EP4441590A1 - Keypad on a bistable spring - Google Patents

Keypad on a bistable spring

Info

Publication number
EP4441590A1
EP4441590A1 EP22823341.7A EP22823341A EP4441590A1 EP 4441590 A1 EP4441590 A1 EP 4441590A1 EP 22823341 A EP22823341 A EP 22823341A EP 4441590 A1 EP4441590 A1 EP 4441590A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bistable
input device
keyboard
portable input
springs
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP22823341.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Oleksii IVANOV
Semen VARTANOV
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.)
Sonnensee GmbH
Original Assignee
Sonnensee GmbH
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 Sonnensee GmbH filed Critical Sonnensee GmbH
Publication of EP4441590A1 publication Critical patent/EP4441590A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/0221Arrangements for reducing keyboard size for transport or storage, e.g. foldable keyboards, keyboards with collapsible keys
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/163Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72409User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality by interfacing with external accessories
    • H04M1/724094Interfacing with a device worn on the user's body to provide access to telephonic functionalities, e.g. accepting a call, reading or composing a message
    • H04M1/724095Worn on the wrist, hand or arm

Definitions

  • the keyboard on the bistable spring belongs to the elements of user interfaces, especially to mobile keyboards. Keyboards are widely used because they provide an intuitive and user-friendly way of interacting with computers and electronic peripherals. The development of mobile electronics requires greater mobility and ergonomics of user interfaces, including keyboards. There are different rollable keyboards that are portable when rolled up and can be unrolled and used when needed.
  • a flexible bracelet with a display is known from WO 2015/100396 A1, which has a flexible support structure 16, which can be made of fabric, leather, plastic or metal [para. 237], the support structure 16 is therefore fundamentally not a bistable element as defined according to the present invention, since most of the proposed materials are fundamentally unsuitable for forming a bistable element as defined according to the present invention.
  • Figure 47 discloses A to F being flat.
  • a bistable spring requires a spatial curvature transverse to the longitudinal axis by 2 stable states, namely to be able to provide the extended rectilinear and the curved shape in a stable manner.
  • the flexible wristband has a second flexible support structure 850 ( Figures 47A through F) which may be formed of fabric, rubber, leather, nylon or plastic (paragraph 239).
  • element 850 as already stated for element 16.
  • a bistable spring cannot be formed from these materials.
  • the embodiment described above thus does not disclose a multi-stable element which has 2 bistable springs. These are also not connected to one another via transverse webs.
  • the bracelet has 2 bistable springs lying one on top of the other. This construction is intended to limit the flexibility of the bracelet as a whole (para. 329).
  • the bistable springs are in direct contact with each other and connected movably to each other (para. 329, 341 ).
  • WO 2015/100396 A1 does not reveal an arrangement of 2 bistable springs which are firmly connected to one another
  • a distinctive feature of such solutions is the bulkiness of the keyboard and the need to roll it in and out manually, which can limit the user in certain situations.
  • portable virtual keyboards e.g. B. with laser projection, or sensor keyboards in the form of brass knuckles.
  • the user gets a more compact solution, but new limitations arise: the projection keyboard requires a certain level of ambient lighting, and the touch keyboard partially limits the user's finger movements, etc.
  • the keyboard on bistable spring, which can be put on and taken off the wrist with the movement of one hand, whereby the hands can remain free and the keyboard can be used at any time when necessary.
  • Fig. 1 The keyboard on a bistable spring: 1 - the keyboard, 2 - the keys, 3 - the flexible board, 4 - the spring (multistable element), 5 - fixed elements, 6 - folding lines, 7 - flexible body, 8 - folding band.
  • Fig. 2 Putting on and taking off the keyboard in the body in the form of a bracelet: a, b, c - putting on; d, e, f - decreasing
  • Fig. 3 Keyboard with decorative inserts: 7 - the body; 9 - decorative inserts.
  • Fig. 4 Interface system which is always at hand: 10 - the keyboard; 11 - the terminal.
  • the keyboard 1 is fixed in the form of rows of keys 2, for example on a flexible circuit board 3, on a modified bistable spring as a multi-stable element 4, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.
  • the multi-stable element 4 can be made up of at least two bistable springs connected by hard/rigid elements 5 at the ends of the bistable springs in such a way that the springs retain the bistable property and the whole structure rolls in and out under external influence by assuming one of the two stable positions as shown in Figure 1b. Additional fold lines 6 are preferably provided on each of the tongues adjacent the edges, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, thereby providing isolated areas of bistability on the tongues arise and when acting on a single area of a spring, the curling force obtained is not fully transmitted to the other spring.
  • the force released by the first bistable spring is not sufficient to allow the other spring to roll in.
  • it is necessary to act on both springs at the same time. Acting on only one of the springs does not cause the whole element to roll up. This can be essential when using the multistable element as a base for a keyboard.
  • the multi-stable element has two bistable (flat) springs that are held together by two flat, rigid plates (2), which can also be referred to as transverse webs
  • Transverse webs can be located at the opposite ends and parallel to the coiling axis of the springs (Fig. 1 a).
  • a rectangular gap is preferably left between the flat springs, as can be seen in Figure 1a.
  • Bistable springs are preferably in the form of an elongated (metal) plate which has a (uniformly) curved/curved shape transversely to its longitudinal direction B.
  • the rigid plates are connected to the bistable springs by laser welding with an arcuate seam.
  • the springs can overlap the rigid plate to a depth equal to the width of one spring.
  • the edges of all parts in the connection areas preferably have rounded chamfers.
  • the part of the bistable spring that rests on the plate is flattened.
  • the folding lines/kink lines (7) are formed on the end sections of the bistable spring(s). An end section can be used as part of the bistable spring near the rigid plates are described, in particular in a transition area to a part of the bistable spring, which is connected to the rigid plate.
  • a crease/fold line is preferably a narrow, straight section of a spring element in which the original curve becomes a straight line in cross-section. If you look at the feather from the side, it can look like a wave.
  • the hard/rigid elements 5 at the spring edges and/or the gap between the springs form a fastening system to which a body 7 can be fastened, as shown in Fig. 1d.
  • one of the hard elements can be larger than the other.
  • the body with the built-in multi-stable element can represent a bracelet z. B. can be applied to the wrist. It can, for easy carrying, on the body 7 on one side the hinged folding strap 8, preferably with an adjustable length and a closure, z. B. a magnetic clasp, and on the other side the counterpart of a magnetic clasp are attached.
  • Such a bracelet can be put on by grasping with one hand the side with the counterpart of the magnetic clasp and by moving perpendicular to the axis of rolling of the bistable springs towards the wrist, the multistable element can be rolled under the action of inertia and the hinged folding strap closes as shown in Figure 2c.
  • the bracelet can also be removed with the movement of one hand, grasping it on the side with the counterpart of the magnetic clasp, sliding the clasp with a finger and pulling the whole bracelet off the wrist.
  • the multi-stable element automatically unrolls when it is pulled off the wrist and fixes the bracelet in the open state, as shown in FIGS. 2e and 2f.
  • the thickness of the multistable element 4 can be equal to the thickness of a bistable spring, which allows to obtain the bracelet with the multistable element in the form of a thin strap when unrolled and in the form of a wide bracelet when rolled up and e.g. B. is applied to the wrist.
  • the height of the arch h of one of the two bistable springs of the multistable element in the unrolled state can be smaller than the height of the arch H of a single wide bistable spring, which has the same width as two narrow bistable springs of the multistable element put together.
  • the multistable element has a smaller unrolled thickness than a bistable spring of the same width, as can be seen in Figure 2c, and the bracelet is therefore thinner.
  • the flexible keyboard 2 can be a flat flexible structure, for example in the form of rows of keys on the electronic circuit board 3 above each bistable spring ( Figure 1b). Accordingly, the keys can be provided, for example, on individual circuit boards or in groups together on one or more circuit boards. The construction of each individual key can be mechanical, sensory or a combination of them independently.
  • the keyboard on the bistable spring can be built into a flexible, preferably elastic body 7, as shown in Fig. 1d, and used as a bracelet.
  • the body can be a flexible, elastic covering that (completely) covers the entire construction, i.e. the multi-stable element and the deeds/keyboard. Immediately above the symbols, the body may be translucent, which may provide illumination of the keys if such is provided for in the keyboard design.
  • the elastic body can be designed as a connecting support structure for buttons or decorative inserts.
  • the decorative inserts can be in the form of hard elements.
  • Such a construction is obtained, e.g. B. by the method of two-component casting (Fig. 3). This allows the flexibility of the whole construction to be maintained. However, this can also give the surface of the symbols a mirror, metal or ceramic effect, which would otherwise not be possible with elastic materials.
  • individual keys can be separated from each other by perforations. By combining this method with materials with a soft-touch effect, using the keyboard becomes more pleasant and comfortable. It is also possible for the keyboard to function with the use of peripheral vision or blind use if the tactile feedback is clearly there.
  • the keyboard with the perforation and the soft-touch surface allows the skin of the wrist to breathe when it is placed on the wrist because the inner surface of the keyboard is not close to the skin of the wrist and thus forms air channels.
  • the developed keyboard can be the control element of a mobile wireless interface, especially if the wireless connection module is built into the body.
  • the user can wear the operating element on the wrist and use it if necessary, e.g. for entering the requested code, as shown in FIG. 4 by way of example.
  • external system elements or other users can send signals or requests to the control element/bracelet for which the user can generate a response, for example by entering and sending a code combination via the keyboard, e.g. B. in a game where a password is required to divide game participants into friend-foe or on a terminal providing services with user verification.
  • a code combination via the keyboard, e.g. B. in a game where a password is required to divide game participants into friend-foe or on a terminal providing services with user verification.
  • Such a mobile interface system allows you to always have the device for entering information with you while keeping your hands free.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable input device for the wrist having a multistable element as the retaining device on the wrist and a flexible keypad fastened to the multistable element. According to the invention, the multistable element has at least two bistable springs, the ends of which are connected together by cross struts, and the keypad is provided with a flexible structure in the form of rows of keys.

Description

A 24938-l.l-PCT 25. November 2022 A 24938-l.l-PCT 25 November 2022

Sonnensee GmbH Sonnensee GmbH

Testarellogasse 24 Top 18 1130 Wien Testarellogasse 24 Top 18 1130 Vienna

ÖSTERREICH AUSTRIA

- 1 - - 1 -

Tastatur auf bistabiler Feder Keyboard on bistable spring

Die Tastatur auf der bistabilen Feder gehört zu den Elementen der Nutzerinterfaces, insbesondere zu Mobiltastaturen. Die Tastaturen sind weit verbreitet, weil sie eine intuitiv verständliche und nutzerfreundliche Weise der Interaktion mit Computern und elektronischen Peripheriegeräten darstellen. Die Entwicklung der Mobilelektronik erfordert eine höhere Mobilität und Ergonomie der Nutzerinterfaces, darunter auch der Tastaturen. Es gibt unterschiedliche zusammenrollende Tastaturen, die im eingerollten Zustand tragbar sind und, bei Bedarf, ausgerollt und genutzt werden können. The keyboard on the bistable spring belongs to the elements of user interfaces, especially to mobile keyboards. Keyboards are widely used because they provide an intuitive and user-friendly way of interacting with computers and electronic peripherals. The development of mobile electronics requires greater mobility and ergonomics of user interfaces, including keyboards. There are different rollable keyboards that are portable when rolled up and can be unrolled and used when needed.

Aus der WO 2015/100396 A1 ist ein flexibles Armband mit einem Display bekannt, welches eine flexible Unterstützungsstruktur 16 aufweist, welche aus Stoff, Leder, Plastik oder Metall gebildet sein kann [Abs. 237], Bei der Unterstützungsstruktur 16 handelt es sich somit grundsätzlich nicht um ein bistabiles Element wie nach der vorliegenden Erfindung, da die meisten der vorgeschlagenen Materialien schon grundsätzlich nicht geeignet sind ein bistabiles Element wie nach der vorliegenden Erfindung definiert zu bilden. Darüber hinaus offenbart Abbildung 47 A bis F flach ausgebildet ist. Eine bistabile Feder erfordert jedoch eine räumliche Krümmung quer zur Längsachse um 2 stabile Zustände, nämlich die ausgestreckte geradlinige und die gekrümmte Form jeweils stabil zur Verfügung stellen zu können. Das flexible Armband weist eine zweite flexible Unterstützungsstruktur 850 auf (Figuren 47 A bis F) welches aus Stoff, Gummi, Leder, Nylon oder Plastik gebildet sein kann (Abs. 239). Für das Element 850 gelten somit dieselben Einschränkungen wie bereits zum Element 16 ausgeführt. Eine bistabile Feder kann aus diesen Materialien nicht gebildet werden. Die voranstehend beschriebene Ausführungsform offenbart somit kein Multistabiles Element, welches 2 bistabile Federn aufweist. Diese sind auch nicht über Querstege miteinander verbunden. Nach einer weiteren Ausführungsform welches in den Figuren 60 A bis E dargestellt ist, weist das Armband 2 übereinanderliegende bistabile Federn auf. Dieser Aufbau soll die Biegsamkeit des Armbands insgesamt beschränken (Abs. 329). Die bistabilen Federn sind in direkten Kontakt miteinander und zueinander beweglich gelagerte verbunden (Abs. 329, 341 ). Aus der WO 2015/100396 A1 geht keine Anordnung von 2 bistabilen Federn hervor, welche fest miteinander verbunden sind A flexible bracelet with a display is known from WO 2015/100396 A1, which has a flexible support structure 16, which can be made of fabric, leather, plastic or metal [para. 237], the support structure 16 is therefore fundamentally not a bistable element as defined according to the present invention, since most of the proposed materials are fundamentally unsuitable for forming a bistable element as defined according to the present invention. In addition, Figure 47 discloses A to F being flat. One However, a bistable spring requires a spatial curvature transverse to the longitudinal axis by 2 stable states, namely to be able to provide the extended rectilinear and the curved shape in a stable manner. The flexible wristband has a second flexible support structure 850 (Figures 47A through F) which may be formed of fabric, rubber, leather, nylon or plastic (paragraph 239). The same restrictions apply to element 850 as already stated for element 16. A bistable spring cannot be formed from these materials. The embodiment described above thus does not disclose a multi-stable element which has 2 bistable springs. These are also not connected to one another via transverse webs. According to a further embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 60 A to E, the bracelet has 2 bistable springs lying one on top of the other. This construction is intended to limit the flexibility of the bracelet as a whole (para. 329). The bistable springs are in direct contact with each other and connected movably to each other (para. 329, 341 ). WO 2015/100396 A1 does not reveal an arrangement of 2 bistable springs which are firmly connected to one another

Eine Besonderheit solcher Lösungen ist die Sperrigkeit der Tastatur und die Notwendigkeit, diese von Hand ein- und auszurollen, was dem Nutzer in bestimmten Situationen Einschränkungen bereiten kann. Außerdem gibt es tragbare virtuelle Tastaturen, z. B. mit Laserprojektion, oder Sensortastaturen in Form eines Schlagrings. In diesem Fall bekommt der Nutzer eine mehr kompakte Lösung, es entstehen aber neue Einschränkungen: für die Projektionstastatur ist ein bestimmter Grad der Beleuchtungsstärke des Umfelds erforderlich, und die Sensortastatur begrenzt teilweise die Fingerbewegungen des Nutzers u. ä. A distinctive feature of such solutions is the bulkiness of the keyboard and the need to roll it in and out manually, which can limit the user in certain situations. There are also portable virtual keyboards, e.g. B. with laser projection, or sensor keyboards in the form of brass knuckles. In this case, the user gets a more compact solution, but new limitations arise: the projection keyboard requires a certain level of ambient lighting, and the touch keyboard partially limits the user's finger movements, etc.

Deshalb wäre es erwünscht, eine mehr kompakte, mobile und ergonomische Tastatur zur Nutzung im breiten Bereich der Änderungen der Beleuchtung und ohne zusätzliche Einschränkungen für den Nutzer zu schaffen. Therefore, it would be desirable to create a more compact, mobile and ergonomic keyboard for use in a wide range of lighting changes and without additional restrictions for the user.

Hiermit wird die Tastatur auf bistabiler Feder vorgestellt, die mit der Bewegung einer Hand an das Handgelenk angelegt und davon abgenommen werden kann, wodurch die Hände frei bleiben können und die Tastatur jederzeit bei Notwendigkeit benutzt werden kann. Here is presented the keyboard on bistable spring, which can be put on and taken off the wrist with the movement of one hand, whereby the hands can remain free and the keyboard can be used at any time when necessary.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen sind in der Beschreibung und den Figuren angegeben. Preferred embodiments are given in the description and the figures.

In den Zeichnungen zeigen: In the drawings show:

Fig. 1 Die Tastatur auf bistabiler Feder: 1 - die Tastatur, 2 - die Tasten, 3 - die flexible Platine, 4 - die Feder (multistabiles Element), 5 - feste Elemente, 6 - Faltlinien, 7 - flexibler Korpus, 8 - aufklappbares Faltband. Fig. 1 The keyboard on a bistable spring: 1 - the keyboard, 2 - the keys, 3 - the flexible board, 4 - the spring (multistable element), 5 - fixed elements, 6 - folding lines, 7 - flexible body, 8 - folding band.

Fig. 2 Anlegen und Abnehmen der Tastatur im Korpus in Form eines Armbands: a, b, c - das Anlegen; d, e, f - das Abnehmen Fig. 2 Putting on and taking off the keyboard in the body in the form of a bracelet: a, b, c - putting on; d, e, f - decreasing

Fig. 3 Tastatur mit dekorativen Einlegestücken: 7 - der Korpus; 9 - dekorative Einlegestücke. Fig. 3 Keyboard with decorative inserts: 7 - the body; 9 - decorative inserts.

Fig. 4 Interface-System, das immer bei der Hand ist: 10 - die Tastatur; 11 - das Terminal. Fig. 4 Interface system, which is always at hand: 10 - the keyboard; 11 - the terminal.

Das Wesentliche besteht darin, dass die Tastatur 1 in Form von Reihen von Tasten 2, beispielsweise auf einer flexiblen Platine 3, auf einer modifizierten bistabilen Feder als multistabiles Element 4 befestigt ist, wie das in den Fig. 1 a und 1 b gezeigt ist. The essence is that the keyboard 1 is fixed in the form of rows of keys 2, for example on a flexible circuit board 3, on a modified bistable spring as a multi-stable element 4, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b.

Das multistabile Element 4 kann aus zumindest zwei bistabilen Federn gebildet sein, die durch harte/steife Elemente 5 an den Enden der Bistabilen Federn so verbunden sind, dass die Federn die bistabile Eigenschaft beibehalten und die ganze Konstruktion sich unter der äußeren Einwirkung ein- und ausrollen lässt, indem sie eine der zwei stabilen Lagen annimmt, wie in Fig. 1 b gezeigt ist. Dabei sind vorzugsweise an jeder der Federn neben den Rändern zusätzliche Faltlinien 6 vorgesehen, wie aus den Fig. 1 a und 1 b hervorgeht, wodurch isolierte Bereiche mit Bistabilität an den Federn entstehen und bei der Einwirkung auf einen einzelnen Bereich einer Feder die erhaltene Einrollkraft nicht vollständig auf die andere Feder übertragen wird. The multi-stable element 4 can be made up of at least two bistable springs connected by hard/rigid elements 5 at the ends of the bistable springs in such a way that the springs retain the bistable property and the whole structure rolls in and out under external influence by assuming one of the two stable positions as shown in Figure 1b. Additional fold lines 6 are preferably provided on each of the tongues adjacent the edges, as shown in Figures 1a and 1b, thereby providing isolated areas of bistability on the tongues arise and when acting on a single area of a spring, the curling force obtained is not fully transmitted to the other spring.

Die dabei durch die erste bistabile Feder freigesetzte Kraft ist nicht ausreichend, um die andere Feder einrollen zu lassen. In diesem Fall muss man zum Zusammenrollen des ganzen Elementes gleichzeitig auf beide Federn einwirken. Die Einwirkung nur auf eine der Federn führt nicht zum Zusammenrollen des ganzen Elements. Dies kann für die Verwendung des multistabilen Elements als Basis für eine Tastatur von wesentlicher Bedeutung sein. The force released by the first bistable spring is not sufficient to allow the other spring to roll in. In this case, in order to roll up the whole element, it is necessary to act on both springs at the same time. Acting on only one of the springs does not cause the whole element to roll up. This can be essential when using the multistable element as a base for a keyboard.

Nach einer Ausführungsform weist das multistabile Element zwei bistabilen (Flach)fe- dern auf, die durch zwei flache starre Platten (2), welche auch als Querstege bezeichnet werden können, zusammengehalten werden According to one embodiment, the multi-stable element has two bistable (flat) springs that are held together by two flat, rigid plates (2), which can also be referred to as transverse webs

Querstege können an den gegenüberliegenden Enden und parallel zur Aufrollachse der Federn angeordnet sein (Abb. 1 a). Transverse webs can be located at the opposite ends and parallel to the coiling axis of the springs (Fig. 1 a).

Zwischen den Flachfedern bleibt bevorzugt ein rechteckiger Spalt, wie in Abbildung 1 a zu sehen ist. A rectangular gap is preferably left between the flat springs, as can be seen in Figure 1a.

Bistabile Federn haben vorzugsweise die Form einer langgestreckten (Metall-)Platte, die quer zu ihrer Längsrichtung B eine (gleichmäßig) gebogene/gewölbte Form aufweist. Bistable springs are preferably in the form of an elongated (metal) plate which has a (uniformly) curved/curved shape transversely to its longitudinal direction B.

In einer Ausführungsform sind die starren Platten mit den bistabilen Federn durch Laserschweißen mit einer gebogenen Formnaht verbunden. Die Federn können die starre Platte bis zu einer Tiefe überlappen, die der Breite einer Feder entspricht. Die Kanten aller Teile in den Verbindungsbereichen weisen vorzugsweise abgerundete Fasen auf. Der Teil der bistabilen Feder, der auf der Platte aufliegt, ist abgeflacht. Vorzugsweise ist die Faltlin ien/Kn ickl inie (7) an Endabschnitten der bistabilen Feder(n) ausgebildet. Ein Endabschnitt kann als ein Teil der bistabilen Feder in der Nähe der starren Platten beschrieben werden, insbesondere in einem Übergangsbereich zu einem Teil der bistabilen Feder, der mit der starren Platte verbunden ist. In one embodiment, the rigid plates are connected to the bistable springs by laser welding with an arcuate seam. The springs can overlap the rigid plate to a depth equal to the width of one spring. The edges of all parts in the connection areas preferably have rounded chamfers. The part of the bistable spring that rests on the plate is flattened. Preferably, the folding lines/kink lines (7) are formed on the end sections of the bistable spring(s). An end section can be used as part of the bistable spring near the rigid plates are described, in particular in a transition area to a part of the bistable spring, which is connected to the rigid plate.

Grundsätzlich ist ein Knick/eine Faltlinien vorzugsweise ein schmaler, gerader Abschnitt eines Federelements, in dem die ursprüngliche Kurve im Querschnitt zu einer geraden Linie wird. Betrachtet man die Feder von der Seite, kann sie wie eine Welle aussehen. Basically, a crease/fold line is preferably a narrow, straight section of a spring element in which the original curve becomes a straight line in cross-section. If you look at the feather from the side, it can look like a wave.

Außerdem bilden die harten/steifen Elemente 5 an den Federrändern und/oder der Spalt zwischen den Federn ein Befestigungssystem, an dem ein Korpus 7 befestigt werden kann, wie in Fig. 1 d gezeigt ist. Um das Fassen am Rand des Korpus mit der Hand bequem zu machen, kann eines der harten Elemente größer als das andere sein. Der Korpus mit dem eingebauten multistabilen Element kann ein Armband darstellen, das z. B. ans Handgelenk angelegt werden kann. Dabei können, zum handlichen Tragen, am Korpus 7 auf einer Seite das aufklappbare Faltband 8, vorzugsweise mit verstellbarer Länge und einem Verschluss, z. B. einem Magnetverschluss, und auf der anderen Seite das Gegenstück eines Magnetverschlusses befestigt werden. In addition, the hard/rigid elements 5 at the spring edges and/or the gap between the springs form a fastening system to which a body 7 can be fastened, as shown in Fig. 1d. In order to make it easy to grasp the edge of the body with the hand, one of the hard elements can be larger than the other. The body with the built-in multi-stable element can represent a bracelet z. B. can be applied to the wrist. It can, for easy carrying, on the body 7 on one side the hinged folding strap 8, preferably with an adjustable length and a closure, z. B. a magnetic clasp, and on the other side the counterpart of a magnetic clasp are attached.

So kann solch ein Armband durch das Fassen mit einer Hand an der Seite mit dem Gegenstück des Magnetverschlusses und durch die Bewegung senkrecht zur Achse des Zusammenrollens der bistabilen Federn in Richtung Handgelenk angelegt werden, dabei lässt sich das multistabile Element unter der Wirkung der Trägheit zusammenrollen und das aufklappbare Faltband verschließt sich, wie in Fig. 2c gezeigt ist. Such a bracelet can be put on by grasping with one hand the side with the counterpart of the magnetic clasp and by moving perpendicular to the axis of rolling of the bistable springs towards the wrist, the multistable element can be rolled under the action of inertia and the hinged folding strap closes as shown in Figure 2c.

Das Abnehmen des Armbandes erfolgt auch mit der Bewegung einer Hand, indem man es an der Seite mit dem Gegenstück des Magnetverschlusses fasst, den Verschluss mit einem Finger verschiebt und das ganze Armband vom Handgelenk hinunterzieht. Dabei rollt sich das multistabile Element beim Abstreifen vom Handgelenk automatisch aus und fixiert das Armband im offenen Zustand, wie in den Fig. 2e und 2f gezeigt ist. Die Dicke des multistabilen Elements 4 kann mit der Dicke einer bistabilen Feder gleich sein, was erlaubt, das Armband mit dem multistabilen Element in Form eines dünnen Bandes zu erhalten, wenn es ausgerollt und in Form eines breiten Armbandes, wenn es zusammengerollt und, z. B. ans Handgelenk angelegt ist. Die Höhe des Bogens h einer der beiden bistabilen Federn des multistabilen Elements im ausgerollten Zustand kann kleiner sein, als die Höhe des Bogens H einer einzelnen breiten bistabilen Feder, welche dieselbe Breite hat wie zwei schmale bistabile Federn des multistabilen Elements zusammengenommen. Dadurch hat das multistabile Element eine kleinere Dicke im ausgerollten Zustand, als eine bistabile Feder der gleichen Breite, wie in Fig. 2c zu sehen ist, und das Armband ist dadurch dünner. The bracelet can also be removed with the movement of one hand, grasping it on the side with the counterpart of the magnetic clasp, sliding the clasp with a finger and pulling the whole bracelet off the wrist. The multi-stable element automatically unrolls when it is pulled off the wrist and fixes the bracelet in the open state, as shown in FIGS. 2e and 2f. The thickness of the multistable element 4 can be equal to the thickness of a bistable spring, which allows to obtain the bracelet with the multistable element in the form of a thin strap when unrolled and in the form of a wide bracelet when rolled up and e.g. B. is applied to the wrist. The height of the arch h of one of the two bistable springs of the multistable element in the unrolled state can be smaller than the height of the arch H of a single wide bistable spring, which has the same width as two narrow bistable springs of the multistable element put together. As a result, the multistable element has a smaller unrolled thickness than a bistable spring of the same width, as can be seen in Figure 2c, and the bracelet is therefore thinner.

Die flexible Tastatur 2 kann eine flache biegsame Struktur, beispielsweise in Form von Reihen von Tasten auf der elektronischen Platine 3 über jeder bistabilen Feder darstellen (Fig.1 b). Die Tasten können demnach beispielsweise auf einzelnen Platinen oder in Gruppen gemeinsam auf einer oder mehreren Platinen vorgesehen sein. Die Konstruktion jeder einzelnen Taste kann unabhängig voneinander mechanisch, sensorisch oder kombiniert sein. Die Tastatur auf der bistabilen Feder kann in einen flexiblen, vorzugsweise elastischen Korpus 7 eingebaut sein, wie das in Fig. 1 d dargestellt ist, und als Armband genutzt werden. Der Korpus kann eine biegsame elastische Umhüllung darstellen, die die ganze Konstruktion, also das multistabile Element und die Taten/Tatstatur (vollständig) abdeckt. Unmittelbar über den Symbolen kann der Korpus lichtdurchlässig sein, wodurch eine Beleuchtung der Tasten bereitgestellt werden kann, wenn solche in der Konstruktion der Tastatur vorgesehen ist. Der elastische Korpus kann als verbindende Tragkonstruktion für Tasten bzw. Dekoreinlegestücke ausgestaltet sein. Die Dekoreinlegestücke können in Form harter Elemente ausgebildet sein. Solch eine Konstruktion erhält man, z. B. nach der Methode des Zweikomponentengießens (Abb. 3). Dadurch kann die Biegsamkeit der ganzen Konstruktion beibehalten werden. Dadurch kann jedoch auch die Oberfläche der Symbole einen Spiegel-, Metall- oder Keramikeffekt bekommen, was sonst mit elastischen Materialien nicht möglich wäre. Zur Verbesserung der ästhetischen Eigenschaften bzw. für ein besseres taktiles Feedback bei der Nutzung der Tastatur können einzelne Tasten durch Perforation voneinander getrennt werden. Bei der Verbindung dieser Methode mit den Materialien mit dem Soft-touch-Effekt wird die Nutzung der Tastatur angenehmer und mehr komfortabel. Möglich ist auch das Funktionieren der Tastatur mit der Nutzung des peripheren Sehvermögens oder die blinde Nutzung, wenn die taktile Rückwirkung eindeutig da ist. Außerdem lässt die Tastatur mit der Perforation und der Soft-touch-Oberfläche im ans Handgelenk angelegten Zustand die Haut des Handgelenks atmen, weil die innere Oberfläche der Tastatur nicht dicht an der Haut des Handgelenks liegt und somit Luftkanäle bildet. The flexible keyboard 2 can be a flat flexible structure, for example in the form of rows of keys on the electronic circuit board 3 above each bistable spring (Figure 1b). Accordingly, the keys can be provided, for example, on individual circuit boards or in groups together on one or more circuit boards. The construction of each individual key can be mechanical, sensory or a combination of them independently. The keyboard on the bistable spring can be built into a flexible, preferably elastic body 7, as shown in Fig. 1d, and used as a bracelet. The body can be a flexible, elastic covering that (completely) covers the entire construction, i.e. the multi-stable element and the deeds/keyboard. Immediately above the symbols, the body may be translucent, which may provide illumination of the keys if such is provided for in the keyboard design. The elastic body can be designed as a connecting support structure for buttons or decorative inserts. The decorative inserts can be in the form of hard elements. Such a construction is obtained, e.g. B. by the method of two-component casting (Fig. 3). This allows the flexibility of the whole construction to be maintained. However, this can also give the surface of the symbols a mirror, metal or ceramic effect, which would otherwise not be possible with elastic materials. To improve the aesthetic properties or for better tactile feedback when using the keyboard, individual keys can be separated from each other by perforations. By combining this method with materials with a soft-touch effect, using the keyboard becomes more pleasant and comfortable. It is also possible for the keyboard to function with the use of peripheral vision or blind use if the tactile feedback is clearly there. In addition, the keyboard with the perforation and the soft-touch surface allows the skin of the wrist to breathe when it is placed on the wrist because the inner surface of the keyboard is not close to the skin of the wrist and thus forms air channels.

Die entwickelte Tastatur kann das Bedienelement eines mobilen drahtlosen Interfaces sein, insbesondere wenn das Modul der drahtlosen Verbindung in den Korpus eingebaut ist. Der Nutzer kann das Bedienelement am Handgelenk tragen und dieses, wenn nötig, z.B. für die Eingabe des gefragten Kodes, verwenden, wie beispielhaft in Fig. 4 dargestellt ist. The developed keyboard can be the control element of a mobile wireless interface, especially if the wireless connection module is built into the body. The user can wear the operating element on the wrist and use it if necessary, e.g. for entering the requested code, as shown in FIG. 4 by way of example.

Außerdem können äußere Systemelemente oder andere Nutzer Signale oder Anfragen an das Bedienelement / das Armband senden, für die der Nutzer eine Antwort generieren kann, beispielsweise indem er eine Kodekombination über die Tastatur eingibt und absendet, z. B. beim Spiel, wo ein Kennwort für die Teilung der Spielteilnehmer auf Freund-Feind erforderlich ist oder am Terminal, das Dienstleistungen mit Verifizierung des Nutzers gewährt. Ein solches System des mobilen Interfaces erlaubt es, eine Einrichtung für die Eingabe von Informationen immer bei sich zu haben, dabei bleiben die Hände frei. In addition, external system elements or other users can send signals or requests to the control element/bracelet for which the user can generate a response, for example by entering and sending a code combination via the keyboard, e.g. B. in a game where a password is required to divide game participants into friend-foe or on a terminal providing services with user verification. Such a mobile interface system allows you to always have the device for entering information with you while keeping your hands free.

Claims

- 8 - A n s p r ü c h e - 8 - Claims 1 . Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung für das Handgelenk mit einem multistabilen Element (4) als Halteeinreichung am Handgelenk und einer an dem multistabilen Element befestigten flexiblen Tastatur (1 ) dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das multistabile Element (4) mindestens zwei bistabilen Federn aufweist, welche an Ihren beiden Enden über Querstege (5) fest miteinander verbunden sind und dass die Tastatur (1 ) mit einer biegsamen Struktur in Form von Reihen von Tasten bereitgestellt ist. 1 . Portable input device for the wrist with a multi-stable element (4) as a holding device on the wrist and a flexible keyboard (1) attached to the multi-stable element, characterized in that the multi-stable element (4) has at least two bistable springs, which at both ends over Crossbars (5) are firmly connected to each other and that the keyboard (1) is provided with a flexible structure in the form of rows of keys. 2. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reihen von Tasten jeweils einer der bistabilen Federn zugeordnet sind. . Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass auf den bistabilen Federn, vorzugsweise endseitig, mindestens eine Knicklinie (6) oder Einkerbung angeordnet ist, welche die jeweilige bistabile Feder in mindestens zwei Bereiche unterteilt, von welcher zumindest eine unabhängig von der anderen aus einem linearen Zustand in einen gekrümmten Zustand auslösbar sind. . Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tasten oder Reihen von Tasten oder die Tastatur jeweils mit einer biegbaren Platine verbunden sind. - 9 - Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die beiden bistabilen Federn entlang Ihrer Längsachsen nebeneinander, also parallel zu einander angeordnet sind. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die beiden bistabilen Federn bezüglich des Handgelenks und/oder der Tatstatur nebeneinander angeordnet sind. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bistabilen Federn und die Querstege (4) gemeinsam eine viereckige, vorzugsweise eine rechteckige Auflagefläche für die Tastatur und/oder Auflagefläche für das Handgelenk bilden. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bistabilen Federn beziehungsweise das multistabile Element metallisch ist. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, die bistabilen Federn über die Querstege voneinander beabstandet sind. Tragbare Eingabevorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die bistabilen Federn in derselben Ebene erstrecken und/oder dass sich die Querstege und die bistabilen Federn in einer Ebene erstrecken. 2. Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rows of keys are each associated with one of the bistable springs. . Portable input device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one fold line (6) or notch is arranged on the bistable springs, preferably at the end, which divides the respective bistable spring into at least two areas, of which at least one is independent of the other from a linear state can be triggered into a curved state. . Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the keys or rows of keys or the keyboard are each connected to a flexible circuit board. - 9 - Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the two bistable springs are arranged next to one another along their longitudinal axes, that is to say parallel to one another. Portable input device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two bistable springs are juxtaposed with respect to the wrist and/or the keyboard. Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bistable springs and the transverse webs (4) together form a square, preferably a rectangular support surface for the keyboard and/or support surface for the wrist. Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bistable springs or the multi-stable element is metallic. Portable input device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bistable springs are spaced apart from one another by the transverse webs. Portable input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bistable springs extend in the same plane and/or that the transverse webs and the bistable springs extend in one plane.
EP22823341.7A 2021-11-30 2022-11-28 Keypad on a bistable spring Pending EP4441590A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21211257 2021-11-30
EP21214777 2021-12-15
PCT/EP2022/083413 WO2023099377A1 (en) 2021-11-30 2022-11-28 Keypad on a bistable spring

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4441590A1 true EP4441590A1 (en) 2024-10-09

Family

ID=84536163

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22823341.7A Pending EP4441590A1 (en) 2021-11-30 2022-11-28 Keypad on a bistable spring

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4441590A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2023099377A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012009335A1 (en) * 2010-07-14 2012-01-19 Dynavox Systems Llc A wearable speech generation device
US9176530B2 (en) * 2011-08-17 2015-11-03 Apple Inc. Bi-stable spring with flexible display
US20140274614A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 David R. Newman Deformable grip pad with bistable spring bands and methods of use
TWI676880B (en) 2013-12-24 2019-11-11 美商飛利斯有限公司 Dynamically flexible article

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2023099377A1 (en) 2023-06-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE19507952C2 (en) Switching device
DE60222825T2 (en) Foldable electronic device
EP0961558A1 (en) Suitcase with interchangeable case-shells
WO1999014059A1 (en) Binding element
EP3773364B1 (en) Stabilising rod for an orthopaedic aid
EP4441590A1 (en) Keypad on a bistable spring
DE69824416T2 (en) FOLDING CLOSURE FOR BRACELETS
DE60212684T2 (en) COMPUTER LIGHT PEN AND COMPUTER TO USE THIS
EP1467390B1 (en) Key-pad for the control panel of a household appliance
DE335838C (en) Artistic handicraft with non-articulated fingers that adjust themselves to the extended position by means of coil or leaf springs
DE3409357A1 (en) LENGTH-CHANGEABLE CHAIN ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR JEWELRY CHAINS
DE19653775A1 (en) Computers, in particular portable computers and methods for producing a portable computer
EP4429607B1 (en) Orthosis part for an orthosis, kit for the manufacture of the orthosis part and orthosis
DE202012004363U1 (en) Mobile or handheld electronic device
DE20319756U1 (en) Mouse with scroll wheel
EP4248781B1 (en) Athletic glove
DE2715063B2 (en) Latching device for pushbutton switches with two fixed switch positions
DE549010C (en) Lockable hinge, especially for jewelry
DE102020116920A1 (en) Device for making it difficult to touch the face with the hands
DE69926214T2 (en) Tactile switch mechanism and clock equipped with such mechanisms
DE60121927T2 (en) Device for attaching bracelet sections to a housing
DE4241261A1 (en) Goal-keeper's glove with upper and inner hand parts - joined by gussets and side parts, has panels and four finger parts on back and front
DE3743900C2 (en)
DE9109518U1 (en) Bracelet, especially watch strap
DE20022794U1 (en) mobile phone

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20240610

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED