) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Expo Safety Systems Limited Keyboard system
US6415138B2 (en) 1997-11-27 2002-07-02 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Wireless communication device and a method of manufacturing a wireless communication device
DE102004047516A1 (en) * 2004-09-28 2006-04-06 Carl Freudenberg Kg Sensor arrangement and uses of a sensor arrangement
DE102004021542B4 (en) * 2003-05-08 2006-07-13 Lear Corp., Southfield Modular switching system
DE102005053929A1 (en) * 2005-11-11 2007-05-16 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Operating unit for e.g. stove top, has cover surface and pressure sensor, arranged within top plate, so that plate forms counter surface for pressure sensor having electrodes that are arranged opposite to sides of cover surface and plate
DE102007054778A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-20 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Operating device with at least one pressure switch
DE102008062216A1 (en) * 2008-12-13 2010-06-17 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Operating device with at least one pressure switch
EP2013971B1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2019-05-22 Aito B.V. Switch unit comprising a touch panel being part of a front plate extending over a full face of a device and corresponding device

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US3643041A (en) * 1970-12-30 1972-02-15 Unidynamics Phoenix Pushbutton diaphragm switch with improved dimple actuator and/or capacitance-type switch contact structure
DE3006592A1 (en) * 1980-02-22 1981-08-27 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Key pad with double sandwich construction - has top layer shouldered support press buttons operating foam support contact gap structure
US4620075A (en) * 1983-06-10 1986-10-28 Price Pfister, Inc. Unitized control panel
DE3618131A1 (en) * 1985-05-31 1986-12-04 Sharp K.K., Osaka Push-button switch device
US4771139A (en) * 1986-06-27 1988-09-13 Desmet Gregory L Keyboard with metal cover and improved switches

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CH667763A5 (en) * 1985-07-23 1988-10-31 Schenk & Co FILM KEYBOARD.

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3643041A (en) * 1970-12-30 1972-02-15 Unidynamics Phoenix Pushbutton diaphragm switch with improved dimple actuator and/or capacitance-type switch contact structure
DE3006592A1 (en) * 1980-02-22 1981-08-27 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt Key pad with double sandwich construction - has top layer shouldered support press buttons operating foam support contact gap structure
US4620075A (en) * 1983-06-10 1986-10-28 Price Pfister, Inc. Unitized control panel
DE3618131A1 (en) * 1985-05-31 1986-12-04 Sharp K.K., Osaka Push-button switch device
US4771139A (en) * 1986-06-27 1988-09-13 Desmet Gregory L Keyboard with metal cover and improved switches

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4202438A1 (en) * 1992-01-29 1993-08-05 Siemens Ag OPERATING PANEL FOR A DENTAL DEVICE
US5371332A (en) * 1992-01-29 1994-12-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Sensor control and display unit for dental apparatus
WO1996002061A1 (en) * 1994-07-08 1996-01-25 Expo Safety Systems Limited Keyboard system
EP0692803A1 (en) * 1994-07-13 1996-01-17 GRUNDIG E.M.V. Elektro-Mechanische Versuchsanstalt Max Grundig &amp; Co. KG. Device for transmitting the force applied to a key onto a force sensor
US6415138B2 (en) 1997-11-27 2002-07-02 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Wireless communication device and a method of manufacturing a wireless communication device
DE102004021542B4 (en) * 2003-05-08 2006-07-13 Lear Corp., Southfield Modular switching system
DE102004047516A1 (en) * 2004-09-28 2006-04-06 Carl Freudenberg Kg Sensor arrangement and uses of a sensor arrangement
DE102005053929A1 (en) * 2005-11-11 2007-05-16 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Operating unit for e.g. stove top, has cover surface and pressure sensor, arranged within top plate, so that plate forms counter surface for pressure sensor having electrodes that are arranged opposite to sides of cover surface and plate
EP2013971B1 (en) * 2006-04-25 2019-05-22 Aito B.V. Switch unit comprising a touch panel being part of a front plate extending over a full face of a device and corresponding device
DE102007054778A1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2009-05-20 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Operating device with at least one pressure switch
DE102008062216A1 (en) * 2008-12-13 2010-06-17 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Operating device with at least one pressure switch
DE102008062216B4 (en) * 2008-12-13 2010-09-23 Diehl Ako Stiftung & Co. Kg Operating device with at least one pressure switch

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DE3888182D1 (en) 1994-04-07
EP0366832B1 (en) 1994-03-02
ATE102388T1 (en) 1994-03-15

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