DE2132329A1 - Push-button keypad system - Google Patents

Description

PATENT LAWYERS

DR.-ING. HÖGER DIPL-ING. LEGAL LAW M.Sc. DIPL-PHYS-DR-GRIESSBACHDIPL-PHYS-HAECKEr 2132329

A 5Ö ypu Z STUTTGART-I, UHLANDSTR. 16

June 29, 1971

i'irrna Dexas Instruments Incorporated

Push button keypad system

The invention "relates generally to keypad systems, and more particularly for making positive electrical connections depending on an actuation.

Ss sin. · "Already have different types of keypad systems known which push button members use which are correspondingly provided with symbols in the V / s that a display a numerical or mathematical puncture, which is carried out by depressing the push-button link, to make electrical contact with various circuit elements and perform the desired puncture. Typically, such snap fastener links are below Pedestal preload in a retracted position and can be squeezed by hand to make the desired electrical contact. However, various problems have arisen in connection with such arrangements. For example, the Pedal preload arrangement cause operator fatigue in certain cases. The preload can also increase weak to provide sufficient sensitivity and emotional feedback to the operator convey which indicates the construction of the required electrical contact. Similarly, such arrangements

109882/1307

do not make sudden positive electrical contact what would be desired to achieve the desired electrical operation; these arrangements can also cause problems of the Contact jumping, especially when the keypad system is used to actuate structural units is, for example, electronic computers in which rapid actuation of the push-button members is sought and the establishment of faulty electrical contacts gives false results evokes.

There are already various devices known to such To alleviate difficulties and the establishment of a seamless positive electrical contact in dependence to enable from the actuation of a push button link, including devices that produce an audible indication in response to actuation, devices below Use of various types of slide assemblies to effect sliding contact and the like. However, were certain difficulties are not eliminated. For example, it can create an audible indication of operation too result in an unacceptable level of interference when a large number of such devices are in a relatively closed place Environment is used; Also, the device may be unsuitable for use in a relatively severe environment with interference acted upon environment, in which a hearing display can not be perceived. In addition, the Attachment of sliding arrangements to effect a sliding contact Difficulties with regard to the service life be subject to possible mechanical wear of the contacts, the presence of contamination being the electrical contact interferes, etc.

Furthermore, there has been an increasing need in recent years Years to manufacture devices of this type in which a high degree of miniaturization is achieved because of technological Advances in the manufacture of extremely small electrical

- 3 109882/1 307

niche systems. Such a need becomes particularly critical with regard to the ongoing availability of semiconductor units with an enormous number of switching functions on a material that can take up less space than one of the snap fastener links itself required electronic circuit for the electrical operation ■ a relatively insignificant space occupied, it becomes very important to bring about an analogue reduction in the dimensions of the keypad as well.

Accordingly, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a keypad system that is improved over the prior art for selectively establishing electrical M contacts as a function of their mechanical actuation, the actuation of individual pushbutton elements producing positive electrical contact, while emotional feedback is used as an indication of production of the contact is mediated, furthermore an electrical bridging contact between conductive parts of the system is established by producing a maximum deflection of a bridging contact element depending on the application of a minimum force, and finally an extremely robust and durable construction is achieved which is capable is to cause the generation of electrical information in dependence on its actuation, and which is suitable for insertion into an electronic computer. ^ f

The invention creates a one to be acted upon selectively Keypad system including a plurality of selectively actuable push button members with exposed surfaces, which are provided with symbols according to electronic functions that can be activated by pressing the pushbutton links, opposing surfaces being provided to transmit force in response to actuation. Several conductive elements are mounted in alignment with the opposing faces of the snap button links, each of which

- 4 -109882/1307

has a plate surface of a curvature when it is is in a non-actuated state, with a possibility of deflection to an over-center position in response to the application of a force by a push button member given is. A conductive member having a plurality of contact areas in electrical contact with the conductive elements is positioned adjacent to the group of conductive elements. In addition, a plurality of conductive paths are arranged on a surface of a support member which is the conductive member is facing. Each of the conductive paths can be electrically connected to the conductive member via one of the conductive elements v / ground when the conductive element is deflected to its over-center position.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings explained. It show =

Pig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a one to which a selection is to be made Key field system according to the invention in plan view,

Pig. Figure 2 is a section along line 2-2 of Pig. 1, Pig. 3 is a partial section along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, Pig. Figure 4 is a section along line 4-4 of Pig. 2,

Pig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the force when Puncture of the deflection to show the mechanical generated by the actuation of a push-button link Energir,

Pig. 6 shows an electronic computer including the keyboard system according to Pig. 1 - 4 in perspective Top view and partially broken view,

- 5 -109882/1307

Pig. 7 shows a modified embodiment of an inventive Keypad system similar to that of FIG. 3? Ig. 1-4 in an exploded perspective view.

Referring to Figures 1-4, a keypad system 8 in accordance with the present invention includes a non-conductive pad 10 having a plurality of conductive paths 12 arranged in a selected pattern on one surface thereof, each of the conductive paths having a widened contact portion or "pad ^{: i} 14" has one end and a connector 16 adjacent an opposite end. Each of the conductive paths 12 is able to transmit electrical signals or information when an electrical contact is established, including the contact pad 14, as will be explained in detail below. A layer 18 of conductive material is arranged to cover the surface of the support member 10, . on which the conductive paths are 12, the layer 18 is separated and electrically insulated by contrast, a relatively thin layer of insulating material 20 having a plurality of passages 21 which ^the;! expose contact pads ". An electrical system is selectively established between the cushions 14 and the conductive layer 18 depending on the deflection of a plurality of conductive elements 22 which are arranged in electrical contact with the conductive layer 18 and are to be deflected depending on the application of a mechanical force to a bridging electrical contact between the conductive layer 18 as well as one of the "contact pads' · ¹ 14 to create. actuation of the conductive members 22 for effecting a deflection is achieved by applying a mechanical force against one of several push button members 26, one of these push button members in association to each of the conductive elements 22. The push button members 26 are preferably held in abutment with the conductive elements 22 and can be moved from a retracted position to an operative position, whereby

- 6 109882/1307

the structure of the electrical bridging contact between the dei conductive layer 13 and one of the conductive "pads" 14 "causes will.

In particular, the support layer 10 is made of a relatively rigid, non-conductive material and is used to support the keypad system and an associated electronic circuit, power supply units, display elements, etc. when the keypad is to be mounted in an electronic computer unit. The layer 18 of conductive material is of a generally planar configuration and is disposed in a spaced-apart position associated with the pattern of conductive paths. The layer 18 comprises a plurality of annular contact areas on its surface which surround a plurality of passages 30 provided in the layer 18. The contact portions 28 are held in contact with each of the conductive elements 22 and can be electrically coupled to the conductive "pads · ¹ 14 upon actuation of a key member 26, which causes a deflection of its associated conductive element 22 to provide a bridging electrical contact between the Contact area 28 of the conductive layer 18 and one of the conductive "pads." In this regard, the passages 13 in the conductive layer 18 preferably have a generally circular shape of a certain diameter less than the dimensions of the conductive elements 22 by one To allow passage of the central part of the conductive element 22 upon deflection, while the contact area 28 contributes to the restrained circumferential movement of the conductive element a bridging el to effect electrical contact between the contact area 28 and from there with the conductive layer 18 and as an associated conductive "cushion" 14 in alignment with the passage 30 within the conductive layer. In addition, the

- 7 -109882/1307

Passages 21 in the layer of insulating material 20, which is arranged between the conductive layer 18 and the conductive paths 12, preferably have a generally circular shape and are each in axial alignment with one of the passages 30 and an associated part of one of the conductive cushion "14. The passages 21 each have a selected diameter which is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the passages 30 and has sufficient dimensions to allow the central part of the conductive element 22 to pass through when it is deflected, so that the electrical contact between the Ko2itaktbereich 28 of the conductive layer 13 and one of the conductive '' pad 14 · ¹ is made via the conductive member 22, and the same While only after deflection.

Each of the conductive '"lenents 22 is held in its respective position in axial alignment with one of the conductive" pads 14 as well as with one of the push button members 26, 30 so that circumferential movement of the conductive member 22 through the contacts 28 is prevented, too such an arrangement is provided that lateral movement is prevented to enable the establishment of the aforementioned bridging electrical contact. In this regard, the conductive elements 22 are supported within a generally planar layer of insulating material 34 which is disposed in overlapping relationship with the conductive layer 18 and is preferably secured thereto to maintain electrical contact between the conductive elements and the conductive layer. In particular, the layer 34 includes a plurality of passages 36, preferably circular in shape, of a certain diameter approximately equal to that of each of the conductive elements 22, which are preferably generally circular or disk-shaped, for receipt within the passages 36. Accordingly, the conductive elements are stored in a tight fitting relationship within the passage 36. Here

- 8.- 109882/1 307

the edge of each of the conductive elements 22 is preferably sealingly received within the wall, which through an associated passage from the number of passages 36 is determined, in this way a retention relative to a lateral movement is achieved, while a deflection is permitted as a function of an actuating force and maintain contact with the annular contact area of the underlying conductive layer 18 will. Each of the passages 36 in the layer 34 of insulation are in axial alignment with a corresponding one Passage from the number of passages 30 in the conductive layer 18, however, is of a somewhat larger diameter as the passage 30 to expose the contact area 28 and maintaining substantially permanent electrical contact between each of the conductive ones Elements 22 and the conductive layer 18 to enable. Therefore, after deflection, one of the conductive elements 22 in FIG Depending on the application of an actuating force by the associated push-button member 26, which is generally in the stop is held with the surface of the conductive element, the conductive element is an electrical bridging contact between of the conductive layer 18 as well as the associated conductive "pad" 14 which is located over the axially aligned Passages in the various layers of material are exposed, which make up the conductive layer from the separate conductive "pillow".

According to Pig. 2, one of the push button members 26 is denoted by reference numeral 26a and is in an actuated or depressed state illustrated so that the conductive element, which is represented by the reference numeral 22a, in association is hereby in a deflected state, which the aforementioned electrical bridging contact between one of the '"contact pads" and the conductive layer 18 • builds up. The individual snap fastener members 26 can be shown in FIG Way to be provided with symbols, according to the

- 9 -109882/1307

electrical puncture, which is to be effected by establishing an electrical contact between the conductive layer 18 and one of the conductive "pads ¹¹ " so that electrical information can be transmitted along the conductive path in association with the "pad" to a circuit element and the like in order to to generate the electrical function. From Fig. 1 it can be seen that the various push button members are provided in symbols corresponding to the numbers 1-9 and symbols which indicate various arithmetic operations, because the particular keypad system shown is intended for particular use in an electronic computer, as explained in more detail below will. Each of the push button members 26 is normally in an inoperative or retracted position and can be actuated to assume a contact closure position depending on the application of a certain mechanical force acting thereon, as is the case with the position of the push button member 26a according to the preceding Executions is given. In particular, each of the snap button members 26 includes a force-applied surface 38 opposite the exposed symbolized surface, the surface 38 being disposed in abutment with a corresponding conductive element 22. Each push-button member preferably comprises a generally cylindrical projection 39 which is formed in one piece and extends, as well as the exposed surface of a push button member downwardly terminates in the surface 38 ™, to transmit a discontinued operating force to the conductive member. Accordingly, when a push button member 26 is actuated by the application of an actuating force, for example in response to finger pressure of an operator, the push button member 26 transmits the applied force via the cylindrical projection 39 and the surface 38 to the conductive element 22 to effect its deflection, such as this is illustrated by the position of the push button member 26a to cause deflection of the conductive member to the position in which it bridges the

- 10 109882/1307

electrical contact between the conductive layer 18 as well one of the conductive "pads" 14 ".

The snap fastener links are preferably made of a relatively elastic material, "for example elastomers, to allow the storage of a "certain force within the material that the push button member during includes actuation to cause a sudden and positive deflection of the conductive element. In the one shown The snap fastener elements 26 are the exemplary embodiment Formed from a single block of material to manufacture to facilitate, although other designs may be suitable, as described below in connection with Pig. 7 described will. In those cases where the keypad system is manually operated by an operator sollj can have a certain amount of force also in the flesh the touching fingertips of the operator can be stored in order to increase the storage of the force and the positive To further increase the deflection of the conductive element. In this regard, let the force / deflection curve according to FIG Pig. 5 explains, according to which the applied force as a function of the deflection in connection with the deflection process of one of the conductive elements 22 is illustrated. The force and the displacement initially increase in an almost linear relationship, like this is indicated by part 40 of the curve, the puncture peaking at a point 42 j of from here the curve has a region 44 of negative slope, during which the deflection increases with decreasing force, eventually reaching a minimum point or valley 46 at which the relationship reverses and the deflection again increases as a function of an increasing force, as illustrated by part 48 of the curve. According to In an important feature of the present invention, the snap button members are preferably in that described above Arranged in such a way that a certain force is stored within the mechanism itself in order to

- 11 -

1Ü9882 / 1307

effect of the conductive element along the part 44 of negative slope of the curve according to Pig. 5, preferably at a point which approaches or lies on the minimum point 46, "at which a maximum deflection is achieved in response to a minimum applied force. Such an effect is achieved as a result of the arrangement of the various elements which represent the keypad system 8, whereby energy storage is made possible within the pushbutton member itself due to its elasticity as well as due to the elastic finger flesh of the operator valley 46 of the curve. ä

Each of the conductive members 22 is preferably comprised of a portion of a hollow body having a doubly curved one Outer surface formed, for example from a portion of a beveled spheroid ^ as shown, this includes one generally convex surface or curve 50 when in an inoperative or idle state. A fundamental one The criterion in selecting the shape of the conductive element is that its surface has an over-centered position when its central part is subjected to an axial force, the surface automatically in its Returns to its original position when the force is removed to ensure that the element is "a memory" " Has. It is envisaged that the sections of other hollow bodies with double curved surfaces can be used, to form the conductive elements, for example hyperboloids, paraboloids and the like, provided that the the fundamental criteria listed above are met. The force transmitting surface 38 of the push button member 26 is preferably arranged so that it is near or in abutment with the central portion of this surface 50 is located; in a preferred embodiment of the invention touches the surface 38 of the push button link 26

- 12 109882/1307

approximately one third of the surface area of surface 50 of element 22 during the application of a force to the conductive element to maximize the force applied thereto. In addition, the element 22 may be provided with a generally recessed protrusion 52 which is dependent on its opposite face and is located in axial alignment with the passage 21 in the insulating layer 20 and in alignment with one of the conductive pads so that at deflection of the element of protrusion 52 makes positive electrical contact with the conductive "pad ^;" 14 to effectively establish a bridging electrical contact between the conductive "pad" and the conductive layer 8 via the conductive element 22. The conductive element is arranged as shown and described to experience a snap action s-deflection to an over-centered position, as illustrated by the adjustment of element 22a as described above. Movement to the over-centered position is sufficient to allow bridging electrical contact to be established between the underlying conductive "pad" and the conductive layer. As a result of this deflection of the snap action into the over-centered position, a seamless, instantaneous and positive electrical contact is established, in which contact jumping is excluded in order to avoid the possibility of inadvertent multiple electrical input variables. ' Furthermore, a tactile feedback is produced as a result of this snap action deflection, which can be felt in the fingertips of the operator who presses a special push button. Furthermore, an audible confirmation of this deflection in conjunction with the snap action deflection can be felt by an operator to obtain a further indication that

element
a push button / has been actuated to apply a desired electrical input.

109882/1307

Accordingly, upon actuation of a selected push button member 26 by the application of sufficient mechanical force, a snap action deflection of an associated conductive element 22 is created to cause the conductive element to "deflect" into an over-centered position in which its surface 50 of curvature is convex Shape is brought into a concave shape as indicated by the position of element 22a, in this way a positive instantaneous electrical bridging contact is made between the conductive layer and an associated conductive ^{; ä} pad ^{; i} for the transmission of an electrical signal along one of the conductive paths to a connecting member 16 to effect. The conductive layer 18 "can, if desired, be connected to a source of electrical power to provide signals to a conductive" pad "for transmission along a conductive path to a connector after electrical contact is made as a result of deflection of a conductive element 22; the layer 18 can be connected to an input information source, for example a computer and the like, depending on the application weigher the system is to be subjected to.

The support member 10 can be designed as a suitable insulating material, on the surface of which the conductive pattern is arranged, the design being slightly raised in the manner shown d compared to the surface in order to produce a positive electrical contact between the conductive layer 18 and a selected one conductive "pads" after a conductive element 22 has deflected. The support member 10 may comprise a conventional printed circuit panel formed from a relatively rigid insulating material, the conductive pattern being deposited using known methods such as masking, etching , Engraving, etc. The insulating layer 20 may be formed from a suitable non-reactive insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as "Mylar" in the US

- 14 -

109882/1307

Trading is. Preferably, the insulation material is provided in close relationship between the conductive layer 18 and the surface of the support plate 10 at which the conductive paths are arranged. This can be achieved by applying an adhesive coating or the like to the layer 20. The conductive layer 18, which is located between the insulating layer 34 and the insulating layer 20, can be connected in a suitable manner to the insulating layer 20 by using a suitable adhesive on the underside of the conductive layer 18 the 'insulating layer 34 can be connected using a suitable adhesive which is arranged on the underside of the insulating layer 34. The one-piece layer with the snap fastener members can be secured in the correct position by an adhesive which connects the edges to the support member 10.

In one embodiment, a device according to 1-4, which has been practiced Pig, the apposition plate is made of a certain insulating material 10, such as an impregnated with Epoxihar ² glass tissue generally "G-10" sold under the trade name of Formica Company will. This material has a thickness of about 1.55 mm, while the side dimensions are 56 χ 75 mm. The conductive paths are applied in a specific pattern to the surface of the support 10 using conventional deposition techniques and are preferably made of gold-plated copper approximately 7.5 x 10 mm thick. The insulating layer 20, which is disposed between the surface of the support plate 10 and the conductive layer 18, consists, for example, of polyethylene terephthalate, which is generally sold under the trademark "Mylar ^|: ", and has a thickness of about 11 10 mm.

The conductive layer 18 is made of gold plated brass with

_2
a thickness of about 5x10 mm. The insulating

- 15 109882/1307

layer 34, which supports the conductive elements 22, is also made of glass fabric impregnated with epoxy resin, as sold commonly under the designation "G-IO" by Formica Company. The conductive elements 22, which retained within passages 36 in non-conductive layer 34 comprise disks of gold-plated stainless Type 302 steel having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, while the thickness of the projection 52 is also about 0.1 mm j the diameter of the disc has a dimension of about 9 mm. The key members 22 preferably consist of one one-piece molded unit made of an elastic elastomer, which enables a separate movement of each of the feeler elements, without affecting the position of other key elements in terms of the elasticity of the material. According to FIG. 6 is a keypad system 8, for example corresponding to that according to FIGS. 1-4, within one formed in one piece closed electronic computer unit 53 included. In particular, is the embodiment shown partially broken away to illustrate the attachment of a plurality of semiconductor modules 54, for example shown in FIG Form of integrated circuits are formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the semiconductor units are 54 mounted on the same surface of the bearing member 10 on which the pattern of conductive V7ege is arranged. Each of the Semiconductor components 54 comprise a plurality of circuit elements on the surface thereof, with certain circuit elements being electrically connected to selected connecting members 16 by creating suitable ones Filament lines 58 are connected. Additionally can a suitable power source (not shown) supported through the plate and coupled to the semiconductor packages be. Appropriate display elements including a display window 60 may be coupled to the semiconductor package 54 to ensure a visual indication of a particular electrical function which depends on the Actuation of one of the push button members 26 of the computer unit was generated. If desired, others can do the same

- 16 - '

109882/1307

Types of display systems provided, for example a heat sensitive paper that is dependent with information from the actuation of a push button member is to be "imprinted", a tape punching device and the like For the sake of simplicity, only a few circuit elements 56 and filamentary wire connections are shown, however, semiconductor devices can be provided using an enormous number of circuit elements to provide a to form a complete electronic system for a self-contained computing unit. Therefore, in the operation of the electronic Computer 53 according to Pig. 6 when one of the push button members 26 is actuated by low pressure, a bridging one electrical contact between the conductive layer, which is connected to an energy source or an electrical information source may be coupled, as well as one of the conductive "pads" made over one of the conductive elements 22. Electrical information is then transmitted along the associated conductive path to one of the connecting members 16 and from there transmitted to a specific one of the circuit elements 56, while a corresponding output information in the display window 60 is displayed. Additional specific details regarding the general mode of operation of electrical Computers which are operated in response to the application of an electrical signal and the creation of a visual or other display of the operating mode can be carried out in various ways, so that in the present case a no special description is given.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment which is modified compared to FIGS. 1-4 a keypad system according to the invention. This keypad system corresponds to that of FIGS. 1-4 with the exception that a different type of push button link and support slide are provided therefor is. In particular, the support member 10 including the conductive "pads" 14 * of the conductive paths 12 ' as well as the connecting members under arrangement in a certain

- 17 -109882/1307

Pattern on the surface of the same generally similar to the embodiment according to I ¹ Ig. 1-4, as is also the case for the covering insulating layer 20 including the openings 21 provided therein, which the conductive ^i: cushion "presents to accommodate deflection of the conductive elements 22 when the bridging electrical system is established between the conductive layer 18 and one of the conductive "pads" 14. The insulating layer 34 having the plurality of passages 36 therein for sealingly receiving the conductive elements 22 is also contemplated, although only one of the conductive members 22 is illustrated for the sake of clarity, but instead of comprising a plurality of generally circular snap fastener members in one piece from a molded elastomeric material, as is the case with Figures 1-4 a plurality of separate separate snap fasteners members 64 are provided, each correspondingly symbolized and having an exposed surface, each member having an opposing projecting surface 66 which extends downwardly from the main body portion and is held in abutment with the central portion of the conductive member 22 to a deflection in response to actuation of the push button member 64 to act sawn a. Each of the button members is supported within a support housing 68 having a generally planar surface from which the exposed surfaces of the push button member 64 project. The support housing 68 can be made of a relatively rigid, non-conductive material. Each of the push button members 64 includes a flanged portion 70 which, in the illustrated embodiment, extends integrally from the opposite lower edge surfaces of the G members, these flanged portions being received within corresponding receiving channels or slots 72 in the housing 68

- 18 » 109882/13 0 7

are to rule out sideways movement while movement perpendicular to the planar surface of housing 68 is permitted upon actuation. In particular, those with Splashed parts 70 are appropriately held within slots 72 to allow lateral movement of the To prevent push button members 64 during movement of the push button members from a retracted position to an actuated position depending on the application of a mechanical Force is allowed on the exposed surfaces, similar to the embodiment described above. The operation of the system according to FIG. 7 is essentially identical to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1-4. Accordingly, upon actuation of a selected push button member, the conductive element 22 is similarly caused to execute a snap action Auslenlcuiig in its over-centered position, in which there is an electrical bridging contact between the conductive layer 18 and an associated conductive "pad" produced by the exposed passages in alignment in the various layers including the keypad system, such as this has been described above.

The keypad system according to the invention accordingly ensures a particularly advantageous bridging electrical system Snap action contact and can advantageously be converted into an electronic Calculator to be built in.

- 19 109882/1307

Claims (33)

Claims 1. Keypad system to be selectively energized with a group of push-button links to be "operated" each of which is "movable in one direction from a retraction division to an actuation position," each of the snap fastener links having an exposed surface, those designed to accommodate a "specific applied mechanical Force is designed to cause movement to the actuated position, being an opposite surface intended to transmit this force, marked | net by a group of conductive elements (22) in alignment with the corresponding opposite face of the snap button members (26), each of the elements being a plate-shaped Has curved surface when it is in a non-actuated state, the surface in abutment with the opposite surface of the push button member in question and in an over-centered position deflectable depending on the application of the specific force transmitted by actuation of the push button member are a generally planar conductive member (18) in assembly next to the group of conductive elements, the conductive member having multiple contact portions in electrical Contact arrangement with the conductive elements (22) comprises, ™ and a support member (10) having a plurality of conductive paths (12), which on its surface in spaced facing relation to the plurality of sections of the conductive Member (18) are arranged, any selected conductive paths from the total number of these conductive paths electrically are connected to the conductive member (18) via one of the conductive elements (22) only when the conductive element is in an over-centered position. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided to the group of conductive elements (22) ■ - 20 - 109882/1307 contrary to a lateral movement in relation to the opposite Surfaces of the snap fastener links as well as in relation to be superimposed on the guiding ways in order to positive electrical contact between the conductive elements and the selected conductive paths (12) through the conductive Ensure elements depending on the actuation of selected push button members (26). 3 · System according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductive elements (22) for excluding electrical contact between the conductive paths (12) and the conductive Member (18) formed until corresponding conductive elements the selected force are exposed to the deflection into the over-centered position depending on the actuation an associated push button member (26) is required is, wherein the selected force is at least partially stored to a sudden snap action displacement of the conductive Element in its over-centered position and thus a positive instantaneous electrical contact between the conductive member as well as the selected conductive path through the conductive element to achieve. 4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the push button members (26) can be operated individually by hand and that the conductive elements (22) for generating a tactile excitation by the associated push-button member as a function from the snap action deflection to the over-centered position are transferable. 5. System according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the conductive elements (22) has a generally circular Ge .stalt having a certain diameter that the conductive member (18) has a plurality of generally circular passages (30) has that the passages are in axial alignment with .den conductive elements and have a smaller diameter than the certain diameter, this being , 21-109882/1307 however, the smaller diameter is sufficient to continuously accommodate a deflection of the central part of the conductive elements, and that at least a portion of each of the conductive paths (12) is disposed in alignment with the passageways, ■ the creation of an electrical bridging contact between the paths and the conductive member through the conductive element depending on its deflection 6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that each the passageways (30) in the conductive member (18) an annular contact area is formed which surrounds the passage, wherein the annular contact area in | is in electrical contact with an associated conductive element (22) from the entirety of the conductive elements, selective electrical contact between the conductive path (12) in alignment with the passage and establish the annular contact area through the conductive element. 7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that each of the conductive elements (22) having a generally centrally located Projection is provided which faces one of the conductive paths (12) through the passages in the conductive elements is to control the electrical system between the conductive j Element, the conductive member (18) and the conductive path (12) to increase. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that a Layer (20) of insulating material is disposed between the conductive member (18) and the surface of the member in which the plurality of conductive paths (12) is attached, the layer of insulating material having multiple passages (21) of selected dimensions in axial alignment with the passages in the conductive member as well as with the conductive elements (22), and that the passages in the layer - 22 109882/1307 made of insulating material each have sufficient dimensions, to allow passage of the projection (52) of the conductive element into electrical contact with one of the conductive paths ensure the establishment of an electrical bridging contact between the conductive member as well as the conductive path when the conductive element is over-centered in its Position is deflected. 9 · System according to claim 6, characterized in that a general cylindrical projection (50) is provided, which the opposite surface of each of the push button members (26) forms in order to effect the selective contact of the conductive elements (22) depending on the actuation of the push-button member, that the projection is in axial alignment with an associated conductive element and has a bearing surface with the conductive element having a diameter, the area having an area equal to or approximately one One third of the surface area of the conductive element has a snap action deflection of the conductive element to effect and in this way a positive structure of the electrical bridging contact as a function of the actuation to bring about the push-button link » 10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the snap fastener members (26) are at least partially made of an elastic Material are made to store energy as a function of mechanical actuation, the stored Energy on an associated conductive element upon contact with the opposite face of the push button link is transferable to a positive deflection of the snap action Conducting the conductive element in electrical contact with the conductive member and one of the selected conductive paths. 11. System according to claim 3 _f, characterized in that each of the push button members (26) is provided in a certain way with a symbol that indicates the electronic function, wel- - 23 109882/130 7th before thawing through the conductive path (12), the electrical through the conductive G-member (18) depending on the actuation of the push button link is touched. 12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that "connection pad" (14) at certain points on the support member (10) in electrical contact with the conductive paths (12) as well as in alignment with the conductive elements (22) and at least one semiconductor module is provided, the latter having a plurality of circuit elements on one surface the same to produce an electrical coupling with certain "connection pads", and that circuit elements are provided for generating selected electrical punctures as a function of the electrical contact, the is established between the conductive layer and a conductive path upon actuation of a push button member. 13 «System according to claim 12, characterized in that the Conductive layer (18) is to be connected to an electrical energy source in order to select an electrical energy application To effect circuit elements of the semiconductor module in dependence on the actuation of a push button member. 14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that means are provided for generating a display of the electrical puncture, which f member (26) are effected. 15. System according to claim 13 »characterized in that the Support member (10) for the conductive paths a relatively comprises a rigid layer of insulating material and that the "connection pads" (14) comprise widened contact parts, which are defined by lugs formed in one piece of the conductive path (12), wherein the semiconductor module is mounted on the rigid layer of insulating material next to the "connection pads", and that means for generating - 24 - '109882/1307 an electrical puncture on the rigid layer of insulating material are stored. 16. System according to one of claims 1 -15 »marked by a support member with a generally flat surface, in which several conductive paths are arranged in a certain pattern, which are used for the transmission of electrical information a generally flat layer of conductive material, which facing the pattern of conductive paths and spaced apart, the layer of conductive material having a plurality of contact areas includes which selectively are to be electrically coupled to portions of the conductive paths for energization to cause a plurality of selectively actuated conductive elements in electrical contact with the contact areas as well in selective separation from the parts of the conductive paths, the conductive elements individually in a contact position with the parts of the conductive paths are deflectable depending on the application of a selected deflection force thereon to one make instant electrical bridging contact between the conductive layer and one of the conductive paths, Elements for applying the selected deflection force to the guide; the elements including several button links which are to be operated by hand in order to transmit the specified deflection force to the conductive elements and their deflection in to effect the plant division with the conductive paths, whereby each of the push button links has a force transmitting surface in addition to an associated conductive element and an exposed surface, which in an electrical information characterizing type is to be provided with a symbol, whereby this electrical information through the structure of the electrical • Contact between the layer and the part of the conductive path is to be transferred. 17 · System according to claim 16, characterized in that the conductive elements are each generally circular in shape with a convex surface of curvature in dispensing system - 25 - 109882/1307 to the force-transmitting surface of the push button member are formed with the convex surface in a concave shape depending on the application of the selected force is formed by the force-transmitting surface to the electrical bridging contact between the conductive Layer and build one of the conductive paths. 18. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the conductive element in dependence on the application of a minimum selected deflection force can be deflected by a maximum distance. 19. System according to claim 17 'characterized in that co-d tel intended to receive auflagernd to the conductive elements, such that a snap-effect deflection of the convex surface is allowed in a concave surface, while a lateral movement of the conductive elements excluded is used to maintain alignment between the conductive elements and the portions of the conductive paths. 20. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the Elements for supporting the conductive elements comprise a layer of insulating material, the several Has passages for receiving the conductive elements, and that the edges of the conductive elements in generally closer Relationship to the boundary surfaces of the passages are kept to a deflection of the conductive elements through to allow the passages depending on the actuation of the push button members. 21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the conductive layer between the layer of insulating material, before receiving the conductive elements, as well as the generally flat one Surface of the support member is arranged, the conductive layer having multiple passages in axial alignment has openings in the layer of insulating material, - 26 - 109882/1307 that the passages in the conductive layer have a smaller diameter than the passages in the layer of insulating material have to define annular contact areas, which the passages in the layer of conductive Surrounding material that the annular contact areas are in contact with the conductive elements and that one Deflection of the central part of the conductive elements through the passages can be carried out while a circumferential movement the conductive elements is prevented. 22. Syst ca! according to claim 21, characterized in that one Spacer layer of insulating material between the conductive layer and the pattern of conductive layers on the general flat surface of the support member is provided, wherein the spacer layer has multiple passages in axial alignment with the passages in the layer of conductive material has and these sections of the. Conductive paths presents that the passages in the spacer layer are equal or less Diameter as the diameter of the passages in of the conductive layer in order to keep the conductive layer electrically isolated from the conductive "paths" until a deflection of the conductive elements is effected to the electrical bridging contact between the ring contact areas of the conductive layer and the exposed conductive paths through the passages in the spacer layer. 23. System according to claim 22, characterized in that the generally conductive elements each comprise a recess provided with a protrusion which against the conductive Paths runs, wherein the projections have smaller dimensions with regard to the passages in the spacer layer and configured to pass through the passages in response to the deflection of the conductive elements to facilitate the establishment of electrical contact with the conductive paths. - 27 10 9882/1307 24 · System according to claim 23, characterized in that the support member is a layer of epoxy resin bonded Glass cloth, the conductive pathways comprising gold-plated copper, the spacer layer comprising a polyethylene-tereph-oil resin includes that the conductive layer comprises gold-plated brass that the conductive elements gold-plated Stainless steel of type 302 include that the insulating layer for receiving the conductive elements with epoxy resin. comprises bonded glass fabric and that the snap fastener links contain an elastomer. 25. System according to claim 24, characterized in that the conductive paths aas gold-plated pluck a thickness of about 7.5 x 10 mm, the spacer layer a thickness of about 11 χ —2
10 mm, the conductive layer of gold-plated brass a thickness of about 5 x 10 mm, the conductive elements a thickness -2
of about 10 χ 10 mm and the layer made of epoxy resin _2 bonded glass fabric have a thickness of about 37.5 x 10 mm and that the projection provided with the recess is —2
by about 10 χ 10] tes from extends. _2
by about 10 χ 10 mm from the surface of the conductive element 26. System according to claim 22, characterized in that a plurality of connecting members at certain points near one end the overlay in electrical contact with the conductive Due to the provision of at least one semiconductor element adjacent to one end of the overlay is which multiple circuit elements on a surface in electrical coupling to the selected terminal members having, the circuit elements for performing electrical functions depending on the structure an electrical contact between the conductive layer and one of the conductive paths after deflection of a conductive layer Element are designed to generate the electrical information. - 28 109882/1307 27. System according to claim. 26, characterized in that the conductive layer is electrically connectable to an electrical energy source to selectively when establishing a contact between the conductive layer and the conductive paths through the conductive elements of the circuit elements . optionally supply electrical energy. 28. System according to claim 27, characterized in that by the support member supported elements are provided in electrical coupling with the semiconductor assembly to a To generate a display of the electrical information which is produced by actuating one of the push-button members. 29. Use of a system according to one of claims 1.-28 to an electronic computer, characterized in that display elements by the support member in connection with the Semiconductor assembly are held to cause an indication of the electrical signals which are dependent on information applied to the circuit elements can be generated. 30. Application of a system according to any one of claims 1-28 to a multiple switch system, characterized by several spaced actuators which can be selectively moved from a first to a second position, several Contact members which are each arranged in the vicinity of the actuating members, each of the elements being one has double curved outer surface and a selected portion thereof a selected portion of the actuators is adjacent, the elements being selectable from a first to a second position depending on a selectable Movement of the actuators are movable, a support member next to, but at a distance from the elements with several contacts attached to it at a distance, which are each next to, but at a distance from the elements are, elements for holding the actuators, the elements - 29 109882/1307 as well as the support member in a "certain position, the actuators being selectively movable from their first to second positions, the corresponding element movable from its first to second position in contact with the corresponding spaced-apart contact is and the corresponding element when the actuators selectively moved from their second to the first position will automatically move from its second to its first position from contact with the corresponding im Carries out the contact located at a distance, 31. System according to claim 30, characterized by a plurality of conductive ones Links in array respectively between the elements and the spaced-apart contacts, with when the actuators are selectively moved into their second position, the corresponding element of which is an electrical connection from its conductive member to the corresponding, spaced-apart contact and further, if the actuating members are selectively moved into their first position, the corresponding element automatically the corresponding electrically isolating the conductive member from its corresponding spaced-apart contact. 32. System according to claim 30, characterized in that each of the contact elements has an over-centered second position when a selected part of the same is subjected to an axial force, the elements automatically in the first Return to position when the axial Kralt is removed. 33. System according to claim 32, characterized in that each of the contact elements consists of a segment in the form of a blunt Consists of spheroids. 109882/1307