MXPA02004672A - Operating device for electronic functional equipment. - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, where the device has a control element that is depressible for activation of a switch function, and stepwise is either longitudinally movable or rotatable in relation to the operating device housing, the movement of the control element preferably being indicatable, and where the device has means for detecting the stepwise movement of the control element. On each side of the movement path of the control element thereis respectively provided a first and second switch, depressible in the z direction. In connection with the control element there is provided a third switch, the control element being adapted to be depressible for activation of the third switch. Said first, second and third switches are interrelated to provide three possible options in the x direction for respective stepwise position of the control element in the y direction.

Description

OPERATING DEVICE FOR ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an operating device for electronic functional equipment as described in the preamble of the appended patent claims 1, 4, 5, 1, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mobile phones for communication devices and other functional electronic equipment nowadays have gradually acquired in a large number of functions and in some cases large display units (display screens) for purposes such as the adaptation of, for example, mobile phones to the new GSM standard known as WAP. These devices contain vast amounts of data and large menu systems, and therefore it is necessary to have simple and efficient control of input and navigation. The main purpose of the invention is to move away from the large number of control keys found in such devices and functional equipment to provide simple, logical, and efficient operation, optionally in interaction with a display unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to provide some simplification of the solutions which, for example, are described in the earlier Norwegian Patent Applications of applicant 19985770 and 19995723. Furthermore, this application describes additional details of some of the modalities in the previous Norwegian patent applications of the applicant 19996001 and 20004375.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristic elements of the invention are described in the appended patent claims, and the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows the principle of an operation device according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a typical screen image in a display unit to be used in relation to the used one of the operating device. Figure 3 shows the operation device as described in Figure 1 in greater detail. Figure 4 shows section IV-IV in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the operation device shown in Figure 3 with its control element in a second end position. Figure 6 shows the section VI-VI in Figure 3. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the operation device according to the invention. Figure 8 shows the operation device of Figure 7 in greater detail. Figure 9 shows section IX-IX at Figure 8. Figure 10 is a sectional view of the device in Figure 8 with its control element in a second end position. Figure 11 shows section XI-XI in the Figure 8. Figure 12 shows a third embodiment that is a variant of the modality shown in Figures 7-11. Figure 13 shows section XIII-XIII in the Figure 12. Figure 14 and 15 show, respectively, the original state of the image of a display screen and a related operation matrix x / y.

Figure 16 shows a fourth embodiment of the operating device of the present invention. Figure 17 shows a fifth embodiment of the operation device according to the invention. Figure 18 shows a typical screen image that is useful, for example, for use with the operation device according to Figure 18. Figure 19 shows a variant of the operation device shown in Figure 17. Figures 20-24 show the operation device according to Figure 17 in greater detail, where Figure 20 shows section XX-XX in Figures 17 and 23, Figure 21 shows section XXI-XXI in Figure 17 and the Figure 23, Figure 22 shows section XXII-XXII in Figure 23 and Figure 23 shows section XXIII-XXIII in Figure 21. Figure 24 shows section XXIV-XXIV in Figure 18. Figure 25 shows a sixth embodiment of the operation device according to the invention. Figure 26 shows a horizontal section through the device shown in Figure 25. Figure 27 shows section XVII-XXVII in Figure 26 and Figure 28 shows section XXVIII-XXVIII in Figure 26.

Figure 29 shows a seventh embodiment of the operation device according to the invention. Figure 30 shows section XXX-XXX in Figure 29. Figure 31 shows section XXXI-XXXI in section 29. Figure 32 shows section XXXII-XXXII in section 29. Figure 33 is a schematic illustration of the switching contact points and the sliding contacts of the control element, according to that indicated by references XXXIII-XXXIII in Figure 30. Figure 34 shows the principle of the operation device according to Figure 29-33. Figure 35 shows an eighth embodiment of the operation device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an operation device 1 for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit 2, as shown in Figure 2, where the device has a control element 3 that is oppressive to the activation of a switching function, and moves in steps in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing of the operation device 4 (see Figure 3), the movement of the control element 3 being preferably indicatable, and where the device has means 5-7 and 8-10 to indicate the gradual movement of the control element. On each side of the control path 3 there is provided respectively a first switch 11 and a second switch 12, both of which are oppressive in the z direction. The switches 11, 12 have switching buttons 11 ', 12' to drive the respective switching functions. A third switch, here indicated by means of the numerical reference 13, is provided in relation to the control element 3. The control element 3 is arranged to be able to be pressed against the spring action to drive the third switch 13. The first, second and third switches 11-13 are interrelated to provide 3 possible options in the x direction for the respective gradual adjustment of the control element 3 in the y direction. The control element 3 is arranged in an oppressible manner in a slide 14, where slidable contacts connected to the switch 13 are provided on the upper side of the slide, and where the sliding contacts, here indicated by means of the numerical references 13 'and 13 '', form a contact with the conductor bars 15, 16. The gradual movement of the control element 3 is possible due to a pair of spring-loaded tongues 17, 18 which are successively coupled with serrated portions 17 ', 18' on the housing of the operating device 19. The means for detecting the gradual movement of the control element, 3 can, for example, consist of two light sources each communicating with their respective pair of light receivers 6, 7 and 9. , 10. In a first position of the control element 3, as shown in Figure 3, all the light reflectors 6, 7, 9 and 10 will be blocked against light reception. In a next gradual position there will be light communication between the light source 5 and the receiver 6; in a next position the light receiver 7 will also receive light; in another position there will also be light communication between the light source 8 and the light receiver 9; and in a final position of the control element 3 there will also be light communication between the light source 8 and the light receiver ID. In this way, when control elements 3 move along their path, a cursor 20 (see Figure 2) will mark the relevant symbols, letters or numbers that appear on the display screen. 2. In the position of the control element 3 in the illustrated example a marking 20 of the numbers 7, 8 and 9 is indicated. The depression of the control element 3 for activating the switch 13 will produce the selection of, for example, the number 8, while the 'depression of the switching button 11' will activate the switch 11, thus selecting the number 7. The same will occur for the selection of the number 9 in relation to the switch 12. A configuration similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 3-6 can also be observed from Figures 7- eleven. In those Figures the control element is indicated by the numerical reference 21, while the switching keys for the switches 11 and 12 are indicated by the reference numbers 11 'and 12'. However, it should be understood that the control element 21 itself is rotatably supported on the slide 22 around an axis 23 and that in this case the third switch 13 is replaced by a tilting switch mode having two switching positions. active, according to that indicated by the numerical references, 24, 25. In order to detect the rotation of the control element 21 about the axis 23, to detect the activation of a switch 24 or the other switch 25, a number of contact points 26. In this case, for the purpose of being clear, the optical detection of the gradual positions of the control element is used, instead of a conductive bar 27 and a row of conductive points 28 placed on a base 29, for example, a printed circuit board. When, for example, the control element 21 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction with respect to that shown in Figure 11, the switch 24 will be activated. Turning in a clockwise direction will cause switch 25 to be activated. The sliding contacts 30 and 31 on the slider 22 will make contact with the continuous conductor 27 and the gradual contact points 28 (see Figure 10), respectively. In this way, it will always be possible to detect the gradual position of the control element 21 with precision. As with the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 5, the gradual positions of the control element 21 are secured by means of slots 32, 33 on the housing of the operation device 34, a pair of spring loaded bolts 35, 36 being provided. , which have the same function as the pair of bolts 17, 18, shown in relation to Figures 3 and 5. A variant of the embodiment shown in FIGS.

Figures 7-11, can be seen in Figures 12 and 13.

The determination of the position of the slide is basically as shown in Figures 9-11, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here. However, it should be understood that the control element, here indicated by the 'numerical reference 37, consists of two parts 37' and 37. In this case, there will be no rotation of the control element 37, but instead the possibility of the selective depression of any part of the control element 37 'to activate the switch 24, or the depression of the part of the control element 37"to activate the switch 25, or a possible depression of both parts of the control elements 37' , 37"to activate both switches 24 and 25. Here, it should be immediately understood that if, for example, the mounting hole for the shaft 23 shown in Figures 9 and 11 had been made to have an oblong cross section, as indicated by the numerical reference 23 ', both switches 24 and 25 could also be activated simultaneously by the direct depression of the control element, in addition to the possibility of rotating the control element towards the back or back In relation to the modalities shown in Figures 12 and 13, it will be understood that the selective activation of the switches 11, 12, 24, 25 or a combination of the switches 24 and 25, will be capable of producing four or five possible options for the operating device in the respective gradual position of the slide 22. As will be seen in Figure 14, it is possible to start with a simple menu, where the turn or depression of the control element on one side or on the other, will be able to activate certain parts of the menu. However, by studying Figure 15, it will be understood that the operation device, like what is shown and described in relation to Figure 2, is basically related to movements x / y, where the movement in y, indicates the movement of the control element forwards or backwards, and x designates alternatives for activation of the commutator in the z direction that are present in each position and of the control element. Now we will describe in more detail the Figures 16 and 17 in relation to what is evident from Figures 20-24. Figure 16 shows a control element 38 that rotates in relation to the housing of the operating device, and where this control element 38 can be depressed to activate a switching function.

Also, on each side of the movement path (rotational direction) of the control element are provided respectively a first switch 39 and a second switch 40, which are respectively actuated by an oppressive switch button 39 ', 40'. In relation to the control element 38, there is provided here in relation to its rotation a detector consisting of a light source 41 and a light receiver 42, which, upon rotation of the control element detects the passage of light or the absence of passage of light via the successive orifices 43 that are in the control element. If the control element 38 is depressed, a third switch 44, 45 will be activated, this switch in a preferred embodiment comprises a light source 44 and a light receiver 45, where by the depression of the control element 38 against the action of the spring 46, the light path between the light source 44 and the light receiver 45 will be interrupted. Of course, it is also conceivable that instead of the light source 44 and the light receiver 45, an electromechanical switch can be arranged diametrically below the control element 38, that is, between the light source 41 and the light receiver 42. The depression of the control element is shown in greater detail in Figure 22. To ensure the gradual movement of the control element 38, this element can be provided with a plurality of cavities 47., placed in a ring, and with which a ball loaded with spring 48 can be coupled. In this way, the user of the control element will feel its gradual movement very definitively. The use of optoelectronic means such as light sources and light receptors shown in Figures 20-23 would be practically advantageous, although other solutions are conceivable, for example, the use of electromechanical switches. The switching functions represented by the numerical references 39, 40 and 44, 45 respectively represent first, second and third switches, which, together, provide three possible options for the operating device in the respective, gradual position of the element control 38. In Figure 17, the control element is shown as having a very large axial dimension. The control element is indicated in this Figure by the reference numeral 49, and the switching buttons are for operating the first and second switches respectively, are indicated by the reference numbers 50 ', 51'. It will also be noted here that, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the switch buttons are provided on each side of the control element parallel with their plane of movement. These switch buttons 50 'and 51' are adapted to operate the respective switches 50, 51, when depressed, as shown in Figure 24. The control element 49 will in other circumstances have the same mode of operation as that shown and described in relation to Figures 20 and 23, and therefore no further explanation is necessary. It will also be noted that the transmission holes in the control element 49 are also indicated by the numerical reference 43 in this Figure, and interact with the detector pair 41, 42. In Figure 21, it will be noted that the control element 38 rotates about an axis 38 ', and similarly the control element 49 rotates about an axis 49'. Also, in the embodiments shown in Figure 17 and 24, the switches 50, 51, together with a third switch, as well as the one comprising the light source 44 and the light receiver 45, will provide three possible options for the device of operation in the respective step position of the control element 49. Figure 19 shows a variant, where the control element is indicated by the number 49 'by the movement in a menu or the like in the position y. The control element does not necessarily need to have a switching function, since such a switching function can be provided by a switching button 49", which controls a third switch 49", while the buttons 50 '' 'and 51 '' 'control the first and second switches 50", 51". In this way, the control element 49 'will provide movements in and, while the switching buttons will control the selection in the x position from among four possible options for each position in and gradual. Figures 28-28 show another operating device, where the device has a control element 53 that moves and is squeezable relative to the housing of the control device 52 and is in the form of a continuous band, the movement of the control element being control 53 preferably indicable, and where the device has means, preferably optoelectronic means for detecting the gradual movement of the control element. On each side of the control element and parallel to its direction of movement, there is provided respectively a first switch 54 and a second switch 55, which can be operated by means of the switching keys 54 'and 55'. The depression movement of the control element 53 is designed to be detected by a third switch 56. The band constituting the control element runs continuously around two rollers 57 and 58. The fourth switch in the form of a light source 59 and a light receiver 60, detects the gradual movement of the control element 53 which causes the rotation of the rollers 57 and 58. The roller 57, around which the band 53 'runs, is equipped with a plurality of axially extending holes 61, so that after the rotation of the roller 57 a light path and a light path interrupted through these holes 61, will be detected successively by the fourth switch 59, 60. A number of cavities or depressions 62 with which a coupling ball loaded by spring 63 can be successively coupled, are preferably provided on one of the rollers 58 to allow to ensure a gradual movement of the control element in the form of band 53. The rollers 57 and 58 rotate about their respective axes 57 ', 58'. From Figure 27, it can be seen that the band 53 slides on a band support 64. When the band 53 is pressed down, the band support 64 will be pressed up simultaneously, thereby activating the switch 56 which is supported by a base part 65, which can optionally being part of the housing of the actual operating device 52. Instead of using the light source 59 and the light receiver 60 to detect the gradual movement of the band, and thus the gradual rotation of the roller 57, the loaded roller spring 63, for example, can form a fourth switch. Figures 29-34 show another embodiment of the operation device, wherein the operation device has a slide 66 having a control element 67 that moves longitudinally relative to the housing of the operation device 68, and where the movement of the slide and the control element is preferably indicative, since provided on the base part 68 'of the operating device are a plurality of contact points 69 and a contact bar 70 which are respectively placed in electrical contact with the sliding contacts 69'. and 70 'on the underside of the slide 66. On each side of the path of movement of the slide, a first switch 71 and a second switch 72 are respectively provided, which are operated by respective switch keys 71"and 72. " In the slide 66 in relation to the control element 67, a third switch 73 is provided to operate this switch after the depression of the control element 67. One of the contacts of the switch can be located in the base part 68 'and is indicated by the reference number 73 '. Initially, the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the operating device. If the slide 66 is pushed against the action of a first spring 74 to a position according to that indicated by the reference numeral 75 (see Figure 34), the sliding contact 69 'will contact the contact point 69"(see Figure 33). If, using the control element 67, the slide 66 is pushed in the opposite direction against the action of a spring 76, the sliding contact 69 'will make contact with the contact point 69"' ', and the slide is then in position 77 according to that indicated in Figure 34. In the normal position (central position), the sliding contact 69 'will form a contact with the contact point 69' ''. the movement of the slide on the contact of the sliding contact 69 'with one of the contact points 69", 69' '' or 69" '', will indicate the position of the slide, that the current path is also via the conductive bar 70 and sliding contact 70 '. In relation to the switches 71 and 72, the contact faces 71"and 72" may be on the base part 68 '. In yet another embodiment of the operating device, as shown in Figure 35, there is provided a set of switching buttons related to a function 78-82, buttons which are oppressible in the z direction to drive a respective switch. Switches 78, 79 and 80 respectively form the first, second and third switches that are arranged in the x direction. The fourth switch 81, the second switch 79 and the fifth switch 82 together form the switching array in the y direction. The first, second and third switches will be interrelated to provide three possible options in the x direction for a selected position in the direction and determined by the activation of one or the other of the fourth and fifth switches 81, 82. The housing of the operating device is indicated by the reference number 83. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property. 1. An operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a control element that is optable for the activation of a switching function, and gradually moves longitudinally or rotates relative to the housing of the device. operating device, the movement of the control element being preferably indicatable, and where the device has means for detecting the gradual movement of the control element, characterized in that - on each side of the movement path of the control element respectively a first and second switches, oppressible in the z direction; - in relation to the control element a third switch is provided, the control element being arranged to be oppressive for the actuation of the third switch; and - the first, second and third switches are interrelated to provide three possible options in the x direction to the respective step position of the control element in the y direction. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that - the control element rotates to make the third switch act as a vasculating switch with two active switching positions and / or as an oppression switch with a position of active switching. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that - the control element is divided into two parts and is adapted to drive a first part of the switch and a second part of the switch of the third switch, these switch parts being independent of each other or both being adapted to activate their respective switching function. 4. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, where the device has a set of switching buttons related to a function placed in the housing of the operating device, the operation of one or more being of the buttons preferably indicable, characterized in that - five switching buttons are provided that are oppressible in the z-direction; a first switch, a second switch and a third switch are arranged in the x direction, a fourth switch, the second switch and a fifth switch form a switching arrangement in the y direction; - the first, second and third switches are interrelated to provide three possible options in the x direction for a selected position in the address and determined by the activation of one or the other of the fifth switches. 5. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a slide that has a control element that moves longitudinally in relation to the housing of the operation device, the movement of the device being preferably indicable slide, and wherein the device has means for detecting the gradual movement of the slide, characterized in that - on each side of the path of movement of the slide there is provided respectively a first and second switches; - the sets of light sources and light receptors are provided along the path of movement of the slide, and where the movement of the slide blocks or opens the light path between the light sources and the light receivers; - on the slide in relation to the control element a third switch is provided, the control element being adapted to be oppressive for the operation of the third switch; and - the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the operating device in the respective gradual position of the slide. 6. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding contacts which are in contact with a respective contact rod in the housing are provided on the lower side of the slide. 7. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a slide that has a control element that moves longitudinally in relation to the housing of the operating device, the movement of the device being preferably identifiable slide, and wherein the device has means for detecting the gradual movement of the slide, characterized in that - on each side of the path of movement of the slide a first and second switches are provided respectively; - in the housing along the path of movement of the slide a contact bar is provided parallel to it a plurality of contact points, the respective sliding contact on the slide forms a contact with the contact bar and the points of contact successive contact on the gradual movement of the slide; on the slider in relation to the control element there is provided a third switch and a fourth switch for driving one or both of the third and fourth switches by activating the control element; and the first, second, third and fourth switches provide four or five possible options for the operating device in the respective gradual position of the slide. 8. The operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that - the third and fourth switches can be brought into contact with contact points provided in the housing in the respective gradual positions of the slide; and - the third and fourth switches via the sliding contacts also make contact with the contact bar. 9. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a control element in the form of a wheel, roller or cylinder that rotates and is squeezable relative to the housing of the device. operation, the rotational movement of the control element preferably indicative, and wherein the device has optoelectric means for detecting the gradual rotational movement of the control element, characterized in that - on each side of the path of movement of the slide there is respectively provided a first and second switches; the depression movement of the control element is adapted to be detected by a third switch consisting of a light source and a light receiver, the downward movement of the control element thereby blocking a light path between the light source and the light receiver; a fourth switch in the form of a light source and a light receiver detects the gradual rotational movement of the control element; and the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the operating device in the respective step position of the control element. 10. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a control element in the form of a continuous band that is mobile and oppressible in relation to the housing of the operating device, the preferably controllable movement of the control element, and wherein the device has optoelectronic means for detecting the gradual element of the slide, characterized in that - on each side of the movement path of the slider respectively first and second switches are provided, respectively; the depression movement of the control element is adapted to be detected by a third switch; - »a fourth switch in the form of a light source and a light receiver detects the gradual movement of the control element, one of the rollers around which the band runs is equipped with a plurality of axially extending orifices, so that the rotation of the roller in a light path and an interrupted light path will be detected successively; and the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the operating device in the respective step position of the control element. The operating device according to claim 10, characterized in that - one or the other of the rollers around which the belt runs is equipped with a number of cavities for releasable coupling with a spring-loaded pellet to indicate the gradual movement of the band. 12. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, where the device has a control element in the form of a continuous band that is mobile and oppressible in relation to the housing of the operating device, the preferably controllable movement of the control element, and wherein the device has optoelectronic means for detecting the gradual element of the slide, characterized in that - on each side of the movement path of the slide there is provided respectively a first and second switches; - the depression movement of the control element is adapted to be held by a third switch; a fourth switch with a spring-loaded pellet detects the gradual element of the control element, one of the rollers around which the band runs is equipped with a plurality of cavities which in turn drive the switching position of the commutator and at the same time after releasable coupling between the pellet and the respective cavities it forms an indication of the gradual element of the band; and - the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the operating device in the respective step position of the control element. 13. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a slide that has a control element that moves longitudinally relative to the housing of the operating device, the movement of the slide being preferably Indicable, and where the device has means for detecting the gradual movement of the slide, characterized in that - on each side of the path of movement of the slide there are provided, respectively, a first and second switches; in the housing along the path of movement of the slide a contact bar is provided and parallel thereto a plurality of contact points, the respective sliding contact on the slide forms a contact with the contact bar and contact points successive after the forward and backward movement of the slide in relation to a central position thereof; - in the slider in relation to the control element there is provided a third switch for actuating the third switch by the depression of the control element; and - the first, second and third switches provide four or five possible operations for the operating device at the respective gradual position of the slide. 14. An operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a control element that is obtainable for the activation of a switching function, and preferably rotatable in relation to the housing of the device. operating device, the movement of the control element being preferably indicatable, and wherein the device has means for detecting the gradual movement of the control element, characterized in that - in the direction of the movement path of the control element respectively a first , second and third switches, which are oppressible in the z direction; and - the first, second and third switches are interrelated to provide three possible options in the x direction to the respective step position of the control element in the y direction. 15. The operating device for electronic functional equipment, optionally in interaction with a display unit, wherein the device has a control element in the form of a band, roller or cylinder that rotates and is optionally oppressible in relation to the housing of the device of operation, the rotation movement of the control element being preferably indicatable, and wherein the device has optoelectronic means for detecting the gradual rotational movement of the control element, characterized in that - along a portion of the control element that traverses its direction of movement are provided respectively a first, second and third switches, - a fourth switch detects the gradual movement of the control element, and - the first, second and third switches provide three possible options for the respective gradual operation device of the control element 16. The operating device according to claim 15, wherein the control element is in the form of a continuous band, characterized in that - the fourth switch is in the form of a light source and a light receiver that detects the gradual movement of the control element and because one of the rollers around which the band runs is equipped with a plurality of extending holes, axial, so that between the rotation of the roller a light path and a light path interrupted will be detected successively. The operating device according to claim 16, characterized in that one or other of the rollers around which the belt runs is equipped with a number of releasable cavities or couplings with a spring-loaded pellet to indicate the gradual movement of the band. 18. The operating device according to claim 15, characterized in that - the fourth switch has a pellet loaded by spring to effect the detection of the gradual movement of the control element, one of the rollers around which the band runs is equipped with a plurality of depressions which in turn drive the switch position of the switch, and at the same time after the releasable coupling of the ball and a respective cavity gives an indication of the gradual movement of the band.