JPS6391727A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an input device provided with the strong point of a stroke key and that of a touch key by providing the stroke key on the part of a common FPC substrate and the touch key on the remaining part of said substrate. CONSTITUTION:The stroke key 2A constituting a character key 2 is made up of a key top 8, a key system 9 and a rubber contact plate 10 which supports the key system 9 so that said system can be moved vertically and horizontally. The touch key 3A constituting a function key 3 is provided without interposing anything special at an electric contact point 7 on the FPC substrate other than a film member installed on the surface of the FPC substrate 5 in order to display a function name. Since the touch key is a comparatively small-sized not to require a large space, the character key is made up of the stroke key, while the function key is made up of the touch key. Hence the need to install more function keys can be met while the operability and speed of the character key are maintained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an input device equipped with ff1R character keys for inputting characters and symbols and a plurality of function keys for commanding various functions.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, input devices for electronic devices such as electronic typewriters, personal computers, and word processors generally use stroke-type keys (hereinafter referred to as stroke keys) that have excellent operability and are less likely to malfunction.

In this type of input device, in order to reduce manufacturing costs,
Generally, each stroke key is assembled in correspondence with each contact in an electrical contact matrix of an FPC board (flexible printed circuit board).

Then, by key scan control executed by the control unit of the input device, the operated key is determined and the ON/OFF operation is performed.
The FF operation is determined.

On the other hand, small and inexpensive touch keys are used in the keyboards of input devices such as calculators and card type calculators.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) Recently, as electronic devices such as electronic typewriters and word processors have rapidly become more sophisticated, the number of keys on input devices has been increasing. If the number of keyboards is increased, the keyboard will become larger and the manufacturing cost will increase.

By the way, it is conceivable to use small and inexpensive touch keys instead of stroke keys.
In the case of touch keys, the pressing force is very small, so they are hard and lack operability, and when used for a long time, fingertips become extremely fatigued.
Since malfunctions are likely to occur due to chattering because the keys are operated with soft fingertips, it is necessary to increase the time required to determine ON/OFF operations in key scan control, resulting in a problem in that the speed of key operations decreases.

(Means for Solving the Problems) An input device according to the present invention is an input device including a plurality of character keys for inputting characters and symbols and a plurality of function keys for commanding various functions. , an FPC board constituting an electrical contact matrix of the input device is provided, a plurality of stroke keys are assembled so as to correspond to some of the electrical contacts of the FPC board, and each of the stroke keys is made to correspond to the electrical contacts of the remaining part of the FPC board; It is equipped with multiple touch keys.

It is preferable that the character keys be configured with stroke keys and the function keys be configured as touch keys, and the operation surface of the plurality of stroke keys and the operation surface of the plurality of touch keys may be configured as necessary. It is desirable that the two surfaces are substantially on the same plane.

(Function) In the input device according to the present invention, an FPC board constituting the electrical contact matrix is provided, and a plurality of stroke keys are assembled to correspond to some of the electrical contacts on the FPC board, respectively. Since a plurality of touch keys are provided corresponding to the remaining electrical contacts, the character keys that are frequently operated, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are configured with stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are configured with stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are configured with stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are composed of stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are configured with stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are configured with stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are composed of stroke keys, and the character keys that are operated frequently, for example, for inputting characters and symbols, are composed of stroke keys. The function keys for this can be configured with touch keys.

In addition, since the touch keys are relatively small and do not take up much space, it is possible to arrange a large number of keys in a small space.

Since the FPC board is flexible and can be formed into a bent shape, it is also possible to form the operation surface of the stroke key and the operation surface of the touch key on approximately the same plane, in which case the stroke key and the touch key It is also possible to prevent a decrease in operability when operating the .

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the input device of the present invention, by providing stroke keys in a part of a common FPC board and touch keys in the remaining part, it has excellent operability, less malfunction, and It is possible to provide an input device that combines the advantages of stroke keys, which are excellent in high-speed operation, and the advantages of small, inexpensive touch keys. Furthermore, since the touch keys can be formed directly on the electrical contact portions of the FPCM board used in the keyboard, the structure of the input device does not become complicated.

When the character keys are configured with stroke keys and the function keys are configured with touch keys, it is possible to meet the demand for increasing the number of function keys while ensuring the operability and speed of operation of the character keys. Further, when the operation surface of the stroke keys and the operation surface of the touch keys are formed on substantially the same plane, the appearance of the keyboard is not impaired, which is advantageous in terms of key operation.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example in which the input device according to the present invention is applied to an input device of an electronic typewriter will be described with reference to the drawings.

The keyboard 1 of this input device has a large number of character keys 2 (alphabetic keys,
(number keys, symbol keys, space key, etc.) and many function keys 3 (repeat key, margin set key, tab set key, indent key, relocation key, etc.)
is provided.

The character keys 2 are composed of stroke keys 2A, which are frequently used, are easy to operate, and have few malfunctions, and the function keys 3 are composed of touch keys 3A, which are used relatively infrequently. It is formed to be substantially flush with the operating surface of the keys.

In the case of an actual keyboard 1, characters and symbols are displayed on the top surface of each character key 2, and function names are displayed on the top surface of each function key 3. The code data generated when each key is pressed is displayed as shown below. And character key 2 is A, ~A, ,B, ~
These keys represent the code data of B14.03~C1, D2~DI4, and E2~E14, and the function key 3 is F,~
This is a key representing FB code data.

In this embodiment, the large number of character keys 2 and the large number of function keys 3 are arranged in a circuit matrix 4 including electrical contacts arranged in 8 rows and 8 columns.
(See Fig. 4) It is assembled on a common FPC board 5 (flexible printed circuit board), and keys are scanned using a common scan signal output from a control section C, which will be described later, to perform key manual processing control. It has become so.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the case 6 of the keyboard 1,
The part where the character keys 2 are arranged is formed one step lower than the other parts, and the part where the character keys 2 are arranged is located between the stepped part where the character keys 2 are arranged and the part where the function keys 3 are arranged behind it. As shown in the figure, an FPC board 5 bent into a crank shape when viewed from the side is mounted, and each character key 2 and each function key 3 are provided so as to correspond to each electrical contact 7 of this FPC board 5.

The stroke key 2A constituting the character key 2 includes a key top 8 and a key stem 9 to which the key top 8 is attached.
and a rubber contact plate 10 that supports the key stem 9 in a vertically movable manner.

The key stem 9 has a cylindrical shape, and the shaft portion 8a of the key top 8 is fitted into the cylinder so that the key top 8 can be detachably attached. contact plate 10
is camp-shaped, and a key stem 9 is fixed to the upper surface thereof with an adhesive or the like, and a protrusion 10a for pressing the electrical contact 7 is formed on the lower surface of the top of the contact plate 10. The key stem 9 is inserted through a cylindrical guide portion 11a formed on the guide plate 11, and the key stem 9 is inserted into the guide portion 11a.
It is guided to be vertically movable by a.

When the key top 8 is pressed down with a finger, the key top 8 and the key stem 9 are pressed down, and the contact plate 10 is elastically deformed and presses the electrical contact 7 with its projection 10a. Furthermore, when you release your finger from the key top 8, the restoring force of the contact plate 10 causes the key stem 9 and the key top 8 to
returns to its original position above, and the projection 10a of the contact plate 10 separates from the electrical contact 7 and no longer presses the electrical contact 7.

The touch keys 3A constituting the function keys 3 are provided at the electrical contacts 7 of the FPC board 5 without intervening any special member other than the membrane member provided on the surface of the FPC board 5 to display the function name. ing.

Next, the FPC board 5 forming the circuit matrix 4 of the keyboard 1 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the FPC board 5 includes an upper plastic film (hereinafter referred to as upper film) 12 and a lower plastic film (hereinafter referred to as lower film) 13 and upper and lower films 12 having appropriate flexibility and elasticity.
・It has a three-layer structure with an insulating spacer 14 sandwiched between 13 and an insulating spacer 14, which is a part of the case 6, on the underside of this FPC board 5 to prevent the FPC board 5 from bending downward. A reinforcing plate 6a is provided and supported by the case 6 by a plurality of pedestals 15.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a circular hole 14a is formed in the spacer 14 of the FPC board 5 at a position corresponding to each character key 2 and each function key 3.
At location a, an electrical contact 7 is formed between the upper electrode 7a on the lower surface of the upper film 12 and the lower electrode 7b on the upper surface of the lower film 13, and these 64 electrical contacts 7 are arranged in 8 rows and 8 columns as shown in FIG. The circuit matrix 4 is composed of printed circuits.

On the other hand, the control section C of the input device is configured as shown in FIG.
The circuit matrix 4 of the keyboard 1 is composed of a PtJ16 (central processing unit), a ROM17 (read-only memory), and a RAM18 (random access memory). The lower electrode 7b in the ~m7 row is the CPU1
6, respectively corresponding output terminals YO to Y7, and n. The upper electrodes 7a in rows ˜n7 are connected to corresponding input terminals X0 to X7 of the CPU 16, respectively. Also, m0
Lower electrode 7b in ~m1 column and upper electrode 7 in n0~n1 row
a are connected to a reference voltage line via a pull amplifier resistor 19, respectively.

Figure 4 schematically shows a part of the circuit matrix. When any key is turned on, the output terminals X0-X7 of the corresponding column and the input terminals YO-Y7 of the corresponding row are connected. will send 4 letters.

In addition, in the FPC board 5, an upper electrode 7 is basically provided on the lower surface of the upper film 12 to correspond to the key arrangement.
The lower electrode 7b is printed and printed on the upper surface of the lower film 13.
Each electrical contact 7 is formed continuously at the intersection of the upper electrode 7a and the lower die Ji7b, but by partially deleting or adding the circuit of the upper electrode 7a and the lower electrode 7b, It is configured in a circuit matrix 4 of 8 rows and 8 columns.

The ROM 17 of the control unit C has a key scan function that sequentially outputs rLJ level scan signals for each column of the circuit matrix 4 of the keyboard 1 while sequentially detecting scan signals for each row of each column. A control program for manual key processing control that includes control and cooperates with key scan control to determine whether a key is ON or OFF, and a code that converts position information on the circuit matrix 4 of each key into code data. A data table is input and stored in advance.

The RAM 18 stores m0 to m1 according to the key scan.
An m counter that sequentially stores column information of , an n counter that sequentially stores row information of n0 to n according to the key scan, and 64 Z an counters corresponding to 64 keys (
However, m=o~7, n=0~7), its ZI, and 17 counters are sequentially instructed in response to key scans.
A keypad consisting of a counter pointer, a stack-structured FIFO memory (first-in, first-out memory) that stores code data for the operated stroke keys 2A or touch keys 3, and various types of memories that temporarily store the results of calculations performed by the CPO 28 are provided. It is being

The key scan control is similar to that performed with a normal input device, so to briefly explain it based on FIG.
The scan signal 20 at the rLJ level of C is output, and while the scan signal is being output to each output terminal YO to Y7, each input terminal X0 is
-16m key scan to input signals sequentially from X7
The process is executed at a cycle of s eC, and the ON operation signal 21 and OFF operation signal 22 of each key are detected.

For example, press stroke key 2A of (m3, n,) to
to t, when both turn on, 2 as shown in the figure.
ON operation signals 21 at the "HI" level are successively detected at the input terminal X4. However, as is clear from the explanation of the flow chart below, the scan signal 20 has eight r
It consists of a set of LJ level signals, and the ON operation signal 21 and the OFF operation signal 22 are 2 msec signals.

By the way, in the case of the stroke key 2A, since there is little chattering during key operation, the ON operation is performed when two or more ON operation signals 21 are detected, that is, when the stroke key 2A is pressed for at least 16rnsec or more. There is no problem as long as it is determined that there is.

However, in the case of the evening key 3A, chattering is likely to occur because the key is operated directly with a soft fingertip, so three ON operation signals 21 are required, which is more than in the case of the stroke key 2.
That is, when Yu-Nochiki-3A detects at least 32
It is necessary to determine that it is an ON operation when the button is pressed for m5eC or more. This is substantially the same when determining the OFF operation.

In the input device of the present application, the stroke keys 2A and touch keys 3A are incorporated into a common circuit matrix 4 to execute common key scan control, and the stroke keys 2A and touch keys 3A are controlled by manual key processing control. The ON/OFF operation is determined according to the characteristics of the switch.

Hereinafter, key manual processing control will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in Figs.
This will be explained with reference to the drawings and FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the operation of the Z m n counter of the stroke key 2A, and FIG. 7 shows the operation of the 2 m n counter of the touch key 3A. In the figure, the numbers indicate the contents of the Z m n counter, and the solid arrow indicates the ON operation signal. The dotted arrow indicates the operation when the OFF operation signal 22 (an "H" level signal detected at each key scan timing) is detected.

In the stroke key 2AOZ m n counter, if the content (value) of the counter is CNT, OF
When F continues, CNT=0 and the first ON operation signal 21
When the ON operation signal 21 is detected, CNT=1, and when the second ON operation signal 21 is detected in succession, CNT=2. When CNT=2, it is assumed that the key is turned on, and the code data of the corresponding key is written to the keypad sofa. Then, even if the ON operation signal 21 is detected for the third, fourth, and fifth time in succession, the CNT is not counted up and the CNT is not counted up.
NT=2 is maintained, but it is turned off from the state of CNT=2.
Each time the operation signal 22 is detected continuously, CNT is counted up, and when the fourth OFF operation signal is detected (
(When 4x15msec has passed since CNT=2)
is switched from CNT=5 to CNT=O, and CNT=
When the key turns OFF, the keypad displays the corresponding key's 0FFfffi? is written.

Incidentally, after the first ON operation signal 21 is detected, when the second ON operation signal 21 is not detected continuously, CNT=1 is switched to CNT=O, and when CNT=3.4 or 5, it is ON. CN also when operating signal 21 is detected.
Switched to T=2.

The 2mn counter of the touch key 3A is also approximately the same as the Z mn counter described above, but the time for ON operation determination and the time for OFF operation determination are set longer than the 2mn counter of the stroke key 2A. It is. That is, when the first, second, and third ON operation signals 21 are detected in succession, CNT=3, and when CNT=3, the key is assumed to be ON and the code data of the corresponding key is written to the key buffer. be included. Then, even if the fourth to eighth ON operation signals 21 are detected in succession, CNT is not counted up and kept at CNT=3, but CNT
Every time the OFF operation signal 22 is continuously detected from the state of CNT=3, CNT is counted and knobed, and when the sixth OFF operation signal is detected (6
msec elapses), CNT=8 to CNT=0
When CNT=O, it is assumed that the key has been turned OFF, and OFF information of the corresponding key is written in the key buffer.

Incidentally, if the OFF operation signal 22 is detected when CNT=1 or 2, it is switched to CNT=O, and also when CNT=
When the ON operation signal 21 is detected at 4.5.6.7 or 8, it is also switched to CNT=3.

Next, the key manual processing control routine carried out by the control unit C will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

As shown in FIG. 8, this control is started when the input device is powered on, and in step SL (hereinafter simply represented by 81 and other steps are handled in the same way), RAJi1
Initial settings such as clearing each of the 8 memories and setting the value m of the m counter to 0 are performed. In the next step 82, key manual processing to be described later is performed, and code data corresponding to the operated key is written into the key buffer.

In the next step 83, it is determined whether or not a key has been manually pressed based on the data in the key buffer, that is, whether or not the key has been operated. If the key has not been operated, the process returns to S2, and if the key has been operated, the process returns to S4. Move to.

In S4, the code data written in the key buffer is output to the typewriter control device, and the process returns to S2.

Incidentally, steps 82 to S4 are repeated, for example, every 2 msec.

Next, the key manual processing in S2 will be explained with reference to FIG. In addition, rmJ in the figure indicates the contents of the m counter,
rnJ indicates the contents of the n counter, rCNTJ is 211
71 shows the contents of the 71 counter.

First, in the SIO, it is determined whether the value m of the m counter in the RAM 18 is m=8 or not. When m=8, the process moves to 311, and when m=8, the process moves to S12. Sl
At l, the value m of the m counter is set to m=o. In the next step 312, the value n of the n counter is set to n=o, and (m, n) is written to the Z l+111 counter pointer to indicate the Z LULLS counter. and,
In S13, output terminal Ym (m=0 to 7) to rL
A J level scan signal is output. In the next step 314, the timer is activated and it takes a predetermined time (for example, 100 to 200μ5e) until the scan signal from the output terminal Ym becomes stable.
Wait until c) has passed. Next, at 315, a signal from the input terminal Xn (n=o to 7) is input.

In S16, the signal at the input terminal Xn in S15 is rLJ.
It is determined whether the rLJ level signal (ON
When the operation signal is 21), the process moves to 517, and rHJ
When the signal is a level signal (OFF operation signal 22), the process moves to S30.

In S17, based on the circuit matrix 4 and the key arrangement, it is determined whether or not the touch key 3A was operated. If it is the touch key 3A, the process moves to 318, and if it is not the touch key 3A, that is, if it is the stroke 2A, the process moves to 318. S2
Move to 6.

Also, in 318, based on the data of ZIll+ and counter pointer, the value CNT of Z and counter is CNT=2.
It is determined whether CNT=2, the process goes to S19, and if CNT=2, the process goes to S20 f times.

In S19, the code data corresponding to the operated key (mffi, nn) is read from the code data table of the ROM 17, the code data is written to the keypad sofa, and the process moves to S21.

In S20, Zffi. It is determined whether the counter value CNT=3 to 8, and if Yes, the process moves to S21,
The value CNT of the 21111 counter is set to CNT=3, and the process moves to S23. Also, when NO, that is, CNT=
When the value is O or 1, 1 is added to the value CNT of the Z mn counter in S22, and then the process moves to 323.

In the next step 323, 1 is added to the value n of the m counter. Then, in 324, it is determined whether or not the value n of the n counter is n=8. If n=8, the process returns to S13, and if n=8, the process proceeds to 325, where the value n of the m counter
1 is added to , and the program returns to the main routine of FIG.

On the other hand, when the operated key is touch key 3A, S1
The determination in step S7 is NO, and the process moves from S17 to S326. In S26, it is determined whether the value CNT of the Z-counter is CNT=1 based on the data of the Z an counter pointer, and if CNT=1, the process moves to S27, and if CNT=1, the process moves to 328. .

In S27, the code data corresponding to the operated key (m,, n,) is read from the code data table, the code data is written to the key buffer, and S29
Move to. Further, in S28, Z, +1. , it is determined whether the counter value CNT is from CNT=2 to 5, and N
When O, that is, when CN T =0, the process moves to S22, and when Yes, the process moves to S29. And S29
Then Z m,, the counter value CN 'r' is CNT=2
After this is set, the process moves to S23.

By the way, if the operation of the keys (m,, n,) is canceled, 3
16, the process proceeds from S16 to S30 f times.

Next (7) 330 to S37 are O
This is the step of writing FF information, and in S30, it is determined whether or not the touch key 3A is used. If it is the touch key 3A, the process moves to S31, and if it is not the touch key 3A, that is, if it is the stroke key 2A, the process moves to 335.

In S31, the value CNT of Zl, In counter is CNT
It is determined whether or not CNT≦2, and when CNT≦2, the process moves to S34, and when CNT≧3 or more, the process moves to S32.

In S32, it is determined whether CNT=8 or not. When CNT=8, the process moves to S33, and when CNT=8, that is, when CNT=3 to 7, the process moves to S37.

In S33, the key (m,
, n, , ), OFF information is written instead of the code data corresponding to the code data. In the next step 334, CNT=O is set and the process moves to S23.

In addition, when the key whose operation is canceled is not touch key 3A, that is, when it is stroke key 2A, 330 to 33
5, the counter value CNT is CNT≦1.
It is determined whether or not, and when CNT≦1, the process moves to S34, and when CNT≧2, the process moves to S36. S3
6, it is determined whether CNT = 5, and CNT = 5.
When this happens, the process moves to S33, and when CNT=5, that is, when CNT=2 to 4, the process moves to 337. Then, in S37, Zllll, the value of the 1 counter CNT
1 is added to , and the process moves to S23.

As mentioned above, in order from the m0 column of the circuit matrix 4,
By sequentially scanning from the n0 row to the n7 row without outputting an "L" level scan signal to the output terminal Ym, the 2mn counter counts based on the signal level of the input terminal Xn, and the stroke key 2A is touched. key 3
The ON operation of each key and the O
It is possible to determine the FF operation.

In the input device of the above embodiment, the touch key 3A constituting the function key 3 is provided at one location on the rear side of the keyboard 1, but the touch key 3A is not limited to this, and may be provided at either the left or right end of the keyboard 1. It may be provided on either one or both.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, all of the function keys 3 are configured as touch keys, but it is preferable that function keys that are used relatively frequently, such as the tab key, backspace key, and paper feed key, be configured as stroke keys.

The input device of this embodiment is applied to an input device of an electronic typewriter, and in this case, the CPU 16 and R of the control section
The OM 17, RAM 18, etc. can also be used as those of the typewriter control device.

The structure of the FPC board 5 and the structure of the stroke keys 2A in the above embodiments are merely examples, and various existing flexible printed circuit boards and various existing strokes can be used.

Further, the circuit matrix 4 does not need to have 8 rows and 8 columns, and may be freely set depending on the number of keys and the arrangement.

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, the output terminal Ym is connected to rL in S13 for each row of each column.
Although it is designed to output a J-level scan signal,
For example, an "L" level scan signal with a width of 2 m5 eC may be output to the output terminal Ym during the scan of the no to n7 rows.

The input device of the present invention can be applied not only to electronic typewriters but also to input devices of various electronic devices having character keys 2 and function keys 3, such as personal computers and word processors.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 9 show embodiments of the input device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a plan view of the keyboard of the input device;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal side view of the main parts of the keyboard, Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the circuit matrix 7x and control section, Figure 4 is a circuit configuration diagram schematically representing the circuit matrix part, and Figure 5 is Operation time chart in key scan system '<III,
Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the 2mn counter for stroke keys, Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the 2mn counter for touch keys, Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the key manual processing control routine, and Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the 2mn counter for touch keys. 9 is a flowchart of a key manual processing routine in the routine of FIG. 8; D...Input device, 1...Keyboard, 2...Character keys, 2A...Stroke keys, 3...Function keys, 3A...Touch keys, 4...Circuit matrix, 5...FPC board, C... Control section. Patent applicant Brother Industries, Ltd. Figure 3 Figure 4 YOYI Y2 Y3 --- Figure 5 Time diagram Figure 7 Figure 8

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Multiple character keys for inputting characters and symbols,
In an input device equipped with a plurality of function keys for commanding various functions, an FPC forming an electrical contact matrix of the input device
A circuit board, a plurality of stroke keys assembled to correspond to the electrical contacts of a part of the FPC board, and a plurality of touch keys installed to correspond to the electrical contacts of the remaining part of the FPC board, respectively. An input device characterized by: (2) The input device according to claim 1, wherein the character keys are comprised of stroke keys, and the function keys are comprised of touch keys. (3) The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation surface of the plurality of stroke keys and the operation surface of the plurality of touch keys are configured to be substantially the same plane.