FR2602608A1 - Keyboard with removable indexed plate identifying the functions of the keys and the programmings to be used - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention relates to a keyboard with removable indexed plate identifying the functions of the keys and the programmings to be used. It consists firstly of the combination of a keyboard 1 carrying keys 2 with wall receiving a covering surface 4, then of a semi-rigid removable plate 5 which is also flexible and strong enough to undergo a finger deformation 9 by contact with the key, and carrying not only an index corresponding to each key of the keyboard, but also a code element acting on a receiver 8 identifying the programming thereof. It is intended to allow multiple assignments of a control keyboard by indexation of each key in order to indicate its function on the relevant equipment and also to identify the programming used so as to produce, through instantaneous interchangeability of the plate, the multiple applications of a single keyboard.

Description

 The object of the invention relates to a keyboard with a removable index plate identifying the functions of the keys and the programming to be used.

 It is intended to allow multiple assignments of a control keyboard by indexing each key to indicate its function on the device concerned and also to identify the programming used so as to achieve multiple applications by instant interchangeability of the plate on the same keyboard.

 The development of computer programs on disks or cards makes it possible to quickly change the use of a computer machine in very different fields.

The instructions and data provided by the machine are most often done using a keyboard. Current keyboards consist of a set of keys marked with alphanumeric signs and characters identical to typewriters.

This marking is generally incorporated into the key, sometimes removable indexes are used but their positioning is delicate; we then use grids or masks allowing a change of assignment; but the marking surface is reduced by the location and the shape of the keys. In all cases, there is no identification between the various changes in key assignment and the operation of the machine.

 The object of the invention makes it possible to carry out a rapid and precise change of identification of a keyboard while automatically indicating its function and also the user code taking into account the machine with which it is connected this removable device is combined with a magnetic or electronic memory medium containing the identification of programs and data.

 It is made up first of all by the combination of a keypad carrying keys with a receiving wall of an overlapping surface, then by a removable semi-rigid plate, but also sufficiently flexible and resistant to undergo a digital deformation of contact with the key, and carrying not only an index corresponding to each key on the keyboard, but also a code element acting on a receiver identifying its programming.

In the accompanying drawings given by way of nonlimiting example of one of the embodiments of the subject of the invention
Figure 1 shows in section and in elevation the positioning of the keyboards and removable indexed part.

 Figure 2 is a plan view of the keyboard as a whole.

 Figure 3 shows the execution detail of the positioning of the removable indexed parts on the keyboard frame.

 The keyboard consists of a rigid bottom 1 supporting a series of electrical contacts 2 with keys and movable elements 3.

 These moving parts 3 are protected and isolated by a film 4 and covered by a sheet of slightly flexible and elastic flat synthetic resin 5 which can undergo a slight deformation of contact and digital thrust 9.

 This plate 5 is indexed and carries inscriptions determining the function of each contact 2. It is furthermore provided with a signal 7 placed on a sensor 8.

The keyboard 6, (figure 2,3) is formed by a frame
with walls 10, 11, 12 provided with grooves 13 positioning the
plate 5.

 The face 14 is open, making it easier to set up and remove the index plate 5.

 The surfaces 4 and 5 can be transparent in order to allow the visualization of the indicators lit by light means arranged between the keys 2.

 Each surface 4, - 5 are indexable and identifiable.

Plate 5 carries series of indications and signs corresponding to each key 2.

 Each sheet has a signage adapted to the equipment to be ordered. At an end or lateral point is an index 7 secured to the movable plate 5 which is positioned during the positioning on the sensor 8.

 These two elements 7 and 8 are formed with photoelectric cells 8 actuated by reflective health zones 7 or by contacts actuated by raised notches, conductive tracks, magnetic elements or the like.

 This device 7, 8 makes it possible to transform a code 7 placed on the plate 5 into electrical information recognized by the computer machine.

 The flexible and elastic plate 5 can be replaced by a rigid plate prohibiting the use of the keyboard.

 On the other hand, the absence of a plate 5 detected by the sensor 8 makes it possible to make any pulses on the elements 3 inoperative.

 This removable and interchangeable plate adaptable to any device controlled by a keyboard first carries the indexes allowing the operation of the keys, then a coding making it possible to select the indexes adaptable to the apparatus to be operated or else to condemn the keyboard.

 This is why the shapes, dimensions and indications may vary within the limit of equivalents, like the materials used for their manufacture without changing the general conception of the invention which has just been described.

Claims (2)

 10 Keyboard device with removable index plate identifying the functions of the keys and the programs to be used so as to allow multiple assignments of a control keyboard first by indexing each key to specify its function on the connected switchgear and then to identify the programming used, so as to achieve by instant interchangeability of the index holder surface of multiple applications of the same keyboard connectable to various switchgear, characterized by a plate forming a simple screen possibly opaque (5) semi rigid but sufficiently flexible and elastic to undergo digital contact deformation (9) on the key (2) and its push-button (3) this non-removable screen carrying the index corresponding to the function of each key of the keyboard and a signal (7) acting on the sensor (b) in order to identify the indexed programming or to act on the operation or the stopping of use of the keyboard.  20 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the keys of the keyboard fixed on the support (1) are protected by an envelope (4) while the walls (10, 11, 12) of the keyboard are provided with grooves (13 ) and that one face (14) is fully open for receiving and positioning the removable indexed surfaces (5).