US3715023A - Cam-and-linkage arrangement for simultaneous movement of multiple keystems connected to a common key - Google Patents

Cam-and-linkage arrangement for simultaneous movement of multiple keystems connected to a common key Download PDF

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Publication number
US3715023A
US3715023A US00062037A US3715023DA US3715023A US 3715023 A US3715023 A US 3715023A US 00062037 A US00062037 A US 00062037A US 3715023D A US3715023D A US 3715023DA US 3715023 A US3715023 A US 3715023A
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Prior art keywords
key
keystems
keys
keyboard
switch
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00062037A
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English (en)
Inventor
D Jackson
E Stork
D Flory
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NCR Voyix Corp
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NCR Corp
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J5/00—Devices or arrangements for controlling character selection
    • B41J5/08—Character or syllable selected by means of keys or keyboards of the typewriter type
    • B41J5/14—Construction of key levers

Definitions

  • FIG.2 [a 3 50.44] nasu u u u INVENTORS DEAN B. JACKSON EDWARD $.STORK 8 DARRELL L.FLORY EIR ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,715,023 Patented Feb. 6, 1973 3,715,023 CAM-AND-LINKAGE ARRANGEMENT FOR SIMULTANEOUS MOVEMENT OF MULTI- PLE KEYSTEMS CONNECTED TO A COM- MON KEY Dean B. Jackson, Kettering, Edward S. Stork, Dayton, and Darrell L. Flory, Brookville, Ohio, assrgnors to The National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio Filed Aug. 7, 1970, Ser. No. 62,037
  • a modularly-constructed matrix-arranged keyboard having a printed circuit board and means associated therewith for opening and closing circuits for the purpose of relaying input information to a separate encoding system.
  • the keyboard includes a plurality of keys with keystems, each stem capable of carrying a shunt member on its lower end for movement in a path between a switch and a magnet as the key is depressed and then released.
  • a camand-linkage arrangement is provided for maintaining even distribution of the movement of multiple keystems connected to a common key.
  • Such redesigned keyboards have generally featured a circuit making and breaking device associated with each amount key and function key, each of the amount keys occupying a central position over its respective keystem, and the function keys occupying a larger area and supported on two or more keystems.
  • One type of electrical keyboard utilizing such making and breaking devices is shown in British Pat. No.
  • 1,127,840 which discloses a keyboard with a plurality of switches each having a switch tube containing a contact bridge which is displaceable in the switch tube by movement of a permanent ring magnet, the magnet being movable, upon depression of a key, along the switch tube to attract the contact bridge from one set of contacts to another set of contacts.
  • the function keys are carried on a plurality of keystems.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,720,961 issued Oct. 18, 1955, on the application of William Richard Smith, discloses key latching and release mechanism which relates to a cam pivotally positioned on a keystem whereby, when the stem is moved in one direction, the cam wedges a latching bail to a unlatching position, and, when the key stern moves in the opposite direction, the cam is pivoted out of the way by the latching bail.
  • the present invention relates to a keyboard and, more particularly, to a modular-type keyboard utilized as an input device for manual entry of variable data, and also as a control unit for a terminal portion of a program or system which may require alteration, definition, and/or other general control operations.
  • the keyboard is matrixarranged as to location of the keystems and modularly constructed as to physical configuration for flexibility and for adaptability to numerous applications.
  • the keyboard includes spaced support plates, spring-loaded keystems protruding through the plates, and a circuit board carrying a plurality of reed-type switches and their associated actuating magnets.
  • the lower end of each keystem carries a shunt member which is normally positioned in a plane between the switch and its magnet, but which is displaced or moved, upon depression of a key, in a path to permit opening and closing of the switch by the magnetic forces.
  • the switch In the up, or undepressed, position of the key, the switch is open by reason of the keystem-carried shunt being positioned between the switch and the magnet, thereby cutting off the lines of magnetic force of the magnet from acting on the switch.
  • the shunt When the key is depressed, the shunt is moved downwardly in linear manner,
  • the point of effective operation takes place at an operate point approximately one third of the distance from the bottom of key travel whenever a key is depressed.
  • the reset point defined as that point in key travel wherein the key is in a restored condition and thus capable of another activation, is approximately one third of the distance from the top of key travel.
  • the keyboard is designed for optimum linear key travel between the operate point and the reset point for any given key. It is very important, therefore, that the key operate in a plane which is parallel or level with respect to the switching mechanism.
  • an additional feature of the present keyboard is the ride or slur characteristic, which permits partial depression or application of force above the point of effective operation of one or more keys. This feature permits the operator to ride a key with one finger providing a home reference for the hand during touch operation, while at the same time preventing unwanted code output from partially-depressed keys.
  • the keyboard design also includes interlocking of the keys when two or more keys are depressed within a predetermined time interval and, in the instant invention, applies to keys that are actively being depressed as opposed to keys that are depressed and held down. As soon as the operate point during depression of the key is reached, the circuit is completed and the input information is encoded, so that additional keys may be depressed without restoration of the previously depressed keys.
  • an additional feature is provided for those keys which are carried on more than one keystem.
  • keys which occupy greater space and are carried by a row of keystems, or keys which are carried by two or more rows and levels of keystems it is necessary that the several keystems be depressed and moved together, so as not to cause binding between the stems and the supporting plates whenever a key is struck off center or is struck at one edge portion thereof.
  • a camand-linkage arrangement is provided to connect the several keystems together to maintain even distribution of keystem movement.
  • the design of the keyboard features a simplified, low-cost, and easily-maintained assembly.
  • the principal object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard of simple modular design adaptable for several applications.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a matrix-arranged keyboard wherein the keystems are on common centers for flexibility in broad terminal usage.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard which will operate in accordance with human factor requirements that have been established for efficient operation.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to provide means on each of the keystems movable in a path between a switch and a magnet for permitting opening and closing of the switch during operation of the key.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard with multiple-stem-carrying keys wherein a cam-and-linkage arrangement maintains even distribution of keystem movement as the key is depressed.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective 4 view showing the keyboard of the present invention
  • FIG. 2, on the sheet with FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, is a top plan view of the keyboard construction
  • FIG. 3, on the sheet with FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, is a view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 on the sheet with FIGS. 1 and 5, is an enlarged view of a keystem and its associated parts
  • FIG. 5, on the sheet with FIGS. 1 and 4, is a view taken on the line 55 of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6, on the sheet with FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, is an enlarged view of the keystem linkage shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 7, on the sheet with FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, is a plan view of the keystem linkage.
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of a keyboard including an upper support plate 10 and a lower support plate 12 spaced from the upper plate, the plates having apertures 14 (FIG. 2) equally spaced therein for reception of keystems 16 capped by amount keys 18, function and/or control keys 20, and certain other special keys 22, 24.
  • the apertures 14 are spaced on three-quarter-inch centers each way, so as to provide a matrix-arranged board wherein the several keys are adaptable and suitable for being placed at different locations depending upon the desired arrangement of the amount, function, and/or special keys.
  • a framework of plate members see also FIG.
  • FIG. 3 shows a 5" by 8" fashioned board, there being five levels and eight rows of keys, additional rows could be added when a lengthened keyboard is required.
  • the five levels and eight rows are generally considered adequate, realizing that space is an important design factor in present machines, and that the trend is toward smaller, more compact systems.
  • Keyboard support legs 34 are provided to secure the board to a suitable base (not shown), the legs each being an extension of the front and rear plates 30.
  • a plug-in type of printed circuit board 40 (FIG. 3) is attached to the framework and secured between the support legs 34, the board having an extension 42 beyond one end of the keyboard for connection with suitable terminals (not shown) of the electrical part of the equipment or system.
  • the keys such as the amount keys 18 (FIG. 4), are secured to the tops of the stems 16 in a suitable manner, so as to provide removability of the associated parts during maintenance.
  • Each of the keystems has an elongated slot 46 adjacent the upper support plate 10 for receiving a retainer rod 48 (see also FIG. 5), there being a rod extending across each of the rows of keystems for the purpose of limiting upward travel of the keys upon depression thereof.
  • each of the keystems 16 has a notch, or kerf, 50 in one side for receiving and retaining an elongated tension spring 52, which spring also extends across each of the rows of keystems and is connected to tabs 53 and 54 (FIG. 2) for providing a bias or restraining force to downward movement of the keys. This spring, of course, acts to counteract the depression of the keys and is the restoring force for the keys after operation thereof.
  • the keystem 16 has secured on its lower end portion a pre-formed shield element or shunt 60 having spaced apertures therein slidingly receiving the lower portion of the keystem.
  • the lower end of the keystem 16' is bifurcated to form fingers 70 and 71 for the purpose of capturing the shunt 60.
  • the slot formed by the bifurcated lower portion of the stem permits springing of the fingers 70- and 71 for easy insertion of the shunt on the keystem.
  • terminals or posts 80 and 81 Connected to the printed circuits and supported from the circuit board 40 are terminals or posts 80 and 81 (FIG. 4), to which are solidly connected the terminals of a glass-enclosed reed switch 82 (see also FIG. 3).
  • a small permanent mag net 85 contained in a non-metallic holder 86 (FIG. 1), the magnet being face oriented and positioned in spaced relationship and on a plane approximately level with the reed switch 82, as seen in FIG. 5.
  • the keys 22, 24 occupy a much greater portion of the keyboard than do the individual amount keys 18 or function keys 20, the key 22 extending across the space of five keystem apertures, and the key 24 covering a corner of the board and extending over three keystems. Because of the expanse of these keys, it is necessary to provide means for obtaining even distribution of movement across the key, so as to prevent binding of the keystems in the apertures when the keys are depressed.
  • bails or shafts 88 and 89 see also FIGS.
  • the key 24 extends substantially across the lower portion of the keyboard, and a shaft assembly is provided to insure even downward displacement of the key, so as to prevent binding of the keystems in the apertures.
  • a shaft 110 is journaled in hubs 111 and 112, the hub 111 being secured to the central support plate 91, and the hub 112 being secured to the support plate 32.
  • Cam arms 114 and 115 similar to the arms 96 and 97, are secured to the shaft 110, the arms having respective fingers 116 and 117 extending into and engaging with notches or recesses 118 and 119 in the two keystems as shown.
  • depression of any key downwardly to the operate point which, as mentioned earlier, is approximately one-third the distance from the bottom of key travel, also carries the shunt 60 downwardly and allows generation of an electrical current through closing of the switch 82. This is accomplished by reason of the shunt 60 being moved out of the path of the magnetic lines of force between the magnet 85 and the switch 82.
  • the reset point is passed during this travel, and, by reason of the shunt interrupting the magnetic lines of force, the switch contacts open, and the circuit is broken. Again, as mentioned earlier, this reset point is approximately one-third of the distance from the top of the key travel.
  • the spring 52 applies that bias necessary to hold the key in the up" position when no force is applied to the key, in which position the switch 82 is open, since the shunt 60 attached to the keystem is positioned between the switch and the magnet 85.
  • the shunt On depression of the key, the shunt is removed from between the magnet and the switch, permitting the magnetic force to be applied to the switch and thus cause the switch to close and apply current to the particular encoding circuit.
  • the spring 5-2 forces the key and stem to the up position, and the shunt is therefore repositioned between the magnet and the switch to interrupt the magnetic lines of force, and the switch opens.
  • depression force on a portion thereof, or toward an edge of the key is carried to other keystems through the shafts 88 and 89 carrying the cam arms 96 and 97 engageable in the recesses 105 and 106 in the stems, and, where the key turns the corner (as does the key 22), the link 100, connecting the cam arms, insures that the keystems are evenly moved during depression.
  • the link may be extended or lengthened in the case when a key may occupy the space taken by the key 22 and additionally space taken by one or more function keys 20. Therefore, special keys may occupy greater portions of the keyboard and include the even distribution of depression force feature to insure reliable and eflicient operation.
  • the force is carried along the shaft 100 through the cam fingers 116 and 117 working in the recesses 118 and 119 to provide even distribution of downward movement of the keystems, so as to prevent binding thereof with the support plates and to insure precise operation of the switch at the operate and reset points.
  • keyboard-circuit-closing and -opening means directly connected to the keystem and positioned to move between the magnet and the reed switch for operating the encoding circuits.
  • the keyboard also features the shaft-and-cam arrangement for use in depression of large keys, so as to have the advantage of adaptability to numerous keyboard designs. While only one embodiment has been disclosed for the construction and operation of the keyboard, certain variations on the above may occur to those skilled in the art, so it is contemplated that all such variations having these features are within the scope of the invention.
  • a keyboard comprising a pair of spaced support plates, the plates having apertures therein arranged in matrix fashion,
  • switch means positioned to be operable upon depression of the keystems
  • certain of the keys being of a size and shape to extend across a plurality of the keystems, at least one of said certain keystems being positioned in offset manner from the others,

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  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
US00062037A 1970-08-07 1970-08-07 Cam-and-linkage arrangement for simultaneous movement of multiple keystems connected to a common key Expired - Lifetime US3715023A (en)

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US6203770A 1970-08-07 1970-08-07

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US3715023A true US3715023A (en) 1973-02-06

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US (1) US3715023A (de)
JP (1) JPS5119373B1 (de)
AU (1) AU448829B2 (de)
BE (1) BE770814A (de)
CA (1) CA940834A (de)
CH (1) CH523545A (de)
DE (1) DE2138135B2 (de)
FR (1) FR2103833A5 (de)
GB (1) GB1298546A (de)
ZA (1) ZA714929B (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4071719A (en) * 1976-07-22 1978-01-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Keyboard switch assembly having actuator interlocking keyboard shift and shift lock and release mechanism
US4195939A (en) * 1976-09-21 1980-04-01 Dobson Park Industries, Ltd. Type bar actuating mechanism for a typewriter
US4295012A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-10-13 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Secretarial shift mechanism for an electric keyboard

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3292761A (en) * 1965-11-04 1966-12-20 Navigation Computer Corp Typewriter key lever and mount therefor

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4071719A (en) * 1976-07-22 1978-01-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Keyboard switch assembly having actuator interlocking keyboard shift and shift lock and release mechanism
US4195939A (en) * 1976-09-21 1980-04-01 Dobson Park Industries, Ltd. Type bar actuating mechanism for a typewriter
US4295012A (en) * 1980-02-04 1981-10-13 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Secretarial shift mechanism for an electric keyboard

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Publication number Publication date
JPS5119373B1 (de) 1976-06-17
ZA714929B (en) 1972-04-26
FR2103833A5 (de) 1972-04-14
CH523545A (de) 1972-05-31
CA940834A (en) 1974-01-29
BE770814A (fr) 1971-12-16
GB1298546A (en) 1972-12-06
AU3188071A (en) 1973-02-08
DE2138135A1 (de) 1972-02-10
AU448829B2 (en) 1974-05-30
DE2138135B2 (de) 1978-10-26

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