The present invention relates to a keypad for electrically controlling equipment wherein the push button keys have a replaceable label component affixed to the key and where the keypad is completely sealed from environmental hazards.
For manufacturers and users of electrical devices operated through a keypad, there is often a problem with making the keypad adaptable to the device with which it interfaces, for example, when switches may be reconfigured or reprogrammed, because the device is being sold to users of a different language, or the application has changed. To make a keypad more adaptable, it would be desirable to have a method of changing the visual cues, such as the color or marking of a label on the individual keys of a keypad. Another problem is that keypads designed to exclude environmental hazards by having a continuous keypad covering, when manufactured using flexible material, may not provide mechanical, tactile, or audible feedback when actuated to make or break a circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,133 “Keypad Including Membrane with Replaceable Key Element” is one example of a keypad having changeable key markings; however, this was achieved by removing and replacing the entire button portion of the key making the operation of the switch unusable at that position if lost.
Keypads such as the PowerKey Pro available from Digital Switching Systems LLC, Raleigh, N.C., USA are other examples of re-allocatable keypads for use in heavy duty settings. The PowerKey Pro contains removable button components but if removed, the button becomes inconvenient to use. Further, the attachment method lacks a locking mechanism to prevent accidental removal and loss of a key.
It is desirable to provide a type of button or key member for a keypad that can be useable, durable, and sealed against the environment (water, dust, caustic materials, etc.) but that can have a removable label piece capable of being removed or added easily and that would allow the user to label the button as desired for clarity of purpose.
The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.
The present invention provides a key for housing and addressing a switch element, wherein a key comprises a main piece on one side of a keypad surface protecting membrane and a switch actuating piece on the opposite side of the membrane and where the main piece is formed to accept and to shield a replaceable label component for conveying the function of the key to the operator.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a keypad on a programmable control panel having a circuit board where the individual keys can have different functionality depending on the application and programming of the control panel. The control panel can be used in heavy duty or hazardous applications where it is desirable for any indicium or text on the key to be easily replaceable and durable and for the keypad to be impermeable and protect the electrical switches within the circuit board. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a keypad for actuating switch elements controlling multiple modes or functions of an electrically operated device, comprising: a membrane, having a plurality of shaped keys integral to the membrane, whereby pressing of the key causes flexing of the membrane and actuation of a switch element having a defined function; and where a key comprises a main piece on one side of the membrane and a switch actuating piece on the opposite side of the membrane and where the main piece is formed to accept and to shield a replaceable label component for conveying the function of the key to the operator.
In another aspect of the invention, a kit containing interchangeable label pieces compatible with a key piece of the invention is provided. In one aspect, the kit comprises a keypad with one or more key pieces and compatible label pieces able to be secured to the key piece and being replaceable by the user, the kit further comprising written instructions for the method of changing and, optionally, marking the label pieces.
The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:
Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described below limits any claim and any claim may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claims are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application. Any subject matter described below and for which an exclusive right is not granted by issuance of this patent application may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.
In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the detailed description.
All publications, including but not limited to patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as though fully set forth.
Definitions
A “marking” or “indicium” may be text, a letter, abbreviation, or a symbol (such as an arrow) that cues the user of the key or keypad as to the function controlled by the underlying switch.
The term “switches” (or “switch elements”) means a single point of mechanically operable electrical connection (or interruption).
A “key” (also known as a button) is located on a control panel face (the “keypad”) that is accessible to the user and to environmental conditions. The keys and keypad area are sealed. The key may be partially or fully translucent such that backlighting provides a means for enhancing the recognizability of the location or function of the key. The key will have a label portion which may further be marked by an opaque or semi-opaque symbol or some other indicium, alternatively or in addition, the label portion of the key may have a raised feature to indicate the function. A visible indicium such as text, a symbol, or a color marks the key such that the user is advised of the key's function or purpose. A raised feature, such as, but not limited to a pattern of dots or ridges, may provide a means by with the function of the key can be detected tactilely. The main key piece seals and protects the switches and also serves to provide a suitable surface for the user to push against for user comfort and convenience. In an embodiment, the main key piece material is continuous with an elastomeric membrane covering the keypad, which when positioned within the keypad housing, provides protection against environmental or mechanical damage to the electrical components of the keypad and underlying circuits.
The invention improves on the prior art with the following:
1. Only a small portion of the key, designated the label piece (also referred to as the ‘label component’) is removable allowing the key to maintain position and functionality even in the absence of the label piece. This is important for critical applications that require use of the key.
2. The key label piece is secured to the key. In one embodiment, the method of securing the label piece to the key is with a barbed locking mechanism that securely locks the label piece to the main piece. Further provided are features for aligning or orienting the label on the main piece of the key such as an alignment hole.
3. The label piece is guarded on all sides by the main key piece such that no accidental force (e.g. rubbing or brushing action) can accidently remove the key.
An example of a programmable control panel 34 comprising the keypad 36 of the invention is shown in
In one embodiment of the method of operating the invention, the user actuates the tactile switch 30 indirectly by depressing the main piece 13 which is made of flexible material, applying enough force to the key so that the switch actuating piece 14 actuates the tactile switch 30 mounted to the circuit board 31 (as shown in
In an embodiment, the user is cued to the individual functions of the switches of the keypad by a label piece 20 affixed to the main piece where the label piece, when secured to the main piece, has only the one visible and contactable surface 22, being shielded by the protruding sides 17 of the main piece 13.
In order to increase the visibility of the key and its function to the user, in one embodiment, the key may be constructed having a fully translucent or partially translucent inner core 16 (
Referring to
In an embodiment, the label piece is completely encircled and shielded on side surfaces 27 by protruding sides 17 (
In another embodiment, the label piece is secured to the main piece by flanges 18 that overlap the label piece formed by elevated side surfaces that overlap a portion of the surface of the label piece (
It is further noted, that the design of the main piece of the key and, when present, the seal with the keypad surface covering membrane form an impermeable barrier between keypad and the underlying electrical contacts with or without the presence of the label piece. Therefore, the operation of the device or equipment in the absence of one or more labels of the keypad is not compromised.
The membrane and the keys and the label component can be constructed or formed from any suitable material known in the art providing that the material is capable of forming a continuous and impermeable barrier that will protect electrical switches from unwanted electrical conduction or failure otherwise. In one embodiment, the membrane is made of black silicone and the keys are placed through and sealed to the black silicone.
In an embodiment, there is provided a key or keys with a label piece or indicium capable of illumination. An example of a keypad comprising keys of the present invention is one with a light channeling membrane and preferably key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED (light emitting diode) 32 (as shown in
Methods of Using the Invention
The key or keys of the present invention are useful as an array or keypad interfacing with a printed circuit board in an electrical device. In one embodiment, each key of the keypad is of a minimum size and depth and comprised of such a material as to be able to engage the switch elements while accommodating the label piece and key piece elements required to engage and secure the label piece such as a barb or alignment elements. In another embodiment, the keypad is used in a sealed heavy duty control panel. In one aspect, the control panel is used to operate heavy duty equipment in a manufacturing plant, such as equipment capable of repeated movements. In another embodiment, the keypad is used in a setting where the operator repeatedly uses fluids incompatible with electrical switches, such a technician involved in operating imaging equipment after applying electrically conductive fluids or gels to a patient. It is understood that the above embodiments are given for illustrative purposes and in no way are to be construed as limiting the possible applications of the present inventions disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, the keypad interfaces with a printed circuit board having a plurality of dual channel switch sites thereon. The keys of the keypad may actuate the switch at the switch site either by directly making a conductive contact or making conductive contact by transferring force to a conductive element. One example of manner in which a key on the keypad may make indirect contact is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,692; by interacting with dome-shaped conductive resilient elements generally called domes that act cooperatively with the keys, which in their relaxed state maintain the switch open, and in their depressed and tripped state close the switch. The domes provide a point of engagement by an actuator or key which in turn engages contacts on the switch site.
In another aspect of the invention, a kit comprising one or more key elements formed to accept and retain a label piece is assembled wherein the kit further comprises one or more label pieces compatible for use with the particular key shape in the kit. In one embodiment, the kit contains key pieces and an equal or greater number of insertable label pieces which are premarked according to functions routinely controlled by a keypad. Exemplary, but nonlimiting functions for which label pieces could be marked are: AUTO, RUN, OFF, RPM UP, RPM DOWN, and LOAD/UNLOAD. It will be understood that in many cases, instead of text based markings universal symbols or any marking preferred by the operator may be used to designate functions marked on the label pieces.
While having described the invention in general terms, the embodiments of the invention will be further disclosed in the following examples. The selection and application of certain configurations, materials, and uses of the present invention are not limited to the examples presented herein.
A key 10 is mounted to the circuit board 31 or other suitable surface, and has a main key piece which is flexible enough to trigger the tactile switch 30 when pushed by the user (as shown in
As shown in
In order to secure the label portion to the key, the label piece may be formed so that an element protrudes from the surface opposite the contact surface. The contact surface is marked so that the operator will contact a key when the indicated function related to the switch function marked is needed.
As shown in
The user is cued to the individual functions of the switches of the keypad by a label pieces affixed to the main piece of each key, where the label piece, when secured to the main piece, has only the one visible and contactable surface, being shielded by the protruding sides of the main piece and both the label piece and the core of the key are made of translucent material making it possible for the surface to be illuminated and the black opaque symbols imprinted with the translucent label material to be readily visible.
While the above description provides examples of one or more processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.
To the extent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertions previously made (in this or in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child) with respect to any art, prior or otherwise, could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject matter supported by the present disclosure of this application, Applicant hereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Applicant also respectfully submits that any prior art previously considered in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child, may need to be re-visited.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/478,329 filed on Apr. 4, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/318,900, filed on Apr. 6, 2017. Each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4096364 | Lynn et al. | Jun 1978 | A |
4694725 | Seevers | Sep 1987 | A |
5367133 | Schmidt et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5612692 | Dugas et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
6762381 | Kunthady et al. | Jul 2004 | B2 |
7283066 | Shipman | Oct 2007 | B2 |
Entry |
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Powerkey Pro Product Accessory Catalog. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20180197702 A1 | Jul 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62318900 | Apr 2016 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 15478329 | Apr 2017 | US |
Child | 15910144 | US |