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WO1997038842A1 - Bloc de touches elastomere et son procede de fabrication - Google Patents

Bloc de touches elastomere et son procede de fabrication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997038842A1
WO1997038842A1 PCT/US1997/005941 US9705941W WO9738842A1 WO 1997038842 A1 WO1997038842 A1 WO 1997038842A1 US 9705941 W US9705941 W US 9705941W WO 9738842 A1 WO9738842 A1 WO 9738842A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
plate
elastomeric
keypad
keys
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/005941
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Leon
Andrzej T. Guzik
Steven D. Pratt
Sivakumar Muthuswamy
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/631,755 external-priority patent/US5681515A/en
Application filed by Motorola Inc. filed Critical Motorola Inc.
Publication of WO1997038842A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997038842A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/14—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/46—Knobs or handles, push-buttons, grips
    • B29L2031/466—Keypads, keytops
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/014—Layers composed of different layers; Lubricant in between
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/016—Protection layer, e.g. for legend, anti-scratch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H01H2219/034—Coloured areas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/044—Injection moulding
    • H01H2229/047—Preformed layer in mould
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/05—Forming; Half-punching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part

Definitions

  • TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates in general to a method of making key switches for use with electronic devices.
  • BACKGROUND Membrane switches such as elastomeric keypads are used in many electronic devices, such as calculators, appliance control panels, automotive dashboards, consumer toys, two- way portable radios, and other industrial-type controls. Elastomeric keypads typically provide a momentary contact as opposed to a permanent contact in conventional switches . This is important in applications, such as calculators and two-way radios, where a circuit is meant to be only briefly actuated.
  • a backlit keypad is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,491,313, incorporated herein by reference.
  • elastomeric keypads are typically made by molding silicone or polyurethane elastomers prubber" into a cavity.
  • the cavity is formed to represent the keys which are typically joined by a web of thin material.
  • Elastomeric keys find the most use in an array, such as a keypad used on a telephone or radio.
  • the graphic display on each individual key is typically applied in a post-molding operation by a painting or screening operation.
  • One of the problems with this type of approach is that if a defect is created on any portion of any one of the graphics, then the entire keypad is defective and must be discarded. This significantly reduces the yield of the overall process and, thus, substantially increases the cost of the keypad.
  • the elastomeric keypad is formed from a black elastomeric material and the graphics are painted on the top surface of the keys in a contrasting color such as white.
  • Other elastomer colors of material such as clear, green, white, yellow, red, and blue are also employed either singly or in combination.
  • the elastomeric keypad is typically formed of a clear transparent or translucent silicone or urethane rubber. In this way, one or more light sources strategically placed behind the keypad are diffused throughout the keypad and, thus illuminate the individual keys.
  • the tops of the keys are typically imprinted with a graphic in a dark color such as black, and the entire key is then illuminated for viewing at night.
  • the graphic may also be modified to block light from the surface of the key, thus creating a "halo effect.”
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an elastomeric keypad in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the keypad of FIG. 1, through section 2-2.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 4. is an exploded view of one embodiment of a multiplate molding tool used in the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section view of the multi- plate molding tool of FIG. 4, after molding.
  • FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an in-molded, decorative graphics sheet containing molded plastic key caps, including a sprue and runner system.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, showing a hard key cap and graphic molded to the elastomeric key.
  • a method of fabricating an elastomeric keypad having a hard key cap over the elastomeric key is disclosed.
  • a film or sheet containing key cap with graphics is placed onto a first plate of a molding tool.
  • the first plate has an area that is representative of what later will become a key on the keypad.
  • the film is placed such that the key cap graphic is aligned to the key portion on the first plate.
  • a second plate is then attached to the first plate, covering the graphic film.
  • the first plate and the second plate interact in a manner such that the key cap containing the graphic is excised out of the film and retained in the molding tool assembly.
  • the waste material or web surrounding the key cap is displaced away from its original area so that the elastomeric material can be molded into the key cap.
  • a third plate is then attached to the assembled first and second plates to create an assembled molding tool .
  • the assembled molding tool creates a cavity that is representative of the keypad assembly, and an elastomeric material is molded into that cavity.
  • the tool is opened, the molded keypad assembly containing the integrally attached rigid key caps with the graphics is removed, and the waste material or web is also removed as a second piece and discarded.
  • An alternate embodiment whereby the key caps are not necessarily excised from the graphic sheet during the assembly of the mold is disclosed. This method uses one plate of the mold to block the web area from being overmolded with elastomer.
  • the elastomeric keypad has a plurality of hard top keys that are backlit by a light source.
  • the keypad fits over an electrical substrate and fits into a housing.
  • the keypad consists of a translucent keypad base made from elastomeric material.
  • the keypad base has a web that conducts light from a light source and transmits the light through the web to a plurality of elastomeric keys that are integrally connected to the web.
  • the keys are an integral part of the keypad base, such that the web and the keys are a single piece.
  • a plurality of hard plastic key caps are formed, one on each elastomeric key.
  • Each of the key caps has a substantially opaque portion and a translucent or transparent graphic portion.
  • the key cap also has a skirt with an integral flange, the skirt extending down over the sides of the elastomeric key and the flange being secured under the face of a bezel or housing. In use, the light from a light source passes through the elastomeric keys and through the transparent graphic portion, but is blocked by the opaque portion on the top surface of the key and around the sides by the integral skirt.
  • the resulting keypad has a high-contrast illuminated graphic display on the surface thereof, and does not leak any light around the perimeter of the key as in the prior art.
  • the graphics on each of the individual keys is brightly lit with a contrasting dark background, and the rigid surface of the key provides improved tactile feel and improved wear.
  • the keypad assembly 10 consists of a one-piece elastomeric keypad or keypad base 12 that has a web portion 14 and a key portion 16.
  • the key portion 16 has a base 18, a body 20 and a top 22.
  • the key portion 16 is attached to the web portion 14 at the base 18.
  • the key portion and the web portion are a single piece and serve to form an integral component.
  • the one-piece keypad base functions as an efficient light guide to uniformly illuminate the key legend on the face of the key.
  • a rigid cap 24 is attached to the top of the key portion 16 such that the cap overlies the top 22 and at least a portion of the body 20 of the key 16.
  • the rigid cap is bonded directly to the elastomer, that is, an adhesive is not used to bond the rigid cap 24 to the keypad base 12.
  • the rigid cap 24 is typically held in place by a chemical bond between the elastomer and the rigid cap.
  • an adhesion primer may be used to create a chemical bond between the elastomer and the rigid cap.
  • one may instead choose to use an adhesive to secure the rigid cap 24 in place.
  • the rigid cap 24 has a graphic 26 imprinted thereon.
  • the graphic 26 typically consists of one or more alphanumeric characters, but may also include other types of icons.
  • the graphic 26 is transparent or translucent to visible light and the remainder of the rigid cap 24 is opaque to visible light.
  • the opaque portion 28 of the rigid cap 24 essentially covers most of the key portion 16. This opaque portion 28 is typically black (but may also be other colors), in order to block light from being viewed by a user of the device.
  • the rigid cap typically has an opaque field containing translucent portions that create a graphic, such that light transmitted through the elastomer key portion is blocked by the opaque field and transmitted through the translucent portions.
  • a skirt 30 is formed around the walls of the key portion 16 and may terminate in a flange arrangement wherein the flange 32 is part of the bottom portion of the skirt and extends horizontally out from the vertically walled skirt.
  • the purpose of the skirt 30 is to exclude light from emanating from the walls of the key portion 16.
  • light from the key typically creates a "halo effect" around the edges of the key due to light emanating from the vertical walls of the raised key portion. This is because the painting or screening technology typically used in keypads only covers the top or horizontal surface of the key and is unable to cover the vertical walls of the key.
  • the instant invention provides an advantage not previously seen, by blocking light emanating from the walls and edges of the key, thus eliminating the typical "halo effect.”
  • the flange 32 may be formed to extend underneath a bezel 40 or front of a housing so that it further excludes or blocks light from the user's eye.
  • FIG. 2 it can be easily appreciated by the reader that the preferred embodiment creates a rigid cap 24 that is substantially thinner in cross section than the key portion 16.
  • the rigid cap is formed from a plastic film that is hydroformed or vacuum thermoformed, thus the graphics may be imprinted on the surface, on the back side, or in a middle layer of the plastic film.
  • the rigid key cap is made of a hard plastic film.
  • the structure of the plastic film is not shown herein, the reader will appreciate that a laminated structure can be easily created, having multiple layers of materials in it which provide both the graphics and the substantially opaque background field.
  • the preferred embodiment encompasses an opaque portion made black, one can easily envision alternate colors such as red, green, yellow or blue, or other colors also being used to desired effect.
  • the technology and means to accomplish various colors on a plastic film is well known and the reader is advised to consult the literature for further details on how multiple colors may be created on a plastic film.
  • the key cap can also be made from a metal foil, with the graphics formed by etching or cutting portions of the film away.
  • a light source 34 is typically incorporated somewhere within the electronic device in order to illuminate or back light the elastomeric keypad.
  • the light source 34 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here, except to say that it is desirous to have the light source placed so that the graphics on each of the keys is uniformly illuminated.
  • the graphic film 50 containing the key caps having the graphics imprinted thereon is loaded into a first plate 52 of the multiplate molding tool 54.
  • the formed key caps 24 typically are in a shape that is representative of a convex object. That is, they extend above the plane of the film.
  • the graphic film 50 has key caps 24 that are formed into the film.
  • These key caps are typically formed by vacuum thermoforming or hydroforming, but may also be formed in any number of other means familiar to those skilled in the art.
  • the forming process creates a three-dimensional key cap in the graphic film. Steps 51, 53, and 55 indicate the start of the process where the film is loaded onto the first plate of the multiplate mold.
  • the first plate of the multiplate tool has an area that is to be formed, which ultimately will represent the elastomeric key.
  • this area consists of one or more recesses 56 in the tool.
  • an elastomeric keypad can be made wherein the keys have a planar configuration and a recess 56 is not employed.
  • the thermo-formed cap 24 is situated so that it nestles or falls into the recess 56, thereby self aligning the entire graphic film.
  • a second plate 58 is then attached to the first plate over the top of the graphic film 50 (step 57).
  • the second plate 58 serves to further capture the graphic film 50 and the first and second plates combine and interact to shear cut or excise the individual key caps 24 from the graphic film 50 (step 59). In so doing, a web 60 of waste film is left in the tool.
  • the web 60 Prior to the excising operation produced by first and second plates 52 and 58, the web 60 lays on the first plate, but above a first surface 62 of the first plate. The excising operation not only excises the web from the key caps, but displaces the web of waste material towards the first surface.
  • a third plate 64 of the multiplate molding tool is attached onto the second plate (step 61) .
  • the designer may create a cavity in either the first, second, or third plate, or in any combination of these three plates.
  • This cavity 66 serves to define the geometry of the finished keypad, and typically consists of features that will create the elastomeric web portion 14 and the various keys 16. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity 66 is formed in combination between the second plate and the third plate.
  • the cavity 66 is filled with the elastomeric material.
  • the elastomeric material typically is dispensed into the cavity 66 as a liquid or gel-type material and sets up to become a solid elastomer through a curing process (step 63).
  • materials such as thermoplastic elastomers may also be used, which become molten when heated, but revert to the elastomeric state when cooled to room temperature.
  • the elastomer is firmly attached to the rigid key cap in the mold. This attachment is typically by means of a chemical bond between the elastomer and the plastic or metal key cap.
  • adhesion promoters are commercially available that will enhance the adhesion between two dissimilar materials. It is important to note that this in situ bonding of the elastomer to the key cap does not require the use of any additional adhesives or any step of dispensing adhesives. However, should one desire to include an adhesive layer between the key cap and the elastomer, such an additional step would clearly be encompassed by the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
  • the assembled multiplate tool is opened, (step 65), and the formed and completed elastomeric keypad having an integrally bonded key cap is removed from the mold. After removing the second plate from the first plate, the waste material or web 60 portion of the graphic film 50 is also removed from the tool and discarded.
  • a process whereby rigid plastic key caps are molded to an elastomeric key pad encompasses the use of in-mold decorating.
  • In-mold decorating is well known to those skilled in the art and, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,338,396 describes a method of fabricating in-mold graphics. Briefly, a plastic or metal film having the graphic applied to it is placed in a mold and the mold is closed. A thermoplastic material is then injected into the mold by means of heat and pressure, and bonds directly to the plastic film. As the mold opens, the molded part is removed, which now is the plastic film having the individual key caps intimately bonded thereto.
  • a conductive pellet 36 is located on the back side of each of the keys. The conductive pellet serves to provide a shorting means to the substrate (typically a printed circuit board) that forms half of the membrane switch.
  • FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a key cap assembly that has been in-mold decorated onto a plastic film.
  • the graphic film 50 has a plurality of the molded-on key caps 70.
  • the key caps 70 are attached to the graphic film during the injection molding process.
  • Connecting each of the key caps 70 is a series of a runners 72 that are also typically bonded to the graphic film 50.
  • the runners 72 are connected together and typically terminate in a gate or sprue 74.
  • this entire system comprising the graphic film 50, the molded key caps 70, the runners 72 and the sprue 74 will be referred to as a "key cap assembly 76."
  • the key cap assembly 76 is placed onto a first plate of the multiplate molding tool, such that the molded key caps 70 are situated in recesses in the first plate.
  • the web portion 60 of the assembly 76 is now situated on a first surface of the first plate.
  • the second and third plates of the multiplate mold are then attached to the first plate in order to form the cavity that defines the elastomeric keypad base.
  • first plate and the second plate do not combine to excise the waste portion of the web away from the graphic film, but the second plate and third plate merely serve to define the geometry of the cavity that will later be filled with the elastomer.
  • the waste portion of the graphic film is removed in a subsequent separate step.
  • the elastomeric material is then molded into the cavity as previously explained, such that the elastomer becomes intimately attached to the back side of the graphic film 50, firmly attaching itself without the use of an adhesive.
  • the third plate is removed from the multiplate molding tool assembly, and the formed keypad is ejected from the mold.
  • the web 60 of waste film is disengaged from the molded keypad. This is accomplished by a series of ejector pins or prescoring of the graphic film 50 such that the process of ejecting the finished part cleanly tears or excises the waste film away from the finished part.
  • the first and second plates of the tool combine and cooperate to retain the web or waste film 60 in the mold during the ejection process. The first and second plates are then parted from each other and the web of waste film 60 is removed from the molding tool to complete the cycle.
  • the rigid cap attached to the top of the key portion has the graphic imprinted on a bottom surface of the cap.
  • the graphic and the cap are then formed to be flush with the top surface of the key portion 16 and the rigid cap is substantially transparent.
  • the transparent portion 38 of the rigid cap lies above the graphic and is formed in such a manner so as to act like a magnifying lens enlarging the graphics when viewed by the user.
  • This embodiment provides the advantages of a high- contrast, back-lit elastomeric keypad along with a keypad that has a hard surface providing good tactile feel and good wear, and further creates a transparent lens that magnifies the graphics. This is important in systems where the keys and the accompanying graphics are small and difficult to read.
  • the instant invention provides a number of advantages such as an efficient automated process for fabricating superior keypads having all the best features of prior art keypads with minimal additional costs .
  • advantages First, the rubber or elastomeric key provides improved tactile feedback when depressed because it has a rigid cap.
  • the continuous membrane or web of the keypad provides for environmental sealing around the perimeter of the keypad. The cost of manufacturing using this process the device is low because all of the keys are molded as an integral part and all the key caps are likewise molded integrally to the elastomeric keys. An adhesive is not necessary, thus eliminating another manual operation.
  • the ability to place all of the rigid key caps in the mold in an array format eliminates the need to individually place each key cap on each separate key.
  • a novel process has been created that provides a high-speed, low-cost, highly accurate method of creating a keypad having many desirable features, as an integral part.
  • An adhesive is not necessary in order to bond the rigid key cap to the elastomer.
  • a more durable key is created as compared to keys that are screen printed.
  • the high- contrast, backlit key eliminates the "halo effect" and provides a more aesthetically pleasing product.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Un bloc de touches élastomère comporte une pluralité de touches à sommet dur, présentant une partie sensiblement opaque (28) et une partie graphique translucide ou transparente (26). Le dessus de touche comporte également une jupe (30) et un flasque solidaire (32), la jupe recouvrant vers le bas les côtés de la touche élastomère et le flasque étant fixé sous la face d'une collerette d'encastrement (40). La lumière provenant d'une source lumineuse traverse les touches élastomères et la partie graphique transparente, mais est bloquée par la partie opaque et la jupe. Une feuille (50) contenant un dessus de touche (24) avec des éléments graphiques (26) est placée sur une première plaque (52) d'un outil de moulage (54). Une seconde plaque (58) fixée à la première recouvre le film graphique. Les première et seconde plaques interagissent de façon à faire sortir du film le dessus de touche contenant l'élément graphique et à le retenir dans l'ensemble outil de moulage. Le matériau excédentaire (60) entourant le dessus de touche est extrait de sa position d'origine. Une troisième plaque (64) est ensuite fixée à la première plaque et à la deuxième plaque assemblées. L'outil de moulage assemblé crée une cavité (66) représentative de l'ensemble bloc de touches et un matériau élastomère est moulé dans ladite cavité.
PCT/US1997/005941 1996-04-12 1997-04-10 Bloc de touches elastomere et son procede de fabrication WO1997038842A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US63175396A 1996-04-12 1996-04-12
US08/631,753 1996-04-12
US08/631,755 US5681515A (en) 1996-04-12 1996-04-12 Method of fabricating an elastomeric keypad
US08/631,755 1996-04-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997038842A1 true WO1997038842A1 (fr) 1997-10-23

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2339164A (en) * 1998-06-24 2000-01-19 Silitek Corp Manufacturing PU key sets
EP0977225A3 (fr) * 1998-07-31 2000-10-18 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Tête de touche, interrupteur à bouton poussoir et méthode de fabrication
EP1022756A3 (fr) * 1999-01-22 2001-05-02 Taisei Plas Co., Ltd. Tableau de commande pour équipement électronique et méthode pour sa fabrication
EP1014407A3 (fr) * 1998-12-22 2001-07-18 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Poussoirs métalliques
WO2003008170A1 (fr) * 2001-07-18 2003-01-30 Lidror Ofer Ltd. Dispositif utilise pour indiquer des signes et procede de production de ce dernier
EP1126481A4 (fr) * 1999-08-27 2004-12-01 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Bouton-poussoir et dispositif de commutation
GB2426225A (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-22 Bosch Gmbh Robert Hand-held power tool housing with see-through region
US7682035B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2010-03-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Housing device for hand-held power tool

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4555600A (en) * 1981-02-23 1985-11-26 Apm Corporation Vandal-resistant shield for telephone keypad
US4937408A (en) * 1988-05-30 1990-06-26 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Self-illuminating panel switch
US5098633A (en) * 1990-03-19 1992-03-24 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Backlit button by thermoformed cap process

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4555600A (en) * 1981-02-23 1985-11-26 Apm Corporation Vandal-resistant shield for telephone keypad
US4937408A (en) * 1988-05-30 1990-06-26 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Self-illuminating panel switch
US5098633A (en) * 1990-03-19 1992-03-24 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Backlit button by thermoformed cap process

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2339164A (en) * 1998-06-24 2000-01-19 Silitek Corp Manufacturing PU key sets
EP0977225A3 (fr) * 1998-07-31 2000-10-18 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Tête de touche, interrupteur à bouton poussoir et méthode de fabrication
US6196738B1 (en) 1998-07-31 2001-03-06 Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. Key top element, push button switch element and method for manufacturing same
US6462294B2 (en) 1998-12-22 2002-10-08 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Metallic keys
EP1014407A3 (fr) * 1998-12-22 2001-07-18 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Poussoirs métalliques
US6321441B1 (en) 1998-12-22 2001-11-27 Nokia Mobile Phones Limited Metallic keys
SG89313A1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2002-06-18 Taisei Plas Co Ltd Control panel for electronic equipment and method of producing the same
EP1022756A3 (fr) * 1999-01-22 2001-05-02 Taisei Plas Co., Ltd. Tableau de commande pour équipement électronique et méthode pour sa fabrication
US6571457B2 (en) 1999-01-22 2003-06-03 Taisei Plas Co., Ltd. Control panel for electronic equipment and method of producing the same
EP1126481A4 (fr) * 1999-08-27 2004-12-01 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Bouton-poussoir et dispositif de commutation
WO2003008170A1 (fr) * 2001-07-18 2003-01-30 Lidror Ofer Ltd. Dispositif utilise pour indiquer des signes et procede de production de ce dernier
GB2426225A (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-22 Bosch Gmbh Robert Hand-held power tool housing with see-through region
GB2426225B (en) * 2005-05-17 2008-02-20 Bosch Gmbh Robert Hand-held power tool housing device
US7682035B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2010-03-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Housing device for hand-held power tool

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