WO2013107919A1

WO2013107919A1 - Disposable, recyclable keyboard

Info

Publication number: WO2013107919A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/070012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Javier Cremades Peris; Cándido ESTEVAN SASTRE; Constantino José BARBER VIDAL; Daniel Vicente Tobar; Julius Mecko; Stanislaw Zdzilslaw Wilusz
Original assignee: Tecatel S.L.
Priority date: 2012-01-18
Filing date: 2013-01-17
Publication date: 2013-07-25

Abstract

Disposable, recyclable keyboard designed for use in hotels, residences, hospitals and communal premises for controlling or inputting data into electronic or computing equipment, which is characterized in that it comprises two layers of biodegradable material with conductive ink and/or thin sheets of aluminium, which are separated, optionally, by an insulating layer, preferably made from plant material in the form of a paint, and with further, complementary layers that are also made from a biodegradable material, and it is constituted such that it is a thin, economical, disposable and recyclable structure that can be delivered for the personal use of each client in a hotel, patient in a hospital, user in a residence, etc., or, alternatively be used as regular replacements for such equipment in medical, surgical or industrial environments where hygiene and sterile conditions make the use of conventional keyboards problematic.

Description

DISPOSABLE AND RECYCLABLE KEYBOARD

This description refers, as its title indicates, to a disposable and recyclable keyboard intended for use in hotels, residences, hospitals and communities for the control or introduction of data in electronic or computer equipment, characterized in that it is constituted of such form that is a fine and economical structure, disposable and recyclable, capable of being delivered for personal use to each client of a hotel, patient of a hospital, user of a residence, etc. .. or used to renew them periodically in those environments medical, surgical or industrial where hygiene and sterilization make it difficult to use conventional keyboards.

Background of the invention

At present, multiple and varied types of keyboards used in various environments are widely known, such as television remote controls, musical equipment, air conditioning, computer keyboards, mobiles, medical or surgical equipment control keyboards. In this type of equipment it is frequent, for example in the case of hotels, residences, hospitals, that said keyboards are used successively by many clients, users or patients. This raises serious problems of sanitation, disinfection and cleaning, theft, loss, etc. mainly because the high cost of these equipment requires them to be used repeatedly.

Flat or extra-flat keyboards are commonly known and have been used traditionally, which facilitate cleaning against electromechanics, as we can find in JP 11134092 "Flat type keyboard", ES 2065360 "Sheet keyboard" and ES 2000729 "Keyboard with laminar structure", but still presenting problems of disinfection and sanitation, while its high economic cost makes it impossible for them to be of a single use.

Attempts have also been made to use a wide variety of flexible, disposable hygienic protections, which are applied to conventional keyboards, such as those described in GB 2393146 "Disposable antibacterial cover for a computer keyboard and a mouse", CN 201355477 "Sanitary film disposable used for computer keyboard ", CN 201130348" Hygienic cover for keyboard ", US 5944432" Device for supplying disposable sanitary covers for keyboards "and US 20010041088" Packing cover for computer keyboard ", but they are an expensive solution, not to be treated of non-biodegradable materials, and that also does not guarantee an absolute disinfection of the keyboard.

We can also find extraplanar and flexible embodiments, such as the one described in CA Patent 2372706 "Keyboard Matrix completely flexible ", which can be done on fabric or paper, but presents the problem that the operating mechanism is based on metal chains, which prevents immediate recycling of the keyboard, and must be separated into specialized recycling centers and not by users. metallic parts of nonmetals, with the consequent increase in the cost of the process.

Description of the invention

To solve the current problem of contagion by germs harmful to people's health, in terms of hygiene and sanitary isolation in multi-user communities or environments, and provide a solution that improves or is alternative to existing ones, it has been devised disposable and recyclable keyboard object of the present invention, which comprises two layers of biodegradable material with conductive ink and / or thin aluminum sheets, optionally separated by an insulating layer, preferably of vegetative material in the form of paint, and with other complementary layers also of biodegradable material.

The upper layer has partial punches, as peninsulas, or thermoforming that creates keys that can be operated with the finger. Alternative embodiments are also provided in which the top layer is removed with die cuts, and embodiments that include seeds within the biodegradable material to improve its recyclability.

On at least one of the layers of biodegradable material they can incorporate fingerprints, also of conductive material, on which the electronic components are deposited and fixed, so that they are incorporated directly into the circuit on the biodegradable material, although optionally Electronic components can be arranged in a conventional printed circuit.

Both electrically conductive areas and fingerprints can be made by printing conductive inks on one of the faces of biodegradable material, inserting an insulating layer when it is necessary to make a crossing, printing conductive ink, then an insulating ink and over again conductive paint .

Alternatively, it can be printed with conductive ink on both sides of the biodegradable material, eliminating the need for an intermediate insulator. In this case the layers of paint on both sides will be connected to each other by holes in the paper. In this new embodiment, the insulating ink is removed and it will be the paper itself that insulates since we will print the conductive tracks on both sides of the paper.

In this way the keyboard is a fine and economical ergonomic structure, disposable and recyclable, capable of being delivered for personal use to each client of a hotel, patient of a hospital, person l doctor, user of a residence, etc ... or well used to periodically renew them in those medical, surgical environments or industrial where hygiene and sterilization make it difficult to use conventional keyboards.

Among the main uses of this invention are all those electronic equipment that can be used remotely and by multiple people, in hotels, residences, hospitals, communities, such as television remote control, air conditioning remote control, remote control remote control of a musical equipment, keyboard of a computer equipment, keyboard of a mobile phone, keyboard of a medical or surgical device, etc ... and also those devices that need a disposable keyboard after each use, without the need for remote communication , such as medical equipment in sterile areas, operating rooms, etc.

Advantages of the invention

This disposable and recyclable keyboard that is presented provides multiple advantages over the devices currently available, being the most important that allows to build a cheap and easy to manufacture keyboard, which allows the keyboard to be disposable after use by a person, guarantees ndo the sanitary and hygienic conditions, avoiding contagions and propitiating that each new user can receive a new keyboard, without harmful germs or bacteria, clean and without having been previously used.

Another important advantage is that, since it is made of biodegradable material sheets and carbon-based natural ink or fine aluminum tracks, it is totally recyclable. At the end of the life of the keyboard and for its correct recycling, it will be separated from the body by the same user without having to resort to specialized recycling centers to deposit, on the one hand the electronics at the point of collection of batteries, and on the other The keyboard body at the point of recycling paper or cardboard.

Note that one of the most important advantages of this invention that allows an optimal, simple and economical recycling of the product, promoting a perfect separation between those biodegradable components, such as cardboard, wood, paper or conductive paints, from those components that need a Recycled separately as the electronic module or aluminum tracks where appropriate.

Another advantage of the present invention is that by being extra-thin and detachable the part of the keyboard, from the part of the electronics, it can be easily adapted on any module or electronic circuit, enabling the change of keyboard for each user, maintaining the electronics, which is the most expensive.

Another of the most important advantages to highlight is the absence of mechanical components, which allows an easy and economical production process, being possible to manufacture them in large quantities at a very low cost, idea l for disposable elements. Stressing also that with the possible use of new generation biodegradable plastic elements and batteries, it will allow easy and practical recycling by part of the same user, without the need to resort to professional handling in recycling centers and without the need to separate the electronics body from the keyboard body.

Another important advantage is that they are an interesting alternative to membrane keyboards for sanitary, surgical or industrial environments.

It is important to note that this keyboard is capable of applying, through the appropriate differentiation of the electronic circuit, both electronic modules with wireless communication, both infrared and radiofrequency, as well as wired modules.

Another advantage of some of the embodiments is that it eliminates the need for a conventional printed circuit board for the assembly of electronic components, which needs a separate recycling and is complex to separate, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the process. separate from the components that require separate treatment, these now being a much smaller percentage of the product.

With this, an additional level of integration is achieved as an additional advantage, the weight and use of non-biodegradable materials are reduced, thereby improving recyclability.

Another important advantage is that the presence of two alternative ways of printing the conductive inks that make up the conductive areas and the fingerprints allows the production process to be optimized, eliminating the need for an insulating ink printing in the case of double-sided printing.

Also highlight the advantage of the various alternative embodiments proposed, which simplify its manufacture, with the consequent reduction in the cost of manufacturing the keyboard.

Another notable advantage propitiated by the inclusion of plant seeds is the incorporation to the keyboard of the facet of contributing to natural recycling, which the same users can do in their homes, thus avoiding the inclusion of the element in the WEEE recycling chains , given that a high percentage would be processed by the users themselves or cooperating organizations in the reforestation.

Description of the figures

To better understand the object of the present invention, a preferential practical embodiment of an example of a disposable and recyclable keyboard, in this case corresponding to an infrared remote control, has been shown in the attached drawing. In said plane, Figure -1- shows an exploded view of the different parts of the keyboard assembly, in an embodiment with peninsulas and separate printed circuit for the electronic components.

Figure -2- shows a front and profile view of the keyboard assembly.

Figure -3- shows a partial sectional view of the keyboard in the rest position, in an embodiment with peninsulas.

Figure -4- shows a partial sectional view of the keyboard in the activation position, in an embodiment with peninsulas.

Figure -5- shows plan and profile views of the top layer of biodegradable material.

Figure -6- shows plan and profile views of the intermediate insulating layer.

Figure -7- shows a perspective view of the electronic module.

Figure -8- shows a partial sectional view of the keyboard in the rest position, in the alternative thermoforming embodiment, without insulating layer.

Figure -9- shows an exploded view of the different parts of the keyboard assembly, in the alternative thermoforming embodiment, with the two layers on the same sheet, shown unfolded, and a separate printed circuit for the electronic components.

Figure -10- shows a partial sectional view of the keyboard in the rest position, in the alternative embodiment without punched peninsulas, with intermediate insulating layer and without thermoforming.

Figure -11- shows an exploded view of the different parts of the keyboard assembly, in an exemplary embodiment with upper layer provided with keys for pulsation, without separate printed circuit for electronic components, integrating these into the biodegradable layer.

Figure -12- shows a perspective view of the lower layer of biodegradable material, on the base, with electrically conductive areas and fingerprints made on one side, including assembled electronic components, with pre-cut line.

Figure -13- shows a detail of the electronic components mounted on the lower layer of biodegradable material, with a pre-cut line.

Figure -14- shows a plan view of the lower layer of biodegradable material, with electrically conductive areas and fingerprints made on one side, showing the two passes of conductive ink printing and insulating ink printing, in the alternative embodiment with seeds inserted in a die cut. Figure -15- shows an exploded view of the lower layer of biodegradable material, with electrically conductive areas and fingerprints made on one side, showing the two passes of conductive ink printing and insulating ink printing.

Figure -16- shows an exploded view of the lower layer of biodegradable material, with the electrically conductive areas and the traces made on both sides, showing the two passes of conductive ink printing, one on each side, and the cuttings communicating both faces.

Figure -17- shows a perspective view in the alternative embodiment with seeds inserted in a die cut.

Figure -18- shows an exploded view of the different parts of the keyboard assembly, in the alternative embodiment with the electrically conductive areas placed directly on the outer shell of the keyboard, without peninsulas or thermoforming or separate printed circuit for electronic components, integrating these in the biodegradable layer.

Figure -19- shows a partial sectional view of the keyboard in the rest position, in the alternative embodiment with the electrically conductive areas placed directly on the outer shell of the keyboard.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The disposable and recyclable keyboard object of the present invention basically comprises in its preferred embodiment, as can be seen in the attached drawing, an upper layer (1) of biodegradable material, an insulating intermediate layer (5), which can be made of cardboard, paper or of insulating paint of vegetable origin, and a lower layer (7) of biodegradable material.

The upper layer (1) of biodegradable material is provided on its lower part by electrically conductive areas (4), preferably made by printing conductive ink, preferably composed of graphite, thin sheets of aluminum, or a combination of both, and is preferably equipped with dies (2) that define peninsulas (3) that can flex when applying a force, and then return to their original position, hence for this layer, the inventors have used a material capable of flexing and that to at the same time it is of natural and vegetal origin. The electrically conductive zones (4) are distributed as circles located under said peninsulas (3).

The intermediate insulating layer (5), also of biodegradable material preferably of cardboard, paper or insulating paint of vegetable origin, is provided with a plurality of perforations (6), which are located under the peninsulas (3) of the upper layer (1) where applicable. The lower layer (7), also of biodegradable material, is also provided on its upper part with electrically conductive areas (8), preferably made by printing one or more layers of conductive ink, preferably composed of graphite, thin sheets of aluminum , or a combination of both, conveniently isolated from each other by sheets of paper or paint, forming the matrix of the keyboard.

This set of layers is in turn located on a base (9) of biodegradable material of a thickness greater than the previous ones, which serves as a stiffener support to be handled comfortably, equipped with a recess (10) for the housing of an electronic circuit (11), the entire assembly being covered, both superiorly and inferiorly, by a protective outer layer (12), conveniently screen-printed or printed with the functions of the keys, favoring its convenient use and decoration. The paintings used in the decoration of the body and keys will preferably be made with antibacterial paints.

In the resting position, the electrically conductive areas (4) of the upper layer (1) of biodegradable material remain away from the electrically conductive areas (8) of the lower layer (7) thanks to the intermediate insulating layer (5) already the horizontal tendency of the peninsulas (3) of the upper layer (1).

In the activation position, by means of a pulsating force (18) usually exerted by a finger, the peninsula (3) of the upper layer (1) is flexed through the perforations (6) of the intermediate insulating layer (5). ), causing the electrical contact between the electrically conductive zone (4) of the upper layer (1) of biodegradable material and the electrically conductive zones (8) of the lower layer (7), causing a circuit closure in the keyboard matrix which is detected as the corresponding key press.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided in which the upper layer (1) of biodegradable material is provided with thermoforming that defines bulges (19), inside which the electrically conductive areas (4) are located. In this case, the intermediate insulating layer (5) can optionally be dispensed with, since the forming provides an air space that performs the same function.

In this case, in the resting position the electrically conductive zone (4) of the upper layer (1) of biodegradable material remains separated from the electrically conductive zones (8) of the lower layer (7) thanks to the empty space formed by the bulge (19) inside. In the activation position by means of a pulsating force (18), the bulge (19) of the upper layer (1) is deformed, causing the electrical contact between the electrically conductive zone (4) of the upper layer (1) of material biodegradable, located inside the bulge, and the electrically conductive zones (8) of the lower layer (7), which is detected as the pressing of the corresponding key.

Another alternative embodiment is provided in which the upper layer (1) and the lower layer (7) are physically formed by a single sheet folded in its middle part, to facilitate its manufacture.

Another alternative embodiment is also provided with the upper layer (1) of biodegradable material, the intermediate insulating layer (5), with their respective perforations (6) and the lower layer (7) of biodegradable material, without punched peninsulas (3), and without thermoforming (19), performing the flexing only by the elasticity of the material of the upper layer (1). In this case, in an activation position by means of a pulsating force (18), the electrically conductive zone (4) of the upper layer (1) is deformed, causing the electrical contact between the electrically conductive zone (4) of the layer upper (1) of biodegradable material, located inside the bulge, and electrically conductive areas (8) of the lower layer (7), which is detected as the corresponding key press.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is provided in which the upper layer (1) and the electrically conductive areas (4) are removed are placed directly on the outer shell (12) of the keyboard, being kept separate from the electrically conductive areas (8 ) of the lower layer (7) thanks to the intermediate insulating layer (5), making contact by pressing with the finger thanks to the flexibility of the material of the outer shell (12).

The electronic circuit (11) comprises a printed circuit (13) electrically related to the ink-conductor layers (8) of the lower layer (7) by means of a connector (14), communication means (15), the electronic circuitry ( 16) timely, and one or several batteries, preferably biodegradable, of power supply (17).

The communication means (15) can be wireless, radiofrequency, infrared, or wired. The electronic circuit (11) can be easily and manually separated by the user or cleaning staff for recycling or later reuse.

This electronic circuit (11) is the only element that possibly and if so determined does not need to be recycled, since it can be reused in different keyboards thanks to its connector (14). If necessary, it can be recycled following the electronic products recycling protocol (WEEE) included in the European Directives.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided without electronic circuit

(11) in which the lower layer (7), also of biodegradable material, is also provided in its upper part with electrically conductive areas (8) forming the keyboard matrix and also comprises the appropriate electronic circuitry (16), a or several power supply batteries (17), and one or several communication means (15), connected to each other and with the electrically conductive areas (8) by means of fingerprints (20) also of conductive material.

The electrically conductive areas (8) and the conductive traces (20) of the lower layer (7) are formed by conductive ink (22) deposited on one of the faces of said lower layer (7), in one or several layers and with the interposition of areas of insulating ink (23) for crosses if necessary. These conductive areas are made by printing conductive ink (22), then an insulating ink (23) and again conductive ink (22). With this procedure, a circuit matrix is formed where several tracks cross without electrical contact, thanks to the insulating ink (23).

Alternatively, it is provided that the electrically conductive areas (8) and the conductive fingerprints (20) of the lower layer (7) are formed by conductive ink (22) deposited on both sides of said lower layer (7), electrically interconnected in the necessary points through holes (21). In this new embodiment, the need for insulating ink (23) is eliminated and it is the biodegradable material itself that constitutes the lower layer (7) that insulates as the conductive tracks are printed on both sides of said biodegradable material.

Alternatively, in the embodiment without electronic circuit (11), the area containing the electronic circuitry (16), the power supply batteries (17), and the communication means (15), is separated from the rest of the layer by a pre-drilled or pre-cut line (24), in the free spaces of electrically conductive areas (8) and conductive footprints (20), causing that, once the keyboard's useful life is over, this zone can be manually broken with electronic components, separating it for recycling separately.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided, in the embodiment without electronic circuit (11), in which the power supply batteries (17) are recyclable and biodegradable, and printed on the bottom layer (7), and the plastic materials used both in the electronic circuitry (16), as in the media (15), as in the insulating intermediate layer (5), they are of natural and biodegradable origin, forming a completely disposable keyboard assembly and completely respectful of any natural environment , since the resulting residues would only be paper, silicon, graphite and small traces of conductive copper.

The biodegradable material used in the different layers can be wood, cardboard, starched cardboard, starched fabric, paper, rubber, or any combination thereof, or others of similar properties.

Alternatively, one or more of the layers of biodegradable material are also provided with seeds (25) of plants. This causes that, once the use of the keyboard is finished, it is buried and, in addition to degrading the material Biodegradable, one or more plants can grow. These seeds can be inserted in the structure of the layers, mixed between the fibers of biodegradable material, or inserted between two layers of biodegradable material, or deposited in a small hole (26) punched in the biodegradable material.

Furthermore, it is also provided that, alternatively, the keyboard will serve as an advertising medium, reserving in the printing of the outer envelope layer (12) of the keyboard, both at the top, where the buttons are, and at the bottom, a space where advertising is printed, for example, of companies that sponsor the biodegradable command, of the hotel chain, of the hospital or community that uses or promotes the command.

The keyboard will preferably adopt an ergonomic rectangular shape with rounded corners, or any other desired shape, including decorative shapes depending on the application or the environment in which it is used.

Claims

1 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, of the type used in electronic equipment for the introduction of orders or characters, characterized by understanding

- a layer "A" of biodegradable material and equipped with electrically conductive areas (4), which in turn is placed on

- a lower layer "B" (7) also made of biodegradable material and provided with electrically conductive areas (8) with which electrically conductive areas (4) can make electrical contact if pressed, and fingerprints (20) conductive,

both layers being conveniently insulated from each other.

2 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the "A" layer is the upper layer (1).

3 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer "A" is an outer wrapping layer (12) of the keyboard, or part thereof.

4 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized by the upper layer (1) and the lower layer (7) have one of the following configurations:

- They are independent sheets of each other.

- they are physically formed by a single sheet folded in its middle part.

5 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, located between the layer of biodegradable material provided with electrically conductive areas (4) and the lower layer (7), an insulating intermediate layer (5), provided of a plurality of perforations (6) under the electrically conductive areas (4).

6 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of the preceding claims 1, 2, 4, and 5 characterized in that the top layer (1) of biodegradable material alternatively has:

- punches (2) defining peninsulas (3), under which are electrically conductive areas (4).

- thermoforming that defines bulges (19), inside which are the electrically conductive areas (4). 7 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper layer (1) where appropriate, the intermediate insulating layer (5) where appropriate and the lower layer (7) are located on a base (9) of biodegradable material of a thickness greater than the previous ones, the whole assembly being covered, both superiorly and inferiorly, by the outer protective layer (12).

8 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrically conductive areas (4) of the upper layer (1) and the electrically conductive areas (8) of the lower layer (7) are made by means of an ink conductive (22), by a thin layer of aluminum, or a combination of both.

9 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electrically conductive areas (8) and the conductive traces (20) of the lower layer (7) are formed by conductive ink (22) deposited on a of the faces of said lower layer (7), in one or several layers and with the interposition of areas of insulating ink (23) for crosses if necessary

10 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electrically conductive areas (8) and the conductive traces (20) of the lower layer (7) are formed by conductive ink (22) deposited on both sides of said lower layer (7), electrically interconnected at the necessary points by means of holes (21).

11 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower layer (7) comprises the appropriate electronic circuitry (16), one or several power supply batteries (17), and one or several communication means ( 15), connected to each other and to the electrically conductive areas (8) by means of the traces (20) of conductive material.

12 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to claim 11, characterized in that the power supply batteries (17) are recyclable and biodegradable, and are printed on the bottom layer (7), and the plastic materials used in both electronic circuitry (16), as in the media (15), as in the intermediate insulating layer (5), are of natural origin and biodegradable.

13 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to any of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the area containing the electronic circuitry (16), the power supply batteries (17), and the communication means (15), is separated from the rest of the layer by a pre-drilled or pre-cut line (24), in the free spaces of electrically conductive areas (8) and conductive footprints (20).

14 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the lower layer (7) is electrically connected to through the conductive fingerprints (20) with an electronic circuit (11) comprising a printed circuit (13) electrically related to the electrically conductive areas (8) of the lower layer (7) by means of a connector (14), the electronic circuitry (16) timely, one or more batteries of power supply (17), and one or several means of communication (15), the base (9) being provided, where appropriate, with a recess (10) for housing the circuit electronic (11).

15 - Disposable and recyclable keyboard, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the layers of biodegradable material also include seeds (25) of plants, mixed between the fibers of biodegradable material, or inserted between two layers of biodegradable material, or deposited in a small hole (26) punched in the biodegradable material.