DE3432100C1

DE3432100C1 - Opto-electronic keyboard

Info

Publication number: DE3432100C1
Application number: DE19843432100
Authority: DE
Inventors: Martin Dipl.-Ing. 4790 Paderborn Heumann; Werner Dipl.-Ing. John; Gerd Prof. Dr.-Ing. 1000 Berlin Mrozynski; Jens Dr. Weber
Original assignee: Krone GmbH
Current assignee: HEUMANN, MARTIN, DIPL.-ING., 2863 RITTERHUDE, DE J
Priority date: 1984-08-31
Filing date: 1984-08-31
Publication date: 1986-01-30

Abstract

The invention relates to an opto-electronic keyboard having an arrangement of crossing light paths running in a plurality of rows (4, 5, 6) and columns (1, 2, 3), in which light sources (L1-3) and detectors (D1-3) are arranged at the ends of the light paths, according to Patent No. 3307336. The light paths may be arranged in one or two planes. The keyboard is constructed from identical modules which are plugged one onto the other. For the deflection of light beams, reflective surfaces are introduced into the paths of rays. Polished surfaces on cylindrical lenses, at which total reflection takes place, are used as the reflective surfaces. <IMAGE>

Description

An einem Ende der in Spalten verlaufenden Lichtwege sind Lichtquellen L11 bis L13 angeordnet, die Licht einer bestimmten Lichtfarbe emittieren. An den gegenüberliegenden Enden dieser Lichtwege sind Detektoren Dll bis D13 angeordnet, die jedoch nicht auf das von den Lichtquellen L1 X bis Ll 3 emittierte Licht, sondern nur auf das von an den einen Enden der in den Matrixzeilen verlaufenden Lichtwegen angeordneten Lichtquellen L2 bis L23 emittierte Licht einer anderen Lichtfarbe ansprechen. Den Lichtquellen L2 bis L23 sind an den anderen Enden der in den Zeilen verlaufenden Lichtwege. Detektoren D21 bis D23 gegenübergestellt, die wiederum nur auf Licht der Farbe ansprechen, das von den Lichtquellen L11 bis L13 emittiert wird. Alle Detektoren D11 bis D13 und D21 bis D23 befinden sich also im Ruhestand, wenn keine Taste betätigt wird. Beim Betätigen der mittleren Taste des Tastenfelds wird in dem Kreu-There are light sources at one end of the light paths running in gaps L11 to L13 arranged, which emit light of a certain light color. To the opposite ends of these light paths are detectors Dll to D13, However, this does not affect the light emitted by the light sources L1 X to Ll 3, but rather only on that of the light paths running in the matrix rows at one end of the line arranged light sources L2 to L23 address emitted light of a different light color. The light sources L2 to L23 are at the other ends of those running in the rows Light paths. Detectors D21 to D23 are juxtaposed, which in turn only focus on light respond to the color emitted from the light sources L11 to L13. All Detectors D11 to D13 and D21 to D23 are therefore in retirement when none Button is pressed. When you press the middle button on the keypad, in the cross

zungspunkt der Lichtwege 2 und 5 ein beidseitig reflektierender Umlenkspiegel Slo eingeführt, der das von der Lichtquelle L22 emittierte Licht auf den Detektor D12 umlenkt, und das von der Lichtquelle L12 emittierte Licht auf den Detektor 22 führt. Die Lage der gedrückten Taste ergibt sich aus den an den Detektoren D12 und D22 anliegenden Signalen. Bei dieser Ausführungsform können die Lichtquellen L11 bis L13 und L2 bis L23 kontinuierlich betrieben werden, so daß eine elektronische Steuerung des Lampenbetriebs entfällt. Als Lichtquellen mit verschiedener Lichtfarbe können z. B. im Sichtbaren und im Infraroten emittierende Lichtquellen verwendet werden. Die Detektoren sind entsprechend ausgewählt, daß sie jeweils nur eine dieser beiden Lichtfarben erfassen können.The point of intersection of the light paths 2 and 5 is a deflecting mirror reflecting on both sides Slo introduced, the light emitted by the light source L22 on the detector D12 deflects, and the light emitted by the light source L12 onto the detector 22 leads. The position of the pressed key results from the information on detectors D12 and D22 pending signals. In this embodiment, the light sources L11 to L13 and L2 to L23 are operated continuously, so that an electronic There is no control of lamp operation. As light sources with different light colors can e.g. B. used in the visible and in the infrared emitting light sources will. The detectors are selected so that they only have one of these can capture both light colors.

In F i g. 3 ist eine dritte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen opto-elektronischen Tastatur gezeigt, die sich im wesentlichen aus einer Verdoppelung der in F i g. 1 gezeigten Lichtweganordnung ergibt. In zwei zueinander parallel verlaufenden Ebenen liegen je eine aus Zeilen und Spalten bestehende Lichtwegmatrix. In der oberen Ebene sind Lichtquellen L31 bis L33 an Enden der in Spalten der Matrix verlaufenden Lichtwege angeordnet, und die Detektoren D31 bis D33 liegen an Enden der in Zeilen der Matrix verlaufenden Lichtwege. In der unteren Ebene ist diese Anordnung um 90" gedreht. In Fig. 3 is a third embodiment of the invention opto-electronic keyboard shown, consisting essentially of a duplication the in F i g. 1 shows the light path arrangement. In two parallel to each other A light path matrix consisting of rows and columns lies on each of the running levels. In the upper level there are light sources L31 to L33 at the ends of the columns of the matrix arranged extending light paths, and the detectors D31 to D33 are at ends of the light paths running in rows of the matrix. This is on the lower level Arrangement rotated by 90 ".

Wird nun wieder die in der Mitte der Tastenfeldmatrix angeordnete Taste betätigt, so werden gleichzeitig in den übereinanderliegenden Kreuzungspunkten reflektierenden Flächen S20 und S30 in die jeweiligen Strahlengänge eingefügt, so daß in der oberen Ebene das von der Lichtquelle L32 emittierte Licht auf den Detektor D32 geschickt wird und in der unteren Ebene das von der Lichtquelle L42 emittierte Licht auf den Detektor D42 trifft. Das Anliegen von Lichtsignal an den Detektoren D32 und D42 legt also die Lage der gedrückten Taste in einer bestimmten Zeile und Spalte des Tastenfelds eindeutig fest. Wie bei dem in Fig.2 gezeigten Beispiel werden bei diesem 3 x 3 Tastenfeld ebenfalls 6 Lichtquellen und 6 Detektoren benötigt; an die Lichtfarbe der Lichtquellen und an die Selektivität der Detektoren werden jedoch keine besonderen Anforderungen gestellt Es kann also in den Lichtwegen beider Ebenen Licht gleicher Farbe verwendet werden. Ebenfalls wie bei dem in F i g. 2 gezeigten Beispiel muß der Betrieb der Lichtquellen nicht elektronisch gesteuert werden, da kein sequenzieller Pulsbetrieb der Lichtquellen zur Lagebestimmung einer gedrückten Taste notwendig ist.Will now be the one arranged in the middle of the keypad matrix again When the key is pressed, the intersection points are at the same time reflective surfaces S20 and S30 inserted into the respective beam paths, see above that in the upper level the light emitted by the light source L32 onto the detector D32 is sent and in the lower level that emitted by the light source L42 Light hits the detector D42. The application of light signal to the detectors So D32 and D42 put the position of the pressed key in a certain line and Column of the keypad. As with the example shown in Fig.2 this 3 x 3 keypad also requires 6 light sources and 6 detectors; the light color of the light sources and the selectivity of the detectors However, there are no special requirements. So it can be in the light paths of both Layers of light of the same color are used. As with the one in FIG. 2 The example shown does not have to control the operation of the light sources electronically because there is no sequential pulsed operation of the light sources to determine the position of a pressed button is necessary.

Wie sich aus dem Obenstehenden ergibt, ermöglichen alle drei Ausführungsbeispiele der erfindungsgemäßen opto-elektronischen Tastatur bei identischer Anordnung der Lichtwege, die Art und Anzahl der verwendeten Lichtquellen und Detektoren zu variieren, wobei in jedem Fall alle Detektoren im Ruhezustand der Tastatur im passiven Zustand gehalten werden. Daraus ergibt sich neben dem geringen Stromverbrauch dieser Tastatur auch die Möglichkeit, die Auswahl einer bestimmten Lösung an die Komponentenpreise der am Markt befindlichen Komponenten anzupassen, ohne daß umfangreiche Änderungen im Verlauf der Lichtwege der Tastatur notwendig sind. As can be seen from the above, all three embodiments make possible the opto-electronic keyboard according to the invention with an identical arrangement of the Light paths, to vary the type and number of light sources and detectors used, in any case, all detectors in the idle state of the keyboard in the passive state being held. This results in addition to the low power consumption of this keyboard also the option of choosing a specific solution based on component prices adapt to the components available on the market without extensive changes are necessary in the course of the light paths of the keyboard.

Um die Herstellung einer solchen opto-elektronischen Tastatur zu vereinfachen und deren Kosten zu senken, ist es vorteilhaft diese aus einer Anzahl identischer Module nach Bedarf zusammenzusetzen, und solche Module können dann in großen Stückzahlen hergestellt werden. To the manufacture of such an opto-electronic keyboard too Simplify and reduce their costs, it is advantageous these from a number of identical modules can be assembled as required, and such modules can then be converted into can be produced in large numbers.

F i g. 4 zeigt in Draufsicht und teilweise geschnitten ein aus neun Tastenfeldmodulen zusammengesetztes Tastenfeld. Diese Module 50 sind alle identisch und weisen jeweils einen Körper 51 auf, in dem Kanäle 52, 53 verlaufen, deren Führung durch die Lichtweganordnung bestimmt ist. In F i g. 4 sind drei in Spalten und drei in Zeilen verlaufende Lichtwege gezeigt, die durch die jeweiligen Kanäle 52 und 53 der Tastenfeldmodule 50 gebildet werden. Die Kanäle 52 und 53 münden in einer Bohrung 54, deren Achse durch den Kreuzungspunkt der Lichtwege verläuft und senkrecht auf der Ebene steht, in der die Lichtwege, bzw. die Kanäle 52,53 liegen. F i g. 4 shows in plan view and partially in section one out of nine Keypad modules assembled keypad. These modules 50 are all identical and each have a body 51 in which passages 52, 53 run, the guidance of which is determined by the light path arrangement. In Fig. 4 are three in columns and three lines of light paths passing through the respective channels 52 and 53 of the keypad modules 50 are formed. The channels 52 and 53 open into one Bore 54, the axis of which runs through the intersection of the light paths and is perpendicular stands on the plane in which the light paths or the channels 52,53 lie.

In der Bohrung 54 ist ein längs der Bohrungsachse verschiebbarer Tastenschaft 60 angeordnet, der z. B. die in F i g. 5 gezeigte Form haben kann. Dort ist ein Tastenfeldmodul 50 teilweise im Schnitt dargestellt. In der Bohrung 54 ist der Tastenschaft 60 angeordnet, der sich an seinem unteren Ende über eine Feder 62 am Boden der Bohrung 54 abstützt und an dessen oberen Ende ein Tastenkopf 61 angebracht ist. Die in Fig.5 gezeigte Taste befindet sich in Ruhestellung, und ein Lichtsignal, das sich in dem Kanal 52 fortpflanzt, durchquert den transparenten Teil 55 des Tastenschafts 60 um am anderen Ende des Tastenfeldmoduls 50 wieder auszutreten.In the bore 54 is a key shaft displaceable along the axis of the bore 60 arranged, the z. B. the in F i g. 5 may have the shape shown. There is a Keypad module 50 shown partially in section. The key shaft is in the bore 54 60 arranged, which is at its lower end via a spring 62 at the bottom of the bore 54 is supported and a key top 61 is attached to its upper end. The in Fig. 5 The button shown is in the rest position, and a light signal that is in the Channel 52 propagates, traverses the transparent part 55 of the key shaft 60 to exit again at the other end of the keypad module 50.

Wie in Fig. 5 gezeigt ist sind in den. Kanälen 52, 53 Lichtleiter 70, 71 angeordnet, mit deren Hilfe Intensitätsverluste des sich durch die Kanäle fortpflanzenden Lichtes aufgrund von Streuung und Absorption an den Kanalwänden verhindert wird. Diese Lichtleiter sind in den Kanälen mittels schmaler Ringe 72 gehaltert, um einen Kontakt der Lichtleiter mit den Kanalwänden über größere Flächen zu-verhindern, der die Totalreflexion an der Mantelfläche der Lichtleiter 70, 71 beeinträchtigen würde. Wenn die Lichtleiter mit einer Schicht aus einem Material mit einem niedrigeren Brechungsindex als dem des Lichtleiterkerns ummantelt sind, kann auf eine Halterung über Ringe 72 verzichtet werden.As shown in FIG. 5, in the. Channels 52, 53 light guide 70, 71 arranged, with the help of which intensity losses of the through the channels propagating light due to scattering and absorption on the canal walls is prevented. These light guides are in the channels by means of narrow rings 72 held in order to make contact of the light guides with the channel walls over larger areas to prevent the total reflection on the lateral surface of the light guides 70, 71 would affect. When the light guide with a layer of one material are coated with a lower refractive index than that of the fiber optic core, a holder via rings 72 can be dispensed with.

Wenn die Taste betätigt wird, wird der Bereich 63 des Tastenschafts in den Lichtweg eingeführt. Dieser Bereich 63 ist als Zylinderlinse ausgebildet, die einen Anschliff 64 aufweist, der eine total reflektierende Fläche bildet.When the key is operated, the portion 63 of the key shaft becomes introduced into the light path. This area 63 is designed as a cylinder lens, which has a bevel 64 which forms a totally reflective surface.

F i g. 6 zeigt einen Querschnitt durch den Bereich 63 für die Verwendung in Anordnungen gemäß F i g. 1 und 3. Licht aus einem Lichtweg trifft auf die Zylinderlinse 63 auf und wird in das Innere des Tastenschafts hineingebrochen. Der Anschliff 64 bildet dabei eine Reflexionsfläche, an der für unter bestimmten Winkeln einfallendes Licht Totalreflexion stattfindet, da die Außenfläche des Anschliffs 64 mit der Atmosphäre in Verbindung steht und das Material, aus dem der Tastenschaft gefertigt ist, einen höheren Brechungsindex als Luft aufweist. F i g. Figure 6 shows a cross section through area 63 for use in arrangements according to FIG. 1 and 3. Light from a light path hits the cylinder lens 63 and is broken into the interior of the key shaft. The bevel 64 forms a reflection surface on which for incident at certain angles Total light reflection takes place as the outer surface of the bevel 64 with the atmosphere is in connection and the material from which the key shaft is made, one has a higher refractive index than air.

In F i g. 6 ist der Anschliff 64 als ein ebener Schliff gezeigt, die Schlifffläche kann jedoch vorteilhafterweise so gekrümmt sein, daß das von ihr reflektierte Licht anschließend gebündelt wird. Das Maß der Krümmung dieser Anschlifffläche hängt von dem Brechungsindex des Materials des Tastenschafts, der gewünschten Bündelung des reflektierten Lichtstrahls und dem Schaftdurchmesser ab. Die optimale Krümmung der Anschlifffläche läßt sich aus einer relativ komplexen Differentialgleichung 4. Ordnung bestimmen, auf deren Bestimmung hier nicht näher eingegangen wird. In Fig. 6 the section 64 is shown as a flat section, However, the ground surface can advantageously be curved so that that of her reflected light is then bundled. The amount of curvature of this bevel depends on the refractive index of the material of the key shaft, the desired bundling of the reflected light beam and the shaft diameter. The optimal curvature the ground surface can be derived from a relatively complex differential equation 4. Determine the order, the determination of which will not be discussed in detail here.

Außerdem sei erwähnt, daß der Bereich 55 des Tastenschafts, durch den sich das Licht in Ruhestellung der Taste fortpflanzt, als Zylinderlinse ohne Anschliff ausgebildet sein kann, wodurch sich eine Bündelung des Lichts beim Übergang von einem Kanalsegment in ein Gegenüberliegendes ergibt. It should also be mentioned that the area 55 of the key shaft through which the light propagates in the rest position of the key, as a cylindrical lens without Grind can be formed, whereby a bundling of the light at the transition from one channel segment to an opposite one.

Die Verwendung eines solchen Tastenschafts mit einem Anschliff als reflektierende Fläche ist sehr kostengünstig, da keine gesonderte Reflexionsfläche z. B. aus Aluminium oder Silber auf den Schaft aufgebracht werden muß. The use of such a key shaft with a bevel as reflective surface is very inexpensive because there is no separate reflective surface z. B. made of aluminum or silver must be applied to the shaft.

Im folgenden wird mit Bezug auf F i g. 4 die Verbindung der einzelnen Tastenfeldmodule untereinander erläutert. An den Seitenwänden der Modulkörper sind Steckverbindungen angebracht, die als Muffen und Stecker ausgebildet sind. An jeder Seitenfläche des Modulkörpers können mehrere solcher Muffen bzw. Stekker vorgesehen sein, wodurch die Verwindungssteifigkeit der aus den einzelnen Modulen zusammengesetzten Tastatur erhöht wird. In F i g. 4 ist der Fall gezeigt, in dem die Lichtleiter 70, 71 zusammen mit den Kanälen 52, 53 als Muffen und Stecker zur Herstellung der Steckverbindung zwischen den einzelnen Modulen benutzt werden. In the following, with reference to FIG. 4 the connection of each Keypad modules explained among each other. On the side walls of the module body are Plug connections attached, which are designed as sleeves and plugs. At every A plurality of such sleeves or plugs can be provided on the side surface of the module body be, whereby the torsional stiffness of the composite from the individual modules Keyboard is increased. In Fig. 4 shows the case in which the light guides 70, 71 together with the channels 52, 53 as sleeves and plugs for making the plug connection can be used between the individual modules.

Die Lichtleiter 71 ragen über die Seitenflächen der Steckmodule an zwei aufeinanderstoßenden Seiten hinaus. Die Lichtleiter 70 in den in den anderen beiden Seitenflächen mündenden Kanälen sind demgegenüber verkürzt, so daß von den dort liegenden Kanalenden Muffen gebildet werden, in die beim Zusammenbau der Tastatur die überstehenden Enden von Lichtleitern benachbarter Tastenfeldmodule 50 hineingesteckt werden. The light guides 71 protrude over the side surfaces of the plug-in modules two colliding pages out. The light guides 70 in one in the other Both side surfaces opening channels are shortened, so that of the There lying channel ends sleeves are formed in the assembly of the keyboard the protruding ends of optical fibers of adjacent keypad modules 50 are inserted will.

An zwei benachbarten Randabschnitten eines so zusammengesteckten Tastenfeldes weisen somit, wie in F i g. 4 gezeigt ist, Muffen nach außen, wohingegen bei den anderen beiden Randabschnitten Lichtleiterenden aus den Kanälen hinausragen. At two adjacent edge sections one that is plugged together in this way Keypad thus have, as shown in FIG. 4 is shown, sleeves to the outside, whereas at the other two edge sections, light guide ends protrude from the channels.

Vorteilhafterweise können die so gebildeten Muffen zur Aufnahme von Lichtquellen verwendet werden. Die Detektoren sind in gleicher Weise befestigt. Advantageously, the sleeves formed in this way for receiving Light sources are used. The detectors are attached in the same way.

Wie sich aus dem Obenstehenden ergibt, vereinfacht sich die Herstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Tastatur durch den modularen Aufbau erheblich. Insbesondere stellt die Verwendung der Lichtleiter gleichzeitig als Verbindungselemente zwischen den einzelnen Modulen eine einfache und kostensenkende Lösung dar. Darüberhinaus sind jedoch auch andere Verbindungsmechanismen zwischen den einzelnen Modulen oder zwischen den Modulen und einer Grundplatte denkbar, die bei der Erläuterung der beschriebenen Ausführungsform der Erfindung nicht erwähnt wurden. As can be seen from the above, the manufacture is simplified the keyboard according to the invention considerably due to the modular structure. In particular provides the use of the light guide as connecting elements between the individual modules represent a simple and cost-reducing solution however, there are also other connection mechanisms between the individual modules or between the modules and a base plate is conceivable, which in the explanation of the described embodiment of the invention were not mentioned.

Die Erfindung beschränkt sich nicht nur auf die gezeigten und beschriebenen Ausführungsformen sondern umfaßt vielmehr alle Varianten einer gattungsgemäßen opto-elektronischen Tastatur, bei denen von dem der Erfindung zugrundeliegenden Grundgedanken Gebrauch gemacht wird. The invention is not limited to those shown and described Embodiments but rather includes all variants of a generic opto-electronic Keyboard, in which use of the basic idea on which the invention is based is made.

- Leerseite -- blank page -

Claims

Claims: 1. Opto-electronic keyboard with - an arrangement of intersecting light paths running in several rows and columns, - on Light sources and detectors attached to the ends of the light paths at the intersection points reflective surfaces that can be inserted into the light paths and are arranged on probe shafts, with which when a button is pressed light from a light path into the associated intersecting light path is deflected to a detector, according to patent no.

33 07 336, characterized in that - the light sources (L1, L2, L3) are arranged at one end of each of the light paths (1, 2, 3) running in the columns - the light sources (Ll, L2, L3) are pulsed sequentially, and - the detectors (Dl, D2, D3) at each end of the light paths (4,5,6) running in the lines are arranged.

2. Opto-electronic keyboard with - an arrangement of in several Rows and columns running, intersecting light paths - at the ends of the light paths attached light sources and detectors, - in the intersection of the light paths insertable reflective surfaces arranged on probe shafts with which when pressing a button light from a light path in the associated crossing Light path is deflected to a detector, according to patent no.

33 07 336, characterized in that - each at one end of the light paths (1, 2, 3) running in the columns emitting light of a first color Light sources (L11, L12, L1 3) and at the other ends of each on light one Detectors (D11, D12, responding to the second color) are arranged - each on one End of the light paths (4, 5, 6) running in the lines are light of the second color emitting light sources (L21, L22, L23) and at the other ends of each Detectors (D21, D22, D23) responding to light of the first color are arranged, and - surfaces (510) that are reflective on both sides are attached to the probe shafts, which simultaneously light from the light paths of the relevant when a button is pressed Column or row to the associated detectors in the relevant row or Divert column.

3. Opto-electronic keyboard with - an arrangement of in several Rows and columns running, intersecting light paths - at the ends of the light paths attached light sources and detectors, - in the intersection of the light paths insertable reflective surfaces arranged on probe shafts with which when pressing a button light from a light path in the associated crossing Light path is deflected to a detector, according to patent no.

33 07 336, characterized in that - the intersecting light paths (1 to 6, 1 'to 6') run one above the other in two parallel planes, - In a first level light sources (L31> L32, L33) at each end of the in Columns of light paths (1, 2, 3) and in the second level light sources (L41, L42, L43) at each end of the light paths (4 ', 5', 6 ') running in the lines, - Detectors (D3i, D32, D33) in the first level at one end of each in the rows running light paths (4, 5, 6) and in the second level each at one end of the in the columns running light paths (1 ', 2', 3 ') are arranged, and - the key shafts two light paths in each of the two levels (1 to 6; 1 'to 6') has insertable reflective surfaces (S20, S30).

4. Keyboard according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that the arrangement of the intersecting light paths several each at least one Has cross point comprehensive abutting key modules (50).

5. Keyboard according to claim 4, characterized in that each keypad module (50) has a body (51) in which channels (52, 53) run, the guidance of which is determined by the light path arrangement (1 to 6, 1 'to 6'), and each in a bore (54) open, the axis of which through the intersection (s) of the light paths and is perpendicular to the plane (s) in which the light paths lie.

6. Keyboard according to claim 5, characterized by in the channels (52, 53) between their intersection with the bore (54) and the side walls of the module body arranged light guides (70,71).

7. Keyboard according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that in a key shaft (60) displaceable along the axis of the bore is arranged in the bore (54) is, whose when the button (60, 61) is not pressed in the intersection area of the light paths lying part (s) (55) is (are) translucent, and its, when actuated Key (60, 61) part (s) (63) lying in the light paths as a cylindrical lens a totally reflective polished section (64) is (are) formed.

8. Keyboard according to claim 7, characterized in that the ground joint (64) has a curved surface, the curvature of which is determined by the refractive index of the shaft material is determined so that the light reflected from this surface is bundled.

9. Keyboard according to claim 6, characterized by on the side surfaces the module body is brought, trained as sleeves and plugs Plug connections.

10. Keyboard according to claim 9, characterized in that the connector on two abutting sides of a module body from above the side surfaces protruding ends of the light guides (71), and the sleeves from those in the other two Side surfaces opening channel ends (53) are formed, the lying there Light guides (70) are shortened accordingly.

11. Keyboard according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that that the light sources and detectors at the edge of the keyboard in from channel ends (53) formed sleeves are inserted.

The invention relates to a further development of an optoelectronic Keyboard of the main patent no.

33 07 336 proposed type, particularly in the telecommunications sector can be used.

In patent no. 33 07 336 an opto-electronic keyboard is with an arrangement of several rows and columns that cross each other Suggested light paths. Light sources and detectors are at the end of the light paths arranged. At the intersection of the light paths there are tactile shafts reflective surfaces can be introduced into the light paths with which when a Key light from a light path into the associated intersecting light path on one Detector is diverted to.

If no key is pressed on the keyboard, this is 'opto-electronic' Keyboard on none of the detectors to a light signal, so that only one Dark current flows. The power consumption of this keyboard is thus compared to conventional ones known optical keyboards very little. The one described in the main application So opto-electronic keyboard can be very economical, especially in the telecommunications sector insert. In order to keep the cost of creating such a keyboard as low as possible to keep, such a keyboard is supposed to be made up of just a few different, easy-to-manufacture Be constructed components. In addition, the components should be adapted to the use of different Light sources and detectors be adapted so that the individual components of the Keyboard the most cost-effective use available on the market at any time Light sources and detectors enable: The invention is based on the object to further develop an optoelectronic keyboard of the type described in the main application, that these can be produced from a few different components and new ones can be used Components is adaptable, whereby in addition to the low operating costs also the manufacturing costs can be kept low.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with an optoelectronic keyboard according to the one described in the main application. Kind with in the characteristics of the patent claims 1 to 3 described features solved.

In the subclaims are preferred embodiments of the invention opto-electronic keyboard.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawing explained in more detail. It shows F i g. 1 is a schematic representation of the Light paths in a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 a schematic Representation of the light paths in a second embodiment of the invention.

F i g. 3 shows a schematic representation of the light paths in a third Embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 in plan view one of nine keypad modules composite keypad, FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned side view one embodiment of a keypad module, FIG. 6 is a cross section through the Part of a key shaft designed as a cylindrical lens with a bevel.

F i g. 1 shows a schematic representation of the light paths in a first embodiment of the opto-electronic keyboard according to the invention. Included For the sake of simplicity, a 3 x 3 keyboard is assumed. From light sources Light emitted from L to L3 is planted along columns of the keyboard matrix Light paths 1 to 3 continue. As shown in Fig. 1, this is passed through by the light sources L1 and L3 emitted light the keyboard rectilinearly when none in these columns key was pressed. In Fig. is the case shown that the middle Key in the second column was operated, so that the emitted from the light source L2 Light is deflected by 90 "on a reflective surface S1 and onto a detector D2 hits. The detectors D1 to D3 are at ends through rows of the keyboard matrix running light paths 4 to 6, which with the light sources L1 to L3 cross outgoing light paths. The light beam reflected from the surface Sl "is so. guided to the detector D2, which emits a signal, which determines the line in which the pressed key is located. In the case of the FIG. 1 shown example the column in which the pressed key is located is determined by one controls the light sources 1 to 3 sequentially, so that from the point in time on which a signal occurs at detector D2, the position of the column can be determined, in which the pressed key is located. Thus, the position of the pressed key can be uniquely identified, since both the row and the column in which they are intended for.

This variant of the opto-electronic keyboard comes with three Detectors and three light sources, however, requires electronics that sequential pulsed operation of the light sources controls and the temporal occurrence of a Evaluates detector signal.

F i g. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention opto-electronic keyboard in which the light paths are essentially the same Have course as in the case of FIG. 1 embodiment shown.