EP0099427A1 - Tastatur - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0099427A1
EP0099427A1 EP82303631A EP82303631A EP0099427A1 EP 0099427 A1 EP0099427 A1 EP 0099427A1 EP 82303631 A EP82303631 A EP 82303631A EP 82303631 A EP82303631 A EP 82303631A EP 0099427 A1 EP0099427 A1 EP 0099427A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
keyboard
keys
arms
shifting
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP82303631A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Craig E. Rooney
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.)
ENGINEERING RESEARCH APPLICATIONS Inc
Original Assignee
ENGINEERING RESEARCH APPLICATIONS Inc
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
Priority to US06/190,177 priority Critical patent/US4359612A/en
Priority claimed from US06/190,177 external-priority patent/US4359612A/en
Priority to US06/244,054 priority patent/US4359613A/en
Priority claimed from US06/244,054 external-priority patent/US4359613A/en
Application filed by ENGINEERING RESEARCH APPLICATIONS Inc filed Critical ENGINEERING RESEARCH APPLICATIONS Inc
Priority to EP82303631A priority patent/EP0099427A1/de
Publication of EP0099427A1 publication Critical patent/EP0099427A1/de
Priority to US06/822,866 priority patent/USRE32419E/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/028—Tactile feedback alterable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/034—Separate snap action
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/012—Two keys simultaneous considerations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/016—Make break
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
    • H01H2227/036—Minimise height
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2233/00—Key modules
    • H01H2233/002—Key modules joined to form button rows
    • H01H2233/004—One molded part
    • H01H2233/006—Separating individual keys after mounting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/026—Internal encoding, e.g. validity bit

Definitions

  • the present invention is concerned with an improved, low cost keyboard preferably formed of moldable synthetic resin material and which has a substantial degree of mechanical N-key rollover protection and other necessary features making the keyboard applicable for a wide variety of uses. More particularly, it is concerned with such a keyboard having a momentary impulse output operation, standard tactile feedback and the ability to handle high speed inputs without difficulty.
  • Keyboards are most commonly associated with typewriters and have until recent times developed in parallel with typewriter evolution. However, with the advent of the electronic age, a new generation of keyboards suitable for use as instruction keys for electronically activated devices has evolved. These keyboards have a wide array of uses, only one of which is to input electronic typewriters.
  • keyboards In the present state of the art, there are basically three types of keyboards. In one variety, electronic output in the form of electrically encoded signals to a companion or remote device is employed. In another type of keyboard, mechanical output movements are used which trip or activate leverages or linkages in either totally mechanical machines (e.g., manual typewriters) or electric machines such as electric typewriters. The principal distinguishing feature between these two types of keyboards is the form of output, i.e., mechanical movement or electric signal.
  • a third type of general keyboard construction can be thought of as a hybrid between the electronic and mechanical units.
  • a mechanically induced movement is read electronically by one of various kinds of transducers, and the reader outputs the detected movement in the form of signals of an electronic nature.
  • keyboard art is old and well developed, the relatively recent proliferation of electronic devices that require operator instruction has caused the manufacturing of keyboards to grow at an enormous rate.
  • Keyboards are required in all sizes, configurations, colors, shapes, tilts, slants, legends, codings, key strokes and depths.
  • this industry growth or perhaps as a result thereof, no one keyboard or variety of keyboard has emerged as clearly superior. This is primarily due to the operational or cost limitations inherent in the various keyboard constructions, as well as the difficulty of modifying the same for particular purposes.
  • Tactile feedback in this context refers to a slight pressure increase required to depress a key through the initial range of key stroke, followed by a breakaway at about two- thirds of the stroke depth that is felt by the operator. This breakaway change from one pressure to a lighter pressure is not mimicked in any electronic keyboard in common usage, and accordingly this latter type of keyboard is deficient in this respect.
  • a keyboard form should include tactile feedback.
  • the amount of feedback should be variable without signficant or costly manufacturing changes, in order to meet differing uses.
  • the typical electronic keyboard solves the problem in an electronic way. Normally, a keyboard matrix of the key switch positions is scanned at high frequency. The first switch to be activated is entered into memory and the second switch is then entered while the output from the first switch is ignored or blocked and so forth until "N-keys" are depressed. For this reason electronic keyboards require a substantial amount of logic circuitry, the relative amount of sophistication of the decoding and "N-key" analysis and speed of information scanning being in direct proportion to the cost of the board.
  • Hall effect keyboards are inherently very expensive by virtue of the many electronic components required, and particularly the relatively high electronic power supply requirements.
  • the present invention is broadly concerned with a keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, which overcomes the problems noted above.
  • the keyboard is manufactured almost entirely from low cost synthetic resin materials for ease of fabrication and cost reduction.
  • the keyboard includes a plurality of separate, depressible keys, means for developing a keyboard output corresponding to depression of particular keys, and structure operably coupling the keys and the output means.
  • a keyboard having a plurality of keys with an elongated, generally horizontally extending support arms secured to each key respectively. Certain of the arms extend in a first direction, whereas others of the arms extend in a second direction different than (preferably generally opposed to) the first direction.
  • the respective arms are mounted for pivotal movement thereof about generally horizontal axes spaced from the associated keys. In this fashion, the keys can be accommodated within a relatively narrow space, while at the same time providing the desirable keyboard "feel" and feedback of conventional typewriter keyboards.
  • the key-supporting arms of the preferred embodiment include an engagement surface which, upon depression of the associated key, engage and deflect a resilient, synthetic resin element such as a flipper provided beneath each key in the keyboard base.
  • the respective flippers are mounted in a cantilever fashion on the keyboard base with the free or operating ends of the flippers extending beneath the corresponding engagement surfaces.
  • the engagement surface and flipper end are cooperatively configured such that, near the bottom of the key stroke, the flipper is detended from the engagement surface and is allowed to rapidly shift or spring upwardly toward its original rest position. However, during this return travel, the flipper overtravels to a certain extent before returning to its rest configuration.
  • Output from the keyboard in accordance with the preferred embodiment is developed through the use of an elongated synthetic resin strip coated with a conductive material such as silver or silicon conductive rubber which is disposed transversely relative to the respective key-supporting arms and located to be engaged by the flippers during the described overtravel movement thereof.
  • An elongated resistive wire is positioned above the conductive strip, in such location that the flipper serves to push the conductive strip into engagement with the resistive wire for a very short "impulse" period during the overtravel motion of the flipper.
  • Such contact between the conductive strip and resistive wire completes an electrical circuit, and apparatus such as an analog/digital voltage converter is coupled to the strip and resistive wire for determining the magnitude of resistances developed through the wire.
  • a predetermined resistance corresponds to each key and associated flipper, and in this fashion a precise determination can be made of which of the keys has been depressed.
  • the output from the voltage converter is directed to utilization circuitry associated with the overall typewriter, printer or CRT.
  • each key element is in the form of an elongated, resilient, U-shaped synthetic resin strip with an upstanding nib on one end thereof and with the other end being secured against translatory movement.
  • a second elongated, resilient U-shaped member is disposed about the first strip and has a nib thereof for engaging the free end nib of the first strip, along with a key-engaging knee portion beneath the associated key.
  • the second U-shaped element is pulled forwardly which in turn shifts the first U-shaped element in a similar direction by virtue of the engagement between the respective nibs.
  • the potential energy level in the first resilient strip is increased until a cam-like disengaging surface forming a part of the keyboard structure is reached. At this point the surface is engaged, the nibs are separated, and the first U-shaped element is allowed to "snap back" toward its original position.
  • the alternative embodiment includes one or more upstanding encoding posts carried by the first U-shaped strip and, during the "snap back" sequence, these posts engage one or more corresponding, transversely extending, synthetic resin encoding strips in order to flex the latter.
  • Such flexure in turn moves respective upright arms operatively engaged by the encoding strips, and such arm movement is sensed or read in order to develop the keyboard output signal.
  • the key array of the alternative embodiment is preferably formed of synthetic resin material and includes an integral synthetic resin base sheet cut to present a plurality of upstanding, individual flaps, with respective key tops secured to the flaps.
  • Lines of weakness are formed in the key-supporting flaps such that, when a downwardly directed force is applied to the keys, the supporting flaps collapse downwardly.
  • the resilience of the flaps along with the resilience of the underlying shifting strip, cooperatively return the key to its normal rest position.
  • the lines of weakness in the respective flaps are formed so that, upon depression of the keys, the associated flaps form operating projections which engage the knee portions of the associated underlying shifting elements for moving the latter.
  • a keyboard blank is molded which includes a base member and a first set of elongated arms, with structure pivotally coupling the first arms to the base along one margin thereof.
  • a key is further secured to each arm.
  • a second set of arms is then positioned in opposed, facing relationship to the first arms, and the first and second arms are shifted toward one another until the arms are generally parallel to the base, and are pivotal about respective axes. This involves intercalating respective arms, and captively locking each arm so that it travels only through a predetermined key strok arc.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 are depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, and broadly includes a plurality of keys 32 arranged in respective rows, along with an elongated, spanning, depressible spacing bar 34.
  • the keyboard further has means referred to by the numeral 36 for supporting the keys 32 for individual, selective depression thereof, and means 38 (see Fig. 12) for developing a keyboard output related to the depression of particular keys.
  • Structure 40 beneath the keys 32 is employed for operably coupling the keys and the output means 38 so that, upon depression of particular keys, a corresponding output is developed.
  • each of the keys 32 is preferably formed of synthetic resin material and presents a slightly concave, uppermost finger- engagement surface 42 along with a depending, circumscribing skirt 44.
  • the majority of the keys are essentially square in plan configuration as best seen in Fig. 1, whereas certain of the keys are oblong or L-shaped, as is conventional in present day keyboards.
  • the key-supporting means 36 includes a substantially planar, apertured base 46 which is rectangular in plan configuration, along with a pair of spaced, opposed, marginal front and rear walls 48 and 50, and upright, spaced, marginal sidewalls 52, 54.
  • the base 46 is provided with two series 55a and 55b of apertures 56 and 58 respectively adjacent and extending along the length of front and rear walls 48 and 50. It will be noted in this regard that the apertures 56, 58 alternate along the length of each wall 48, 50, and that the apertures 56 are somewhat longer than the apertures 58: In addition, it will be observed that the apertures along the length of front wall 48 are laterally offset relative to the apertures along the length of rear wall 50. The signific- cance of these features will be made clear here- .inafter.
  • the base 46 is also provided with a series of alternating, elongated, rectangular slots 60 and 62 therethrough which are located between the walls 48, 50.
  • a slot 62 is provided and is in alignment with each aperture 56, 58 in the row 55a thereof proximal to front wall 48; likewise, a slot 60 is provided with and is in alignment with each aperture 56, 58 in the row 55b thereof proximal to front wall 48.
  • each slot 60 is defined by a front wall 64 and a rear wall 66 along with spaced, opposed sidewalls 68.
  • An elongated, rearwardly extending, resilient, deformable flipper or element 70 is secured to the front wall 64 of each slot 60 in a cantilever fashion by means of a short, thin connection strip 72 (see Fig. 4).
  • the free or operating end 74 of each element 70 is between the sidewall 68 and spaced from the rear wall 66.
  • a notch 76 is provided in the upper surface of element 70 as depicted.
  • Each slot 62 is similar to the slots 60 and is defined by a front wall 78, rear wall 80, and spaced, opposed sidewalls 82.
  • An elongated, resilient, deformable flipper or element 84 is secured to rear wall 80 of each slot 62 and extends forwardly toward front wall 78.
  • the elements 84 are cantilever mounted to their respective mounting walls by means of short connection strips.
  • the free or operating end 86 of each element 84 is spaced from the front wall 78, and the upper surface of each element 84 is notched as at 88.
  • Notches 89 are provided in the upper face of base 46 between the slots 62 and in alignment with the element notches 76, 88, so that the notches 76, 88 and 89 cooperatively define an elongated channel extending between sidewalls 52, 54. Finally, the upper surfaces of the notched regions of the elements 70, 84 are peaked as at 90 (see Figs. 12-15).
  • the front walls 64 of the slots 60 are closer to the apertures 56, 58 adjacent front wall 48, than are the front walls 78 of the slots 62.
  • the rear walls 80 of the slots 62 are closer to the apertures 56, 58 proximal to rear wall 50, than are the rear walls 66 of the slots 60.
  • the respective elements 70, 84 respectively associated with each slot 60 or 62 are cantilever mounted and extend in opposite directions relative to one another.
  • the notches 76, 88 provided in the element 70, 84 are in alignment with one another for purposes to be made clear.
  • the key-supporting means 36 further includes two sets 91 and 92 of elongated key arms respectively pivotally coupled to the walls 48, 50.
  • Set 91 includes alternating longer and shorter arms 94 and 96 which are oriented in laterally spaced relationship along the length of wall 48.
  • the longer arms 94 are located directly above the apertures 58, whereas the shorter arms 96 are located directly above the apertures 56.
  • each of the arms 94, 96 extends over a portion of an associated slot 62 and element 84 therein. Referring to Figs. 1-3, it will be seen that each of the arms 94, 96 are pivotally connected to the upper margin of wall 48 by means of a thin, synthetic resin hinge portion 98.
  • a depending leg 100 extends from the end of hinge portion 98 remote from wall 48, and has a lowermost dog 102 thereon.
  • the dog 102 is inserted and captively retained within the adjacent, associated aperture 56 or 58 directly beneath the hinge portion 98.
  • An elongated arm 94, 96 extends from the leg 100 above dog 102 to a point for supporting a key 32. To this end, the ends of the arms 94, 96, are provided with upstanding frictional connector 104 for receiving and supporting an associated key 32.
  • a depending retainer 106 is secured to each arm 94, 96 and extends downwardly therefrom and is received within the associated underlying slot 62 in order to prevent significant lateral wiggle of the arms and their supported keys. Specifically, the retainer 106 fits in the open portion of the underlying slot 62 between the extreme free end of the element 84 and front wall 78.
  • a beveled flipper-engaging member 108 is also provided with each arm 94, 96, directly inboard of the retainer 106.
  • the member 108 includes a substantially triangular bottom wall 110 disposed partially above the end 86 of the element 84, an upright planar sidewall 112, and a beveled, substantially planar sidewall 114. The importance of this construction will be explained hereinafter.
  • the set of arms 92 is operatively coupled to rear wall 50 such that the arms 116, 118 thereof are laterally spaced apart and extend toward front wall 48.
  • the longer arms 116 alternate with the shorter arms 118; and the longer arms 116 are disposed over and operatively coupled with an aperture'58 in set 55b, whereas the shorter arms 118 are disposed over and coupled to an underlying aperture 56.
  • each of the arms 116, 118 are coupled to their associated wall 50 in a manner identical to that described in conjunction with the arms 94, 96 of set 91. That is to say, a hinge portion 98 and depending leg 100 having a dog 102 are provided for each arm, with the dog 102 being inserted within the associated aperture 56 or 58 for the arm. Likewise, each of the arms 116, 118 includes a depending retainer 106 received within a slot 60 between the free end of the element 70 therein and the defining front wall 64. Finally, each of the arms 116, 118 includes an element-engaging member 108 which is identical to that described in connection with the arms 94, 96, both in the structure thereof and in disposition relative to the associated underlying elements 70.
  • the longer arms 116 support the row of keys closest to front wall 48; whereas the shorter arms 118 support the next inboard row of keys.
  • the arms 94, 96 of set 91 extend in an opposed direction relative to the arms 116, 118 of set 92. Also, the arms are intercalated so that arms from set 91 alternate with arms from the opposing set 92.
  • Spacing bar 34 is supported for up and down movement thereof by means of a pair of elongated, spaced apart arms 120 which extend from rear wall 50 forwardly to a point just adjacent front wall 48.
  • the arms 120 are pivotally mounted for movement about a horizontal axis so that the bar 34 moves in the conventional fashion.
  • Output means 38 includes an elongated, resilient, synthetic resin strip 122 having a conductive coating of conductive rubber 124 on the upper face thereof.
  • the strip 122 is mounted within the channel defined by the aligned notches 76, 88 and 89. It will thus be appreciated that the strip 122 extends above and transversely relative to the longitudinal axes of the respective elements 70, 84, and below the arms 94, 96 and 116, 118.
  • the output means 38 further includes an elongated, resistive wire 126 preferably formed as so-called "Nichrome" material.
  • the wire 126 is located slightly above and extends along the length of the strip 122.
  • a plurality of spaced apart tubular insulators 128 are provided on wire 126 and respectively straddle the underlying elements 70, 84.
  • the insulators 128 divide the output means 38 into a plurality of spaced electrical contact switch zones, each zone is comprised of a portion of the wire 126 and the respective underlying portion of the strip 122.
  • the elements 70, 84 each include a contact switch area configured for selectively engaging the associated switch zone of the output means 38 directly above the respective element 70 or 84.
  • Electrical signal generating means comprising an analog/digital voltage converter 130 provided with a suitable reference voltage source (not shown) is operatively coupled to the wire 126 and conductive coating 124 such that, when one of the elements 70, 84 moves in a manner to engage its associated switch zone, the strip 122 is pushed into momentary, impulse contact with wire 126, and a characteristic resistance corresponding with the element (and thereby the associated key) is developed and sensed.
  • An output cable 132 is coupled to appropriate utilization circuitry (not shown) forming a part of the overall typewriter.
  • the arms 94 support keys 32 in the row thereof furthest from wall 48.
  • the shorter arms 96 support the keys forming the second row thereof spaced from rear wall 50.
  • keyboard 30 can best be understood from a consideration of Figs. 4-11. In the ensuing discussion, the operation of keyboard 30 during depression of a particular key 32a supported by one of the arms 118 will be described; it will be understood, however, that the operation of the remaining keys is identical in all material respects.
  • the arm 118 extends generally horizontally relative to the base 46, and is pivotally movable by virtue of the associated hinge portion 98.
  • the dog 102 is disposed within the underlying aperture 56 adjacent rear wall 50. The orientation of dog 102 within the aperture 56 thus limits the extent of pivotal movement of the arm 118.
  • the limits of this pivotal movement are illustrated in Fig. 4 by means of respective sector lines 134 and 136 which define the predetermined arc of travel of the arm 118 and, consequently, the key 32a.
  • pivot axis for arm 118 is elevated above the longitudinal axis of the arm, and lies in a horizontal plane (depicted by line 138 in Fig. 4) which intersects the predetermined arc of travel of the key. It has been found that the described orientation of the pivot axis for the respective arms give a "feel" to the user which closely simulates conventional typewriter keyboards.
  • the element overtravels the original starting or rest position thereof, and, during such overtravel, engages with a momentary impact the underside of the strip 122.
  • this overtravel movement serves to push or propel the strip upwardly till the conductive coating 124 thereon comes into a momentary pulse-type engagement with the resistive wire 126.
  • Such impulse movement is facilitated by virtue of the peaked nature of the element at the region of the notch 76 therein, which is indicated by the reference numeral 90.
  • the peaked sections in conjunction with the conductive rubber coated strip 122, cause an arcuate portion of the strip to orthogonally contact the circular in cross section wire 126; such cross point contact creates a relatively high mechanical stress region at the contact point which is desirable to establish a firm, yet momentary contact pressure between the components.
  • contact between the strip 122 and wire 126 at multiple points is prevented by virtue of the straddling insulators 128 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the element 70.
  • a circuit coupled with the converter 130 is established from the converter 130 through the portions of the coating 124 and wire 126 electrically between the converter and the contact point.
  • the converter 130 senses the magnitude of the electrical resistance developed in the involved portion of the wire 126 during such circuit closing, and delivers a suitably corresponding electrical output (e.g., a binary encoded character code) to the cable 132.
  • a suitably corresponding electrical output e.g., a binary encoded character code
  • a mold 142 is illustrated having a base section 144, an upper section 146, and a pair of separate comb-like elements 147.
  • the mold 142 is employed to form a blank 148 used in the fabrication of a completed keyboard 30.
  • the blank 148 includes a base 46 having respective sets 55a and 55b of apertures 56, 58 along spaced margins thereof, along with front and rear walls 48, 50 secured to the base margin along respective lines of weakness 150, 152.
  • Each aperture 56, 58 includes a flexible section 153 at the inner face thereof permitting insertion of a corresponding dog 102 in the final fabrication process.
  • the base 46 is molded to include all of the other described structure, e.g., the slots 60, 62 and flipper elements 70, 84.
  • the arm sets 91, 92 are respectively secured to the margins of the walls 48, 50 remote from the base 46, and these arms are configured as described above.
  • a pair of elongated spacer bar-supporting arms 120 are provided for the bar 34.
  • Respective keys 154 are integrally attached to the outermost end of each of the described arms. As best seen in Figs. 16 and 17, the arms are secured to their associated keys 154 along one margin of the skirt thereof.
  • a removable die block 156 is inserted through the upper mold section 146 and into each separate key 154.
  • the die blocks 156 have, on their innermost ends, structure for forming informational indicia openings in the keytops.
  • a separate filler block 157 extends through the section 146 and into spacer bar 34 as shown.
  • a blank 148 can be fabricated using mold 142 and conventional injection molding techniques.
  • the die blocks 156 are removed from their associated opening and keys, and a filler material 158 (see Fig. 17) of a different colored synthetic resin than that forming the main body of the blank is placed within each key body.
  • a secondary block 160 is placed within the associated openings in section 146 and the keys 154, in order to press the material 158 into the indicia openings left by the die blocks 156. This serves to fill such openings and give a completed key top bearing the appropriate indicia thereon.
  • Fig. 18 illustrates a completed key bearing the letter "A".
  • the blank 148 is placed on a work surface, and the walls 48, 50 turned upwardly relative to the base along the lines of weakness 150, 152 (see Fig. 19).
  • the next step involves pivoting the respective arms of each set 91, 92 thereof downwardly until such arms are generally horizontal and parallel with base 46.
  • the dog 102 associated with each arm is inserted within the underlying base aperture 56 or 58 (such being facilitated by the presence of the flexible sections 153), so that the arm is captively held for pivotal movement along a predetermined arc, as hereinabove explained.
  • the final steps in the fabrication process involve shifting the arms 120 downwardly and interconnecting the same with the transversely extending spacer bar 34.
  • the output means 38 can then be installed in the blank 148 in order to give a completed keyboard.
  • Figs. 20-21 illustrate a similar molding process for the production of a two-part blank 162.
  • the mold 164 includes a pair of side-by-side interfitted base sections 166, 167, 168; along with a pair of upper sections 170, 172.
  • a pair of elongated comb-like elements 173 are also provided, along with respective elongated inserts 173a.
  • the blank 162 is molded to present a base 46 having a sidewall portion 48 secured thereto along a line of weakness 174.
  • One set of arms 91 are secured to the end of wall-48 remote from base 46.
  • the latter includes the aperture sets 55a and 55b, as well as the other described structure of the base including the slots, elements and flexible sections 153.
  • the second set of arms 92 is also formed within mold 164 as a separate element between the upper portion of base section 168 and the lefthand face of upper base sections 172.
  • the arm set 92 includes the sidewall 50 secured thereto, and the sidewall 50 and the margin of base 46 remote from wall 48 are provided with appropriate connectors 176, 178.
  • the arm set 92 includes the elongated arms 120 and spacer bar 34. It will be seen that the apparatus of Fig. 20 serves to mold the respective arm sets 91, 92 in an intercalated condition so that upon final fabrication this procedural step is eliminated.
  • the keys 154 are formed simultaneously with the respective arms of each set 91, 92, as in the case of the embodiment of Figs. 16-19.
  • die blocks 180 bearing the appropriate key indicia, and filler block 181 are initially positioned within the mold sections 168, 170 as illustrated, so that the keys, when formed, include the appropriate indicia openings in the upper surfaces thereof.
  • the respective keys 154 are completed as illustrated and described in connection with Figs. 17-18, i.e., use of a material 158 having a different color than that of the main body of the keys 154.
  • the fabrication technique involves connecting the wall 50 to the margin of base 46 remote from wall 48, through use of the connectors 176, 178.
  • the final step involves pivoting of the respective arm of the sets 91, 92 until such arms (which are already intercalated) are oriented as hereinabove described.
  • the keyboard 220 includes a set 222 of individual, depressible keys 224, output means 226 for developing a keyboard output corresponding to the depression of particular keys 224, and structure referred to by the numeral 228 for operably coupling the keys 224 and the output means 226.
  • a support assembly including a base member 230 and a housing 232 also forms a part of the overall keyboard 220.
  • Key set 222 includes an integral synthetic resin base sheet 234 formed of a suitable tough, resilient material such as one of the well known polycarbonate resins.
  • the sheet 234 is backed by a layer 236 of structural backing material such as a high density polyethylene.
  • the sheet 234 and layer 236 are supported atop base member 230; moreover, the rearward end of the sheet and layer are disposed within housing 232, and the extreme rearmost edge is beveled as at 238. The importance of this beveled surface, which extends the full width of the sheet and layer at the rearward end thereof, will be explained hereinafter.
  • a plurality of respective pairs of upright, somewhat triangularly shaped flaps 240, 242 are cut from the sheet 234 and layer 236, as best seen in Fig. 23.
  • the flaps are at right angles to one another.
  • each of the flaps is configured to present a total of three vertically spaced, transversely extending lines of weakness 244, 246 and 248 therein, such that the lines present in effect fold or hinge lines across the body of each of the flaps 240, 242.
  • the layer 236 is cut at the region of the lines 244-248 to present respective, transversely extending, triangular in cross section relieved areas or recesses 250, 252 and 254.
  • a separate key top 256 is secured to each respective pair of upright flaps 240, 242.
  • Each key top 256 includes an uppermost, concave finger depression top wall 258, as well as a depending continuous sidewall 260 so that the key top presents an open-bottom, hollow configuration.
  • Each of the key tops is formed from synthetic resin material identical with that of the base member, i.e., an outermost integral sheet 262 of polycarbonate material backed with a layer 264 of a high density polyethylene.
  • each of the key tops 256 is adhesively secured to the uppermost triangular portions of the flaps 240, 242. Further, and as will be explained in detail hereinafter, each of the flaps are configured for collapsing downwardly when a downwardly directed force is applied to the associated key top in order to effect depression of the key; in addition, the nature of the materials used in the flaps 240, 242, as well as the configuration thereof, helps to return the key to its upright position illustrated in Fig. 23, when the key is released.
  • the keyboard output device 226 is disposed within housing 232 and includes a plurality of elongated, resilient, spaced apart encoding strips 264 which are respectively secured to the sidewalls of housing 232 by appropriate connectors 266.
  • Each of the strips .264 is slightly longer than the distance between the points of connection thereof, and the importance of this feature will be made clear hereinafter.
  • a total of nine separate encoding strips 264 are depicted (eight information bit strips, and one parity coding strip).
  • the strips would be formed of a suitable synthetic resin material such as mylar.
  • a plurality of laterally spaced, encoding strip-engaging pegs 268 depend from the top wall of the housing 232. As best seen in Fig. 23, the pegs 268 are arranged in respective, spaced apart pairs, the spacing between individual pegs of each pair defining an engagement and flexure region 270 for the adjacent encoding strip 264. The number of regions 270 along the length of each encoding strip is equal to the number of keys in the key set 222.
  • a sensing apparatus 272 is also provided within housing 232 and forms a part of the overall keyboard output device.
  • the sensing apparatus in the illustrative form depicted includes a microswitch assembly 274 having a total of nine separate signal generating devices or microswitches, one for each of the encoding strips 264.
  • a pair of spaced apart upright stabilizers 276 are provided for engaging each transversely extending strip 264, and a switch arm 278 forming a part of the microswitch associated with the particular enclosing strip 264 is located between the adjacent stabilizers 276.
  • the slack or extra length of the strip referred to above is taken up at the region of the associated stabilizers and switch arm. That is to say, in their rest positions the strips are drawn taut by being threaded between the corresponding stabilizers and switch arms, and short, arcuate sections 280 are drawn in the strips between the stabilizer pairs.
  • the coupling structure 228 includes, for each key 224, a first, elongated, resilient U-shaped element 282 having one end 284 thereof secured to the top wall of housing 232.
  • the free end of element 282 is configured to present a downwardly extending nib 286, and a forwardmost beveled surface 88.
  • the element 282 is preferably formed of mylar or other suitable synthetic resin material having good resilience qualities, and supports a number (even or odd depending upon the code system employed) of upstanding strip-engaging and flexing posts 290, such posts forming a part of the overall encoding device. In the rest position of the elements 282, the posts 290 are located between respective strips 264 (see Fig. 23) but are closer to the rearmost adjacent strip.
  • a second U-shaped resilient synthetic resin member or element 292 is also provided for each key, and serves as a means for shifting of the associated element 282 in a manner to be described.
  • Each element 292 is disposed about the corresponding element 282 and includes an end 294 secured above the end 284 of element 282 (see Fig. 23).
  • An upstanding nib 296 is provided on the element 294 and is located for interengaging with nib 286 of element 282.
  • the forward or free end of each element 292 extends beneath the associated key 224.
  • an upstanding knee portion 298, somewhat in the form of an inverted "V" is provided which extends into the aperture in the base sheet presented by the upstanding integral flaps 240, 242.
  • the base member 230 is configured to present respective elongated channels 300 which receive and guide the elements 292 during axial shifting thereof.
  • keyboard 220 can best be understood from a consideration of Figs. 23-25.
  • Fig. 23 illustrates the keyboard with certain of its keys in the rest positions thereof, i.e., not depressed. In this orientation, it will be seen that the nibs 286, 296 are adjacent each other, and that knee portion 298 extends up and has the rearward leg thereof adjacent the lowermost portion of flap 242 between the lines of weakness 244, 246.
  • the engagement between the nibs 296, 286, causes the element 282 to likewise be pulled forwardly or leftwardly.
  • the resilient nature of the element 282 serves to deform the element and increase the potential energy thereof.
  • the nib 286 and free end of the element 280 are drawn forwardly until the surface 288 comes into contact with the beveled surface 238.
  • the camming action developed between the surfaces 238, 288, serves to separate or disengage the nibs 286, 296.
  • the element 282 quickly "snaps back" in a rightward direction as viewed in Fig.
  • the strip 282 travels at a speed which is orders of magnitude greater than the speed of travel of the key during depression thereof, and the overtravel of the strip past its neutral or rest position creates the mechanical signal through flexure of the strips 264. Because of the nature of the strip 282, and the cocking and disengaging thereof as explained, the total length of time involved in engaging and flexing the associated strips 264 is quite small, and the actual effective signal duration developed at the end of strip flexure is in the range of microseconds. It will be appreciated that the very high return speed of travel of the strip 282, and the extremely short signal duration, are developed using only the force derived directly from manual depression of the associated key; no motors or the like are employed.
  • the disengagement of the nibs 286, 296 gives a positive tactile feedback at the key 224.
  • the pressure required to further depress the key is lessened, thereby giving an indication that the keying operation is completed.
  • each of the strips 264 engaged and flexed by the posts 290 creates a corresponding output signal through the microswitch assembly 274. Specifically, the flexing of the respective strips pulls the associated arcuate region 280 thereof taut, with the effect that the engaged switch arm 278 is shifted slightly and actuated. This in turn creates an output signal at the microswitch, and the totality of signals from the assembly 274 for each key depression can be read and processed using conventional electronic circuitry (not shown) for this purpose. It will be understood in this respect that an individual pattern of engagement between the posts and strips will be provided for each key 224.
  • Each microswitch can be used in any of a variety of combinations of the nine switches available such that at least some of the microswitches will be part of more than one combination.
  • the flaps 240, 242 and the element 292 cooperatively serve to raise the key top back to its original starting position.
  • the element 292 shifts rightwardly as viewed in Figs. 23-25 back to the original rest position thereof, and serves, with the assistance of the resilient flaps 240, 242, to quickly elevate the key.
  • depression of a selected key 224 serves to develop an output signal corresponding to the letter or symbol of the key, and that only a single, momentary impulse is developed, which cannot be repeated until the key is released and redepressed.
  • the element 282 is cocked and released and the impulse delivered to the appropriate strips 264, the element 292 cannot return to its original starting position until the key is released.
  • Figs. 28-35 illustrate the preferred manner of construction of the key set 222.
  • the key top structure is fabricated from a starting sheet 304 made up of an integral, thin polycarbonate sheet 306 laminated to a relatively thick, high density polyethylene backing 308.
  • the sheet 306 can be back printed with desired letters, numbers or other symbols prior to lamination with the backing 308. This gives virtually unlimited flexibility in producing the key top structure at minimum cost, inasmuch as the use of costly and difficult to modify injection molds is completely eliminated.
  • any color or style of letter or the like can be employed.
  • the next step involved in the key top manufacture involves molding of the laminated sheet 304 to present the key top structures in a desired pattern, i.e., with concave top walls 258, and continuous sidewalls 260. This can be accomplished in any known manner, such as by the vacuum forming procedure schematically illustrated in Fig. 29.
  • the next step involves die cutting of the formed sheet to substantially separate each of the hollow, open-bottom key top structures 256 from the starting sheet 304. This is done using a conventional die cutting apparatus 310 for this purpose, with blades designed to essentially separate each key top from the sheet 304, while leaving small connection regions 312 in each case.
  • the base member forming a part of the key set 222 is initially formed separately from the key top sheet. Referring to Fig. 22, it will be seen that the laminate made up of the base sheet 234 and backing layer 236 is first die cut to present respective flaps 240, 242, and to cut the beveled rearward edge 238. It will be noted in this respect that in plan configuration the flaps are substantially triangular in shape.
  • the respective lines of weakness 244, 246 and 248 are made in the sheet, along with the recesses 250, 252 and 254 (see Fig. 34). (If desired, the recesses can be molded into the starting sheet.)
  • the flaps 240, 242 are adhesively secured to the inner surfaces of the depending sidewalls of corresponding key tops 256.
  • the key tops 256 are completely separated from one another by severance of the regions 312, so that the key tops are independent of one another and operatively secured to the underlying flaps 240, 242.
  • An exemplary connection apparatus 314 is illustrated in Fig. 35.
  • the apparatus 314 includes a first sheet-supporting plate 316 having a series (one for each key of the ultimate set) of upstanding elements 318 terminating in uppermost, tapered, key-supporting blocks 320.
  • the apparatus also includes a second plate 322 having a series of upstanding, spaced apart, somewhat inverted L-shaped members 324 presenting an uppermost horizontal die surface 326 and a vertical flap engaging face 328.
  • the overall apparatus further includes a plate 330 having a series of elongated, spaced apart fingers or bars 332. Each of the bars 332 presents a recess 334 along the length thereof, and, as will be explained, serves as a tab punch die during use of apparatus 314.
  • the overall apparatus has a cooperating upper member 336 which receives the preformed key top structures and allows seating thereof against the upper margins of the respective flap pairs.
  • the upper member 336 carries a series of tab punches 338 and 340, and is formed along the underside thereof to present a series of key- receivng recesses 342.
  • the plate 330 is removed, along with upper member 336, an secondary plate 322 is shifted leftwardly from its Fig. 36 position to a point where the upright lateral faces of adjacent elements 318 and L-shaped members 324 are in contact.
  • the base sheet depicted in Fig. 32 is placed on- the horizontally extending stretches of the members 316, with the respective flap pairs extending upwardly in engagement with orthogonal faces of the upright portions of the members.
  • the secondary plate 322 is shifted rightwardly to its Fig. 36 position, such that the faces 328 of the member 234 engage one of the flaps of each flap pair and press the same firmly against the corresponding elements 318.
  • the multiple-bar plate 330 is next passed over the base sheet and between key rows such that the side faces of the bars engage adjacent upright flaps and press the latter against the proximal faces of the elements 318.
  • both flaps of each respective flap pair are securely held in place against a croresponding element 318. Note in this respect that the uppermost triangular portions of the respective flaps extend above the upper surface of the plate 330.
  • the shiftable tab punches 338, 340 are next separated to sever the respective key tops from the remainder of the sheet 304, so that each key top is independently connected to a separate flap pair.
  • the apparatus 314 is then disassembled, and the resultant key top structure removed.
  • the keyboard structure of the present invention possesses a number of advantages not heretofore available in any single unit.
  • the disclosed keyboard has minimum depth which is in effect the sum of the chassis thickness and the desired key stroke.
  • the upper extent of the key tops can occur at a point just above the key stroke minimum or it may be at whatever height is desired for a given application.
  • This minimum depth with full key stroke capability is in itself a considerable advantage.
  • the structure of the key set with upstanding flaps gives the individual keys good stability in torsion with relative flexibility in folding or collapsing such that when depressed the keys will travel in a stable and essentially linear path without unacceptable side sway or wiggle. This is true even if the key is depressed off center or at an angle to its designed line of depression travel. Further, these results are accomplished in an inexpensive, easily manufactured construction.
  • the key top structure is also highly advantageous in that it is not limited either by the cost complexity of present key tops, or in the color, shape or indicia desired thereon.
  • the present construction can be made at a fraction of the cost and in a form that is ideally suited for mechanized, high volume fabrication.
  • tactile feedback is inherent in the present keyboard design. Further, .the amount of feedback can be increased or lessened as desired through the simple expedient of employing materials of different resilience for the U-shaped elements.
  • N-key and rollover filtering is handled mechanically by virtue of the momentary impulse characteristic of the output device of the invention.
  • Such relatively minor mechanical movements at the encoding strips require neither circuitry, circuit boards or special and elaborate logic systems.
  • the elimination of circuit boards and complex wiring normally associated with key switches further reduces the basic cost of the keyboard, and allows for a wide variety of key encoding and key top positions with minimal tooling investments. It is believed that no prior keyboard has ever been devised that mechanically creates a direct momentary inpulse movement which is rollover and N-key protected. Further, it is believed that it is novel to accomplish these functions with structure which at the same time provides tactile feedback.
  • the present keyboard serves to encode impulse mechanical movements at the coding chamber where a matrix exists which can be quickly modified and adjusted to produce any desired encoding at the key without expensive retooling. This is to be contrasted with typical keyboards which are coded either mechanically or electrically. In either case, the coding is done once for any given keyboard and is thereafter limited to the mechanical hardware or encoder circuitry selected.
  • Typical mechanical encoding through coding bars not only limits the quickness of response (by virtue of the mass of the code bars), but also fixes the code to a given mechanical form (tooling limits) and is subject to false output from anomalies in vibration from the keyboard.
  • the penchant of certain known typewriters to automatically type a hyphen symbol if they keys are vibrated in a certain way is the result of this phenomenon.
  • the flexible encoding strips of the present keyboard allow for extremely rapid impulse movements and response, but because of the very low mass of the synthetic resin encoding strips, vibration phenomena are all but eliminated.
  • the ends of the encoding strips are read or sensed.
  • This reading is of a small mechanical movement caused by the flexure of the strips as described. It will be apparent in this regard that virtually any reliable form of sensing small momentary movement can be used, including direct mechanical actuation from the encoding strip.
  • the present keyboard can be linked up to a strictly mechanical or electric device for reading purposes.
  • photoelectric, Hall effect, capacitance, contact or strain sensors can be employed.
  • a number of readers or sensors required is limited to the number of encoding strips, and unlike electronic keyboards a key switch or reader is not required at each key. Because of this, high quality reading or sensing can be provided at very low cost.
  • the present keyboard has less maintenance and wear problems than the typical key switch assembly of an electronic keyboard, and far less than that of a typical lever keyboard. All of the above factors ultimately relate to the reliability of the present keyboard.
  • the reliability of any keyboard that is equipped with quality readers or sensors is limited basically by the useful life of the relevant mechanics, and the latter is closely related to stresses, tolerances, and number of required parts.
  • the keyboard hereof can be manufactured to meet or exceed the reliability and useful life of any known keyboard, and at a significantly lower cost.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP82303631A 1980-09-24 1982-07-09 Tastatur Withdrawn EP0099427A1 (de)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/190,177 US4359612A (en) 1980-09-24 1980-09-24 Universal keyboard and method of producing same
US06/244,054 US4359613A (en) 1981-03-16 1981-03-16 Molded keyboard and method of fabricating same
EP82303631A EP0099427A1 (de) 1980-09-24 1982-07-09 Tastatur
US06/822,866 USRE32419E (en) 1981-03-16 1986-01-27 Molded keyboard and method of fabricating same

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/190,177 US4359612A (en) 1980-09-24 1980-09-24 Universal keyboard and method of producing same
US06/244,054 US4359613A (en) 1981-03-16 1981-03-16 Molded keyboard and method of fabricating same
EP82303631A EP0099427A1 (de) 1980-09-24 1982-07-09 Tastatur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0099427A1 true EP0099427A1 (de) 1984-02-01

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EP82303631A Withdrawn EP0099427A1 (de) 1980-09-24 1982-07-09 Tastatur

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3120584A (en) * 1960-11-29 1964-02-04 Western Electric Co Multisurface cross point switching mechanisms
US3472974A (en) * 1967-09-25 1969-10-14 Automatic Elect Lab Pushbutton switch activated by a slide with a plurality of toggle joints and cams
GB1171082A (en) * 1968-03-22 1969-11-19 Frederick Preston Willcox Electrical Switches Device.
US3811024A (en) * 1973-05-03 1974-05-14 Alco Electr Prod Momentary contact, non-bounce switch
US3909564A (en) * 1974-08-08 1975-09-30 Amp Inc Keyboard assembly with foldable printed circuit matrix switch array, and key actuator locking slide plate
US4359612A (en) * 1980-09-24 1982-11-16 Engineering Research Applications, Inc. Universal keyboard and method of producing same
US4359613A (en) * 1981-03-16 1982-11-16 Engineering Research Applications, Inc. Molded keyboard and method of fabricating same

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3120584A (en) * 1960-11-29 1964-02-04 Western Electric Co Multisurface cross point switching mechanisms
US3472974A (en) * 1967-09-25 1969-10-14 Automatic Elect Lab Pushbutton switch activated by a slide with a plurality of toggle joints and cams
GB1171082A (en) * 1968-03-22 1969-11-19 Frederick Preston Willcox Electrical Switches Device.
US3811024A (en) * 1973-05-03 1974-05-14 Alco Electr Prod Momentary contact, non-bounce switch
US3909564A (en) * 1974-08-08 1975-09-30 Amp Inc Keyboard assembly with foldable printed circuit matrix switch array, and key actuator locking slide plate
US4359612A (en) * 1980-09-24 1982-11-16 Engineering Research Applications, Inc. Universal keyboard and method of producing same
US4359613A (en) * 1981-03-16 1982-11-16 Engineering Research Applications, Inc. Molded keyboard and method of fabricating same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, vol. 23, no. 10, March 1981, pages 4548-4549, New York, USA *

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