EP1318535A1 - Foldable sheet switch and method of manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has at least two switch contacts (5,7) which can be connected together by pressing on a membrane (23) covering the two contacts. The membrane and a substrate (3) on which the contacts are arranged are connected together by a fold (15). The membrane and substrate may be manufactured from the same carrier substrate by folding the part of the substrate forming the membrane. <??>Independent claims are also included for the following: <??>(1) a method of manufacturing an operating switch; and <??>(2) a hearing aid.

Description

The present invention relates to a Actuator or a switch, in particular for small electrical and electronic devices according to The preamble of claim 1, a method for the same Manufacture and use of the device and a Hearing aid with one device.

For small electronics devices, such as Hearing aids are so-called "toggle switches" and others Switches used to e.g. between different Programs to adjust the volume or just to turn the device on or off.

With a so-called toggle switch there is usually one the contact switch covering flexible membrane, such as for example a molded silicone part, provided with a specially applied conductive layer. The function this silicone membrane molded part consists on the one hand in the Sealing the housing against ingress of moisture and on the other hand to trigger the switching functions. This Technology is similar to that of very simple safety mats Rubber or silicone, such as arranged at cheap calculators. The advantage of this technique is that it is very easy to set up and use. New is only that the silicone molding is a conductive layer having.

For devices with a so-called "toggle mat" are equipped, various problems arise in use on. One problem is the non-hermetic sealing of the Switch contacts against ingress of moisture or Liquids so that depending on the pollution of the Liquid undefined leakage currents between the Switch contacts can arise. On the one hand, this leads to an increased leakage current of the circuit and thus too a limited battery life and on the other hand to uncontrolled switching operations. Another Problem of the technique mentioned is that the used Silicone is not permanent against everyone in electronic Smallest devices, such as hearing aids, used or occurring liquids are resistant. once penetrated liquid, for example as a result Capillary forces, can cause silicone to swell. Various observations in devices, in which so-called toggle mats were used, showed that it is usually sunscreen or skin creams acts which persons who the electronic Actuate the smallest devices, transfer them to the switch. The Swelling of the silicone or the conductive coating leads to an interruption of the conductive coating, which this affects their conductivity and can even lose them. The result is that a reliable switching is no longer guaranteed.

The object of the present invention is therefore in Create a switch or potentiometer or one Actuator in which the switch contacts against penetrating moisture and other liquids and are protected against pollution, and which Contacts can be switched in the simplest way.

According to the invention, the object is achieved by means of a Actuating device according to the wording of claim 1 solved.

An actuating device or a Switches for small electrical and electronic devices, which or which at least two switching contacts, which has one, at least one of the contacts spanning membrane on pressure on the membrane are connectable to one another for a switching operation trigger. The membrane and a substrate are on or in which the contacts are arranged, via a Folded together.

Preferably, the membrane and the substrate with the Contacts from the same carrier substrate, by folding the the part of the carrier substrate forming the membrane, produced.

According to a further embodiment variant is in each Substrate and in the membrane at least one contact arranged, with at least one contact in the membrane and are arranged one above the other on the substrate, such that to trigger a switching operation Pressure on the membrane the two contacts together are connectable.

According to a further embodiment variant are on the carrier substrate at least in or on the part which to Form the membrane is foldable, an electrically conductive Area formed or a conductor track arranged, which one or more after folding in such a way at least a contact comes to rest that when the Membrane or when pressing the membrane against the at least one contact, this with at least one other contact is electrically conductively connectable.

The at least one contact in the substrate is caused by the Membrane so overstretched that when the Device or the membrane of at least one Contact is spaced.

The membrane spanning a contact is preferably resiliently designed that the membrane when not actuated or the conductor path facing the contact or the further contact is spaced from this one contact.

When pressed or pressed on the membrane, it is against the at least one contact can be deflected such that the Conductor or the further contact in the membrane touches a contact in the carrier substrate.

Further preferred variants of the Device according to the invention are in the dependent Characterized claims.

According to the wording of claim 10, a method for Manufacture of an actuator or Switch for small electrical or electronic devices explained. According to the invention Proposed procedures will have at least two contacts arranged in or on a carrier substrate and then part of the carrier substrate becomes Formed a membrane folded over to at least one of the To span contacts, whereby in the area of contact against the one side of the membrane facing contact electrically conductive and / or another contact is formed. By operating the membrane or pressing the membrane against the one contact this can be connected to at least one other contact in order trigger a switching operation. In the area of the fold is A kink is formed in the carrier substrate.

In that area of the carrier substrate which for Formation of the membrane folded over is at least one further contact arranged and the further contact in or on the membrane is largely over the at least one Contact arranged in the carrier substrate, so that by pressure on the membrane or when they are actuated, the two Contacts are connected.

According to a further embodiment variant of the method is on the carrier substrate, at least in or on the part, which is folded over to form the membrane electrically conductive area or a conductor track formed, which after folding such over which there is at least one contact that Actuation of the membrane or when pressing the membrane against the at least one contact of this with at least one further contact is electrically connected.

According to another embodiment variant arranged on the carrier substrate several contacts and further at least one contact and / or one Conductor arranged in the part which to Forming the membrane is folded over. The at least one Contact and / or the conductor track in the membrane are over at least one of the contacts in the unfolded part arranged so that when actuating the membrane or by Pressing the membrane against the at least one contact in the Carrier substrate this with at least one further contact is connected.

Further preferred design variants of the The method according to the invention are dependent in others Characterized claims.

To solve the problem posed in the stand proposed a number of approaches to technology, such as in particular in U.S. Patents 4,375,018,6,417,467,5 463 692 and 5 990 425 as well as in international Applications 95/12207, WO 01/67843, the European Patent application EP 0 311 233 and the German Publication DE 43 31 382. Aim all suggestions depends on it, if possible hermetically sealed to the outside Propose switches or switch arrangements to the Problem with moisture described at the beginning or penetrating liquids. In none of the However, listed documents will be a solution which is that of the present invention equivalent. By the proposed according to the invention Arranging contacts or conductor tracks in or on a Carrier substrate and the subsequent folding for training a membrane by means of which a switching process can be triggered becomes, it becomes possible to switch or To suggest switching arrangement or a potentiometer, which one compared to the prior art has much simpler construction or in the Manufacturing is much easier.

Furthermore, it is possible to cover the membrane on all sides against, for example, penetrating moisture Use an appropriate sealing material, such as for example an adhesive opposite the one below arranged carrier substrate or opposite one To seal the switch housing.

The proposed switch or the Actuators are particularly suitable for small electronic or electrical devices, such as especially for hearing aids.

Fig. 1

im Schnitt ein Trägersubstrat mit darauf angeordneten Kontakten vor dem Falten zur Herstellung des Schalters,

Fig. 2

im Schnitt das gefaltete Trägersubstrat aus Figur 1 zur Herstellung des Schalters,

Fig. 3

in Obendraufsicht eine mögliche Ausgestaltung eines Trägersubstrates mit Kontakten vor dem Falten,

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines nicht gefalteten Trägersubstrates mit darauf angeordneten Kontakten,

Fig. 5

einen erfindungsgemässen Schalter, hergestellt aus dem gefalteten Trägersubstrat, wie dargestellt in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemässen Schalters,

Fig. 7

ein nicht gefaltetes Trägersubstrat mit darauf angeordneten Kontakten und einer Leiterbahn für die Herstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemässen Schalters,

Fig. 8

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines nicht gefalteten Trägersubstrates mit darauf angeordneten Mehrfachkontakten für die Ausbildung einer weiteren Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemässen Schalters,

Fig. 9

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines gefalteten Trägersubstrats, d.h. eines erfindungsgemäss hergestellten Schalters, aufweisend Mehrfachkontakte für die Ausbildung eines sogenannten positionssensitiven Elements, und

Fig. 10a 10b

im Längsschnitt und in Obendraufsicht ein erfindungsgemäss hergestellter gefalteter Schalter, arbeitend nach dem sogenannten "Knackfrosch"-Prinzip.

The invention will now be explained in more detail, for example, and with reference to the accompanying figures. Show:

Fig. 1

on average a carrier substrate with contacts arranged on it before folding to produce the switch,

Fig. 2

1 shows the folded carrier substrate from FIG. 1 for producing the switch,

Fig. 3

a top view of a possible configuration of a carrier substrate with contacts before folding,

Fig. 4

a further embodiment variant of a non-folded carrier substrate with contacts arranged thereon,

Fig. 5

a switch according to the invention, made from the folded carrier substrate, as shown in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

another embodiment of a switch according to the invention,

Fig. 7

an unfolded carrier substrate with contacts arranged thereon and a conductor track for producing a further embodiment variant of a switch according to the invention,

Fig. 8

a further embodiment variant of a non-folded carrier substrate with multiple contacts arranged thereon for the formation of a further embodiment variant of a switch according to the invention,

Fig. 9

a further embodiment variant of a folded carrier substrate, ie a switch manufactured according to the invention, having multiple contacts for the formation of a so-called position-sensitive element, and

10a 10b

in longitudinal section and top view of a folded switch manufactured according to the invention, working according to the so-called "crack frog" principle.

1 shows a longitudinal section of a carrier substrate 3 or a so-called flexprint is shown, on which two Conductor tracks or contact areas 5 and 7 are arranged. Depending on the side, these contacts 5 and 7 are isolated 13 and 19 covered. For making a The switch 1 according to the invention is now in the carrier substrate 3 a kink 15 is formed in the center in the region 17, so that the edge region 23 of the carrier substrate for formation a membrane is foldable.

The switch manufactured in this way with a folded over Carrier substrate in region 17 and membrane 23 formed is again shown in section in Figure 2. By the The two conductors or contacts 5 and 7 will fold arranged one above the other and the insulation 13 or 19 also serves as a spacer. To the switch seal or around the two insulations 13 and 19 firmly To connect to each other is preferably an adhesive 27 used, of course the connection also by welding or other suitable measures can be manufactured.

In Figures 3 and 4 is a top view Carrier substrate 3, similar to that in Figure 1 in unfolded state, shown, again the two contacts or conductor tracks 5 and 7 are arranged, which with connecting contacts 33 and 37 with corresponding circuits or switching menus or electrical contacts can be connected. For the Production of a switch analogous to that in FIG. 2 a kink 15 is again provided, around which the Part 23 of the carrier substrate 3 is foldable for formation the membrane or the so-called cover layer.

In FIG. 5, the carrier substrate from FIG shown folded state seen in the direction of arrow A, wherein the contact 7 is arranged above the contact 5 is. Figure 5 shows the solid lines Diaphragm when the switch is not actuated and dashed when the membrane is pressed down or when the Switch. Contact 7 becomes contact 5 pressed, which triggers a switching process.

Another embodiment variant is in turn in FIG a switch according to the invention shown, wherein in the present case two in the lower part of the carrier substrate arranged contacts 5 and 45 by means of a conductor track 47, arranged in the membrane 23, by actuating the Switch can be connected to each other.

A similar embodiment variant of an inventive Switch is shown schematically in Figure 7, wherein Figure 7 shows the carrier substrate in the unfolded state shows. Again there are two contacts 6 and 10 in the lower part of the carrier substrate 3 arranged, which over Contact tracks 8 and 12 with appropriate circuits or contacts are connected. The switch can now are produced by folding the membrane 23 around the Kink 15 such that the edge area 39 of the membrane 23 in the area 39 'shown in dashed lines on the Carrier substrate 3 comes to rest. The folding takes place such that the conductor track 14 via the two contacts 6 and 10 comes to rest in the carrier substrate. By means of the Conductor 14, arranged in the membrane 23, can now by pressing down the membrane or pressing the Switch, for example, the two contacts 6 and 10 be connected to each other.

FIG. 8 again shows a further embodiment variant of a switch according to the invention, the Carrier substrate is shown in the unfolded state.

In the carrier substrate 3, which is not folded, are a plurality of contacts 61, 65, 69 and 73 arranged, which over Contact tracks 63, 67, 71 and 75 with corresponding ones Circuits, menu controls, electrical contacts, etc. are connected. In the carrier substrate part, which by Folds for the production of the cover layer or membrane 23 is provided, a plurality of contacts 53, 53 ', 53' 'and 53 '' 'is provided, which for example with each other are electrically connected and which via a Contact path 51 with, for example, an electrical one Supply are connected. By folding the membrane 23 around the kink 15 come the four contacts 53 to 53 '' ' to lie on contacts 61 to 73. Now you can various combinations of circuits made , for example, by actuating only one Switching device, by operating two or more Switching elements simultaneously, etc.

Of course it is also possible to replace the in Figure 8 shown contacts in the membrane 23 a Arrange conductor track analogous to that of Figure 7 to one or more switching connections between the To make contacts in the lower carrier substrate area. So it is also possible, depending on where the membrane is actuated in the sense of a keyboard different currents when Switching process through the switch or contacts to flow.

With position-sensitive or pressure-sensitive switches such as shown in Figure 8, depending on the location or Actuating force a specific signal can be triggered.

With this signal e.g. in a hearing aid Program selection or volume can be regulated. Depending on the pressure and location of the operation, there will be more or less switching contacts or electrodes contacted. By choosing the material of the cover layer or the Membrane can also influence the pressure force, by means of which only a switch contact or an electrode is contacted or several electrodes at the same time the contacts in the membrane or through the conductor track Be touched. In addition, by moving the Attack the actuation site or only one switch contact or electrode can be contacted. The one in Figure 8 Switch shown can also with a "Snap frog" -like principle can be realized. A Another option is to switch according to Figure 8 with a partially flexible housing or on a flexible carrier substrate 3 as a so-called "magic switch" train.

Figure 9 shows in longitudinal section similar to the switch shown in Figure 8, a switch with several Contact points, which contact points however in Switch longitudinal direction are arranged. In addition, in Contrary to Figure 8, the switch in Figure 9 in folded shown finished state. In the various contacts 71, 73, 75, 77 and 79 in the carrier substrate 3 covering membrane 23 is a longitudinally extended Switch contact 81 arranged. Depending on where the Force attack, shown schematically with arrow A ', a corresponding circuit is triggered. Consequently is the circuit dependent on position, or is it in the switch shown in Figure 9 by a so-called position sensitive element.

A similar switch is shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b analogous to that shown in Figure 9, both in Longitudinal section as in top view. Instead of Multiple contacts 71 to 79 is one in the carrier substrate 3 only stripped electrode 83 arranged, comprising a flexible edge 87, which electrode for example via a conductor track 89 with a circuit, one electrical supply, etc. is connected. About that Folding area 17 and glue points 18 and 19 is the membrane 23, like stiffened electrode 83, arranged to overlap. In the membrane 23 is further arranged an electrical Conductor path 85. In the case of FIGS. 10a and 10b switch shown is a so-called "Cracked frog" element, depending on the possible Force application point, schematically in FIG. 10 a with arrows 3 shown, a different switching process takes place, in which, depending on where the switch is operated different amperage when switching through the Switch can flow.

For the production of the carrier substrate, especially in The area of the folded membrane is preferably a at least slightly flexible polymeric material used. Are suitable as a so-called cover layer or membrane 23 limited elastically flexible polymers such as Polyimide. Of course, you can in principle any material in any thickness can be selected. Instead of the proposed polyimide, another one can be used suitable polymer, ceramic, glass or metal is used which one or which over the required electrical, mechanical and chemical properties features. Such materials, suitable as Carrier substrates and in particular as a membrane or Cover layers, can be obtained from existing flexprint suppliers are manufactured and purchased.

Furthermore, the switch can be operated according to the Figures 1 to 10, for example, a so-called toggle pin are used, by means of which the membrane or Coverlayer 23 against the lower carrier substrate or the lower contact is pressed until the conductor track or Contact in the membrane in contact with this contact arrives.

By the example in Figures 1 to 10 illustrated peelers may have existing problems today the so-called "toggle switches" sustainably solved or be eliminated. This is particularly the case with hearing aids, where the Use of the so-called "toggle switches" to the input known problems described.

In addition to hearing aids and those related to the Figures 1 to 10 described switches can other embodiments, of course be designed according to the invention, or else Switches or controllers can be used with the described Actuators to be replaced. Everywhere, where Moisture, any chemical substances, sweat, Sunscreen, etc. when operating switches one Role play, the proposed according to the invention Switches a reliable approach. So you can Reliable even under unfavorable conditions working, small electronic devices with appropriate switches are provided. For the Production of such devices, the invention means a strong cheapening and an increase in reliability, by cheap and well known materials and Molded parts can be used. Maintenance of the Small electronic devices can be significantly reduced become.

Claims (16)

Actuating device or switch (1) for small electrical or electronic devices, having at least two switching contacts (5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 45, 47, 61, 65, 69, 73, 53 - 53 ''', 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85), which can be connected to one another by pressure on the membrane by means of a membrane (23) spanning at least one of the two contacts in order to trigger a switching process, characterized in that the membrane (23 ) and a substrate (3) on or in which and / or in which the contacts are arranged, are connected to one another via a fold (15). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane and the substrate with the contacts can be produced from the same carrier substrate by folding over the part of the carrier substrate which forms the membrane. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one contact is arranged in the substrate and in the membrane, wherein at least one contact in the membrane and the substrate are arranged one above the other, such that pressure on the membrane or by actuating the two contacts can be connected to one another. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least in or on the part which can be folded to form the membrane, an electrically conductive region is formed or a conductor track is arranged on the carrier substrate, which or which after folding such It lies over the at least one contact that when the membrane is pressed or actuated against the at least one contact, the latter can be electrically conductively connected to the at least one further contact. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of contacts are arranged on the carrier substrate and that at least one contact and / or a conductor track are arranged in the membrane, and that the at least one contact and / or the conductor track in the membrane is arranged over at least one of the contacts in the unfolded part of the carrier substrate, so that at least two contacts can be connected to one another when the membrane is pressed or actuated. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the membrane is made of an at least partially elastically resilient polymer, such as polyimide, or another suitable material. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the membrane or the cover layer is laterally completely hermetically sealed against the substrate or carrier substrate having the switch contacts. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device or the switch can be operated according to the "pop frog" principle. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the membrane with conductor track, which spans several contacts in the substrate or carrier substrate, is extended longitudinally and can be actuated in the sense of a membrane keyboard. Method for producing an actuating device or a switch for small electrical or electronic devices, comprising at least two switching contacts, which can be connected to one another by means of a membrane spanning at least one of the two contacts in order to trigger a switching process, characterized in that the contacts be arranged in or on a carrier substrate and then a part of the carrier substrate is folded over to form the membrane in order to span at least one of the contacts and that in the region of the contact the side of the membrane directed against the contact is designed to be electrically conductive. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a kink is formed in the carrier substrate in the area of folding. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one other contact is formed in that region of the carrier substrate which is folded over to form the membrane and that the other contact is arranged in or on the membrane as far as possible above the at least one contact , so that the two contacts are connected to each other by pressing the membrane or pressing it. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that an electrically conductive region is formed or a conductor track is arranged on the carrier substrate, at least in or on the part which is folded over to form the membrane, which or which after folding such over the at least one contact that comes when pressing the membrane or at. whose actuation against the at least one contact is electrically conductively connected to at least one further contact. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a plurality of contacts are arranged on the carrier substrate and that at least one contact and / or a conductor track are arranged in the part which is folded over to form the membrane and that the at least one contact and / or the conductor track in the membrane comes to rest on at least one of the contacts in the unfolded part of the substrate in order to connect at least two contacts to one another when the membrane is pressed or actuated. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 9, for triggering one or more switching operations on a small electronic or electrical device. Hearing aid with a device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hearing aid can be switched on / off by means of the device, a program can be selected with the device and / or the volume can be regulated.

Images