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EP1062675B1 - Glass keyboard, and method for producing a glass keyboard - Google Patents

Glass keyboard, and method for producing a glass keyboard Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1062675B1
EP1062675B1 EP99911767A EP99911767A EP1062675B1 EP 1062675 B1 EP1062675 B1 EP 1062675B1 EP 99911767 A EP99911767 A EP 99911767A EP 99911767 A EP99911767 A EP 99911767A EP 1062675 B1 EP1062675 B1 EP 1062675B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pane
thin glass
carrier material
glass
keyboard
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99911767A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1062675A1 (en
Inventor
Karl-Otto Platz
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1062675A1 publication Critical patent/EP1062675A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1062675B1 publication Critical patent/EP1062675B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches 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
    • H01H13/702Switches 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
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches 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
    • H01H13/702Switches 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
    • H01H13/703Switches 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 spacers between contact carrying layers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00Layers
    • H01H2209/024Properties of the substrate
    • H01H2209/038Properties of the substrate transparent
    • H01H2209/04Glass
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00Layers
    • H01H2209/068Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/082Properties of the membrane transparent
    • H01H2209/084Glass
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2211/00Spacers
    • H01H2211/004Adhesive
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2211/00Spacers
    • H01H2211/026Spacers without separate element
    • H01H2211/036Convexly bowed membrane
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00Legends
    • H01H2219/002Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00Legends
    • H01H2219/002Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/01Liquid crystal
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/002Layer thickness
    • H01H2227/004Membrane
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/024Packing between substrate and membrane
    • H01H2229/028Adhesive
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/038Anti-vandalism

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a glass keyboard according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for Production of a glass keyboard according to the generic term of Claim 25.
  • Such pressure switch elements are in touch panels Display displays known.
  • the touch panels exist usually made of transparent plastic films, whose inner surfaces are coated with an electrically conductive coating are.
  • To support these foils are in the air gap Spacers glued in, one outside at the contact area circumferential spacer airtight with the plastic films to stabilize the internal air pressure is welded and thereby at the same time supports the upper film.
  • Within the contact area additional elastic spacers are arranged, to ensure a reset of the foils.
  • the known pressure switching element has the disadvantage of one to need hermetically sealed airspace does not allow pressure equalization. With significant deviations from normal atmospheric pressure, e.g.
  • From EP 0 546 003 B1 is made of a glass laminate formed pressure switching element known that from a flexible thin glass pane and at least one carrier glass pane is formed, facing each other Surfaces each have an electrically conductive Have layer.
  • the opposing electrical conductive layers are using a spacer kept at a distance.
  • the electrically conductive Layers touch when the pressure is applied flexible thin glass layer on the essentially selective Pressure load point.
  • the known pressure switching element has a shock and pressure-sensitive thin glass pane.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object Glass keyboard to create a reduced pressure and Has shock sensitivity and thus the large-scale Manufacturing permits.
  • the invention advantageously provides that the flexible thin glass pane made of drawn thin glass film consists. It is essential that the thin glass pane made from a drawn thin glass film is, because only one is sufficiently stable and flexible at the same time. The drawn thin glass film enables it is therefore necessary to produce a break-proof thin glass pane, which is flexible enough to make contact between the facing electrical to enable conductive layers.
  • the carrier material disc relative to the flexible thin glass pane is slightly larger, so that the edge region of the carrier material disc relative to the edge area of the thin glass pane survives.
  • the protruding edge of the Backing material disc protects the sensitive edge the thin glass pane, so that the Risk of glass breakage in the thin glass pane reduced can be.
  • the flat recessed edge of the thin glass pane is with the interposition of an adhesive as Spacers in the edge area with the edge area of the Carrier material disc glued.
  • the protruding edge the carrier material disc also serves for receiving an adhesive bead, which is also the sensitive Edge of the thin glass pane protects.
  • the edge of the thin glass pane stabilized with a hardened plastic is.
  • the cutting edge of the thin glass pane has several microcracks going in from the edge, the have arisen from the cutting process. Of these Micro cracks can very easily go out a crack that the entire thin glass pane destroyed.
  • the edge of the thin glass pane is therefore preferably with a hardened Stabilized plastic.
  • the thin glass pane with their boundary edges for example in dipped a still thin plastic. by virtue of of capillary action, the microcracks become the first filled in liquid plastic and then the plastic has hardened. After the plastic has hardened is, the thin glass pane has a considerable higher stability due to tearing of the thin glass pane with pressure or shock loads from their edges can no longer occur.
  • the keyboard surface made of flexible thin glass can be designed flat in the edge area be and slightly convex in the keyboard area be arched.
  • the convex curvature of the keyboard surface improves the reset behavior of the Thin glass pane after actuation and prevented on the other hand the emergence of Newton 's rings, the undesirable for optical reasons with a glass keyboard are.
  • the thin glass pane is preferably deep-drawn Condition glued to the carrier material disc. there the thin glass pane is deep-drawn when cold and in this state at the same time as the carrier material disc glued so that the convex curvature of the keyboard surface preserved.
  • the thickness of the thin glass pane is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably between about 0.175 and 0.4 mm.
  • a Thin glass pane in this thickness range has sufficient Flexibility to pinpoint a switch contact between the opposite electrical Layers.
  • the spacer is only in the edge area of the Keyboard surface between the thin glass pane and the Carrier material disc arranged, the rest Keyboard surface without any spacers on any Point is selectively switchable.
  • the invention makes it possible in an advantageous manner to additional To dispense with spacers in the area of the button, so that the entire keyboard surface for the Switching operations are available without restrictions stands.
  • the spacer in the edge area from one is formed under UV light curing plastic. This has the advantage that there is no separate spacer must be provided and that the spacer already when gluing the thin glass pane together with the Carrier material disk can be formed.
  • the carrier material disk is preferably transparent. This enables, for example, behind the carrier material disc Keyboard labels and / or lighting to arrange.
  • the carrier material disk preferably consists of Glass.
  • Glass has the advantage that the coefficient of expansion a glass support plate and the electrically conductive layer, e.g. an indium tin oxide layer, show only slight differences, so that the risk of cracking in the electrically conductive Layer is reduced.
  • the carrier material disc from a transparent glass cell with integrated electroluminescent matrix (EL display glass) exists.
  • EL display glass integrated electroluminescent matrix
  • the carrier material disc can be made of a laminated glass exist for splinter protection. Such a glass keyboard can be used to advantage in areas where there is a risk of explosion or vandalism.
  • the use of laminated glass has the further advantage to have a blocking effect on UV light.
  • the carrier material disc can on the thin glass disc have a heating device facing away.
  • the heating device preferably consists of a electrically conductive transparent coating of the Carrier disc.
  • a further development of the invention provides that the Backing material disc on that facing away from the thin glass disc Side a receiving device for a replaceable Has a panel for keyboard labeling.
  • a recording device exists, for example from an insert pocket for the interchangeable table.
  • the interchangeability of the keyboard labeling enables it, the functions of certain keyboard fields individually to determine or to subsequently change. This is the case with a machine control system, for example possible the keyboard fields on the keyboard surface assign other functions as required.
  • the carrier material disc can on the thin glass disc a light-scattering layer on the opposite side exhibit.
  • a coating or surface treatment is for example with a backlight advantageous.
  • the thin glass pane can be one on its underside Have a decorative edge.
  • the decorative edge has the advantage that on the one hand limits the usable keyboard surface becomes, which makes the operable button visually recognizable and on the other hand the advantage of larger manufacturing and installation tolerances of the facilities behind it, such as allowing LCD displays whereby the production costs can be reduced.
  • the glass keyboard shown in Fig. 1 consists of a lower relatively thick carrier material disc 12 and one with the help of a spacer 12 in parallel Distance to the carrier glass 6 held thin glass 2.
  • the thin glass pane 2 and the carrier material pane 6 are on opposite sides Inner surfaces with electrically conductive layers 8,10 provided, form the electrodes and the mutual Make a switch contact.
  • the flexible thin glass pane 2 by essential pressurization deformed in this way be that an electrical contact between the conductive Layers 8,10 is produced.
  • the thin glass pane 2 is made from a drawn thin glass film cut and has a thickness between approx. 0.1 and 0.5 mm, preferably between approximately 0.175 and 0.4 mm, on. Floated glass of the same thickness has one Tin film, which leads to embrittlement of the glass and is therefore not suitable for this purpose. Only thin glass panes made from a drawn glass film are manufactured, have sufficient flexibility and breaking strength to cover even larger keyboard surfaces 4 manufacture. Furthermore, it comes up a high uniformity of the glass thickness.
  • the thin glass pane 2 becomes slightly convex arched outside and in this condition with interposition of the spacer 12 with the carrier material disc 6 glued.
  • the thin glass pane 2 deep-drawn, leaving a flat edge region 20.
  • the spacer is preferably made up of the two Disks 2.6 connecting adhesive formed, being a Glue only on the edge of the edge region 20 of the Thin glass pane 2 takes place.
  • the carrier material disk 6 protrudes on all sides relative to the thin glass pane 2 and thus enables effective protection of the sensitive Outer edges of the thin glass pane 2.
  • Adhesive bead 14 that extends to the upper edge of the thin glass pane 2 is enough. This adhesive bead 14 additionally protects the sensitive outer edge of the thin glass pane Second
  • the convex curvature of the thin glass pane 2 to the outside has the advantage that higher restoring forces arise, and that the thin glass pane 2 without further spacers in the area of the keyboard surface 4. It it is essential that there are no spacers in the switching area 24 of the keyboard surface 4 are included, because in Such a spacer does not include a switch contact would be producible.
  • the glass keyboard described here is on the other hand anywhere on the keyboard surface 4 operable.
  • the use of glass as the keyboard surface 4 has the advantage of a scratch-resistant glass keyboard with high To create transmission which is a higher chemical Resistant and antistatic.
  • the coefficient of thermal expansion and the deformation behavior under pressure from glass and electrically conductive Layer have a slight difference, so that the risk of cracking in the electrically conductive Layers significantly compared to plastic films is reduced.
  • the adhesive then performs several functions, namely the function a spacer 12 between the thin glass pane 2 and the carrier material disc 6, the function as an edge stabilizer by penetrating the adhesive into micro cracks 18 in the edge region 20 of the thin glass pane 2 and the function as external edge protection for the thin glass pane 2 by forming an adhesive bead 14 on the protruding edge of the carrier material disk 6. Die Adhesive bead 14 is preferably in a second Operation generated.
  • the edge of the carrier material disk 6 is, for example by approx. 1 mm relative to the outer edges of the thin glass pane 2 over and also forms a connection with the adhesive bead 14 an effective shock protection on Outside edge of the glass keyboard.
  • the carrier material disk 6 is particularly preferably composed of glass.
  • the thickness of the carrier material disk 6 is from depending on the expected mechanical loads and is preferably more than 1 mm. It is also possible, to provide a carrier glass 6 made of thin glass, if another support structure behind the backing sheet 6 is arranged.
  • the carrier material disk 6 can also be made of a laminated glass 22 exist.
  • the carrier material disc 6 made of glass on the side facing away from the thin glass pane 2 Apply glue or foil to the side be connected to a second sheet of glass is.
  • the film can also be colored.
  • Laminated glass serves as splinter protection and is for example for the use of glass keyboards in areas provided in which there is a risk of explosion or vandalism consists.
  • the use of laminated glass has the further advantage of being a barrier to UV light to effect.
  • the carrier material pane 6 or the laminated glass pane 32 can on the side facing away from the thin glass pane 2 Provide side with an electrically conductive layer be, for example, as a shielding layer 40 against electromagnetic radiation or as a heater 36 serves.
  • the electrical coating has a resistance value over 100 ⁇ ⁇ to form a surface heating.
  • the underside of the thin glass pane 2 can in her Edge area 20 have a decorative edge 60, which is preferably with a punctiform grid on the inside expires.
  • This decorative border is made using screen printing technology manufactured and forms a mask covering the switching area 24 of the keyboard surface 4 defined.
  • the decor border forms a privacy screen with respect to the glued Edge area 20.28 of the glass keyboard, as well as a Privacy screen with regard to the circumferential conductor track for contacting the electrical layers 8.10.
  • the fact that the decor edge on the inside with a Dot grid gradually into the transparent area passes over, for example one behind the carrier material disc horizontal LCD display with greater tolerance and thus be assembled more cost-effectively.
  • the decorative edge covers the on the carrier disc glued connection contacts.
  • the carrier material disc 6 can on the thin glass 2 opposite side matt or opaque to be able to light the LED displays behind it sprinkle.
  • the receiving device 44 for the insert panel 48 from a transparent or opaque Plate 50 formed, which is spaced from the substrate disc 6 is attached so that an insert pocket is formed for the shelf 48.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Glastastatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1, sowie ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Glastastatur nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 25.The invention relates to a glass keyboard according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for Production of a glass keyboard according to the generic term of Claim 25.

Derartige Druckschaltelemente sind als Touch-Panels in Anzeige-Displays bekannt. Die Touch-Panels bestehen üblicherweise aus transparenten Kunststoff-Folien, deren Innenoberflächen elektrisch leitend beschichtet sind. Zum Abstützen dieser Folien werden im Luftzwischenraum Abstandhalter eingeklebt, wobei ein außen an dem Kontaktbereich umlaufender Abstandhalter luftdicht mit den Kunststoff-Folien zur Stabilisierung des inneren Luftdrucks verschweißt wird und dadurch gleichzeitig die obere Folie abstützt. Innerhalb des Kontaktbereichs sind zusätzlich elastische Spacer angeordnet, um eine Rückstellung der Folien zu gewährleisten. Das bekannte Druckschaltelement hat den Nachteil, einen hermetisch abgeschlossenen Luftraum zu benötigen, der keinen Druckausgleich zuläßt. Bei erheblichen Abweichungen vom normalen atmosphärischen Druck, z.B. bei der Anwendung in Unterwasserfahrzeugen oder in der Luft- und Raumfahrt, und bei hohen Temperaturen erzeugen die Luftdruckveränderungen Haarrisse in der aufgedampften, elektrisch leitfähigen Kontaktschicht, was zu einem Funktionsausfall führt. In großen Höhen dehnt sich der Spacer im Kontaktbereich aus. Dadurch wird der Schaltweg der Kontaktfolie verändert und die vorgegebenen elektronischen und mechanischen Parameter, wie z.B. Druckpunkt, werden nicht eingehalten. Weitere Nachteile der bekannten Touch-Panels bestehen darin, daß die Kunststoff-Folien mechanisch und chemisch nur eine begrenzte Widerstandsfähigkeit aufweisen, eine geringe Transmission aufweisen und im übrigen nicht antistatisch sind. Auch besteht bei größeren Temperaturschwankungen die Gefahr einer Rißbildung in der elektrisch leitenden Schicht aufgrund erheblich unterschiedlicher Ausdehnungskoeffizienten zwischen der leitenden Schicht und dem Kunststoffträger.Such pressure switch elements are in touch panels Display displays known. The touch panels exist usually made of transparent plastic films, whose inner surfaces are coated with an electrically conductive coating are. To support these foils are in the air gap Spacers glued in, one outside at the contact area circumferential spacer airtight with the plastic films to stabilize the internal air pressure is welded and thereby at the same time supports the upper film. Within the contact area additional elastic spacers are arranged, to ensure a reset of the foils. The known pressure switching element has the disadvantage of one to need hermetically sealed airspace does not allow pressure equalization. With significant deviations from normal atmospheric pressure, e.g. at use in underwater vehicles or in the Aerospace, and generate at high temperatures the air pressure changes hairline cracks in the evaporated, electrically conductive contact layer, leading to leads to a functional failure. Stretches at great heights the spacer in the contact area. This will make the Switching path of the contact foil changed and the specified electronic and mechanical parameters, e.g. Pressure point, are not observed. Other disadvantages of the known touch panels are that the Plastic films mechanically and chemically only a limited one Resistance is low Have transmission and otherwise not antistatic are. There is also greater temperature fluctuations the risk of cracking in the electrical conductive layer due to significantly different Coefficient of expansion between the conductive layer and the plastic carrier.

Aus der EP 0 546 003 B1 ist ein aus einem Glaslaminat gebildetes Druckschaltelement bekannt, daß aus einer flexiblen Dünnglasscheibe und mindestens einer Trägerglasscheibe gebildet ist, die auf den einander zugewandten Flächen jeweils eine elektrisch leitende Schicht aufweisen. Die sich gegenüberstehenden elektrisch leitenden Schichten sind mit Hilfe eines Abstandhalters auf Abstand gehalten. Die elektrisch leitenden Schichten berühren sich bei Druckbelastung der flexiblen Dünnglasschicht an der im wesentlichen punktuellen Druckbelastungsstelle.From EP 0 546 003 B1 is made of a glass laminate formed pressure switching element known that from a flexible thin glass pane and at least one carrier glass pane is formed, facing each other Surfaces each have an electrically conductive Have layer. The opposing electrical conductive layers are using a spacer kept at a distance. The electrically conductive Layers touch when the pressure is applied flexible thin glass layer on the essentially selective Pressure load point.

Das bekannte Druckschaltelement weist eine stoß- und druckempfindliche Dünnglasscheibe auf. The known pressure switching element has a shock and pressure-sensitive thin glass pane.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Glastastatur zu schaffen, die eine verringerte Druckund Stoßempfindlichkeit aufweist und somit die großtechnische Herstellung zuläßt.The invention is therefore based on the object Glass keyboard to create a reduced pressure and Has shock sensitivity and thus the large-scale Manufacturing permits.

Die Erfindung sieht in vorteilhafter Weise vor, daß die flexible Dünnglasscheibe aus einer gezogenen Dünnglasfolie besteht. Es ist wesentlich, daß die Dünnglasscheibe aus einer gezogenen Dünnglasfolie hergestellt ist, denn nur eine solche ist ausreichend stabil und zugleich flexibel. Die gezogene Dünnglasfolie ermöglicht es daher, eine bruchfeste Dünnglasscheibe herzustellen, die ausreichend biegbar ist, um eine Kontaktherstellung zwischen dem einander zugewandten elektrisch leitenden Schichten zu ermöglichen.The invention advantageously provides that the flexible thin glass pane made of drawn thin glass film consists. It is essential that the thin glass pane made from a drawn thin glass film is, because only one is sufficiently stable and flexible at the same time. The drawn thin glass film enables it is therefore necessary to produce a break-proof thin glass pane, which is flexible enough to make contact between the facing electrical to enable conductive layers.

Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, daß die Trägermaterialscheibe relativ zu der flexiblen Dünnglasscheibe geringfügig größer ist, so daß der Randbereich der Trägermaterialscheibe relativ zu dem Randbereich der Dünnglasscheibe übersteht. Der überstehende Rand der Trägermaterialscheibe schützt die empfindliche Randkante der Dünnglasscheibe, so daß auch auf diese Weise die Glasbruchgefahr bei der Dünnglasscheibe reduziert werden kann.It is preferably provided that the carrier material disc relative to the flexible thin glass pane is slightly larger, so that the edge region of the carrier material disc relative to the edge area of the thin glass pane survives. The protruding edge of the Backing material disc protects the sensitive edge the thin glass pane, so that the Risk of glass breakage in the thin glass pane reduced can be.

Der ebene zurückspringende Rand der Dünnglasscheibe ist dabei unter Zwischenschaltung eines Klebemittels als Abstandhalter im Randbereich mit dem Randbereich der Trägermaterialscheibe verklebt. Der überstehende Rand der Trägermaterialscheibe dient dabei auch zur Aufnahme einer Klebstoffwulst, die ebenfalls die empfindliche Kante der Dünnglasscheibe schützt. The flat recessed edge of the thin glass pane is with the interposition of an adhesive as Spacers in the edge area with the edge area of the Carrier material disc glued. The protruding edge the carrier material disc also serves for receiving an adhesive bead, which is also the sensitive Edge of the thin glass pane protects.

Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, daß der Rand der Dünnglasscheibe mit einem ausgehärteten Kunststoff stabilisiert ist. Die Schnittkante der Dünnglasscheibe weist mehrere von der Kante nach innen gehende Mikrorisse auf, die durch den Schnittprozeß entstanden sind. Von diesen Mikrorissen kann sehr leicht ein Riß ausgehen, der die gesamte Dünnglasscheibe zerstört. Der Rand der Dünnglasscheibe ist daher vorzugweise mit einem ausgehärteten Kunststoff stabilisiert. Hierzu wird die Dünnglasscheibe mit ihren Begrenzungskanten beispielsweise in einen noch dünnflüssigen Kunststoff getaucht. Aufgrund von Kapillarwirkung werden die Mikrorisse mit dem zunächst flüssigen Kunststoff ausgefüllt und anschließend der Kunststoff ausgehärtet. Nachdem der Kunststoff ausgehärtet ist, weist die Dünnglasscheibe eine erheblich höhere Stabilität auf, da ein Einreißen der Dünnglasscheibe bei Druck- oder Stoßbelastung von ihren Rändern aus nicht mehr auftreten kann.It is preferably provided that the edge of the thin glass pane stabilized with a hardened plastic is. The cutting edge of the thin glass pane has several microcracks going in from the edge, the have arisen from the cutting process. Of these Micro cracks can very easily go out a crack that the entire thin glass pane destroyed. The edge of the thin glass pane is therefore preferably with a hardened Stabilized plastic. For this, the thin glass pane with their boundary edges, for example in dipped a still thin plastic. by virtue of of capillary action, the microcracks become the first filled in liquid plastic and then the plastic has hardened. After the plastic has hardened is, the thin glass pane has a considerable higher stability due to tearing of the thin glass pane with pressure or shock loads from their edges can no longer occur.

Die aus der flexiblen Dünnglasscheibe bestehende Tastaturoberfläche kann in dem Randbereich eben gestaltet sein und im Tastaturbereich geringfügig nach außen konvex gewölbt sein. Die konvexe Wölbung der Tastaturoberfläche verbessert einerseits das Rückstellverhalten der Dünnglasscheibe nach einer Betätigung und verhindert andererseits das Entstehen von Newton'schen Ringen, die aus optischen Gründen bei einer Glastastatur unerwünscht sind.The keyboard surface made of flexible thin glass can be designed flat in the edge area be and slightly convex in the keyboard area be arched. The convex curvature of the keyboard surface improves the reset behavior of the Thin glass pane after actuation and prevented on the other hand the emergence of Newton 's rings, the undesirable for optical reasons with a glass keyboard are.

Die Dünnglasscheibe wird vorzugsweise im tiefgezogenen Zustand mit der Trägermaterialscheibe verklebt. Dabei wird die Dünnglasscheibe im kalten Zustand tiefgezogen und in diesem Zustand zugleich mit der Trägermaterialscheibe verklebt, so daß die konvexe Wölbung der Tastaturoberfläche erhalten bleibt. The thin glass pane is preferably deep-drawn Condition glued to the carrier material disc. there the thin glass pane is deep-drawn when cold and in this state at the same time as the carrier material disc glued so that the convex curvature of the keyboard surface preserved.

Die Dicke der Dünnglasscheibe beträgt ca. 0,1 bis 0,5 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen ca. 0,175 und 0,4 mm. Eine Dünnglasscheibe in diesem Dickenbereich weist eine ausreichende Flexibilität auf, um punktgenau einen Schaltkontakt zwischen den einander gegenüberliegenden elektrischen Schichten zu ermöglichen.The thickness of the thin glass pane is approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably between about 0.175 and 0.4 mm. A Thin glass pane in this thickness range has sufficient Flexibility to pinpoint a switch contact between the opposite electrical Layers.

Der Abstandhalter ist ausschließlich im Randbereich der Tastaturoberfläche zwischen der Dünnglasscheibe und der Trägermaterialscheibe angeordnet, wobei die restliche Tastaturoberfläche ohne weitere Abstandhalter an beliebiger Stelle punktuell schaltbar ist. Die Erfindung ermöglicht es in vorteilhafter Weise auf zusätzliche Abstandhalter im Bereich der Schaltfläche zu verzichten, so daß die gesamte Tastaturoberfläche für die Schaltbetätigung ohne Beschränkungen zur Verfügung steht.The spacer is only in the edge area of the Keyboard surface between the thin glass pane and the Carrier material disc arranged, the rest Keyboard surface without any spacers on any Point is selectively switchable. The invention makes it possible in an advantageous manner to additional To dispense with spacers in the area of the button, so that the entire keyboard surface for the Switching operations are available without restrictions stands.

Bei einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, daß der Abstandhalter im Randbereich aus einem unter UV-Licht aushärtenden Kunststoff gebildet ist. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß kein separater Abstandhalter vorgesehen werden muß, und daß der Abstandhalter bereits beim Zusammenkleben der Dünnglasscheibe mit der Trägermaterialscheibe gebildet werden kann.In a preferred embodiment, that the spacer in the edge area from one is formed under UV light curing plastic. This has the advantage that there is no separate spacer must be provided and that the spacer already when gluing the thin glass pane together with the Carrier material disk can be formed.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe ist vorzugsweise transparent. Dies ermöglicht, hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe beispielsweise Tastaturbeschriftungen und/oder Beleuchtungsmittel anzuordnen.The carrier material disk is preferably transparent. This enables, for example, behind the carrier material disc Keyboard labels and / or lighting to arrange.

Vorzugsweise besteht die Trägermaterialscheibe aus Glas. Glas hat den Vorteil, daß die Ausdehnungskoeffizienten einer Trägermaterialscheibe aus Glas und der elektrisch leitenden Schicht, z.B. eine Indium-Zinnoxid-Schicht, nur geringe Unterschiede aufweisen, so daß die Rißbildungsgefahr in der elektrisch leitenden Schicht reduziert ist.The carrier material disk preferably consists of Glass. Glass has the advantage that the coefficient of expansion a glass support plate and the electrically conductive layer, e.g. an indium tin oxide layer, show only slight differences, so that the risk of cracking in the electrically conductive Layer is reduced.

Bei einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß die Trägermaterialscheibe aus einer transparenten Glaszelle mit integrierter Elektroluminiszenzmatrix (EL-Displayglas) besteht.In a preferred development of the invention provided that the carrier material disc from a transparent glass cell with integrated electroluminescent matrix (EL display glass) exists.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe kann aus einem Verbundglas für den Splitterschutz bestehen. Eine solche Glastastatur kann vorteilhaft in Bereichen eingesetzt werden, in denen Explosions- oder Vandalismusgefahr besteht. Die Verwendung von Verbundglas hat den weiteren Vorteil, eine Sperrwirkung für UV-Licht zu bewirken.The carrier material disc can be made of a laminated glass exist for splinter protection. Such a glass keyboard can be used to advantage in areas where there is a risk of explosion or vandalism. The The use of laminated glass has the further advantage to have a blocking effect on UV light.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe kann auf der der Dünnglasscheibe abgewandten Seite eine Heizeinrichtung aufweisen.The carrier material disc can on the thin glass disc have a heating device facing away.

Die Heizeinrichtung besteht vorzugsweise aus einer elektrisch leitenden transparenten Beschichtung der Trägermaterialscheibe.The heating device preferably consists of a electrically conductive transparent coating of the Carrier disc.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe kann auch auf der Dünnglasscheibe abgewandten Seite eine elektrisch leitende Abschirmschicht aufweisen, die eine hinter der Glastastatur entstehende elektromagnetische Störstrahlung z.B. von der Ansteuerelektronik der Anzeige abschirmt und somit die elektromagnetische Störanfälligkeit der Glastastatur verringert.The carrier material pane can also be on the thin glass pane facing away from an electrically conductive shielding layer have one behind the glass keyboard arising electromagnetic interference radiation e.g. shields from the control electronics of the display and hence the electromagnetic susceptibility to interference of the glass keyboard reduced.

Die transparente Trägermaterialscheibe kann ein optisches Filter bilden oder mit einem solchen Filter versehen sein. The transparent carrier material disc can be an optical one Form filters or provide such a filter his.

Eine Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, daß die Trägermaterialscheibe auf der der Dünnglasscheibe abgewandten Seite eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung für eine auswechselbare Tafel zur Tastaturbeschriftung aufweist. Eine solche Aufnahmeeinrichtung besteht beispielsweise aus einer Einschubtasche für die auswechselbare Tafel. Die Auswechselbarkeit der Tastaturbeschriftung ermöglicht es, die Funktionen bestimmter Tastaturfelder individuell festzulegen oder diese auch nachträglich zu verändern. So ist es beispielsweise bei einer Maschinensteuerung möglich, die Tastaturfelder auf der Tastaturoberfläche je nach Bedarf anderen Funktionen zuzuordnen.A further development of the invention provides that the Backing material disc on that facing away from the thin glass disc Side a receiving device for a replaceable Has a panel for keyboard labeling. Such a recording device exists, for example from an insert pocket for the interchangeable table. The interchangeability of the keyboard labeling enables it, the functions of certain keyboard fields individually to determine or to subsequently change. This is the case with a machine control system, for example possible the keyboard fields on the keyboard surface assign other functions as required.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe und/oder der Abstandhalter weisen im Randbereich Belüftungsöffnungen für den Zwischenraum zwischen der Dünnglasscheibe und der Trägermaterialscheibe auf. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß bei Abweichung von normalem atmosphärischen Druck, z.B. bei der Anwendung in Unterwasserfahrzeugen oder in der Luft- und Raumfahrt bzw. bei hohen Temperaturänderungen ein Druckausgleich möglich ist, so daß die elektrisch leitenden Schichten auf der Dünnglasscheibe und der Trägermaterialscheibe nicht beschädigt werden können.The carrier material disc and / or the spacer have ventilation openings for the Gap between the thin glass pane and the carrier material pane on. This has the advantage that at Deviation from normal atmospheric pressure, e.g. at use in underwater vehicles or in the Aerospace or with high temperature changes pressure equalization is possible, so that the electrical conductive layers on the thin glass pane and the Carrier material disc can not be damaged.

Die Belüftungsöffnungen sind vorzugsweise mit einem Filtermaterial versehen, die die Glastastatur vor Verschmutzung schützt.The ventilation openings are preferably one Provide filter material that protects the glass keyboard from contamination protects.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe kann auf der der Dünnglasscheibe abgewandten Seite eine lichtstreuende Schicht aufweisen. Eine solche Beschichtung oder Oberflächenbehandlung ist beispielsweise bei einer Hintergrundbeleuchtung vorteilhaft. The carrier material disc can on the thin glass disc a light-scattering layer on the opposite side exhibit. Such a coating or surface treatment is for example with a backlight advantageous.

Die Dünnglasscheibe kann auf ihrer Unterseite einen Dekorrand aufweisen. Der Dekorrand hat den Vorteil, daß einerseits die bedienbare Tastaturoberfläche begrenzt wird, wodurch optisch die bedienbare Schaltfläche erkennbar wird und andererseits den Vorteil, größere Fertigungs- und Einbautoleranzen dahinterliegender Einrichtungen, wie beispielsweise LCD-Anzeigen zuzulassen, wodurch die Produktionskosten gesenkt werden können.The thin glass pane can be one on its underside Have a decorative edge. The decorative edge has the advantage that on the one hand limits the usable keyboard surface becomes, which makes the operable button visually recognizable and on the other hand the advantage of larger manufacturing and installation tolerances of the facilities behind it, such as allowing LCD displays whereby the production costs can be reduced.

Weitere vorteilhafte Merkmale der Erfindung sind den weiteren Unteransprüchen zu entnehmen.Further advantageous features of the invention are the see further subclaims.

Im folgenden werden unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung näher erläutert:The following are with reference to the drawings Embodiments of the invention explained in more detail:

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
die erfindungsgemäße Glastastatur,
Fig. 2
einen Querschnitt durch die Glastastatur der Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine vergrößerte Kantenansicht,
Fig. 4
eine Draufsicht auf den Eckenbereich der Glastastatur,
Fig. 4A
das Detail in Fig. 4,
Fig. 5
eine Glastastatur mit einer Verbundglasscheibe als Trägermaterialscheibe,
Fig. 6
ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer elektrisch leitenden Schicht auf der Rückseite der Trägermaterialscheibe und einem Dekorrand unter der Dünnglasscheibe,
Fig. 7
eine Draufsicht auf das Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 6, und
Fign.8 und 9
ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Glastastatur mit einer Aufnahmetasche für eine Tafel hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe.
Show it:
Fig. 1
the glass keyboard according to the invention,
Fig. 2
2 shows a cross section through the glass keyboard of FIG. 1,
Fig. 3
an enlarged edge view,
Fig. 4
a plan view of the corner area of the glass keyboard,
Figure 4A
the detail in Fig. 4,
Fig. 5
a glass keyboard with a laminated glass pane as the carrier material pane,
Fig. 6
an embodiment with an electrically conductive layer on the back of the carrier material pane and a decorative edge under the thin glass pane,
Fig. 7
a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6, and
Figures 8 and 9
an embodiment of the glass keyboard with a receiving pocket for a panel behind the carrier material disc.

Die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Glastastatur besteht aus einer unteren relativ dicken Trägermaterialscheibe 12 und einer mit Hilfe eines Abstandhalters 12 in parallelem Abstand zu der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 gehaltenen Dünnglasscheibe 2. Die Dünnglasscheibe 2 und die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 sind auf den einander gegenüberliegenden Innenflächen mit elektrisch leitenden Schichten 8,10 versehen, die Elektroden bilden und die bei gegenseitiger Berührung einen Schaltkontakt herstellen. Hierzu kann die flexible Dünnglasscheibe 2 durch im wesentlichen punktuelle Druckbeaufschlagung so verformt werden, daß ein elektrischer Kontakt zwischen den leitenden Schichten 8,10 hergestellt wird.The glass keyboard shown in Fig. 1 consists of a lower relatively thick carrier material disc 12 and one with the help of a spacer 12 in parallel Distance to the carrier glass 6 held thin glass 2. The thin glass pane 2 and the carrier material pane 6 are on opposite sides Inner surfaces with electrically conductive layers 8,10 provided, form the electrodes and the mutual Make a switch contact. For this purpose, the flexible thin glass pane 2 by essential pressurization deformed in this way be that an electrical contact between the conductive Layers 8,10 is produced.

Ein derartiger Aufbau der Glastastatur ist sowohl für analoge Glastastaturen, bei denen die elektrisch leitenden Schichten 8,10 im wesentlichen die gesamte Tastaturoberfläche 4 überdecken, als auch für digitale Glastastaturen verwendbar, bei denen die elektrisch leitenden Schichten 8,10 strukturiert sind und beispielsweise aus einer Vielzahl von zueinander parallelen Leiterbahnen bestehen. Dabei verlaufen die Leiterbahnen auf der elektrisch leitenden Schicht 8 vorzugsweise rechtwinklig zu den Leiterbahnen auf der elektrisch leitenden Schicht 10. Such a structure of the glass keyboard is both for analog glass keyboards, in which the electrically conductive Layers 8,10 essentially the whole Cover keyboard surface 4, as well as for digital Glass keyboards can be used, where the electrical conductive layers 8,10 are structured and for example from a multitude of parallel ones Conductors exist. The conductor tracks run here on the electrically conductive layer 8 preferably perpendicular to the conductor tracks on the electrical conductive layer 10.

Die Dünnglasscheibe 2 wird aus einer gezogenen Dünnglasfolie geschnitten und weist eine Dicke zwischen ca. 0,1 und 0,5 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen ca. 0,175 und 0,4 mm, auf. Gefloatetes Glas gleicher Dicke weist einen Zinnfilm auf, der zu einer Versprödung des Glases führt und daher für diesen Einsatzzweck nicht geeignet ist. Nur Dünnglasscheiben, die aus einer gezogenen Glasfolie hergestellt werden, weisen eine ausreichende Flexibilität und Bruchfestigkeit auf, um auch größere Tastaturoberflächen 4 herzustellen. Desweiteren kommt es auf eine hohe Gleichmäßigkeit der Glasdicke an.The thin glass pane 2 is made from a drawn thin glass film cut and has a thickness between approx. 0.1 and 0.5 mm, preferably between approximately 0.175 and 0.4 mm, on. Floated glass of the same thickness has one Tin film, which leads to embrittlement of the glass and is therefore not suitable for this purpose. Only thin glass panes made from a drawn glass film are manufactured, have sufficient flexibility and breaking strength to cover even larger keyboard surfaces 4 manufacture. Furthermore, it comes up a high uniformity of the glass thickness.

Die Dünnglasscheibe 2 wird geringfügig konvex nach außen gewölbt und in diesen Zustand unter Zwischenschaltung des Abstandhalters 12 mit der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 verklebt. Hierzu wird die Dünnglasscheibe 2 tiefgezogen, wobei ein ebener Randbereich 20 verbleibt. Der Abstandhalter wird vorzugsweise aus dem die beiden Scheiben 2,6 verbindenden Kleber gebildet, wobei ein Verkleben nur an der Kante des Randbereichs 20 der Dünnglasscheibe 2 erfolgt. Die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 steht allseitig relativ zu der Dünnglasscheibe 2 über und ermöglicht dadurch einen effektiven Schutz der empfindlichen Außenkanten der Dünnglasscheibe 2. Gleichzeitig bildet der überstehende Rand der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 eine Stützfläche für eine aus dem Kleber gebildete Klebewulst 14, die bis zur Oberkante der Dünnglasscheibe 2 reicht. Diese Klebewulst 14 schützt zusätzlich die empfindliche Außenkante der Dünnglasscheibe 2.The thin glass pane 2 becomes slightly convex arched outside and in this condition with interposition of the spacer 12 with the carrier material disc 6 glued. For this purpose, the thin glass pane 2 deep-drawn, leaving a flat edge region 20. The spacer is preferably made up of the two Disks 2.6 connecting adhesive formed, being a Glue only on the edge of the edge region 20 of the Thin glass pane 2 takes place. The carrier material disk 6 protrudes on all sides relative to the thin glass pane 2 and thus enables effective protection of the sensitive Outer edges of the thin glass pane 2. Simultaneously forms the protruding edge of the carrier material disc 6 a support surface for one formed from the adhesive Adhesive bead 14 that extends to the upper edge of the thin glass pane 2 is enough. This adhesive bead 14 additionally protects the sensitive outer edge of the thin glass pane Second

Die konvexe Krümmung der Dünnglasscheibe 2 nach außen hat den Vorteil, daß höhere Rückstellkräfte entstehen, und daß die Dünnglasscheibe 2 ohne weitere Abstandhalter im Bereich der Tastaturoberfläche 4 auskommt. Es ist wesentlich, daß keine Abstandhalter im Schaltbereich 24 der Tastaturoberfläche 4 enthalten sind, da im Bereich solcher Abstandhalter ein Schaltkontakt nicht herstellbar wäre. Die hier beschriebene Glastastatur ist dagegen an jeder beliebigen Stelle der Tastaturoberfläche 4 bedienbar.The convex curvature of the thin glass pane 2 to the outside has the advantage that higher restoring forces arise, and that the thin glass pane 2 without further spacers in the area of the keyboard surface 4. It it is essential that there are no spacers in the switching area 24 of the keyboard surface 4 are included, because in Such a spacer does not include a switch contact would be producible. The glass keyboard described here is on the other hand anywhere on the keyboard surface 4 operable.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der konvexen Überhöhung der Dünnglasscheibe 2 nach außen, besteht darin, daß die Bildung von Newton'schen Ringen verhindert wird, die bei transparten Tastaturen unerwünscht sind.Another advantage of the convex elevation of the thin glass pane 2 to the outside, is that education is prevented by Newton 's rings, which at transparent keyboards are undesirable.

Die Verwendung von Glas als Tastaturoberfläche 4 hat den Vorteil, eine kratzfeste Glastastatur mit hoher Transmission zu schaffen, die eine höhere chemische Beständigkeit aufweist und antistatisch ist. Die Temperatur-Ausdehnungskoeffizienten und das Verformungsverhalten unter Druck von Glas und elektrisch leitender Schicht weisen einen geringen Unterschied auf, so daß die Gefahr einer Rißbildung in den elektrisch leitenden Schichten im Vergleich zu Kunststoff-Folien erheblich verringert ist.The use of glass as the keyboard surface 4 has the advantage of a scratch-resistant glass keyboard with high To create transmission which is a higher chemical Resistant and antistatic. The coefficient of thermal expansion and the deformation behavior under pressure from glass and electrically conductive Layer have a slight difference, so that the risk of cracking in the electrically conductive Layers significantly compared to plastic films is reduced.

Die Dünnglasscheibe 2 kann mit einer Kantenstabilisierung versehen sein. Die Kantenstabilisierung wird dadurch erreicht, daß die aus einer gezogenen Dünnglasfolie geschnittene Dünnglasscheibe 2 mit ihren Schnittkanten in einen hochviskosen, aushärtbaren Kunststoff getaucht wird. Infolge von Kapillarwirkung dringt der flüssige Kunststoff in durch den Schnittprozeß entstandene Mikrorisse 18 im Kantenbereich 20 ein, wobei diese Mikrorisse 18 durch das anschließende Aushärten des Kunststoffs mit dem Kunststoffmaterial 16 derart ausgefüllt werden, daß von den Mikrorissen 18 keine Bruchgefahr mehr ausgeht. Dies vereinfacht die Handhabung und die Verarbeitung der Dünnglasscheiben 2. Es besteht allerdings auch die Möglichkeit, die Kantenstabilisierung erst beim Verkleben der Dünnglasscheibe 2 mit der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 herbeizuführen. Das Klebemittel übt dann mehrere Funktionen aus, nämlich die Funktion eines Abstandhalters 12 zwischen der Dünnglasscheibe 2 und der Trägermaterialscheibe 6, die Funktion als Kantenstabilisator durch Eindringen des Klebers in Mikrorisse 18 im Kantenbereich 20 der Dünnglasscheibe 2 und die Funktion als äußerer Kantenschutz für die Dünnglasscheibe 2 durch Bildung einer Klebewulst 14 auf dem überstehenden Rand der Trägermaterialscheibe 6. Die Klebewulst 14 wird dabei vorzugsweise in einem zweiten Arbeitsgang erzeugt.The thin glass pane 2 can be edge stabilized be provided. The edge stabilization is thereby achieved that from a drawn thin glass sheet cut thin glass pane 2 with its cut edges in a highly viscous, curable plastic is dipped. As a result of capillary action liquid plastic in the cutting process Microcracks 18 in the edge region 20, these Micro cracks 18 by the subsequent hardening of the Plastic filled with the plastic material 16 in this way be that of the micro cracks 18 no risk of breakage runs out more. This simplifies handling and the processing of the thin glass panes 2. There is but also the possibility of edge stabilization only when the thin glass pane 2 is glued to the Bring the carrier material disk 6. The adhesive then performs several functions, namely the function a spacer 12 between the thin glass pane 2 and the carrier material disc 6, the function as an edge stabilizer by penetrating the adhesive into micro cracks 18 in the edge region 20 of the thin glass pane 2 and the function as external edge protection for the thin glass pane 2 by forming an adhesive bead 14 on the protruding edge of the carrier material disk 6. Die Adhesive bead 14 is preferably in a second Operation generated.

Der Rand der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 steht beispielsweise um ca. 1 mm relativ zu den Außenkanten der Dünnglasscheibe 2 über und bildet damit auch in Verbindung mit der Klebewulst 14 einen effektiven Stoßschutz am Außenrand der Glastastatur.The edge of the carrier material disk 6 is, for example by approx. 1 mm relative to the outer edges of the thin glass pane 2 over and also forms a connection with the adhesive bead 14 an effective shock protection on Outside edge of the glass keyboard.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe besteht vorzugsweise aus transparentem Material. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß die Glastastatur hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 mit beliebig gestalteten Kennzeichnungsfeldern oder Beschriftungen versehen werden kann. Desweiteren können auch Beleuchtungseinrichtungen, z.B. LED-Lampen für Funktionsanzeigen oder zur Beleuchtung der Tafel 48 hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 angeordnet sein. Es versteht sich, daß hinter der Trägmaterialscheibe auch Bildschirme oder LCD-Anzeigen u.dgl. angeordnet sein können.The carrier material disk preferably consists of transparent material. This has the advantage that the Glass keyboard behind the carrier disc 6 with any labeling fields or labels can be provided. Furthermore can also lighting devices, e.g. LED lamps for Function displays or for lighting panel 48 be arranged behind the carrier material disk 6. It it goes without saying that behind the carrier material disc too Screens or LCD displays and the like be arranged can.

Als Klebemittel wird vorzugsweise ein unter UV-Licht aushärtender Kunststoff verwendet. Ein derartiger Kleber hat den Vorteil, daß der Zeitpunkt der Aushärtung genau gesteuert werden kann, was den Fertigungsprozeß erheblich vereinfacht.An adhesive under UV light is preferably used curing plastic used. Such an adhesive has the advantage that the time of curing can be controlled exactly what the manufacturing process considerably simplified.

Besonders bevorzugt besteht die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 aus Glas. Die Dicke der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 ist von den erwarteten mechanischen Belastungen abhängig und beträgt vorzugsweise mehr als 1 mm. Es ist auch möglich, eine Trägermaterialscheibe 6 aus dünnem Glas vorzusehen, wenn eine andere Stützstruktur hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 angeordnet ist.The carrier material disk 6 is particularly preferably composed of glass. The thickness of the carrier material disk 6 is from depending on the expected mechanical loads and is preferably more than 1 mm. It is also possible, to provide a carrier glass 6 made of thin glass, if another support structure behind the backing sheet 6 is arranged.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 kann auch aus einem Verbundglas 22 bestehen. Hierzu kann die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 aus Glas auf der der Dünnglasscheibe 2 abgewandten Seite mit einem Kleber oder einer Folie versehen sein, die mit einer zweiten Glasscheibe verbunden ist. Die Folie kann auch eingefärbt sein. Ein derartiges Verbundglas dient als Splitterschutz und ist beispielsweise für den Einsatz der Glastastaturen in Bereichen vorgesehen, in denen Explosionsgefahr oder Vandalismusgefahr besteht. Die Verwendung von Verbundglas hat den weiteren Vorteil, eine Sperrwirkung für UV-Licht zu bewirken.The carrier material disk 6 can also be made of a laminated glass 22 exist. For this purpose, the carrier material disc 6 made of glass on the side facing away from the thin glass pane 2 Apply glue or foil to the side be connected to a second sheet of glass is. The film can also be colored. Such a thing Laminated glass serves as splinter protection and is for example for the use of glass keyboards in areas provided in which there is a risk of explosion or vandalism consists. The use of laminated glass has the further advantage of being a barrier to UV light to effect.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 oder die Verbundglasscheibe 32 können auf der der Dünnglasscheibe 2 abgewandten Seite mit einer elektrisch leitenden Schicht versehen sein, die beispielsweise als Abschirmschicht 40 gegen elektromagnetische Strahlung oder als Heizeinrichtung 36 dient.The carrier material pane 6 or the laminated glass pane 32 can on the side facing away from the thin glass pane 2 Provide side with an electrically conductive layer be, for example, as a shielding layer 40 against electromagnetic radiation or as a heater 36 serves.

Die elektrische Beschichtung weist einen Widerstandswert über 100 Ω□ auf, um eine Flächenheizung zu bilden. The electrical coating has a resistance value over 100 Ω □ to form a surface heating.

Bei einem Widerstandswert < 20 Ω□ ist die elektrische Beschichtung als Abschirmung geeignet.With a resistance value <20 Ω □ the electrical Coating suitable as a shield.

Die Unterseite der Dünnglasscheibe 2 kann in ihrem Randbereich 20 einen Dekorrand 60 aufweisen, der vorzugsweise mit einem punktförmigen Raster nach innen ausläuft. Dieser Dekorrand wird mit Siebdrucktechnik hergestellt und bildet eine Maske, die den Schaltbereich 24 der Tastaturoberfläche 4 definiert. Der Dekorrand bildet einen Sichtschutz in bezug auf den verklebten Randbereich 20,28 der Glastastatur, sowie einen Sichtschutz in bezug auf die umlaufende Leiterbahnführung für die Kontaktierung der elektrischen Schichten 8,10. Dadurch, daß der Dekorrand nach innen mit einem Punktraster allmählich in den transparenten Bereich übergeht, kann beispielsweise eine hinter der Trägermaterialscheibe liegende LCD-Anzeige mit größerer Toleranz und damit kostengünstiger montiert werden.The underside of the thin glass pane 2 can in her Edge area 20 have a decorative edge 60, which is preferably with a punctiform grid on the inside expires. This decorative border is made using screen printing technology manufactured and forms a mask covering the switching area 24 of the keyboard surface 4 defined. The decor border forms a privacy screen with respect to the glued Edge area 20.28 of the glass keyboard, as well as a Privacy screen with regard to the circumferential conductor track for contacting the electrical layers 8.10. The fact that the decor edge on the inside with a Dot grid gradually into the transparent area passes over, for example one behind the carrier material disc horizontal LCD display with greater tolerance and thus be assembled more cost-effectively.

Desweiteren deckt der Dekorrand die auf die Trägerscheibe geklebten Anschlußkontakte ab.Furthermore, the decorative edge covers the on the carrier disc glued connection contacts.

Die Trägermaterialscheibe 6 kann auf der der Dünnglasscheibe 2 abgewandten Seite matt oder opak gestaltet sein, um das Licht dahinterliegender LED-Anzeigen zu streuen.The carrier material disc 6 can on the thin glass 2 opposite side matt or opaque to be able to light the LED displays behind it sprinkle.

Bei einem besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, daß auf der der Dünnglasscheibe 2 abgewandten Seite der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung 44 für eine auswechselbare Einschubtafel 48 angeordnet ist. Die Einschubtafel 48 dient zur Kennzeichnung von Tastaturfeldern der Tastaturoberfläche 4. Die Einschubtafel 48 kann beispielsweise aus Papier bestehen und mit Schriftzeichen oder Symbolen bedruckt sein. Das Papier kann wasserfest laminiert sein. Selbstverständlich kann die Einschubtafel 48 auch aus Kunststoff bestehen.In a particularly preferred embodiment provided that facing away from the thin glass pane 2 Side of the carrier material disk 6 a receiving device 44 for an exchangeable slide-in panel 48 is arranged. The insert panel 48 is used for identification of keyboard fields on the keyboard surface 4. The slide-in board 48 can be made of paper, for example exist and printed with characters or symbols his. The paper can be laminated waterproof. Of course, the insert panel 48 can also be made from Plastic.

Bei dem in den Fign. 8 und 9 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Aufnahmeeinrichtung 44 für die Einschubtafel 48 aus einer transparenten oder undurchsichtigen Platte 50 gebildet, die mit Abstand von der Trägermaterialscheibe 6 so befestigt ist, daß eine Einschubtasche für die Einschubtafel 48 gebildet ist.In the case of the figures 8 and 9 embodiment shown is the receiving device 44 for the insert panel 48 from a transparent or opaque Plate 50 formed, which is spaced from the substrate disc 6 is attached so that an insert pocket is formed for the shelf 48.

Claims (33)

  1. Glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) made from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), the panes being provided on their faces facing each other with an electroconductive layer (8,10), wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass pane (2) at the essentially localized place of pressure application,
    characterized in that
    the flexible thin glass pane (2) is made from a drawn thin glass film.
  2. Glass keyboard according to claim 1 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is slightly larger than the flexible thin glass pane (2) such that the marginal area (28) of the carrier material pane (6) protrudes on all sides beyond the marginal area (20) of the thin glass pane (2).
  3. Glass keyboard according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the flat set back marginal area (20) of the thin glass pane (2) is glued to the marginal area (28) of the carrier material pane (6) by means of adhesive acting as a spacer (12).
  4. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the margin of the thin glass pane (2) is stabilized by means of a cured plastic material (16).
  5. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the keyboard surface (4) made from the flexible thin glass pane (2) is of flat configuration in the marginal area (20) and displays a slight convexity to the outside in the switching area (24).
  6. Glass keyboard according to claim 5 characterized in that the thin glass pane (2) forming the keyboard surface is, in the deep-drawn condition, glued to the carrier material pane (6).
  7. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the thickness of the thin glass pane (2) ranges between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.175 and 0.4 mm.
  8. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the spacer (12) is arranged exclusively in the marginal area (20,28) of the keyboard surface (4) between the thin glass pane (2) and the carrier material pane (6), and that the remaining portion of the keyboard surface is adapted for localized switching at any location without any further spacer being provided.
  9. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the spacer (12) in the marginal area is made from a plastic material cured under UV-light.
  10. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is transparent.
  11. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is made from glass.
  12. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is made from a transparent glass cell with integrated electroluminescent matrix.
  13. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is made from a multilayer glass (32) as protection against splintering.
  14. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) comprises a heating means (36) on the side averting the thin glass pane (2).
  15. Glass keyboard according to claim 14 characterized in that the heating means (36) is an electroconductive coating applied to the carrier material pane (6).
  16. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) comprises an electroconductive shielding layer (40) on the side averting the thin glass pane (2).
  17. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is transparent and forms an optical filter or comprises an optical filter.
  18. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 17 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) comprises on the side averting the thin glass pane (2) a receiving means (44) for an exchangeable sheet (48) for keyboard lettering.
  19. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 18 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) and/or the spacer (12) comprise in the marginal area vent openings (52) for the intermediate area between the thin glass pane (2) and the carrier material pane (6).
  20. Glass keyboard according to claim 19 characterized in that the vent openings (52) are provided with a filter material (56).
  21. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 20 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) comprises a light-scattering layer on the side averting the thin glass pane (2).
  22. Glass keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 21 characterized in that the thin glass pane (2) comprises a decorative margin (60) on its lower side.
  23. Glass keyboard according to claim 22 characterized in that the decorative margin (60) is produced by the screen printing technique and ends in a dot screen towards the inside.
  24. Use of a thin glass pane (2) made from a drawn thin glass film for producing a glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) formed from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), the panes having an electroconductive layer (8,10) on the faces facing each other, wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass pane (2) essentially at the localized place of pressure application.
  25. Method for producing a glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) made from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), the panes having an electroconductive layer (8,10) on the faces facing each other, wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass pane (2) at the essentially localized place of pressure application,
    characterized in that
    the thin glass pane (2) is produced from a drawn thin glass film.
  26. Method according to claim 25 characterized in that the flexible thin glass pane (2) with flat marginal area (20) is cold bent to the outside to be of convex configuration, and that at the same time the marginal area (20,28) is glued under bias to the carrier material pane (6) by means of a quick-curing plastic material with the spacer (12) being positioned therebetween.
  27. Method according to claim 25 or 26 characterized in that the margin of the thin glass pane (2) is previously stabilized by means of a highly viscous and quick-curing plastic material (16).
  28. Method according to one of claims 25 to 27 characterized in that an adhesive curing under UV-light is used as quick-curing plastic material.
  29. Method according to one of claims 25 to 28 characterized in that the carrier material pane (6) is cut so as to be slightly larger than the flexible thin glass pane (2) such that the marginal area (28) of the carrier material pane (6) protrudes beyond the marginal area (20) of the thin glass pane (2).
  30. Method according to one of claims 25 to 29 characterized in that a thin glass pane (2) with a thickness ranging between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.5 mm, preferably between approximately 0.175 and 0.4 mm, is used.
  31. Method according to one of claims 25 to 30 characterized in that the spacer (12) is arranged exclusively in the marginal area (20,28) between the thin glass pane (2) and the carrier material pane (6), wherein the remaining portion of the keyboard surface (4) is adapted for localized switching at any location without any further spacer being provided.
  32. Method according to one of claims 25 to 31 characterized in that an adhesive curing under UV-light is used as spacer (12) in the marginal area (20,28).
  33. Method according to one of claims 25 to 32 characterized in that the intermediate area between the carrier material pane (6) and the thin glass pane (2) is vented.
EP99911767A 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Glass keyboard, and method for producing a glass keyboard Expired - Lifetime EP1062675B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19810329A DE19810329A1 (en) 1998-03-11 1998-03-11 Glass keyboard is less sensitive to pressure and shock and is suitable for mass production
DE19810329 1998-03-11
PCT/EP1999/001567 WO1999046788A1 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Glass keyboard, and method for producing a glass keyboard

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1062675A1 EP1062675A1 (en) 2000-12-27
EP1062675B1 true EP1062675B1 (en) 2002-06-19

Family

ID=7860392

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99911767A Expired - Lifetime EP1062675B1 (en) 1998-03-11 1999-03-10 Glass keyboard, and method for producing a glass keyboard

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6563435B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1062675B1 (en)
AU (1) AU3033499A (en)
DE (2) DE19810329A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999046788A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1062675A1 (en) 2000-12-27
US6563435B1 (en) 2003-05-13
WO1999046788A1 (en) 1999-09-16
AU3033499A (en) 1999-09-27
DE19810329A1 (en) 1999-09-16
DE59901799D1 (en) 2002-07-25

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