Flat input keyboard for data processing machines or the like and process for producing the same

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the electric contact spots of the contact sheets (12, 20) are arranged in rows parallel to the roll axis.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one of the sheets of the electric switching system (12, 16, 20) comprises a number of sheet segments (17) running parallel to the roll axis.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one of the outer lying sheets of the electric switching system (12, 16, 20) in combination with the spacing facility (16) comprises a number of sheet segments (17) running parallel to the roll axis.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that all the sheets of the electric switching system (12, 16, 20) in combination comprise a number of sheet segments (17) running parallel to the roll axis.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detachable plug connection (34) for connecting to a data processing unit or the like.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a part of the keyboard pattern (28) of the covering layer (26) is formed as the operating area for a computer mouse (46).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a control unit (38) is integrated in one of the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that there are optical display facilities integrated in a part of the keyboard pattern (28) the covering layer (26) or in the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that there are acoustic display facilities integrated in a part of the keyboard pattern (28) the covering layer (26) or in the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that there are transmitter and receiver units for digital signals integrated in a part of the keyboard pattern (28) the covering layer (26), the buffer layer (24) or in the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that there are power sources integrated in a part of the keyboard pattern (28) the covering layer (26), the buffer layer (24), the circumferential edge web or in the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an accessory base formed as a support plate (40) and/or baseplate (44) for incorporating the supporting layer (10), the electric switching system (12, 16, 20), and if need be the edge webs (30, 32).

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the electric switching system (12, 16, 20) has a sensor keyboard that is essentially free of mechanically movable function elements.

Flat input keyboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by extended air chambers corresponding to the keyboard pattern (28) for application under extreme pressure conditions or the like.

A method for manufacturing a flat input keyboard comprising the steps off;

• casting an electric switching system in plastic material, forming the supporting layer the buffer layer, the covering layer and a continuous circumferential edge web of the casing, and joining the supporting layer, buffer layer, and covering layer to a single piece by the continuous circumferential edge web.

The method according to 39 claim further including the steps of using an electric switching system that has a multiplicity of openings both on the side where the supporting layer is to be provided as well as on the side where the covering layer and the buffer layer are to be provided;

• and casting the casting material into these openings, curing the material for obtaining an elastic, single-piece, spatial matrix consisting of the supporting layer, the covering layer, the buffer layer, the circumferential edge web, the casing and joining webs for penetrating the electric switching system and fixing its function elements in spatially defined relative positions, joining the supporting layer, the covering layer, the buffer layer and the circumferential edge web through the openings in the electric switching system.