EP0163708A1 - Device particularly for typewriters and terminals - Google Patents

Device particularly for typewriters and terminals

Info

Publication number
EP0163708A1
EP0163708A1 EP85900092A EP85900092A EP0163708A1 EP 0163708 A1 EP0163708 A1 EP 0163708A1 EP 85900092 A EP85900092 A EP 85900092A EP 85900092 A EP85900092 A EP 85900092A EP 0163708 A1 EP0163708 A1 EP 0163708A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
display element
cap
key
base
display
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Withdrawn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
EP85900092A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Rolf Dr. Müller
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0163708A1 publication Critical patent/EP0163708A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H01H13/702—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 with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/44—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms having dual functions or combined with, or coupled to, apparatus performing other functions
    • B41J3/46—Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G06F3/0238—Programmable keyboards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2207/00—Connections
    • H01H2207/002—Conductive rubber; Zebra
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/01—Liquid crystal
    • H01H2219/012—Liquid crystal programmable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/04—Attachments; Connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
    • H01H2221/016—Lever; Rocker
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/024—Transmission element
    • H01H2221/026—Guiding or lubricating nylon
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/02—Other elements in moving part

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device, in particular for typewriters and terminals with a keypad, each key being assigned at least two, optionally selectable characters and each key being assigned a controllable display element which is located near the associated key or is integrated therein.
  • Devices of this type are used to enter a large number of characters, which occur in particular in the form of letters, numbers or mathematical or other special characters, into the associated devices such as typewriters, computers, computers or the like. So far, it has been customary to assign several characters to a key and to label it with several characters at the same time. The number of characters with which a key can be legibly labeled is clearly limited and, furthermore, the specified labeling does not allow simple and quick replacement with other character sets. It is not necessary to mention that, especially in the field of natural sciences with their numerous special characters, a frequent change between the usual alphabet and special characters is very disadvantageous, especially since input errors can easily occur.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of improving the device of the type mentioned in such a way that a simple representation of the desired characters in good quality is made possible. Good clarity and legibility should also be ensured, and furthermore simple and inexpensive adaptation to the respective requirements should also be made possible. Finally, the device is intended to process numerous characters or character sets by a be Simplify limited number of buttons.
  • a decentralized control is provided to control the display elements in the form of liquid crystal (LCD), in which each display element is provided with a control element in the form of a driver.
  • the driver is provided only once with the information and continues to work independently. Only the respectively preselected character is reproduced by the display element, with perfect legibility and assignment of the respectively preselected character or character set being ensured.
  • the display ensures direct assignment of the preselected character to the relevant key. A key can therefore be assigned significantly more characters without the need for additional aids, such as comparison tables between special characters and labeling. Since only one character is shown with the display, good legibility is ensured.
  • control electronics are provided, which are designed according to the respective requirements. It can be seen that by changing the data set to another which contains a different character assignment, the input options of the device can also be changed in a simple manner. It is therefore no longer necessary to replace the entire device, if necessary, but only the information to be transmitted electronically.
  • buttons, displays and other mechanical-structural design of the devices can be the same, while the adaptation to the respective requirements and input conditions is carried out essentially by the control electronics according to the invention.
  • special advantages of the device in connection with a matrix printer are pointed out.
  • the display with its segments can also be broken down into a matrix.
  • a central electronic control system can then be used to exchange complete character sets as key labels on a terminal or typewriter, which are then also adopted by the printer.
  • the driver is designed as an IC component (component containing an integrated circuit).
  • the module and the display element advantageously form a structural unit with the interposition of a printed circuit board and electrically conductive connections.
  • the structural unit is held on the cap or the base.
  • the display is arranged on a base and a cap or the like is arranged so as to be movable with respect to the base. He can do the cap according to the invention can be displaceable with respect to the base by means of suitable guides or can also be arranged pivotably about an axis. By pressing the cap, the electrical contact of the button is closed in the usual way.
  • the display can also be arranged directly in the movable cap or the like.
  • the display is activated via suitable sliding contacts or other electrical connections that allow the movability of the cap.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a section through a combined button and with a displaceable cap
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a section through an embodiment with a pivotably arranged cap
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a section through a button according to a further embodiment
  • Fig. 4 schematically shows a further embodiment of the
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of control electronics.
  • FIG. 1 shows a key 1 with a base 2 and a switch 4.
  • a cap 6 is arranged such that it can be displaced with respect to the base 2 in the direction of arrow 8. Side surfaces 10 of the base in connection with associated inner surfaces 12 of the cap 6 are used for guidance.
  • a display element 14 is arranged on the base 2, which is designed here as a display element.
  • Each display element 14 can contain combinable segments by means of which the preselected character can be represented. The individual segments can expediently be activated individually by the user. It can be seen that as a result, any characters can be displayed without any special effort and without difficulty. A user can also insert numerous of their own characters as additional labeling. The size, shape, arrangement, etc.
  • Pins 16 are used for the electrical control of the display element 14 in the usual manner made of a transparent plastic, so that the character displayed by means of the display element 14 can easily be seen by a user from above.
  • the cap 6 is pot-shaped and thus also protects the enclosed display element 14. Since the central pin, which is otherwise customary in the case of key switches, is omitted in this embodiment, the display element 14 can be easily installed here. Furthermore, the guidance of the cap over the inner surfaces 12 results in a secure and unstable guidance. Finally, this design ensures a comparatively simple assembly, since the three essential components, namely base 2, display element 14 and cap 6 only have to be plugged one above the other.
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the cap 6 is arranged pivotable about a joint 18 with respect to the base 2.
  • the switch 4 is located on the side of the base 2 and can be actuated via the side edge 20 of the cap 6. It is understood that the cap 6 is also made of a transparent material in this embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is particularly expedient when an LCD display element 14 is used, with a correspondingly large number of feed lines being necessary in the case of the numerous display segments required.
  • a control IC i.e. a module 22, which contains an integrated circuit
  • this module 22 is arranged on a printed circuit board 24, with conductive rubber parts 26 to the side of the display element 14.
  • these components are located in the cap 6, ala holder V ⁇ raprünge 28 are provided on which the circuit board 24 with the block 22 is seated.
  • the guide rubber parts 26, which bear against the display element 14, are in turn arranged laterally. This component can then be placed on a commercially available base 2.
  • FIG. 5 shows the immediate arrangement of the component 22 on the glass plate of the LCD display element 14, these two components parts are supported on a bracket 28.
  • This design of the cap can also be placed on a conventional base 2.
  • conductive rubber elements 26 other elements made of electrically conductive material can also be used.
  • control electronics can be provided, as shown in FIG. 6 in the form of a block diagram. Since each display consists of a larger number of individual segments, a large total number of display segments must be checked. For example, if you take an 8 x 12 dot matrix and 70 displays for one display, this results in 6720 display segments, i.e. a large number of segments. For this reason, a decentralized control system is proposed, in which each display is given its own control system. This control is carried out by an integrated circuit which only has to receive the information about the symbol to be displayed once and then independently represents it. This information about the entire characters can be contained in a central electronic component (ROM) or read in from the outside. This decentralized concept leads to a combination of control IC, display and key switch.
  • ROM central electronic component
  • the assembly of the LCD display element 14 and driver (control IC 22) are built into the key cap.
  • the control IC 22 receives its information via the input and output (I / O) and then controls the LCD display element 14.
  • I / O input and output
  • the advantage here is the small number of lines to the driver, while there are 28 connections between the driver and the LCD, for the driver there are 3 data and 2 voltage supply lines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif pour machines à écrire et terminaux, avec un clavier, où chaque touche est dotée d'au moins deux signes facultativement présélectionnables et où est adjoint à chaque touche un élément d'affichage excitable (14) proche de la touche correspondante ou intégré dans celle-ci. Pour exciter l'élément d'affichage (14) sous forme de cristal liquide (LCD) d'une touche est prévue une commande indépendante dans laquelle chaque élément d'affichage (14) est doté d'un élément de commande sous la forme d'un excitateur. L'excitateur (22) n'ext doté qu'une fois de l'information afin de représenter le symbole à afficher dans l'élément d'affichage (14) et continue à travailler de manière autonome.Device for typewriters and terminals, with a keyboard, where each key is provided with at least two optionally preselectable signs and where each key is added an excitable display element (14) close to the corresponding key or integrated into it -this. To drive the display element (14) in the form of a liquid crystal (LCD) with a key is provided an independent control in which each display element (14) is provided with a control element in the form of a key. 'an exciter. The exciter (22) is provided only once with the information to represent the symbol to be displayed in the display element (14) and continues to work autonomously.

Description

Vorrichtung, insbesondere für Schreibmaschinen und Terminals Device, in particular for typewriters and terminals
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung, insbesondere für Schreibmaschinen und Terminals mit einem Tastenfeld, wobei jede Taste mit wenigstens zwei, wahlweise vαrwählbaren Zeichen belegt ist und jeder Taste ein ansteuerbares Anzeigeelement zugeordnet ist, das sich nahe der zugehörigen Taste befindet oder in diese integriert ist.The invention relates to a device, in particular for typewriters and terminals with a keypad, each key being assigned at least two, optionally selectable characters and each key being assigned a controllable display element which is located near the associated key or is integrated therein.
Derartige Vorrichtungen dienen zur Eingabe einer Vielzahl von Zeichen, welche insbesondere in Form von Buchstaben, Ziffern oder mathematischen oder sonstigen Sonderzeichen auftreten, in die zugeordneten Geräte wie Schreibmaschinen, Computer, Rechner oder dergleichen. Bisher ist es üblich gewesen, eine Taste mit mehreren Zeichen zu belegen und gleichzeitig mit mehreren Zeichen zu beschriften. Die Anzahl der Zeichen, mit der man eine Taste lesbar beschriften kann, ist ersichtlich begrenzt und ferner erlaubt die vorgegebene Beschriftung keinen einfachen und schnellen Ersatz durch andere Zeichensätze. Es bedarf keiner besonderen Erwähnung, daß vor allem im Bereich der Naturwissenschaften mit ihren zahlreichen Sonderzeichen ein häufiger Wechsel zwischen dem üblichen Alphabet und Sonderzeichen sehr nachteilig ist, zumal hierbei sehr leicht Eingabefehler auftreten können.Devices of this type are used to enter a large number of characters, which occur in particular in the form of letters, numbers or mathematical or other special characters, into the associated devices such as typewriters, computers, computers or the like. So far, it has been customary to assign several characters to a key and to label it with several characters at the same time. The number of characters with which a key can be legibly labeled is clearly limited and, furthermore, the specified labeling does not allow simple and quick replacement with other character sets. It is not necessary to mention that, especially in the field of natural sciences with their numerous special characters, a frequent change between the usual alphabet and special characters is very disadvantageous, especially since input errors can easily occur.
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, die Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art dahingehend zu υerbessern, daß eine einfache Darstellung der jeweils gewünschten Zeichen in guter Qualität ermöglicht wird. Es soll ferner eine gute Übersichtlichkeit und Lesbarkeit gewährleistet sein, wobei ferner auch eine einfache und kostengünstige Anpassung an die jeweiligen Anforderungen ermöglicht werden soll. Schließlich soll die Vorrichtung die Verarbeitung zahlreicher Zeichen bzw. Zeichensätze durch eine be grenzte Anzahl von Tasten vereinfachen.The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the device of the type mentioned in such a way that a simple representation of the desired characters in good quality is made possible. Good clarity and legibility should also be ensured, and furthermore simple and inexpensive adaptation to the respective requirements should also be made possible. Finally, the device is intended to process numerous characters or character sets by a be Simplify limited number of buttons.
Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird vorgeschlagen, daß zum Ansteuern der Anzeigeelemente in Form von Flüssigkristall (LCD) einer Taste eine dezentrale Steuerung vorgesehen ist, bei der jedes Anzeigeelement mit einem Steuerelement in Form eines Treibers versehen ist. Der Treiber wird zur Darstellung des anzuzeigenden Symbols im Anzeigeelement nur einmal mit der Information versehen und arbeitet selbständig weiter. Es wird durch das Anzeigeelement nur das jeweils vorgewählte Zeichen wiedergegeben, wobei eine einwandfreie Lesbarkeit und Zuordnung des jeweils vorgewählten Zeichens bzw. Zeichεnsatzes sichergestellt ist. Die Anzeige gewährleistet eine unmittelbare Zuordnung des jeweils vorgewählten Zeichens zu der betreffenden Taste. Eine Taste kann somit mit wesentlich mehr Zeichen belegt werden, ohne daß hierfür zusätzliche Hilfsmittel, beispielsweise Vergleichstabellen zwischen Sonderzeichen und Beschriftung, erforderlich sind. Da jeweils nur ein Zeichen mit der Anzeige dargestellt wird, ist eine gute Lesbarkeit sichergestellt. Aufgrund der eindeutigen Zuordnung des jeweils angezeigten Zeichens zu der Taste ist eine fehlerhafte Bedienung praktisch ausgeschlossen. Besondere Vorteile ergeben sich auch und gerade bei heutigen Matrix- und Laserdruckern, die eine einfache Darstellung beliebiger Zeichen in guter Qualität ermöglichen. Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, die eine nicht unwesentliche Verbesserung dεr Eingabemöglichkeiten ergibt, können nunmehr auch diese drucktechnischen Möglichkeiten voll ausgeschöpft werden. Zur Ansteuerung der Anzeigeelemente wird eine Steuerelektronik vorgesehen, welche den jeweiligen Anforderungen entsprechend ausgelegt ist. Es ist ersichtlich, daß durch Wechsel des Datensatzes gegen einen anderen, welcher eine andere Zeichenbelegung beinhaltet, in einfacher Weise auch die Eingabemöglichkeiten der Vorrichtung verändert werden können. Es braucht also nicht mehr die gesamte Vorrichtung gegebenenfalls ausgetauscht zu werden, sondern nur noch die Informationen elektronisch übertragen werden. Hierdurch ergeben sich nicht unwesentliche Fertigungsvorteile, da Tasten, Anzeigen und sonstiger mechanisch-konstruktiver Aufbau der Vorrichtungen übereinstimmend sein kann, während die Anpassung an die jeweiligen Anforderungen und Eingabebedingungen im wesentlichen durch die erfindungsgemäße Ansteuerelektronik vorgenommen wird. Ferner sei auf besondere Vorteile der Vorrichtung in Verbindung mit einen Matrixdrucker hingewiesen. So kann entsprechend einem Matrixdrucker auch die Anzeige mit ihren Segmenten ebenfalls in einen Matrix zerlegt werden. Durch eine zentrale elektronische Steuerung kann man dann bei einem Terminal oder einer Schreibmaschine komplette Zeichensätze als Tastenbeschriftung austauschen, die dann auch durch den Drucker übernommen werden.To solve this problem, it is proposed that a decentralized control is provided to control the display elements in the form of liquid crystal (LCD), in which each display element is provided with a control element in the form of a driver. To display the symbol to be displayed in the display element, the driver is provided only once with the information and continues to work independently. Only the respectively preselected character is reproduced by the display element, with perfect legibility and assignment of the respectively preselected character or character set being ensured. The display ensures direct assignment of the preselected character to the relevant key. A key can therefore be assigned significantly more characters without the need for additional aids, such as comparison tables between special characters and labeling. Since only one character is shown with the display, good legibility is ensured. Due to the clear assignment of the displayed character to the key, incorrect operation is practically impossible. There are also particular advantages, particularly with today's matrix and laser printers, which enable easy display of any characters in good quality. With the device according to the invention, which results in a not insignificant improvement in the input options, these printing options can now also be fully exploited. To control the display elements, control electronics are provided, which are designed according to the respective requirements. It can be seen that by changing the data set to another which contains a different character assignment, the input options of the device can also be changed in a simple manner. It is therefore no longer necessary to replace the entire device, if necessary, but only the information to be transmitted electronically. This results in not insignificant manufacturing advantages, since buttons, displays and other mechanical-structural design of the devices can be the same, while the adaptation to the respective requirements and input conditions is carried out essentially by the control electronics according to the invention. Furthermore, special advantages of the device in connection with a matrix printer are pointed out. Thus, according to a matrix printer, the display with its segments can also be broken down into a matrix. A central electronic control system can then be used to exchange complete character sets as key labels on a terminal or typewriter, which are then also adopted by the printer.
Es ist vorteilhaft, daß der Treiber als IC-Baustein (integrierten Schaltkreis enthaltender Baustein) ausgebildet ist.It is advantageous that the driver is designed as an IC component (component containing an integrated circuit).
Vorteilhaft bilden der Baustein und das Anzeigeelement unter Zwischenschaltung einer Leiteplatte und elektrisch leitenden Verbindungen eine Baueinheit.The module and the display element advantageously form a structural unit with the interposition of a printed circuit board and electrically conductive connections.
Weiterhin ist ea vorteilhaft, daß die Baueinheit an der Kappe oder dem Sockel gehaltert ist.Furthermore, it is advantageous that the structural unit is held on the cap or the base.
Um einen einfachen Aufbau zu erhalten, ist die Anzeige auf einem Sockel angeordnet und eine Kappe oder dergleichen bezüglich des Sockels bewegbar angeordnet. Die Kappe kann er findungsgemiß mittels geeigneter Führungen bezüglich des Sockels verschiebbar sein oder aber auch um eine Achse schwenkbar angeordnet sein. Durch Betätigen der Kappe wird der elektriache Kontakt des Tasters in gewohnter Weise geschlossen.In order to obtain a simple structure, the display is arranged on a base and a cap or the like is arranged so as to be movable with respect to the base. He can do the cap according to the invention can be displaceable with respect to the base by means of suitable guides or can also be arranged pivotably about an axis. By pressing the cap, the electrical contact of the button is closed in the usual way.
Es sei hier ausdrücklich hervorgehoben, daß die Anzeige im Rahmen dieser Erfindung auch direkt in der bewegbaren Kappe oder dergleichen angeordnet sein kann. Über geeignete Schleifkontakte oder sonstige elektrische Verbindungen, die die Bewegbarkelt der Kappe zulassen, erfolgt hierbei die Ansteuerung der Anzeige.It is expressly emphasized here that within the scope of this invention the display can also be arranged directly in the movable cap or the like. The display is activated via suitable sliding contacts or other electrical connections that allow the movability of the cap.
Weitere erfindungswesentliche Merkmale und Vorteile ergeben sich aus den nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläuterten Ausführungsbeispielen.Further features and advantages essential to the invention result from the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.
Es zeigen,Show it,
Fig. 1 schematisch einen Schnitt durch einen kombinierten Taster und mit einer verschiebbaren Kappe,1 schematically shows a section through a combined button and with a displaceable cap,
Fig. 2 schematisch einen Schnitt durch eine Ausführungsform mit schwenkbar angeordneter Kappe,2 schematically shows a section through an embodiment with a pivotably arranged cap,
Fig. 3 schematisch einen Schnitt durch eine Taste gemäß einer weiterεn Ausführungsform,3 schematically shows a section through a button according to a further embodiment,
Fig. 4 schematisch eine weitere Ausgestaltung derFig. 4 schematically shows a further embodiment of the
Kappe,Cap,
Fig. 5 achematisch eine weitere Ausgestaltungsmögllchkeit drr Kappe undFig. 5 achematically another embodiment of the cap and
Fig. 6 ein Blockschaltbild einrt Struerelektronik. Figur 1 zeigt eine Taste 1 mit einem Sockel 2 und einem Schaltsr 4. Eins Kappe 6 ist bezüglich des Sockels 2 in Richtung des Pfeiles 8 verschiebbar angeordnet. Zur Führung dienen Seitenflächen 10 dea Sockels in Verbindung mit zugeordneten Innenflächen 12 der Kappe 6. Auf dem Sockel 2 ist ein Anzeigeelement 14 angeordnet, das hier Bis Flüaaigkriatall-Anzeigeelement ausgebildet ist. Jedes Anzeigeelement 14 kann miteinander kombinierbare Segmente enthalten, mittels welchen das vorgewählte Zeichen darstellbar ist. Zweckmäßig sind hierbei die einzelnen Segmente durch den Benutzer einzeln anateuerbar. Es ist ersichtlich, daß hierdurch ohne Schwierigkeiten beliebige Zeichen ohne besonderen Aufwand zur Anzeige gebracht werden können. Ein Benutzer kann auch zahlreiche eigene Zeichen als zusätzliche Beschriftung einführen. Die Segmente können den jeweiligen Anforderungen entsprechend in ihrer Größe, Formgebung, Anordnung usw. vorgegeben werden, so daß je nach Ansteuerung die unterachiedlichsten Zeichen zur Anzeige gebracht werden, über Pins 16 erfolgt in gewohnter Weise die elektrische Ansteuerung des Anzeigeelementes 14. Die Kappe 6 besteht aus einem transparenten Kunststoff, so daß das mittels des Anzeigeelementes 14 angezeigte Zeichen ohne weiterea von einem Benutzer von oben her gesehen werden kann. Die Kappe 6 ist topfförmig ausgebildet und schützt somit auch das eingeschlossene Anzeigeelement 14. Da bei dieaer Auaführungsform der ansonsten bei Tastenschaltern übliche zentrale Stift entfällt, ist hier ein bequemer Einbau des Anzeigeelementes 14 ohne weiteres möglich. Ferner ergibt die Führung der Kappe über die Innenflächen 12 eine sichere und atabile Führung. Schließlich wird durch diese Bauform eine vergleichsweise einfache Montage gewährleistet, da die drei wesentlichen Bestandteile, nämlich Sockel 2, Anzeigeelement 14 und Kappe 6 nur übereinandergesteckt werden müssen. Figur 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Kappe 6 um ein Gelenk 18 schwenkbar bezüglich des Sockels 2 angeordnet ist. Der Schalter 4 befindet sich an der Seite dea Sockels 2 und ist über den seitlichen Rand 20 der Kappe 6 betätigbar. Ea verateht sich daß auch bei dieser Ausführungsform die Kappe 6 aus einem transparenten Material beateht.6 is a block diagram of control electronics. FIG. 1 shows a key 1 with a base 2 and a switch 4. A cap 6 is arranged such that it can be displaced with respect to the base 2 in the direction of arrow 8. Side surfaces 10 of the base in connection with associated inner surfaces 12 of the cap 6 are used for guidance. A display element 14 is arranged on the base 2, which is designed here as a display element. Each display element 14 can contain combinable segments by means of which the preselected character can be represented. The individual segments can expediently be activated individually by the user. It can be seen that as a result, any characters can be displayed without any special effort and without difficulty. A user can also insert numerous of their own characters as additional labeling. The size, shape, arrangement, etc. of the segments can be specified in accordance with the respective requirements, so that, depending on the control, the most varied of characters are displayed. Pins 16 are used for the electrical control of the display element 14 in the usual manner made of a transparent plastic, so that the character displayed by means of the display element 14 can easily be seen by a user from above. The cap 6 is pot-shaped and thus also protects the enclosed display element 14. Since the central pin, which is otherwise customary in the case of key switches, is omitted in this embodiment, the display element 14 can be easily installed here. Furthermore, the guidance of the cap over the inner surfaces 12 results in a secure and unstable guidance. Finally, this design ensures a comparatively simple assembly, since the three essential components, namely base 2, display element 14 and cap 6 only have to be plugged one above the other. Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the cap 6 is arranged pivotable about a joint 18 with respect to the base 2. The switch 4 is located on the side of the base 2 and can be actuated via the side edge 20 of the cap 6. It is understood that the cap 6 is also made of a transparent material in this embodiment.
Die in Figur 3 dargestellte Ausführungsform ist insbesondere dann zweckmäßig, wenn ein LCD-Anzeigeelement 14 verwendet wird, wobei bei den notwendigen zahlreichen Anzeigesegmenten entsprechend viele Zuleitungen notwendig sind. Dies kann man dadurch erreichen, daß ein Steuer-IC, d.h. ein Baustein 22, der einen Integrierten Schaltkreis enthält, in unmittelbarer Nähe des Anzeigeelementes 14 angeordnet ist, so daß nur noch die Spannungsversorgung und Datenübertragung benötigt wird. Bei der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Ausführungsform ist dieser Baustein 22 auf einer Leiterplatte 24 angeordnet, wobei seitlich Leitgummiteile 26 zu dem Anzeigeelement 14 vorgesehen sind. Diese Bauteile sind an dem Sockel 2 in einer U-förmigen Ausnehmung 30 an federnden Zungen 32 gehaltert. Über diesen Sockel 2 ist dann die Kappe 6 angeordnet.The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is particularly expedient when an LCD display element 14 is used, with a correspondingly large number of feed lines being necessary in the case of the numerous display segments required. This can be achieved by having a control IC, i.e. a module 22, which contains an integrated circuit, is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the display element 14, so that only the power supply and data transmission are required. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, this module 22 is arranged on a printed circuit board 24, with conductive rubber parts 26 to the side of the display element 14. These components are held on the base 2 in a U-shaped recess 30 on resilient tongues 32. The cap 6 is then arranged over this base 2.
Bei der weiteren Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 4 befinden sich diese Bauteile in der Kappe 6, wobei ala Halterung Vαraprünge 28 vorgesehen sind, auf denen die Leiterplatte 24 mit dem Baustein 22 aufsitzt. Seitlich sind wiederum die Leitgummiteile 26 angeordnet, die an dem Anzeigeelement 14 anliegen. Dieses Bauteil kann dann auf einen handelsüblichen Sockel 2 aufgesetzt werden.In the further embodiment according to FIG. 4, these components are located in the cap 6, ala holder Vαraprünge 28 are provided on which the circuit board 24 with the block 22 is seated. The guide rubber parts 26, which bear against the display element 14, are in turn arranged laterally. This component can then be placed on a commercially available base 2.
Schließlich zeigt die weitere Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 5 die unmittelbare Anordnung dea Bausteins 22 an der Glasplatte des LCD Anzeigeelementea 14, wobei diese beiden Bau teile an einer Halterung 28 abgestützt sind. Auch diese Ausbildung der Kappe kann auf einen herkömmlichen Sockel 2 aufgesetzt werden. Anstelle der erwähnten Leitgummielemente 26 können auch andere aus elektrischleitendem Material bestehende Elemente eingesetzt werden.Finally, the further embodiment according to FIG. 5 shows the immediate arrangement of the component 22 on the glass plate of the LCD display element 14, these two components parts are supported on a bracket 28. This design of the cap can also be placed on a conventional base 2. Instead of the mentioned conductive rubber elements 26, other elements made of electrically conductive material can also be used.
Zur Ansteuerung der Anzeigeelemente 14 kann eine Steuerelektronik vorgesehen werden, wie sie in Fig. 6 in Form eines Blockschaltbildes dargestellt ist. Da jede Anzeige aus einer größeren Anzahl von einzelnen Segmenten besteht, muß eine große Gesamtzahl von Anzeigesegmenten kontrolliert werden. Nimmt man zum Beispiel für eine Anzeige eine 8 x 12 Punktmatrix und 70 Anzeigen, so ergibt dies 6720 Anzeigesegmente, d.h. eine große Anzahl von Segmenten. Aus diesem Grund wird eine dezentrale Steuerung vorgeschlagen, bei der jede Anzeige eine eigene Steuerung erhält. Diese Steuerung wird durch einen integrierten Schaltkreis übernommen, der lediglich nur einmal die Information über das anzuzeigende Symbol erhalten muß und dann selbständig dieses darstellt. Diese Informationen über die gesamten Zeichen können in einem zentralen elektronischen Bauelement (ROM) enthalten sein, oder von außen eingelesen werden. Dieses dezentrale Konzept führt zu einer Kombination von Steuer-IC, Anzeige und Tastenschalter.To control the display elements 14, control electronics can be provided, as shown in FIG. 6 in the form of a block diagram. Since each display consists of a larger number of individual segments, a large total number of display segments must be checked. For example, if you take an 8 x 12 dot matrix and 70 displays for one display, this results in 6720 display segments, i.e. a large number of segments. For this reason, a decentralized control system is proposed, in which each display is given its own control system. This control is carried out by an integrated circuit which only has to receive the information about the symbol to be displayed once and then independently represents it. This information about the entire characters can be contained in a central electronic component (ROM) or read in from the outside. This decentralized concept leads to a combination of control IC, display and key switch.
In dem Blockschaltbild gemäß Figur 6 sind die Baugruppe des LCD-Anzeigeelementes 14 und Treiber (Steuer-IC 22) in die Tastenkappe eingebaut. Über die Ein- und Ausgabe (I/O) erhalten die Steuer-IC 22 ihre Informationen und steuern dann das LCD-Anzeigeelement 14 an. Der Vorteil liegt hierbei in der geringen Anzahl der Leitungen zum Treiber, während zwischen Treiber und LCD 28 Verbindungen bestehen, sind es für den Treiber 3 Daten - und 2 Spannungsversorgungsleitungen. In the block diagram according to FIG. 6, the assembly of the LCD display element 14 and driver (control IC 22) are built into the key cap. The control IC 22 receives its information via the input and output (I / O) and then controls the LCD display element 14. The advantage here is the small number of lines to the driver, while there are 28 connections between the driver and the LCD, for the driver there are 3 data and 2 voltage supply lines.

Claims

e Patentansprüchee claims
1) Vorrichtung, insbesondere für Schreibmaschinen und Terminals mit einem Tastenfeld, wobei jede Taste mit wenigstens zwei, wahlweise vorwählbaren Zeichen belegt ist und jeder Taste ein ansteuerbares Anzeigeelement zugeordnet ist, das sich nahe der zugehörigen Taste befindet oder in diese integriert ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zum Ansteuern der Anzeigeelemente (14! in Form von Flüssigkristall (LCD) einer Taste eine dezentrale Steuerung vorgesehen ist, bei der jedes Anzeigeelement (14) mit einem Steuerelement in Form eines Treibers (22) versehen ist.1) Device, in particular for typewriters and terminals with a keypad, each key being assigned at least two, optionally preselectable characters and each key being assigned a controllable display element which is located near the associated key or is integrated therein, characterized in that that a decentralized control is provided to control the display elements (14! in the form of liquid crystal (LCD) of a button, in which each display element (14) is provided with a control element in the form of a driver (22).
2) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Treiber (22) zur Darstellung des anzuzeigenden Symbols im Anzeigeelement (14), nur einmal mit der Information versehen wird und selbständig weiterarbeitet.2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the driver (22) for displaying the symbol to be displayed in the display element (14) is provided only once with the information and continues to work independently.
3) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Treiber (22) als IC-Baustein (integrierten Schaltkreis enthaltender Baustein) ausgebildet ist.3) Device according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the driver (22) is designed as an IC component (component containing integrated circuit).
4) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Baustein (22) und das Anzeigeelement (14) in der Taste angeordnet sind.4) Device according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the module (22) and the display element (14) are arranged in the button.
5) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine zumindest teilweise durchscheinende oder transparente Kappe (6) das Anzeigeelement (14) abdeckt, wobei das Anzeigeelement (14) auf einem Sockel (2) angeordnet ist und die Kappe (6) oder dergleichen bezüglich des Sockels bewegbar angeordnet ist.5) Device according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that an at least partially translucent or transparent cap (6) covers the display element (14), the display element (14) being arranged on a base (2) and the cap (6) or the like is arranged movably with respect to the base.
6) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 bis 5,dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Baustein (22) und das Anzeigeelement (14) unter Zwischenschaltung einer Leiterplatte (24) und elektrisch leitenden Verbindungen (26) eine Baueinheit bildenn 7) Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Baueinheit (14,22,24,26) an der Kappe (6) oder dem Sockel (2) gehaltert ist.6) Device according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that the module (22) and the display element (14) with the interposition of a circuit board (24) and electrically conductive connections (26) form a structural unit 7) Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the structural unit (14,22,24,26) on the cap (6) or the base (2) is held.
8) Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Bewegung der Kappe (6) zur Auslösung eines Schalters (4) über einen Rand (20) der Kappe (6) übertragbar ist. 8) Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movement of the cap (6) for triggering a switch (4) over an edge (20) of the cap (6) can be transmitted.
EP85900092A 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Device particularly for typewriters and terminals Withdrawn EP0163708A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19838334346U DE8334346U1 (en) 1983-11-30 1983-11-30 DEVICE, ESPECIALLY FOR TYPEWRITERS AND TERMINALS
DE8334346U 1983-11-30

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EP0163708A1 true EP0163708A1 (en) 1985-12-11

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EP84114588A Withdrawn EP0149086A3 (en) 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Implement, particularly for typewriters and terminals
EP85900092A Withdrawn EP0163708A1 (en) 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Device particularly for typewriters and terminals

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EP84114588A Withdrawn EP0149086A3 (en) 1983-11-30 1984-11-30 Implement, particularly for typewriters and terminals

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EP (2) EP0149086A3 (en)
JP (1) JPS60134316A (en)
KR (1) KR850003874A (en)
AU (1) AU3782085A (en)
BR (1) BR8405391A (en)
DE (2) DE8334346U1 (en)
FR (1) FR2555511B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2150722B (en)
IN (1) IN162746B (en)
WO (1) WO1985002460A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
DE3414226C2 (en) 1986-09-25
FR2555511A1 (en) 1985-05-31
GB8402692D0 (en) 1984-03-07
DE3414226A1 (en) 1985-06-05
EP0149086A3 (en) 1985-09-04
DE8334346U1 (en) 1984-03-22
AU3782085A (en) 1985-06-13
JPS60134316A (en) 1985-07-17
JPH0374409B2 (en) 1991-11-26
GB2150722B (en) 1987-07-22
IN162746B (en) 1988-07-09
KR850003874A (en) 1985-06-29
EP0149086A2 (en) 1985-07-24
BR8405391A (en) 1985-09-03
FR2555511B1 (en) 1991-10-11
GB2150722A (en) 1985-07-03
WO1985002460A1 (en) 1985-06-06

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