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EP0396963A2 - Auswechselbares kodiertes Tastenfeld, welches alternierend befestbar ist an eine vom Benutzer konfigurierbare Tastatur zur Realisierung programmierbarer Tastaturfunktionen - Google Patents

Auswechselbares kodiertes Tastenfeld, welches alternierend befestbar ist an eine vom Benutzer konfigurierbare Tastatur zur Realisierung programmierbarer Tastaturfunktionen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0396963A2
EP0396963A2 EP90107849A EP90107849A EP0396963A2 EP 0396963 A2 EP0396963 A2 EP 0396963A2 EP 90107849 A EP90107849 A EP 90107849A EP 90107849 A EP90107849 A EP 90107849A EP 0396963 A2 EP0396963 A2 EP 0396963A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
pad assembly
user
keyboard
custom
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP90107849A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0396963A3 (de
EP0396963B1 (de
Inventor
Thomas W. Finkle
Ralph M. Swanson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HP Inc
Original Assignee
Hewlett Packard Co
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
Application filed by Hewlett Packard Co filed Critical Hewlett Packard Co
Publication of EP0396963A2 publication Critical patent/EP0396963A2/de
Publication of EP0396963A3 publication Critical patent/EP0396963A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0396963B1 publication Critical patent/EP0396963B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/066—Actuators replaceable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/01—Mounting on appliance
    • H01H2223/012—Snap mounting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/01—Mounting on appliance
    • H01H2223/014—Mounting on appliance located in recess
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2223/00—Casings
    • H01H2223/01—Mounting on appliance
    • H01H2223/028—Mounting on appliance detachable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/056—Keyboard or overlay identification features

Definitions

  • This invention relates to keyboards and, more particularly, to interchangeable key pad assemblies for providing at least a portion of a user keyboard.
  • one embodiment of the invention provides interchangeable key pad assemblies that are coded so that when they are alternately installed on a keyboard, one of a variety of programmable sets of keyboard functions is enabled for selection by user actuation of the keys.
  • One exemplary use of the invention is in association with molded rubber keyboards. Molded rubber keyboards have been used in combination with underlying printed circuit boards to provide a keyboard structure much less expensive than those where each key requires a separate push button member separately mounted in a frame.
  • Molded rubber keyboards usually comprise a rubber sheet integral vith upwardly projecting rubber keys. Each rubber key is located above a recess in the sheet and its lower end includes such means as conductive rubber members for closing the switch contacts on the printed circuit board located directly below it.
  • the recesses form a diaphragm which acts to space the conductive rubber members above the printed circuit board, except when a particular key is pressed.
  • a keyboard assembly which has a printed circuit board providing a series of switch contacts and a molded rubber keyboard providing a rubber base sheet overlying the printed circuit board and having a series of rubber keys integral with the base sheet.
  • Each key has contacts on its bottom surface for closing each of the switch contacts when its key is depressed.
  • Stabilizing membranes prevent the keys from wobbling or binding. Although undesirable wobbling or binding is substantially eliminated, the keyboard is either a dedicated keyboard or one whose key functions are determined by the system to which the keyboard is mounted.
  • overlays have been used to provide the user with identification of key functions for programmable or customizable key sets. Overlays are commonly used on computer keyboards and calculators.
  • the typical overlay construction is a thin plastic sheet with screen-printed information. This material is not very durable and can be easily damaged.
  • these overlays typically are not securely attached to the computer keyboards and calculators. Consequently, they are easily dislodged and slide from the keyboard, frustrating the user.
  • the functions of the keys are dedicated or determined by the computer or calculator since the overlay does not operatively interact with the system.
  • One embodiment of the present invention provides interchangeable key pad assemblies that are coded so that when they are alternately installed on a keyboard, one of a variety of programmable sets of keyboard functions is enabled for selection by user actuation of the keys.
  • Each key pad assembly has a durable construction and is securely attachable to the remainder of the keyboard.
  • Each key pad assembly is installed on the remainder of the keyboard and interacts with the system with which the keyboard interacts, preferably a programmable system, to provide a custom key panel for the user so that key functions can be tailored to a desired selection of operations available to the user upon actuation of the keys.
  • the custom key panel in accordance with the invention is less prone to damage than an overlay, is securely attached, and imparts flexibility to the mechanical configuration of keys.
  • the flexibility in configuration provides the user only the necessary function keys for the particular application. This provides a less cluttered panel for an improved human interface.
  • the custom key panel in accordance with the invention is an assembly of parts that preferably allows an interchangeable key pad assembly to be associated with system keyboard means to provide one of a variety of sets of key functions available to the user.
  • the custom key panel provides direct execution of commands that typically are most frequently selected by the user.
  • the custom key panel does not make an electrical connection when plugged in. It mechanically actuates switches for addressing a processor in the system with a unigue identification code for each interchangeable assembly. This provides a very reliable system.
  • the custom key panel 10 preferably comprises switch means 12 in the form of user selectable key means 14 and actuable key decoding means 16.
  • the custom key panel 10 also preferably comprises key means 18 selectively mountable in relation to the switch means 12 for actuating the switch means.
  • the key means 18 preferably comprises mechanical switch actuating means comprising at least one key 20 which is selectively actuable by the user.
  • the key means 18 also comprises key encoding means 22 which actuates the key decoding means 16 when the key means is mounted in relation to the switch means 12 for identifying the function selectable by the user when at least one key 20 is actuated by the user.
  • the switches 14 and 16 are preferably conductive rubber members 24 or pellets compression molded into a sheet 26 of non-conductive rubber, forming the keypad or matrix of switches.
  • the conductive members 24 are held above traces 28 on a printed circuit board 30 by the non-conductive rubber sheet 26. When a switch 14 or 16 is depressed, the conductive member 24 shorts the traces for that location and is acknowledged by the processor as a closed switch.
  • the six address switches are arranged in the same matrix as hole locations on a subpanel 32 of the custom key panel assembly.
  • the subpanel 32 can hold down an address switch 16 (ensuring closure) when there is no hole.
  • each address switch 16 allows overtravel or compression of the rubber actuator without exerting excessive force on the assembly. This ensures switch closure under worst case tolerance stack-up and bowing of the subpanel 32 and the keyboard.
  • the address switches 16 preferably have a small travel of 0.5 mm to closure, then a large overtravel of 3.0 mm.
  • the travel of standard key switches is typically 1.7 mm with no overtravel.
  • the custom key panel 10 preferably allows an interchangeable key pad assembly 18 to be plugged into a front bezel 40 of an electronic instrument, such as the HP 70004A modular measurement system display/mainframe, to provide one of a variety of sets of key functions available to the user.
  • the key pad assembly 18 is preferably retained in the bezel 40 by a mechanical spring 42.
  • the spring 42 is installed from the backside of the bezel 40 and is retained by the key pad.
  • the spring 42 latches over the edge of the subpanel 32 to retain the right side of the assembly.
  • the left side is sandwiched around a shelf 44 in the bezel 40.
  • the key pad assembly 18 is installed by aligning the left side to the shelf 44 on the bezel 40, then rotating the assembly around the shelf like a hinge until the spring 42 latches. The operation is similar to closing a door.
  • an opening 46 is provided in the front panel to insert a tool, such as a screwdriver blade.
  • a tool such as a screwdriver blade.
  • the spring 42 is forced away from the subpanel 32, which disengages the key pad assembly 18.
  • the key pad assembly 18 is then forced away from the key pad by another portion of the spring, and any residual force from the depressed address switches 16.
  • the key pad assembly 18 comes to rest at a sufficient distance away from the bezel 40 to provide finger clearance to grab the key pad assembly 18 for removal.
  • the key pad assembly 18 preferably utilizes conventional keycaps 50.
  • the keycaps 50 are typically double shot injection molded keys with nomenclature integral to the keycap. Each keycap presses onto an adapter 52 allowing the keycap to function in the key pad assembly 18.
  • Designers of custom key panels can modify these tools to create unique keycaps for each application.
  • the front panel can be screen-printed to provide any required identification of the key functions.
  • the keycaps are preferably captivated and can not fall out. This is accomplished by providing the subpanel 32 with apertures 60 into which the keycaps 50 connected to the adapters 52 are deposited. A front panel 62 having apertures 64 is then placed over the subpanel 32 and the keycaps 50 so that the apertures 64 align with the keycaps.
  • the front panel 62 also includes welded studs 66 in which are fitted spacers 68. The studs 66 extend through holes 70 in the subpanel 32, and nuts 72 are threaded on the studs to hold the key pad assembly 18 together.
  • the key pad assembly is rugged and durable enough to withstand damage during abusive handling outside of the instrument.
  • This invention has many advantages beyond what overlays can offer. Where flexibility, reliability, durability, and optimized human interface are desired, this invention is an ideal solution. There are numerous applications that can benefit from using a custom key panel in accordance with the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP19900107849 1989-05-08 1990-04-25 Auswechselbares kodiertes Tastenfeld, welches alternierend befestbar ist an eine vom Benutzer konfigurierbare Tastatur zur Realisierung programmierbarer Tastaturfunktionen Expired - Lifetime EP0396963B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US34882689A 1989-05-08 1989-05-08
US348826 1989-05-08

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0396963A2 true EP0396963A2 (de) 1990-11-14
EP0396963A3 EP0396963A3 (de) 1992-04-29
EP0396963B1 EP0396963B1 (de) 1996-03-06

Family

ID=23369720

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19900107849 Expired - Lifetime EP0396963B1 (de) 1989-05-08 1990-04-25 Auswechselbares kodiertes Tastenfeld, welches alternierend befestbar ist an eine vom Benutzer konfigurierbare Tastatur zur Realisierung programmierbarer Tastaturfunktionen

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0396963B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH0315127A (de)
DE (1) DE69025641T2 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0397063A2 (de) * 1989-05-06 1990-11-14 Deutsche Aerospace Airbus Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Einrichtung zum Schutz elektrischer Anlagen
WO1999056449A1 (en) * 1998-04-27 1999-11-04 Teledex Corporation Telephone case with easily reconfigured pushbutton keys

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7911200B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2011-03-22 Fluke Corporation Digital multimeter having case panel structure
JP4849649B1 (ja) * 2010-07-30 2012-01-11 川上産業株式会社 気泡シートからなる、印刷が施された、曲線形状の溶着面を有する、又は縫製によって成形された製品

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020328A (en) * 1975-12-16 1977-04-26 Ncr Corporation Auxiliary keyboard apparatus
DE2723736A1 (de) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-29 Ncr Co Dateneingabevorrichtung mit einem tastenfeld
DE8336889U1 (de) * 1983-12-22 1984-03-29 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Tastatur
US4626830A (en) * 1984-06-18 1986-12-02 Motorola, Inc. Membrane keyboard with identifying connectors

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020328A (en) * 1975-12-16 1977-04-26 Ncr Corporation Auxiliary keyboard apparatus
DE2723736A1 (de) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-29 Ncr Co Dateneingabevorrichtung mit einem tastenfeld
DE8336889U1 (de) * 1983-12-22 1984-03-29 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Tastatur
US4626830A (en) * 1984-06-18 1986-12-02 Motorola, Inc. Membrane keyboard with identifying connectors

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0397063A2 (de) * 1989-05-06 1990-11-14 Deutsche Aerospace Airbus Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Einrichtung zum Schutz elektrischer Anlagen
EP0397063B1 (de) * 1989-05-06 1994-02-09 Deutsche Aerospace Airbus Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Einrichtung zum Schutz elektrischer Anlagen
WO1999056449A1 (en) * 1998-04-27 1999-11-04 Teledex Corporation Telephone case with easily reconfigured pushbutton keys
US6144732A (en) * 1998-04-27 2000-11-07 Teledex Corporation Telephone case with easily reconfigured pushbutton keys

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0396963A3 (de) 1992-04-29
EP0396963B1 (de) 1996-03-06
DE69025641T2 (de) 1996-07-18
DE69025641D1 (de) 1996-04-11
JPH0315127A (ja) 1991-01-23

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