DE29609359U1 - Dial pad for output of alphanumeric characters - Google Patents

Description

GR 96 G 1526 EN

Description

Dial keypad for outputting alphanumeric characters

On comfort telephones with telephone book functions, alphanumeric characters are entered using the dial pad. For this purpose, the individual keys have several characters in the form of a number and several letters. Using keys with a simple query, where there is only one contact per key that acts on a counterpart contact assigned to it, no specific input is possible. In this case, multiple assignments are selected by pressing the relevant key several times.

The object of the present invention is therefore to design the keys in such a way that the selection of multiple assignments is simplified.

This task is solved in that each key has at least two electrically separated contacts, which act either individually or jointly on the mating contacts assigned to them.

This type of design means that each key has at least one double query option. By specifically pressing the key or shifting the pressure, this query can be specifically triggered, i.e. the desired character in the form of a number or letter can be output directly. If an application is to be used in the telephone area, it is still possible to select from the dialing states described below. When dialing a sequence of numbers (telephone number), multiple assignments are undesirable, while when outputting letters, i.e. when editing the telephone book or, for example, selecting from the telephone book, multiple decoding is activated.

GR 96 G 1526 DE.

The contacts provided on the keys can be designed in strip form and act on corresponding counter contacts on a circuit board,

It is also possible that the keys activate corresponding contacts on a keyboard mat, which work together with corresponding counter contacts on a circuit board.

The invention will be explained in more detail below using an embodiment.

It shows

Figure 1 a dial pad with the option to enter alphanumeric characters,

Figure 2 shows schematically a button with contacts acting on two counter contacts,
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Figure 3A to Figure 3C show the options for operating the button according to Figure 1.

In comfort telephones with a telephone book function, alphanumeric characters are entered using the keypad. Such a keypad is shown in Figure 1. Using the key 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the individual letters printed on the key are to be entered in a targeted manner. The key 1 is, for example, mounted within a cutout 2 of a telephone housing 3. On its surface facing a circuit board 4 shown schematically here, the key 1 is provided with strip-shaped contacts 5 and 6, which interact with the associated counter-contacts 7 and 8 of the circuit board, so that depending on how the key is pressed, multiple queries can be made.

GR 96 G 1526 EN

As an example for entering alphanumeric characters, select key 1 marked with the number 3, which has the letters D, E and F.

The switching states described below can be achieved by targeted pressure or pressure shift.

The position of the button shown in Figure 2 represents the idle state. In this case, there is no electrical connection between contact 5 and the counter contact 7 or between contact 6 and the counter contact 8.

In the switching position shown in Figure 3A, an electrical connection is established between contact 5 and the counter-contact 7 by pressing Pl on the left-hand part of the key. When the key is pressed, the number 3 and the letter D are output.

In the switching state shown in Figure 3B, contacts 5 and 6 and the counter contacts 7 and 8 are connected to one another by pressing P2 on the center of the key. When this key is pressed, the number 3 and the letter E are output.

In the switching state shown in Figure 3C, only the contact 6 and the counter contact 8 are electrically connected to one another by pressing P3 on the right-hand key area. In this key position, the number 3 and the letter F are output.

The key positions described above mean that multiple assignments can be dispensed with when selecting a sequence of numbers, while the multiple decoding described above is activated when editing the phone book or, for example, when selecting from the phone book.

Claims (3)

GR 96 G 1526 DE Protection claims 1. Dial keypad for outputting alphanumeric characters provided on the keys, characterized in that each key (1) has at least two electrically separated contacts (5, 6) which act either individually or jointly on mating contacts (7, 8) assigned to them. 2. Dialing keypad according to claim 1, characterized in that the contacts provided on the key (1) {5, 6) are strip-shaped and act on corresponding counter-contacts (7, 8) on a printed circuit board. 3. Dialing keypad according to claim 1, characterized in that the key (1) actuates corresponding contacts of a keypad mat, which cooperate with corresponding counter-contacts of a circuit board.