[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1481410A1 - Film keyboard - Google Patents

Film keyboard

Info

Publication number
EP1481410A1
EP1481410A1 EP03709715A EP03709715A EP1481410A1 EP 1481410 A1 EP1481410 A1 EP 1481410A1 EP 03709715 A EP03709715 A EP 03709715A EP 03709715 A EP03709715 A EP 03709715A EP 1481410 A1 EP1481410 A1 EP 1481410A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane keyboard
keyboard according
coating
film
conductive
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
EP03709715A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1481410B1 (en
Inventor
Stefan Becker
Winfried Meissner
Ignaz Urrigshardt
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.)
Heinrichs Messtechnik GmbH
Original Assignee
Heinrichs Messtechnik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=27770920&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1481410(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Heinrichs Messtechnik GmbH filed Critical Heinrichs Messtechnik GmbH
Publication of EP1481410A1 publication Critical patent/EP1481410A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1481410B1 publication Critical patent/EP1481410B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H01H13/7006—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 comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/014—Layers composed of different layers; Lubricant in between
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/082—Properties of the membrane transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H01H2219/034—Coloured areas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/008—Static electricity considerations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/04—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof casings
    • H01H9/042—Explosion-proof cases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a membrane keyboard with a number of actuation areas, in particular for use in a potentially explosive environment, with a cover film made of insulating material, an electrically conductive layer located below the cover film and an conductor film which is insulated from the conductive layer and has a number of conductor tracks below it Actuating areas lying switching elements.
  • Non-conductive materials may only be used in potentially explosive atmospheres if precautions have been taken to avoid electrostatic charging of such materials.
  • Membrane keyboards generally use a plastic film to form an upper side of the keyboard touched by an operator, to which the problems described above apply if the membrane keyboard is to be used in an explosive environment.
  • a previously known membrane keyboard of this type can be found in DE 199 23 806 CI.
  • the known membrane keypad has a through hole next to each actuation field in order to ensure a discharge safety in a structurally simple manner, which runs past the conductive layer and the conductor foil and ends at an earthed base plate of the membrane keypad. With a sufficiently large spacing from the conductive layer and the conductor tracks of the conductor film, the through hole represents a type of “lightning arrester”, via which the charge applied to the membrane keyboard by an operator can be discharged to the underside of the keyboard.
  • a decisive prerequisite for the fact that charges on the top of the membrane keyboard can be dissipated through the through hole to the underside of the membrane keyboard is that the connection formed by the through hole to a ground potential is lower than to the conductive layer or the conductor tracks.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of providing a membrane keyboard in which any electrical charge which may be present on the top of the membrane keyboard can be discharged in a structurally simple, inexpensive and permanently safe manner, so that the membrane keyboard according to the invention in particular can be used in potentially explosive environments.
  • the conductive layer is designed as a coating of conductive material applied to an inside of the cover sheet, and that at least one contact element covers the cover sheet with a conductive connection permanent contacts between the cover film and at least one conductor track kept at a given potential, and that the coating at least in partial areas above the switching elements having an electrically insulate ⁇ de lacquer layer.
  • a major advantage of the membrane keyboard according to the invention is that in this case the electrostatic charge is avoided or is permanently and reliably dissipated even in a damaging environment, in contrast to other previously known membrane keyboards which use metal housings or films for this purpose use with conductive admixtures, an inexpensive manufacturing process can be maintained and at the same time all the advantages of a conventional, colored and abrasion-resistant membrane keyboard are retained.
  • the switching elements have pushbuttons in the form of leaf springs, via which, with sufficient pressure load, contact can be made between two conductor tracks held at different potentials, one with the leaf spring and the other with one below the leaf spring arranged base element is connected.
  • leaf springs By providing leaf springs, switching operations of the membrane keyboard can be implemented in a structurally particularly simple manner.
  • leaf-spring-like buttons provide the operator with optimum operating convenience, since they suddenly and clearly give in when there is sufficient pressure and generate a characteristic clicking sound, which immediately indicates to the operator that the switching process has taken place.
  • the conductor foil can have a conductive grid of at least two sets of intersecting conductor tracks.
  • the conductive connection according to the invention between at least one conductor track of the conductor film and the conductive coating of the cover film can in principle be arranged in every area of the membrane keyboard, which leaves the greatest possible scope for design, in particular in the design of the membrane keyboard.
  • the grid is grounded, ie connected to the ground or ground potential of a control circuit of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
  • at least one of the coated cover films is preferably permanently 5
  • Renden contact elements electrically connected to the grid. In this way, safe discharge of charges that arise on the operator side of the cover film or are applied to it by an operator is ensured.
  • a spacer foil with openings in the area of the contact elements is arranged between the lacquer layers and the conductor foil.
  • the lacquer layers applied to the coating are colored, in particular multi-colored, while the cover film and the coating are preferably transparent at least in the visible wavelength range.
  • the different operating areas of the keypad according to the invention be indicated by one below the cover sheet arranged and thus unan Corporations against Bedie ⁇ voltage induced wear color design.
  • the OF INVENTION ⁇ in another embodiment is provided dung below that the conductor foil is arranged a carrier plate. It is considered to be particularly advantageous if the carrier plate is designed as a printed circuit board.
  • the carrier plate can have at least one display element, which can be designed as a liquid crystal element (LCD), as an LED or as a polymer LED.
  • LCD liquid crystal element
  • the cover film ensures comprehensive protection of all these elements against damage caused by mechanical or other types.
  • the carrier plate is connected to a base foil carrying the conductor tracks by means of a double-sided adhesive foil, as a result of which a firm and permanent arrangement is easy to manufacture.
  • the coating in the area of the at least one display element is not painted and if the spacer film, the double-sided adhesive film and the conductor film have a corresponding breakthrough in this area. This ensures that the display element, despite its protected arrangement in the lower area of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, can be easily viewed by the operator from the outside.
  • the coating of the cover film consists of a conductive polymer.
  • the cover film in contrast to films made conductive by adding carbon, is transparent and therefore optimally suitable for use in the context of the above-described embodiments of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view taken approximately along the line AA 'of FIG. form of the membrane keyboard according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a further sectional view of an embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention along the line B-B 'of FIG. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the
  • the membrane keyboard shown has a cover foil 1 on the top side of the keyboard, which on its underside, e.g. by vapor deposition is provided with a transparent, conductive coating 2. Lacquer layers 3, 3 'are applied to the coating 2 for a (multi-) colored design, at least one window 4 and at least one contact point 5 being left out. Below the lacquer layers 3, 3 'there is a spacer film 6 which has openings 7, 7' in the region of the lacquers 3 'or the contacting point 5 for receiving switching and contact elements 8 or 8' in the form of leaf springs 8, 8 '.
  • the membrane keyboard shown has a conductor film 9, which consists of a base film 11 coated with conductor tracks 10, 10 ', 10.1, 10.2 made of silver lacquer. In the area of the conductor tracks 10 'and 10.1., 10.2, further switching elements are arranged as base elements 12, 12' below the leaf springs 8, 8 '.
  • the base film 11 of the membrane keyboard shown is firmly connected to a printed circuit board 14 by a double-sided adhesive film 13, on the underside 15 of which a liquid crystal display 16 is arranged in the area of the window 4.
  • the leaf springs 8 'and the associated base element 12' are in contact Conductor tracks 10 'are connected to a ground or ground potential of a control circuit (not shown).
  • the leaf spring 8 ' makes direct and permanent contact with the conductive coating 2 of the cover film 1 at the unpainted point 5, creating a conductive connection at least between the earthed conductor track 10' and the cover film 1.
  • the conductor tracks 10.1, 10.2, which form the switching elements 8, 12 are at different potentials Ui or U 2 , so that in the event of the leaf spring 8 being depressed by the operator onto the base element 12 a switching process can be triggered in the control circuit, for example by switching operation of a transistor (not shown).
  • the cover membrane 1 is a clear, transparent polyester plastic membrane with a thickness of less than 200 micrometers, so that electrostatic charging is minimized. It serves as a protective layer for the membrane keyboard.
  • the coating 2 is designed as a conductive polymer layer and is preferably applied to the cover film 1 by vapor deposition. Due to its full-surface contacting of the cover film 1 and the conductive connection to the ground potential of the control circuit which is ensured via the contact element 8 ', 12', it serves for the safe dissipation of electrostatic charges. In addition, the coating 2 has a shielding effect with regard to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
  • EMC electromagnetic compatibility
  • lacquer layers 3, 3 'to the key sheet according to the invention and in particular the polymer layer 2 is abrasion ⁇ fixed.
  • the section shown in FIG. 2 along the line BB 'of FIG. 1 shows in detail the arrangement of the conductor tracks 10, 10', 10.1, 10.2 on the surface of the base film 11.
  • the conductor tracks 10 are partially in Arranged in the form of a diamond-shaped grid 17, which is formed from two sheets 18, 18 'of straight conductor tracks 10 intersecting.
  • the grid 17 and the conductor tracks 10 are connected via a contact tab 19 to a control circuit, not shown.
  • FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the cover film 1 of the membrane keyboard according to the invention after the coating 2 and the lacquer layers 3, 3 'have been applied. Color differences between the different lacquer layers 3, 3 'make it possible to achieve a user-friendly, in particular multicolored, design of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
  • various operating surfaces 20, which are arranged above the leaf springs 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are highlighted by differently colored lacquer layers 3 'compared to a background lacquer layer 3 of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
  • the cover film 1 or the coating 2 is paint-free, so that in these areas the coating 2 can be contacted by the leaf springs 8 'in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a film keyboard with a number of operating areas, particularly for use in a potentially explosive environment, comprising a covering film made of an insulating material, an electrically conductive layer that is arranged underneath the covering film, and a conductor film which is disposed in an insulated manner across from the conductive layer and is provided with a number of strip conductors and circuit elements that are placed below the operating areas. The invention is characterized by the fact that a conductive layer is configured as a coating which is made of a conductive material and is arranged on the inside of the covering film, that at least one contact element permanently touches the coating of the covering film so as to create a conductive connection between the covering film and at least one strip conductor that is maintained at a specific potential, and that at least some partial areas of the coating are provided with an electrically insulating coat of lacquer above the circuit elements.

Description

Folientastatur keypad
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Folientastatur mit einer Anzahl von Betätigungsbereichen, insbesondere zur Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeter Umgebung, mit einer Deckfolie aus Isoliermaterial, einer unterhalb der Deckfolie befindlichen elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht und einer isoliert gegenüber der leitfähigen Schicht angeordneten, eine Anzahl von Leiterbahnen aufweisenden Leiterfolie mit unterhalb der Betätigungsbereiche liegenden Schaltelementen.The invention relates to a membrane keyboard with a number of actuation areas, in particular for use in a potentially explosive environment, with a cover film made of insulating material, an electrically conductive layer located below the cover film and an conductor film which is insulated from the conductive layer and has a number of conductor tracks below it Actuating areas lying switching elements.
Nichtleitende Werkstoffe dürfen in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen nur dann eingesetzt werden, wenn Vorkehrungen zur Vermeidung elektrostatischer Aufladung derartiger Werkstoffe getroffen wurden. Folientastaturen verwenden in aller Regel zur Ausbildung einer von einer Bedienperson berührten Tastaturoberseite eine Kunststofffolie, auf die die vorstehend geschilderte Problematik zutrifft, wenn die Folientastatur in einer explosionsgefährdeten Umgebung eingesetzt werden soll. Eine vorbekannte Folientastatur dieser Art ist der DE 199 23 806 CI entnehmbar. Die bekannte Folientastatur weist zur konstruktiv einfachen Gewährleistung einer Entla- dungsSicherheit neben jedem Betätigungsfeld ein Durchgangs - loch auf, das an der leitenden Schicht und an der Leiterfolie vorbei verläuft und an einer geerdeten Grundplatte der Folientastatur endet. Das Durchgangsloch stellt bei ausreichend großer Beabstandung von der leitenden Schicht und den Leiterbahnen der Leiterfolie eine Art „Blitzableiter" dar, über den die von einer Bedienperson auf die Folientastatur aufgebrachte Ladung zur Unterseite der Tastatur ableitbar ist.Non-conductive materials may only be used in potentially explosive atmospheres if precautions have been taken to avoid electrostatic charging of such materials. Membrane keyboards generally use a plastic film to form an upper side of the keyboard touched by an operator, to which the problems described above apply if the membrane keyboard is to be used in an explosive environment. A previously known membrane keyboard of this type can be found in DE 199 23 806 CI. The known membrane keypad has a through hole next to each actuation field in order to ensure a discharge safety in a structurally simple manner, which runs past the conductive layer and the conductor foil and ends at an earthed base plate of the membrane keypad. With a sufficiently large spacing from the conductive layer and the conductor tracks of the conductor film, the through hole represents a type of “lightning arrester”, via which the charge applied to the membrane keyboard by an operator can be discharged to the underside of the keyboard.
Eine entscheidende Voraussetzung dafür, dass auf der Oberseite der Folientastatur vorhandene Ladungen durch das Durchgangsloch zur Unterseite der Folientastatur abgeleitet werden können, ist, dass die durch das Durchgangsloch gebildete Verbindung zu einem Massepotential niederohmiger ist als zu der leitenden Schicht bzw. den Leiterbahnen.A decisive prerequisite for the fact that charges on the top of the membrane keyboard can be dissipated through the through hole to the underside of the membrane keyboard is that the connection formed by the through hole to a ground potential is lower than to the conductive layer or the conductor tracks.
Dies ist insbesondere dann nicht gegeben, wenn sich im Bereich der Grundplatte der bekannten Folientastatur ein hochohmiger Belag bildet, beispielsweise eine Oxidations- schicht, was aufgrund der durch das Durchgangsloch gebilde- ten Öffnung zur Umgebung vorgezeichnet ist. Darüber hinaus können in das Durchgangsloch eindringende Substanzen erhöhter Leitfähigkeit, insbesondere Fluide, zur Schaffung einer niederohmigen Verbindung zu der leitenden Schicht und/oder den Leiterbahnen beitragen, wodurch die Funktionsfähigkeit der bekannten Folientastatur zumindest herabgesetzt wäre, was gerade in explosionsgefährdeter Umgebung ein eklatantes Sicherheitsrisiko darstellt. Weitere vorbekannte Folientastaturen verwenden zur Ableitung elektrischer Ladung Metallgehäuse oder Folien mit leitfähiger Beimischung als Deckfolien, wobei das Vorsehen eines Metallgehäuses mit zusätzlichen Kosten für Stanzwerkzeug, Lackierung, Erdungsanschluss etc. verbunden ist. Leitfähige Folien sind aufgrund von Karbonbeimischungen immer schwarz gefärbt, weshalb sie nicht - wie zur Schaffung farblich gegeneinander abgegrenzter Betätigungsfelder allgemein üblich - von der Rückseite lackierbar sind.This is particularly not the case if a high-resistance coating is formed in the area of the base plate of the known membrane keyboard, for example an oxidation layer, which is indicated by the opening to the surroundings formed by the through hole. In addition, substances of increased conductivity, in particular fluids, penetrating into the through hole can contribute to the creation of a low-resistance connection to the conductive layer and / or the conductor tracks, as a result of which the functionality of the known membrane keyboard would at least be reduced, which represents a blatant safety risk, particularly in explosive environments. Other previously known membrane keyboards use metal housings or foils with conductive admixture as cover foils for discharging electrical charge, the provision of a metal housing being associated with additional costs for punching tool, painting, grounding connection, etc. Conductive foils are always colored black due to the addition of carbon, which is why they cannot be painted from the back, as is generally the case when it comes to creating different fields of activity.
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Folientastatur zu schaffen, bei der sich eine ggf. auf der Oberseite der Folientastatur vorhandene elektrische Ladung auf konstruktiv einfache, kostengünstige und dabei dauer- haft sichere Weise ableiten lässt, so dass die erfindungs- gemäße Folientastatur insbesondere in explosionsgefährdeter Umgebung einsetzbar ist.The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a membrane keyboard in which any electrical charge which may be present on the top of the membrane keyboard can be discharged in a structurally simple, inexpensive and permanently safe manner, so that the membrane keyboard according to the invention in particular can be used in potentially explosive environments.
Diese Aufgabe ist bei einer Folientastatur der eingangs ge- nannten Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die leit- fähige Schicht als eine auf einer Innenseite der Deckfolie aufgebrachte Beschichtung aus leitfähigem Material ausgebildet ist, dass mindestens ein Kontaktelement die Beschichtung der Deckfolie unter Schaffung einer leitfähigen Verbindung zwischen der Deckfolie und wenigstens einer auf einem bestimmten Potential gehaltenen Leiterbahn permanent berührt und dass die Beschichtung zumindest in Teilbereichen oberhalb der Schaltelemente eine elektrisch isolieren¬ de Lackschicht aufweist.This object is achieved according to the invention in the case of a membrane keyboard of the type mentioned at the outset in that the conductive layer is designed as a coating of conductive material applied to an inside of the cover sheet, and that at least one contact element covers the cover sheet with a conductive connection permanent contacts between the cover film and at least one conductor track kept at a given potential, and that the coating at least in partial areas above the switching elements having an electrically insulate ¬ de lacquer layer.
Ein wesentlicher Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur ist, dass hierbei die elektrostatische Aufladung vermieden bzw. auch in schädigender Umgebung dauerhaft sicher abgeleitet wird, wobei im Gegensatz zu weiteren vorbekann- ten Folientastaturen, die hierzu Metallgehäuse oder Folien mit leitfähigen Beimischungen verwenden, ein preisgünstiger Fertigungsprozess beibehalten werden kann und zugleich alle Vorzüge einer herkömmlich, farbigen und abriebfesten Folientastatur erhalten bleiben.A major advantage of the membrane keyboard according to the invention is that in this case the electrostatic charge is avoided or is permanently and reliably dissipated even in a damaging environment, in contrast to other previously known membrane keyboards which use metal housings or films for this purpose use with conductive admixtures, an inexpensive manufacturing process can be maintained and at the same time all the advantages of a conventional, colored and abrasion-resistant membrane keyboard are retained.
Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur weisen die Schaltelemente Taster in Form von Blattfedern auf, über die bei ausreichender Druckbelastung ein Kontakt zwischen jeweils zwei auf unterschiedlichem Potential gehaltenen Leiterbahnen herstellbar ist, von denen eine mit der Blattfeder, die andere mit einem unterhalb der Blattfeder angeordneten Basis - element verbunden ist. Durch das Vorsehen von Blattfedern lassen sich Schaltvorgänge der Folientastatur auf konstruk- tiv besonders einfache Weise realisieren. Zudem vermitteln blattfederartige Taster dem Bediener einen optimalen Bedienungskomfort, da sie bei ausreichender Druckbelastung plötzlich und deutlich spürbar nachgeben und dabei ein charakteristisches Knackgeräusch erzeugen, was dem Bediener den erfolgten Schaltvorgang unmittelbar anzeigt.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, the switching elements have pushbuttons in the form of leaf springs, via which, with sufficient pressure load, contact can be made between two conductor tracks held at different potentials, one with the leaf spring and the other with one below the leaf spring arranged base element is connected. By providing leaf springs, switching operations of the membrane keyboard can be implemented in a structurally particularly simple manner. In addition, leaf-spring-like buttons provide the operator with optimum operating convenience, since they suddenly and clearly give in when there is sufficient pressure and generate a characteristic clicking sound, which immediately indicates to the operator that the switching process has taken place.
Die Leiterfolie kann nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur ein leitfähiges Gitter aus mindestens zwei Scharen sich kreuzender Leiterbahnen auf - weisen. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, dass die erfindungsgemäße leitfähige Verbindung zwischen wenigstens einer Leiterbahn der Leiterfolie und der leitenden Beschichtung der Deckfolie prinzipiell in jedem Bereich der Folientastatur angeordnet sein kann, was einen größtmöglichen Gestal- tungsspielraum insbesondere beim Design der Folientastatur lässt. In einer äußerst bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist das Gitter geerdet, d.h. mit dem Erd- oder Massepotential einer Steuerschaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur verbunden. Zusätzlich ist vorzugsweise mindes- tens eines der die beschichtete Deckfolie permanent beruh- 5According to a further embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, the conductor foil can have a conductive grid of at least two sets of intersecting conductor tracks. In this way it is ensured that the conductive connection according to the invention between at least one conductor track of the conductor film and the conductive coating of the cover film can in principle be arranged in every area of the membrane keyboard, which leaves the greatest possible scope for design, in particular in the design of the membrane keyboard. In an extremely preferred embodiment of the invention, the grid is grounded, ie connected to the ground or ground potential of a control circuit of the membrane keyboard according to the invention. In addition, at least one of the coated cover films is preferably permanently 5
renden Kontaktelemente elektrisch leitend mit dem Gitter verbunden. Auf diese Weise ist eine sichere Ableitung von Ladungen gewährleistet, die auf der Bedienerseite der Deckfolie entstehen oder von einer Bedienperson auf diese auf- gebracht werden .Renden contact elements electrically connected to the grid. In this way, safe discharge of charges that arise on the operator side of the cover film or are applied to it by an operator is ensured.
Zur Sicherstellung eines notwendigen Schaltabstandes zwischen den blattfederartigen Tastern und Basiselektroden der Kontaktelemente ist bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur zwischen den Lackschichten und der Leiterfolie eine Abstandfolie mit Durchbrüchen im Bereich der Kontaktelemente angeordnet.In order to ensure a necessary switching distance between the leaf spring-type buttons and base electrodes of the contact elements, in an advantageous embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, a spacer foil with openings in the area of the contact elements is arranged between the lacquer layers and the conductor foil.
Nach einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfin- düng sind die auf die Beschichtung aufgebrachten Lackschichten farbig, insbesondere mehrfarbig ausgebildet, während die Deckfolie und die Beschichtung vorzugsweise zumindest im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich transparent sind. Auf diese Weise lassen sich die unterschiedlichen Bedien- flächen der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur durch ein unterhalb der Deckfolie angeordnetes und somit gegen bedie¬ nungsbedingte Abnutzungserscheinungen unanfälliges farbiges Design kenntlich machen.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lacquer layers applied to the coating are colored, in particular multi-colored, while the cover film and the coating are preferably transparent at least in the visible wavelength range. In this way, the different operating areas of the keypad according to the invention be indicated by one below the cover sheet arranged and thus unanfälliges against Bedie ¬ voltage induced wear color design.
Weiterhin ist bei einer anderen Ausführungsform der Erfin¬ dung vorgesehen, dass unterhalb der Leiterfolie eine Trägerplatte angeordnet ist. Als besonders vorteilhaft wird es angesehen, wenn die Trägerplatte als Leiterplatte ausgebildet ist. In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur kann die Trägerplatte mindestens ein Anzeigeelement aufweisen, das als Flüssigkristallelement (LCD) , als LED oder auch als Polymer-LED ausgebildet sein kann. Auf diese Weise lässt sich durch die er¬ findungsgemäße Folientastatur eine kompakte Anordnung sämt- licher relevanter Bedien- und Kontrollelemente erreichen, wobei die Deckfolie einen umfassenden Schutz aller dieser Elemente gegen Schadeinwirkungen mechanischer oder anderer Art gewährleistet.Furthermore, the OF INVENTION ¬, in another embodiment is provided dung below that the conductor foil is arranged a carrier plate. It is considered to be particularly advantageous if the carrier plate is designed as a printed circuit board. In a further preferred embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, the carrier plate can have at least one display element, which can be designed as a liquid crystal element (LCD), as an LED or as a polymer LED. In this way leaves through which he achieved a compact arrangement sämt- Licher relevant Operating and control elements ¬-making proper keypad, the cover film ensures comprehensive protection of all these elements against damage caused by mechanical or other types.
Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur ist die Trägerplatte mit einer die Leiterbahnen tragenden Basisfolie durch eine Doppelklebefolie verbunden, wodurch eine einfach herstellbare feste und dauerhafte Anordnung gegeben ist.In an advantageous embodiment of the membrane keypad according to the invention, the carrier plate is connected to a base foil carrying the conductor tracks by means of a double-sided adhesive foil, as a result of which a firm and permanent arrangement is easy to manufacture.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn die Beschichtung im Bereich des mindestens einen Anzeigeelements nicht lackiert ist und wenn die Abstandfolie, die Doppelklebefolie sowie die Leiterfolie in diesem Bereich einen entsprechenden Durchbruch aufweisen. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, dass das Anzeigeelement trotz seiner geschützten Anordnung im unteren Bereich der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur für den Bediener von außen problemlos einsehbar ist.It is particularly advantageous if the coating in the area of the at least one display element is not painted and if the spacer film, the double-sided adhesive film and the conductor film have a corresponding breakthrough in this area. This ensures that the display element, despite its protected arrangement in the lower area of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, can be easily viewed by the operator from the outside.
Nach einer äußerst bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besteht die Beschichtung der Deckfolie aus einem leitfähigen Polymer. Bei derartiger Beschichtung ist die Deckfolie im Gegensatz zu durch Karbonbeimischungen leitfähig gemachten Folien transparent und daher für eine Verwendung im Rahmen der vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur optimal geeignet.According to an extremely preferred embodiment of the invention, the coating of the cover film consists of a conductive polymer. In the case of a coating of this type, the cover film, in contrast to films made conductive by adding carbon, is transparent and therefore optimally suitable for use in the context of the above-described embodiments of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der folgenden Beschreibung, in der ein Ausfüh- rungsbeispiel anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert ist. Dabei zeigt:Further advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the following description, in which an exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1 in einer schematischen Schnittansicht etwa entlang der Linie A-A' der Fig. 2 eine Ausführungs- form der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur;1 is a schematic sectional view taken approximately along the line AA 'of FIG. form of the membrane keyboard according to the invention;
Fig. 2 eine weitere Schnittansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur entlang der Linie B-B' der Fig. 1; undFIG. 2 shows a further sectional view of an embodiment of the membrane keyboard according to the invention along the line B-B 'of FIG. 1; and
Fig. 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform derFig. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of the
Deckfolie der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur.Cover membrane of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
Wie in Fig. 1 gezeigt ist, weist die dargestellte Folientastatur auf der Tastaturoberseite eine Deckfolie 1 auf, die auf ihrer Unterseite, z.B. durch Bedampfen, mit einer transparenten, leitfähigen Beschichtung 2 versehen ist. Auf die Beschichtung 2 sind für ein (mehr- ) farbiges Design Lackschichten 3, 3' aufgetragen, wobei mindestens ein Fenster 4 sowie mindestens ein Kontaktierungspunkt 5 ausgespart sind. Unterhalb der Lackschichten 3, 3' befindet sich eine Abstandfolie 6, die im Bereich der Lackierungen 3' bzw. des Kontaktierungspunkts 5 Durchbrüche 7, 7' zur Auf- nähme von Schalt- und Kontaktelementen 8 bzw. 8' in Form von Blattfedern 8, 8' aufweist.As shown in Fig. 1, the membrane keyboard shown has a cover foil 1 on the top side of the keyboard, which on its underside, e.g. by vapor deposition is provided with a transparent, conductive coating 2. Lacquer layers 3, 3 'are applied to the coating 2 for a (multi-) colored design, at least one window 4 and at least one contact point 5 being left out. Below the lacquer layers 3, 3 'there is a spacer film 6 which has openings 7, 7' in the region of the lacquers 3 'or the contacting point 5 for receiving switching and contact elements 8 or 8' in the form of leaf springs 8, 8 '.
Unterhalb der Abstandfolie 6 weist die dargestellte Folientastatur eine Leiterfolie 9 auf, die aus einer mit Leiter- bahnen 10 , 10 ' , 10.1, 10.2 aus Silberlack beschichteten Basis - folie 11 besteht. Im Bereich der Leiterbahnen 10' bzw. 10.1., 10.2 sind weitere Schaltelemente als Basiselemente 12, 12' unterhalb der Blattfedern 8, 8' angeordnet. Die Basisfolie 11 der dargestellten Folientastatur ist durch eine Doppelklebefolie 13 fest mit einer Leiterplatte 14 verbunden, an deren Unterseite 15 im Bereich des Fensters 4 eine Flüssigkristallanzeige 16 angeordnet ist.Below the spacer film 6, the membrane keyboard shown has a conductor film 9, which consists of a base film 11 coated with conductor tracks 10, 10 ', 10.1, 10.2 made of silver lacquer. In the area of the conductor tracks 10 'and 10.1., 10.2, further switching elements are arranged as base elements 12, 12' below the leaf springs 8, 8 '. The base film 11 of the membrane keyboard shown is firmly connected to a printed circuit board 14 by a double-sided adhesive film 13, on the underside 15 of which a liquid crystal display 16 is arranged in the area of the window 4.
Beim gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind die die Blattfe- der 8' und das zugehörige Basiselement 12' kontaktierenden Leiterbahnen 10' mit einem Masse- bzw. Erdpotential einer Steuerschaltung (nicht gezeigt) verbunden. Die Blattfeder 8' kontaktiert die leitfähige Beschichtung 2 der Deckfolie 1 an der nicht-lackierten Stelle 5 direkt und dauer- haft unter Schaffung einer leitenden Verbindung zumindest zwischen der geerdeten Leiterbahn 10' und der Deckfolie 1. Die Leiterbahnen 10.1,10.2, die die Schaltelemente 8,12 kontaktieren (von denen im Schnitt der Fig. 1 nur ein Paar gezeigt ist) , befinden sich auf unterschiedlichen Potentia- len Ui bzw. U2, so dass im Falle eines durch die Bedienperson bewirkten Niederdrückens der Blattfeder 8 auf das Basiselement 12 in der Steuerschaltung ein Schaltvorgang, beispielsweise durch Schaltbetrieb eines Transistors (nicht gezeigt), auslösbar ist.In the embodiment shown, the leaf springs 8 'and the associated base element 12' are in contact Conductor tracks 10 'are connected to a ground or ground potential of a control circuit (not shown). The leaf spring 8 'makes direct and permanent contact with the conductive coating 2 of the cover film 1 at the unpainted point 5, creating a conductive connection at least between the earthed conductor track 10' and the cover film 1. The conductor tracks 10.1, 10.2, which form the switching elements 8, 12 (only a pair of which is shown in section in FIG. 1) are at different potentials Ui or U 2 , so that in the event of the leaf spring 8 being depressed by the operator onto the base element 12 a switching process can be triggered in the control circuit, for example by switching operation of a transistor (not shown).
In dem dargestellten Beispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Folien- tastatur ist die Deckfolie 1 eine klare, durchsichtige Polyester-Kunststofffolie mit einer Dicke von weniger als 200 Mikrometer, so dass eine elektrostatische Aufladung mi- nimiert wird. Sie dient als Schutzschicht für die Folientastatur. Die Beschichtung 2 ist als leitfähige Polymerschicht ausgebildet und wird vorzugsweise durch Bedampfen auf die Deckfolie 1 aufgebracht. Sie dient aufgrund ihrer ganzflächigen Kontaktierung der Deckfolie 1 sowie der über das Kontaktelement 8', 12' sichergestellten leitfähigen Verbindung zum Massepotential der Steuerschaltung der sicheren Ableitung elektrostatischer Ladungen. Zusätzlich besitzt die Beschichtung 2 eine Schirmwirkung hinsichtlich der elektromagnetischen Verträglichkeit (EMV) der erfindungsge- mäßen Folientastatur.In the illustrated example of the membrane keyboard according to the invention, the cover membrane 1 is a clear, transparent polyester plastic membrane with a thickness of less than 200 micrometers, so that electrostatic charging is minimized. It serves as a protective layer for the membrane keyboard. The coating 2 is designed as a conductive polymer layer and is preferably applied to the cover film 1 by vapor deposition. Due to its full-surface contacting of the cover film 1 and the conductive connection to the ground potential of the control circuit which is ensured via the contact element 8 ', 12', it serves for the safe dissipation of electrostatic charges. In addition, the coating 2 has a shielding effect with regard to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the membrane keyboard according to the invention.
Durch die Lackschichten 3, 3' wird die erfindungsgemäße Folientastatur und insbesondere die Polymerschicht 2 abrieb¬ fest. Durch ein mehrfarbiges Design der Lackschichten 3, 3' insbesondere im Bereich 3' der als Bedienelemente fungie- renden Blattfedern 8 lässt sich die Bedienfreundlichkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur erhöhen.Through the lacquer layers 3, 3 'to the key sheet according to the invention and in particular the polymer layer 2 is abrasion ¬ fixed. A multi-colored design of the lacquer layers 3, 3 ', particularly in the area 3' of the control elements Renden leaf springs 8, the ease of use of the membrane keyboard according to the invention can be increased.
Der in Fig. 2 gezeigte Schnitt entlang der Linie B-B' der Fig. 1 zeigt detailliert die Anordnung der Leiterbahnen 10,10' ,10.1,10.2 an der Oberfläche der Basisfolie 11. Wie aus Fig. 2 ersichtlich, sind die Leiterbahnen 10 teilweise in Form eines rautenförmigen Gitters 17 angeordnet, das aus zwei Scharen 18,18' sich schneidender gerader Leiterbah- nen 10 gebildet ist. Das Gitter 17 und die Leiterbahnen 10 sind über eine Kontaktfahne 19 mit einer nicht gezeigten Steuerschaltung verbunden. Dabei liegen zumindest die Leiterbahnen 18,18' die das Gitter 17 bilden, und die Leiterbahnen 10', die die als Kontaktelemente fungierenden Blatt - federn 8' kontaktieren und selbst beim gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel Teil des Gitters sind, auf dem Massepotential der Steuerschaltung.The section shown in FIG. 2 along the line BB 'of FIG. 1 shows in detail the arrangement of the conductor tracks 10, 10', 10.1, 10.2 on the surface of the base film 11. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the conductor tracks 10 are partially in Arranged in the form of a diamond-shaped grid 17, which is formed from two sheets 18, 18 'of straight conductor tracks 10 intersecting. The grid 17 and the conductor tracks 10 are connected via a contact tab 19 to a control circuit, not shown. At least the conductor tracks 18, 18 'which form the grid 17 and the conductor tracks 10', which contact the leaf springs 8 'functioning as contact elements and are part of the grid even in the exemplary embodiment shown, lie on the ground potential of the control circuit.
Fig. 3 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Deckfolie 1 der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur nach erfolgtem Aufbringen der Beschichtung 2 sowie der Lackschichten 3, 3'. Durch farbliche Unterschiede zwischen den verschiedenen Lack- schichten 3, 3' lässt sich ein bedienfreundliches, insbesondere mehrfarbiges Design der erfindungsgemäßen Folien- tastatur erreichen. Beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel sind diverse Bedienflächen 20, die oberhalb der Blattfedern 8 der Figuren 1 und 2 angeordnet sind, durch andersfarbige Lackschichten 3' gegenüber einer Hintergrund-Lackschicht 3 der erfindungsgemäßen Folientastatur hervorgehoben. In zwei dargestellten Bereichen 5 ist die Deckfolie 1 bzw. die Beschichtung 2 lackfrei, so dass in diesen Bereichen eine Kontaktierung der Beschichtung 2 durch die Blattfedern 8' auf die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Weise erfolgen kann. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the cover film 1 of the membrane keyboard according to the invention after the coating 2 and the lacquer layers 3, 3 'have been applied. Color differences between the different lacquer layers 3, 3 'make it possible to achieve a user-friendly, in particular multicolored, design of the membrane keyboard according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown, various operating surfaces 20, which are arranged above the leaf springs 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2, are highlighted by differently colored lacquer layers 3 'compared to a background lacquer layer 3 of the membrane keyboard according to the invention. In two areas 5 shown, the cover film 1 or the coating 2 is paint-free, so that in these areas the coating 2 can be contacted by the leaf springs 8 'in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
Folientastatur mit einer Anzahl von Betätigungsberei - . chen, insbesondere zur Verwendung in explosionsgefähr- deter Umgebung, mit einer Deckfolie aus Isoliermate- rial, einer unterhalb der Deckfolie befindlichen elektrisch leitfähigen Schicht und einer isoliert gegenüber der leitfähigen Schicht angeordneten, eine Anzahl von Leiterbahnen aufweisenden Leiterfolie mit unterhalb der Betätigungsbereiche liegenden Schaltelementen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die leitfähige Schicht als eine auf einer Innenseite der Deckfolie (1) aufgebrachte Beschichtung (2) aus leitfähigem Material ausgebildet ist, dass mindestens ein Kontaktelement (8') die Beschichtung (2) der Deckfolie (1) unter Schaffung einer leitfähigen Verbindung zwischen der Deckfolie (1) und wenigstens einer auf einem bestimmten Potential gehaltenen Leiterbahn (10') permanent berührt und dass die Beschichtung (2) zumindest in Teilbereichen (3') oberhalb der Schaltelemente (8) eine elektrisch isolierende Lackschicht (3,3') aufweist. Membrane keyboard with a number of operating ranges. Chen, in particular for use in potentially explosive environments, with a cover film made of insulating material, an electrically conductive layer located below the cover film and an electrically isolated layer arranged opposite the conductive layer and having a number of conductor tracks with switching elements lying below the actuation areas, thereby characterized in that the conductive layer is formed as a coating (2) made of conductive material on an inside of the cover film (1), that at least one contact element (8 ') covers the coating (2) of the cover film (1), creating a conductive connection between the cover film (1) and at least one conductor track (10 ') kept at a certain potential and that the coating (2) at least in partial areas (3') above the switching elements (8) has an electrically insulating lacquer layer (3,3 ' ) having.
2. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltelemente (8) Taster in Form von Blattfedern aufweisen.2. membrane keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching elements (8) have buttons in the form of leaf springs.
3. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Leiterfolie (9) ein leitfähiges Gitter (17) aus mindestens zwei Scharen (18,18') sich kreuzender Leiterbahnen (10) aufweist.3. membrane keyboard according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductor foil (9) has a conductive grid (17) of at least two sets (18, 18 ') of intersecting conductor tracks (10).
4. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gitter (17) geerdet ist.4. membrane keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that the grid (17) is grounded.
5. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine die Beschichtung (2) der Deck- folie (1) permanent berührende Kontaktelement (8) elektrisch leitend mit dem Gitter (17) verbunden ist.5. A membrane keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one contact element (8) which permanently contacts the coating (2) of the cover film (1) is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the grid (17).
6. Folientastatur nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen den Lackschich- ten (3,3') und der Leiterfolie (9) eine Abstandfolie (6) mit Durchbrüchen (7,7') im Bereich der Kontakt - (8') und der Schaltelemente (8) angeordnet ist.6. membrane keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the lacquer layers (3,3 ') and the conductor foil (9) a spacer film (6) with openings (7,7') in the area of the contact - (8 ') and the switching elements (8) is arranged.
7. Folientastatur nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lackschichten (3,3') farbig, insbesondere mehrfarbig ausgebildet sind.7. membrane keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lacquer layers (3,3 ') are colored, in particular multi-colored.
8. Folientastatur nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Deckfolie (1) und die leitfähige Beschichtung (2) zumindest im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich transparent sind.8. membrane keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover film (1) and the conductive coating (2) are transparent at least in the visible wavelength range.
9. Folientastatur nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass unterhalb der Leiterfo- lie (9) eine Trägerplatte (14) angeordnet ist.9. membrane keyboard according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that below the Leiterfo lie (9) a carrier plate (14) is arranged.
10. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trägerplatte (14) als Leiterplatte ausgebildet ist .10. membrane keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that the carrier plate (14) is designed as a printed circuit board.
11. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trägerplatte (14) mindestens ein Anzeigeelement (16) aufweist.11. membrane keyboard according to claim 10, characterized in that the carrier plate (14) has at least one display element (16).
12. Folientastatur nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Anzeigeelement (16) als Flüssigkristall - element ausgebildet ist.12. membrane keyboard according to claim 11, characterized in that the display element (16) is designed as a liquid crystal element.
13. Folientastatur nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trägerplatte (14) mit einer die Leiterbahnen (10) tragenden Basisfolie (11) durch eine Doppelklebefolie (13) verbunden ist.13. A membrane keyboard according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the carrier plate (14) is connected to a base foil (11) carrying the conductor tracks (10) by means of a double-sided adhesive foil (13).
14. Folientastatur nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Beschichtung (2) im Bereich des mindestens einen Anzeigelements (16) nicht lackiert ist und dass die Abstandfolie (6) , die Doppel - klebefolie (13) sowie die Leiterfolie (9) in diesem Be- reich einen entsprechenden Durchbruch (4) aufweisen.14. A membrane keyboard according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the coating (2) in the region of the at least one display element (16) is not painted and that the spacer film (6), the double-adhesive film (13) and the conductor film (9) have a corresponding opening (4) in this area.
15. Folientastatur nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Beschichtung (2) aus einem leitfähigen Polymer besteht. 15. membrane keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (2) consists of a conductive polymer.
EP03709715A 2002-03-01 2003-02-20 Film keyboard Expired - Lifetime EP1481410B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2002109079 DE10209079A1 (en) 2002-03-01 2002-03-01 keypad
DE10209079 2002-03-01
PCT/EP2003/001735 WO2003075297A1 (en) 2002-03-01 2003-02-20 Film keyboard

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1481410A1 true EP1481410A1 (en) 2004-12-01
EP1481410B1 EP1481410B1 (en) 2006-10-18

Family

ID=27770920

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03709715A Expired - Lifetime EP1481410B1 (en) 2002-03-01 2003-02-20 Film keyboard

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1481410B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003214067A1 (en)
DE (2) DE10209079A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003075297A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1515350A1 (en) 2003-09-09 2005-03-16 Meierhofer Mellingen AG Backlit push button for keyboard
EP1741116A1 (en) 2005-01-17 2007-01-10 Printed Systems GmbH Keyboard and method for producing a keyboard

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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
EP2400363A1 (en) 2010-06-23 2011-12-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Control device for operating an automated machine

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6199996B1 (en) 1998-08-26 2001-03-13 Twenty-First Century Technology, Inc. Low power, low cost illuminated keyboards and keypads

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4303960A (en) * 1979-12-31 1981-12-01 Gte Products Corporation Electrostatic discharge-protected switch
JPS6170247U (en) * 1984-10-05 1986-05-14
DE8914142U1 (en) * 1989-11-30 1990-02-01 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Switch foil
DE4437616C2 (en) * 1994-05-13 1997-03-06 Kundisch Gmbh & Co Kg Process for the production of front foils for membrane keyboards or the like
DE29505969U1 (en) * 1994-10-21 1995-06-14 Celfa Ag, Seewen Front foil for membrane keyboards or the like.
DE29501466U1 (en) * 1995-01-31 1995-03-30 Celfa Ag, Seewen Transparent film, in particular for the production of front films for membrane keyboards or the like.
KR970049350A (en) * 1995-12-19 1997-07-29 윤종용 Touch panel
KR100387204B1 (en) * 1997-07-31 2003-06-11 카부시키카이샤 도요토미 Console panel for equipment
DE19923806C1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2001-02-08 Siemens Ag Thin film keyboard
DE10040151C1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2002-01-31 Schurter Gmbh Keyboard for reliable triggering of electrical switching functions has less frequently operated keys made using less expensive technology than frequently used keys

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6199996B1 (en) 1998-08-26 2001-03-13 Twenty-First Century Technology, Inc. Low power, low cost illuminated keyboards and keypads

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
JAMES GW FISHER: "Introducing Eluminx", WWW.ELUMINX.COM, 13 March 2003 (2003-03-13), pages 1, XP002993584, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:www.eluminx.com>
See also references of WO03075297A1

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1515350A1 (en) 2003-09-09 2005-03-16 Meierhofer Mellingen AG Backlit push button for keyboard
EP1741116A1 (en) 2005-01-17 2007-01-10 Printed Systems GmbH Keyboard and method for producing a keyboard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003075297A1 (en) 2003-09-12
DE50305415D1 (en) 2006-11-30
AU2003214067A1 (en) 2003-09-16
EP1481410B1 (en) 2006-10-18
DE10209079A1 (en) 2003-10-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE19905976B4 (en) Movable contact unit for a panel switch and panel switch using such a contact unit
DE2524437C3 (en) Control panel structure of a capacitively coupled keyboard
EP1030536B1 (en) Proximity commutator for housing electrical apparatuses
DE3041859C2 (en)
DE69612377T2 (en) ELECTRODED BENDABLE ITEM
DE4020472C2 (en)
DE3226348A1 (en) KEYBOARD SWITCHING UNIT
DE2551761A1 (en) PUSH KEYPAD
DE2005565B2 (en) SWITCH PLATE DESIGNED AS A PRINTED CIRCUIT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
DE19820414A1 (en) Contacting device
EP1760886A2 (en) Sensor device
DE102004026672A1 (en) Contact switch has electrically conducting layer arranged on side remote from user structured in at least one electrically isolated flat region defining at least one capacitive contact or touch sensor electrode
DE3619035C2 (en)
DE3527683A1 (en) KEY SWITCH ARRANGEMENT
DE2647922C2 (en) keyboard
DE102018113203A1 (en) Inmate information detection sensor for steering wheel
DE2907697A1 (en) ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH KEYBOARD
EP1481410B1 (en) Film keyboard
DE2439697B2 (en) PRESSURE SWITCH
DE2926312C2 (en)
WO1982003723A1 (en) Electric contact,particularly for printed circuits of small electric appliances
EP0820218B1 (en) Electronic device and shielding cap for an electronic device
DE2929574A1 (en) Flexible metallised sandwich key-pad - has flexible press-button cover with convoluted metallised underside held above baseplate contacts by insulator
DE3415672A1 (en) Multiple switch
DE69828885T2 (en) &#34;Electric Sachlter with illuminated membrane&#34;

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040824

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 50305415

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20061130

Kind code of ref document: P

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: ITEK WORKS S.P.R.L.

Effective date: 20061114

PLBG Opposition deemed not to have been filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009274

26D Opposition deemed not to have been filed

Opponent name: ITEK WORKS S.P.R.L.

Effective date: 20080527

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: ITEK WORKS S.P.R.L.

Effective date: 20061114

PLBG Opposition deemed not to have been filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009274

26D Opposition deemed not to have been filed

Opponent name: ITEK WORKS S.P.R.L.

Effective date: 20081105

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20100211

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 50305415

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110901

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110901