WO2005071705A2 - Keypad unit for a communications terminal - Google Patents

Keypad unit for a communications terminal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005071705A2
WO2005071705A2 PCT/EP2005/050237 EP2005050237W WO2005071705A2 WO 2005071705 A2 WO2005071705 A2 WO 2005071705A2 EP 2005050237 W EP2005050237 W EP 2005050237W WO 2005071705 A2 WO2005071705 A2 WO 2005071705A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
keys
circuit board
key
keyboard unit
keyboard
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2005/050237
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2005071705A3 (en
Inventor
Christian Voigt
Original Assignee
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Publication of WO2005071705A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005071705A2/en
Publication of WO2005071705A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005071705A3/en

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
    • H01H13/702—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
    • H01H13/705—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 characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H01H13/7057—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 characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys characterised by the arrangement of operating parts in relation to each other, e.g. pre-assembled groups of keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/054—Actuators connected by flexible webs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/002—Casings sealed
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/07—Cap or button on actuator part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/008—Static electricity considerations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a keyboard unit for a communication terminal consisting of a lower and upper shell, openings being provided in the upper shell for the keyboard keys and the individual key bridges being assigned to actuate corresponding contacts on a printed circuit board.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard that is as flat and seamless as possible, in which the gap dimensions between the individual keys are small and uniform in order to allow greater design freedom than in the previous keyboards.
  • a key carrier for the keys, on which the individual keys are firmly glued is arranged above a contact foil with the actual contact elements that is attached to the circuit board.
  • He keyboard according to the invention is characterized by an extremely flat structure, the individual keys against dirt, z. B. are protected by dust. At the same time, the required ESD resistance is guaranteed.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a keyboard unit according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from above of the individual keys or key caps
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from above of the key carrier of the keyboard unit according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from above onto the protective film of the keyboard unit according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section through the keyboard unit shown in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the key holder shown in FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from below on the key carrier with keys installed
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the underside of the key holder with keys
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the circuit board from below with an assembled keyboard unit according to the present invention.
  • the keyboard unit 1 essentially consists of two sub-assemblies, namely the printed circuit board 4 (also MI (machine interface (called)), on which a contact foil (5) with the actual contact elements.
  • the actual contact elements are formed by the metal domes 7.
  • the second sub-brewing group of the keyboard unit 1 according to the invention consists of the actual keys or key caps which are glued to a key carrier 3.
  • This second sub-assembly consisting of key carrier 3 and key caps 2 is firmly connected to the circuit board.
  • This firm connection can, for. B. be carried out by hot caulking.
  • a protective film 6 made of plastic can be provided between the individual key caps 2 and the key carrier 3, which protects against contamination.
  • This protective film 6 z. B- is provided with a conductive pressure, the required ESD resistance is also guaranteed.
  • the individual key caps 2 each have pins 8 on their undersides.
  • the key carrier 3 in turn has for: the individual key caps 2 differently shaped receiving plates 9, which are firmly connected to one another via connecting webs 10.
  • the mounting plates have holes 11 into which the pins of the keycaps are inserted when the keyboard unit 1 is installed, so that an exact positioning of the keycaps is ensured.
  • the protective film 6 arranged between the key caps 2 and the key carrier 3 has corresponding cutouts so that the key caps 2 can be connected to the key carrier 3.
  • the keyboard unit 1 is characterized by a key holder 3 made of plastic with key caps 2 glued on.
  • the key caps 2 are exactly positioned by pins 8 on the key caps 2, which fit in corresponding holes 11 on the key holder 3.
  • the key carrier 3 and the key caps 2 allow the required flat construction of the keyboard unit 1.

Abstract

The invention relates to a keypad unit for a communications terminal. Said unit comprises openings in the housing for the keys and is equipped with actuating feet that are assigned to the individual keys in order to actuate corresponding contacts on a circuit board. The aim of the invention is to provide a landless keypad that is as flat as possible. To achieve this, a key support for the keys, which is fixed to the circuit board and on which the individual keys are secured by adhesive, is situated above a contact film that is applied to the circuit board and that comprises the actual contact elements.

Description

Tastatureinheit für ein Kom unikationsendgerät Keyboard unit for a communication terminal
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Tastatureinheit für ein aus Unter- und Oberschale bestehendes Kommunikationsendgerät, wobei in der Oberschale Durchbrüche für die Tasten der Tastatur vorgesehen sind und wobei den einzelnen Tastenstege zur Betätigung entsprechender Kontakte auf einer Leiterplatte zugeordnet sind.The present invention relates to a keyboard unit for a communication terminal consisting of a lower and upper shell, openings being provided in the upper shell for the keyboard keys and the individual key bridges being assigned to actuate corresponding contacts on a printed circuit board.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine möglichst flache und steglose Tastatur anzugeben, bei der die Spaltemaße zwischen den einzelnen Tasten gering und gleichmäßig sind, um eine größere Designfreiheit als bei den bisherigen Tastaturen zu ermöglichen.The object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard that is as flat and seamless as possible, in which the gap dimensions between the individual keys are small and uniform in order to allow greater design freedom than in the previous keyboards.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass oberhalb einer auf der Leiterplatte aufgebrachten Kontaktfolie mit den eigentlichen Kontaktelementen ein mit der Leiterplatte fest verbindbarer Tastenträger für die Tasten, auf welchem die einzelnen Tasten fest verklebt sind, angeordnet ist.This object is achieved according to the invention in that a key carrier for the keys, on which the individual keys are firmly glued, is arranged above a contact foil with the actual contact elements that is attached to the circuit board.
Die er indungsgemäße Tastatur zeichnet sich durch einen extrem flachen Aufbau aus, wobei die einzelnen Tasten gegen Verschmutzung, z. B. durch Staub, geschützt sind. Gleichzeitig ist die erforderliche ESD-Festigkeit gewährleistet.He keyboard according to the invention is characterized by an extremely flat structure, the individual keys against dirt, z. B. are protected by dust. At the same time, the required ESD resistance is guaranteed.
Weitere zweckmäßige Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen sowie der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der vorliegenden Erfindung.Further expedient refinements of the invention result from the subclaims and the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Die erfindungsgemäße Tastatureinheit wird nun anhand des in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher beschrieben. Es zeigenThe keyboard unit according to the invention will now be described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawing. Show it
Figur 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfinduncrsgemäßen Tastatureinheit,FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a keyboard unit according to the invention,
Figur 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben der einzelnen Tasten bzw. Tastenkappen,FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from above of the individual keys or key caps,
Figur 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf den Tasten- träger der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatureinheit,FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from above of the key carrier of the keyboard unit according to the invention,
Figur 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht von oben auf d_Le Schutzfolie der er indungsgemäßen Tastatureinheit,FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from above onto the protective film of the keyboard unit according to the invention,
Figur 5 einen teilweisen Querschnitt durch die in F_Lgur 1 dargestellte Tastatureinheit,FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section through the keyboard unit shown in FIG. 1,
Figur 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten des i.n Figur 3 dargestellten Tastenträgers,FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the key holder shown in FIG. 3,
Figur 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten auf dem Tastenträger mit montierten Tasten,FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from below on the key carrier with keys installed,
Figur 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite des Tas- tenträgers mit montierten Tasten, undFIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the underside of the key holder with keys, and
Figur 9 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Leiterplatte von unten mit einer montierten Tastatureinheit gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.Figure 9 is a perspective view of the circuit board from below with an assembled keyboard unit according to the present invention.
Die erfindungsgemäße Tastatureinheit 1 besteht im wesentlichen aus zwei Unterbaugruppen, nämlich der Leiterplatte 4 (auch MI (MAN- aschinen-Interface (genannt) , auf welcher eine Kontaktfolie (5) mit den eigentlichen Kontaktelementen. Die eigentlichen Kontaktelemente werden durch die Metalldome 7 gebildet . Die zweite Unterbraugruppe der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatuαrein- heit 1 besteht aus den eigentlichen Tasten, bzw. Tastenkappen, welche auf einen Tastenträger 3 geklebt sind.The keyboard unit 1 according to the invention essentially consists of two sub-assemblies, namely the printed circuit board 4 (also MI (machine interface (called)), on which a contact foil (5) with the actual contact elements. The actual contact elements are formed by the metal domes 7. The second sub-brewing group of the keyboard unit 1 according to the invention consists of the actual keys or key caps which are glued to a key carrier 3.
Diese zweite Unterbaugruppe, bestehend aus Tastenträger 3 und Tastenkappen 2 wird mit der Leiterplatte fest verbunden. Dieses feste Verbinden kann z. B. mittels heiß Verstemmen durchgeführt werden.This second sub-assembly, consisting of key carrier 3 and key caps 2 is firmly connected to the circuit board. This firm connection can, for. B. be carried out by hot caulking.
Zwischen den einzelnen Tastenkappen 2 und dem Tastenträger 3 kann eine Schutzfolie 6 aus Kunststoff vorgesehen werden, welche gegen Verschmutzung schützt. Dadurch, dass diese Schutzfolie 6 z. B- mit einem leitfähigen Druck versehen wird, ist auch die erforderliche ESD-Festigkeit gewährlerLs— tet.A protective film 6 made of plastic can be provided between the individual key caps 2 and the key carrier 3, which protects against contamination. The fact that this protective film 6 z. B- is provided with a conductive pressure, the required ESD resistance is also guaranteed.
Die einzelnen Tastenkappen 2 weisen auf ihren Unterseiten jeweils Stifte 8 auf. Der Tastenträger 3 wiederum weist füx: die einzelnen Tastenkappen 2 unterschiedlich geformte Aufnahme— platten 9 auf, welche über VerbindungsStege 10 fest miteinander verbunden sind. Die Aufnahmeplatten weisen Auf ahmelöcher 11 auf, in welche bei der Montage der Tastatureinheit 1 die Stifte der Tastenkappen eingeführt werden, so dass eine exakte Positionierung der Tastenkappen gewährleistet ist.The individual key caps 2 each have pins 8 on their undersides. The key carrier 3 in turn has for: the individual key caps 2 differently shaped receiving plates 9, which are firmly connected to one another via connecting webs 10. The mounting plates have holes 11 into which the pins of the keycaps are inserted when the keyboard unit 1 is installed, so that an exact positioning of the keycaps is ensured.
Die zwischen den Tastenkappen 2 und dem Tastenträger 3 angeordnete Schutzfolie 6 weist entsprechende Ausschnitte auf, damit die Tastenkappen 2 mit dem Tastenträger 3 verbunden werden können.The protective film 6 arranged between the key caps 2 and the key carrier 3 has corresponding cutouts so that the key caps 2 can be connected to the key carrier 3.
Mittels der Tastenkappen 2 wird über den Tastenträger 3, d. h. über die Aufnahmeplatten 8 des Tastenträgers 3 ein Druck auf die Metalldome 7 ausgeübt, wozu die Unterseite der Auf— nahmeplatten 9 des Tastenträgers 3 entsprechend mit einem Be- tätigungsglled 12 versehen sind. By means of the key caps 2, pressure is exerted on the metal domes 7 via the key carrier 3, ie via the mounting plates 8 of the key carrier 3, for which purpose the underside of the mounting plates 9 of the key carrier 3 are correspondingly provided with an actuating glow 12.
Die erfindungsgemäße Tastatureinheit 1 zeichnet sich durch einen aus Kunststoff bestehenden Tastenträger 3 mit aufgeklebten Tastenkappen 2 aus . Dabei werden die Tastenkappen 2 durch Stifte 8 an den Tastenkappen 2, welche in entsprechende Auf ahmelöcher 11 des Tastenträgers 3 passen, exakt positioniert. Der Tastenträger 3 und die Tastenkappen 2 lassen den geforderten flachen Aufbau der Tastatureinheit 1 zu. The keyboard unit 1 according to the invention is characterized by a key holder 3 made of plastic with key caps 2 glued on. The key caps 2 are exactly positioned by pins 8 on the key caps 2, which fit in corresponding holes 11 on the key holder 3. The key carrier 3 and the key caps 2 allow the required flat construction of the keyboard unit 1.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Tastatureinheit ür ein aus Unter- und Oberschale bestehendes Kommunikationsendgerät, wobei in der Oberschale Durch- brüche für die Tasten der Tastatureinheit vorgesehen sind, und wobei den einzelnen Tasten Stege zur Betätigung entsprechender Kontakte auf einer Leiterplatte zugeordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass oberhalb einer auf der Leiterplatte (4) aufgebrachten Kontaktfolie (5) mit den eigentli— chen Kontaktelementen (7) ein mit der Leiterplatte (4) fest verbindbarer Tastenträger (3) für die Tasten (2) , auf welchem die einzelnen Tasten (2) fest verklebt sind, angeordnet ist.1. Keyboard unit for a communication terminal consisting of a lower and upper shell, openings being provided for the keys of the keyboard unit in the upper shell, and wherein the individual keys are assigned bridges for actuating corresponding contacts on a printed circuit board, characterized in that above one on the circuit board (4) applied contact foil (5) with the actual contact elements (7) a key holder (3) for the keys (2), which can be firmly connected to the circuit board (4) and on which the individual keys (2) are firmly glued are arranged.
2. Tastatureinheit nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Tastenträger (3) mehrere miteinander verbundene Verbindungsstege (10) aufweist, an welche Aufnahmeplatten (9) für die einzelnen Tasten (2) angespritzt sind.2. Keyboard unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the key carrier (3) has a plurality of interconnected connecting webs (10), to which mounting plates (9) for the individual keys (2) are molded.
3. Tastatur nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Aufnahmeplatten (9) Aufnahmelöcher (11) aufweisen, in welche an den einzelnen Tasten (2) befestigte Stifte (8) eingreifen.3. Keyboard according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving plates (9) have receiving holes (11) into which pins (8) attached to the individual keys (2) engage.
4. Tastatur nach Anspruch 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen Tastenträger (3) und Tasten (2) eine mit ent— sprechenden Ausnehmungen versehene Schutzfolie (6) vorgesehen ist.4. Keyboard according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that a protective film (6) provided with corresponding recesses is provided between the key carrier (3) and keys (2).
5. Tastatureinheit nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schutzfolie (6) mit einem leitfähigen Druck versehen ist. 5. Keyboard unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the protective film (6) is provided with a conductive print.
PCT/EP2005/050237 2004-01-26 2005-01-20 Keypad unit for a communications terminal WO2005071705A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004003840 2004-01-26
DE102004003840.6 2004-01-26

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005071705A2 true WO2005071705A2 (en) 2005-08-04
WO2005071705A3 WO2005071705A3 (en) 2008-12-31

Family

ID=34801017

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2005/050237 WO2005071705A2 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-01-20 Keypad unit for a communications terminal

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2005071705A2 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5664667A (en) * 1995-10-26 1997-09-09 Sunarrow Co., Ltd. Pushbutton switch
US20010034211A1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2001-10-25 Yutaka Kuroshima Portable electronic equipment
US6355890B1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2002-03-12 Nec Corporation Button structure for an electronic apparatus
US20020117386A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Vip Investments Ltd. Switch matrix
WO2003025960A1 (en) * 2001-09-17 2003-03-27 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Keyboard for communications terminals

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5664667A (en) * 1995-10-26 1997-09-09 Sunarrow Co., Ltd. Pushbutton switch
US6355890B1 (en) * 1999-01-26 2002-03-12 Nec Corporation Button structure for an electronic apparatus
US20010034211A1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2001-10-25 Yutaka Kuroshima Portable electronic equipment
US20020117386A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Vip Investments Ltd. Switch matrix
WO2003025960A1 (en) * 2001-09-17 2003-03-27 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Keyboard for communications terminals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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