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US3523184A - Operational keyboard system - Google Patents

Operational keyboard system Download PDF

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Publication number
US3523184A
US3523184A US781770A US3523184DA US3523184A US 3523184 A US3523184 A US 3523184A US 781770 A US781770 A US 781770A US 3523184D A US3523184D A US 3523184DA US 3523184 A US3523184 A US 3523184A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
key
keys
function
main
main key
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US781770A
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English (en)
Inventor
Karl Vogel
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.)
Diehl Verwaltungs Stiftung
Original Assignee
Diehl GmbH and Co
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 Diehl GmbH and Co filed Critical Diehl GmbH and Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3523184A publication Critical patent/US3523184A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03M—CODING; DECODING; CODE CONVERSION IN GENERAL
    • H03M11/00—Coding in connection with keyboards or like devices, i.e. coding of the position of operated keys
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06C—DIGITAL COMPUTERS IN WHICH ALL THE COMPUTATION IS EFFECTED MECHANICALLY
    • G06C21/00—Programming-mechanisms for determining the steps to be performed by the computing machine, e.g. when a key or certain keys are depressed
    • G06C21/04—Conditional arrangements for controlling subsequent operating functions, e.g. control arrangement triggered by a function key and depending on the condition of the register
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06C—DIGITAL COMPUTERS IN WHICH ALL THE COMPUTATION IS EFFECTED MECHANICALLY
    • G06C7/00—Input mechanisms
    • G06C7/02—Keyboards
    • 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

Definitions

  • Each of the keys is connected via switching means to an associated control circuit for performing a calculating function; only the main key being capable of being individually depressed to initiate the calculating function of its associated control circuit via its switching means. All other calculating function control circuits are initiated when both the main key and the associated function key are depressed.
  • the present invention relates to the operational keyboard of calculators and other data-processing equipment, wherein a block-shaped keyboard is provided having at least one centrally located key which can be operated by one finger either individually or in conjunction with an adjacent key.
  • Germany Pat. No. 975,661 discloses an operational keyboard in which the keys are so arranged that at least one of a plurality of erase keys can be operated together with a carriage advance key. It is further known to operate two keys in unison in order to initiate certain functions, such as for example division. In this approach when the one key is depressed, the other key is automatically taken along.
  • Germany Utility Pat. No. 1,955,187 further discloses an arrangement wherein one key in the operational keyboard is combined into an operating block or unit with other keys adjacent thereto and is centrally disposed in such block so that it can be operated by one finger either alone or together with one of the adjacent keys.
  • a main key is provided around which additional function keys are arranged in a ring or frame, respectively.
  • each function key in the ring or frame can be operated together with the main key and each key is provided with switching means which control a function circuit before the main key actuates the function.
  • Each of the function keys ad- 3,523,184 Patented Aug. 4, 1970 jacent to the main key is provided with a ledge or the like which extends over the main key and moves the main key, when the respective function key is depressed, particularly, after the switching interval required to actuate its respective switching means.
  • the individually operable main key can be rectangularly-shaped, for example, as a square, and the function keys can be bar-shaped. Each one of the bar-shaped function keys can be associated with one of the four sides of the main key.
  • the main key can be circular and the function keys can be surroundingly arranged in the form of annular segments.
  • This arrangement and coupling of the function keys with respect to the main key permits the main key to have such an area that it can be operated without the danger of inadvertently depressing an adjacent function key at the same time. Moreover, this arrangement makes it also possible to dimension each one of the four or more function keys disposed around the main key in such a way that it can be depressed safely together with the main key.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of the operational keyboard of a calculator arranged according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the operational keyboard according to FIG. 1 taken along the lines 22 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a control circuit diagram for the individual keys of the operational keyboard according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the keyboard includes, in addition to the ten number keys with the numerals 0 to 9, a decimal point setting key 16, a row of keys arranged to the left of the number keys containing the convention-a1 per mille key 11, a percent key 12, a repeat key 13 and an erase or dont count key 14.
  • a decimal point setting key 16 On the right of the group or block of ten number keys and decimal setting key 10, two operational key blocks are provided of which the lower one is provided with a centered, square, main key 15 in the form of a result key.
  • a frame of function keys there is a frame of function keys, a multiplication key 16, a repeat key 17, a division key 18 and a memory key 19.
  • the two main keys 15 and 24 could also be constructed to be circular and the associated function keys 16 to 19 or 20 to 23, respectively, could be in the form of annular segments.
  • a knurled decimal point preselection disc 25 and a knurled setting disc 26 to preselect the digit to be rounded olf.
  • the two operational key blocks 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 are disposed in a keyboard base plate 27 in a stepped arrangement with respect to each other.
  • the plus key 20 is disposed some- What higher than the other function keys and is also distinguished from the other keys by its color.
  • the main keys and 24 are mostly white, the plus key is red and all other function keys 16 to 19 and 21 to 23 are black.
  • the function keys 15 to 24 are mounted for vertical displacement in the base plate 27 by means of key shafts.
  • the two main keys 15 and 24 are locked against each other in a known manner by means of a blocking cam (not shown) or other blocking element so that only one of the main keys 15 or 24 can be depressed at a time.
  • the other functional keys 16 to 19 and to 23 extend over at least a part of the edge of their respective main key 15 or 24 with an overhang element, such as ledge 23 at function key 19.
  • the outer function keys 16 to 19 or 20 to 23, respectively can only be depressed together with their respective main key 15 or 24.
  • the keys in each group are also blocked against the keys of the other group, via the main key 15 or 24, respectively.
  • the control of the calculating functions occurs via key shafts of the above-mentioned function key blocks 15 to 19 and 20 to 24. These key shafts are disposed for vertical displacement in the keyboard base plate 27 and actuate, via mechanical or electrical switching members, the responsive means for accomplishment of the function.
  • closable or switchable sets of contacts are provided through the key shafts.
  • the circuit closing or actuating contact 30 can be operated through key shaft 29 of main key 15 and a switching contact 32 can be operated via a key shaft 31 of the repeat key 17.
  • all the key shafts of the remaining function keys 16 and 18 to 23 have respectively associated switching contacts and a closing contact is associated with main key 24.
  • the contacts are constructed mainly as microswitches which are closed or switched, respectively, by lateral pins 33 or flaps 34 of key shaft 29 or 31, respectively, when the associated key 15 or 17, respectively, is depressed or tilted, respectively.
  • FIG. 3 this illustrates the electric switching and control circuits together with the two, abovementioned, closing or switching contacts, respectively.
  • a line 35 brings voltage to the contact 30 of the main key 15 From this contact a line 36 leads to the switching contact of a switch 37 (X).
  • the outputs of switch 37 are connected to a line 38 which leads to the next switch 39 (z) and to a line 40 which leads to a function control center 41.
  • an output line 42 leads to the next switch 43 (S) and an output line 44 to control center 41.
  • the outputs of switch 43 are connected, in turn, to an output line 45 which leads to switch 32 (K) and another output line 46 which leads to the center 41.
  • both output lines 47 and 48 lead to the control center, which is constructed, for example, as a coding network.
  • center 41 receives its potential via lines 35, 36, 38, 42, 45 and 47 when only switch 30 is closed, i.e. when only main key 15 (FIG. 2) is depressed, since switches 37, 39, 43 and 32 are all in their initial switch-through state. If, in addition to switch 30, switch 37 is also actuated, i.e. if function key 16 is depressed together With main key 15, the multiplication function (X) of center 41 receives the potential via line 40.
  • the symbols associated with switches 30, 37, 39, 43 and 32 show which function of center 41 is actuated.
  • the control circuit of the second block or groups of function keys 20 to 24 (FIG. 1) fully corresponds in its electrical construction and operation to that of the function key block 15 to 19. The only difference is that other functions, as indicated in FIG. 3 by the parenthetical symbols in the control center 41, are actuated by the control circuit.
  • Operational keyboard system for calculators comprising, in combination:
  • said switching means includes a portion associated with each of said function keys and a portion associated with said main key, said main key portion being actuated to form a connection with its associated control circuit when said main key is individually operated and means for actuating the function key portions, when the associated function key is operated, to first form a connection with its associated control circuit before said main key portion actuates its associated control circuit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
US781770A 1967-12-07 1968-12-06 Operational keyboard system Expired - Lifetime US3523184A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DED0054794 1967-12-07
DE19671549402 DE1549402A1 (de) 1967-12-07 1967-12-07 Funktionstastatur fuer Rechenmaschinen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3523184A true US3523184A (en) 1970-08-04

Family

ID=25752906

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US781770A Expired - Lifetime US3523184A (en) 1967-12-07 1968-12-06 Operational keyboard system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3523184A (de)
CH (1) CH499829A (de)
DE (1) DE1549402A1 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0000696A1 (de) * 1977-06-28 1979-02-21 Hans Widmaier Fabrik für Apparate der Fernmelde- und Feinwerktechnik Tastenanordnung zur Auslösung von Schaltsignalen mittels paarweise oder quadratisch gruppierter Tasten in einer UND-Verknüpfung
US4522518A (en) * 1983-07-07 1985-06-11 Schmidt John R Character data input keyboard arrangement having central matrix of keys
US4649246A (en) * 1983-02-01 1987-03-10 Hand Widmaier Fabrik Fur Apparate Der Fernmelde -Und Feinwerktechnik Keyboard for initiating switching operations or switching signals associated with respective symbols on the surfaces of the keys
EP0368081A1 (de) * 1988-11-11 1990-05-16 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Alphanumerische Tastatur
US5407285A (en) * 1990-07-24 1995-04-18 Franz; Patrick J. Pointing stick in a computer keyboard for cursor control

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4065650A (en) * 1976-09-21 1977-12-27 Lou Kwong Li Electronic calculator with switches in solid V- and U-shaped groups
CA1213067A (en) * 1983-01-21 1986-10-21 James M. Lapeyre Contoured touch type data processing keyboard
DE3888365T2 (de) * 1988-04-27 1994-10-06 Egon Nortoft Sorensen Tastatur.

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2367421A (en) * 1945-01-16 Key coupling device
US2656980A (en) * 1952-04-18 1953-10-27 Harold C Fox Key operating means for computing machines
US3086701A (en) * 1963-04-23 Capellaro
US3315889A (en) * 1964-09-21 1967-04-25 Olympia Werke Ag Control key arrangement for a calculator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2367421A (en) * 1945-01-16 Key coupling device
US3086701A (en) * 1963-04-23 Capellaro
US2656980A (en) * 1952-04-18 1953-10-27 Harold C Fox Key operating means for computing machines
US3315889A (en) * 1964-09-21 1967-04-25 Olympia Werke Ag Control key arrangement for a calculator

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0000696A1 (de) * 1977-06-28 1979-02-21 Hans Widmaier Fabrik für Apparate der Fernmelde- und Feinwerktechnik Tastenanordnung zur Auslösung von Schaltsignalen mittels paarweise oder quadratisch gruppierter Tasten in einer UND-Verknüpfung
US4400593A (en) * 1977-06-28 1983-08-23 Hans Widmaier Fabrik Fur Apparate Der Fernmelde-Und Feinwerktechnik Key array
US4649246A (en) * 1983-02-01 1987-03-10 Hand Widmaier Fabrik Fur Apparate Der Fernmelde -Und Feinwerktechnik Keyboard for initiating switching operations or switching signals associated with respective symbols on the surfaces of the keys
US4522518A (en) * 1983-07-07 1985-06-11 Schmidt John R Character data input keyboard arrangement having central matrix of keys
EP0368081A1 (de) * 1988-11-11 1990-05-16 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft Alphanumerische Tastatur
WO1990005372A1 (de) * 1988-11-11 1990-05-17 Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag Alphanumerische tastatur
US5204511A (en) * 1988-11-11 1993-04-20 Siemans Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG Alphanumeric keyboard
US5407285A (en) * 1990-07-24 1995-04-18 Franz; Patrick J. Pointing stick in a computer keyboard for cursor control
US5568987A (en) * 1990-07-24 1996-10-29 Incontrol Solutions, Inc. Pointing stick in a computer keyboard for cursor control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1549402A1 (de) 1971-02-18
CH499829A (de) 1970-11-30

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