EP-4742017-A1 - KEY MODULE FOR PANEL PCS AND KEY MODULE PANEL PC UNIT FORMED THEREFROM

Abstract

Keypad module for panel PCs, comprising a touch-sensitive display device with a display unit controllable by a controller and a continuous display area for displaying pixel graphics, the display device and the associated controller arranged in a display housing designed as a frame and/or covering housing in one or more parts, characterized in that the display housing of the panel PC (4) can be coupled to an externally adjustable keypad module (1) having illuminated capacitive touch display units (9), wherein the keypad module (1) has an independent controller (10) which is connected to the capacitive touch display units (9) and the touch display units (9) are arranged on the underside of the glass cover (front).

Inventors

• sachs, Andre
• Zeeh, Andreas
• KIESELBACH, JENS
• Klonovsky, Alexander

Assignees

• GETT Gerätetechnik GmbH

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20251024

Claims (9)

1. Keypad module for panel PCs, comprising a touch-sensitive display device with a display unit controllable by a controller and a continuous display area for displaying pixel graphics, the display device and the associated controller arranged in a display housing designed as a frame and/or covering housing in one or more parts, characterized in that the display housing of the panel PC (4) can be coupled to an externally adjustable keypad module (1) having illuminated capacitive touch display units (9), wherein the keypad module (1) has an independent controller (10) which is connected to the capacitive touch display units (9) and the touch display units (9) are arranged on the underside of the glass cover (front).
2. Keypad module according to claim 1, characterized in that a memory with predefined icons (2) or icons that can be extended via an external editor is provided within the controller (10) and the displays of the touch display units (9) can be controlled via the controller (10) and the icons (2) can be displayed within the printed frame.
3. Keypad module according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the surface of the keypad module (1) is formed from a transparent cover (front 8) on which the frame for the icons (2) is printed.
4. Keypad module according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frames for the icons (2) printed on the transparent cover (front 8) are arranged in one or more rows.
5. Keypad module according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transparent cover designated as front 8 with the touch display units (9) attached to the underside forms the control panel of the keypad module (1).
6. Keypad module according to claim 1, characterized in that the keypad module (1) has one or more interfaces via which the keypad module (1) can be electrically connected to the panel PC (4) or to external devices.
7. Keypad module panel PC unit using a keypad module according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the panel PC (4) and keypad module (1) can be coupled to each other by means of connecting pins (6), wherein an electrical connection can be established via the USB cable (7).
8. Keypad module panel PC unit using a keypad module according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the panel PC (4) and keypad module (1) are coupled by installation in an external housing.
9. Keypad module panel PC unit using a keypad module according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that keypad module (1) within the keypad module panel PC unit is designed as a detachable keypad module, wherein the coupling of panel PC and keypad module is wireless.

Description

The utility model relates to the technical field of large-format panel PCs, particularly those with an integrated touch interface for use on machines and systems for process visualization. Panel PCs, also known as touch panel PCs, are types of industrial PCs where the PC and display are combined in a single housing. Typical applications for these panel PCs include manufacturing and process automation, machine control, and as display and operator interfaces. The advantages of a touch panel PC over a conventional industrial PC include reduced cabling and installation effort, smaller footprint, and often lower overall costs. Touchscreens, or touch panels, are sensor-like display devices that can receive input signals such as touch. When the graphic buttons on the screen are touched, the on-screen feedback system can control various connection devices according to pre-programmed sequences, thus replacing the mechanical keypad and enabling the creation of vivid audio and video effects via the screen. As an intelligent interface product for human-computer interaction, touchscreens are widely used in manufacturing and everyday life. Current touchscreen technology generally employs a dual-layer thin-film structure. With the development of automated manufacturing technology, industrial flat panel (IFP) tablet PCs are finding increasing application. Various applications can be implemented via the device's interface. Unlike conventional computers, IFPs often operate in automated manufacturing systems with highly complex environments. From the DE 20 2015 104 887 U1 Input and operation at a multifunction terminal with a computer-based display device is generally known, and relates in particular to a device for safety-relevant operation and input at a combined display and input device, namely an MFT with a softkey arrangement and a display device for generating pixel graphics. The multifunction terminal for safe operation comprises a display device with a computer unit for generating pixel graphics and a screen for displaying them; an image data line from the computer unit to the screen; and a softkey arrangement with several keys outside the screen for recording inputs, wherein the function of each key is defined. The image display in the area assigned to a key can be dynamically adjusted by the computer unit. Any pixel-based display is suitable as a display device, but especially a TFT panel where the keys are designed as membrane keyboards arranged in rows. From the DE 20 2010 013 907 U1 A display element and a display device for providing content selectable and/or usable by a user, e.g. (selection) tools/(selection) menus, a display element e.g. icon or symbol, for a display device e.g. a screen or monitor on which at least one display field can be displayed or is displayed, is known. The DE 11 2012 006 877 T5 relates to an information device whose operation is carried out by connecting it to external equipment via a wired or wireless connection, wherein the information device comprises a liquid crystal display unit; a touch panel mounted on the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit, having a touch operating area wider than the display area of the liquid crystal display unit and having a specific operating handling section formed on a surface corresponding to an external display area of the touch operating area and which accepts operation for a specific control element of an information device; and a controller that performs the control in a manner which causes the specific operating handling section to accept operation corresponding to a specific control element of external equipment. From the DE 20 2018 105 302 U1 A multifunctional terminal is known, comprising a touch-sensitive display device with a display unit, in particular a TFT panel, which is controllable by a computer unit and has a continuous display area for displaying pixel graphics; and with a detection unit arranged on the display unit, in particular a touch sensor unit, for detecting the position of inputs within a continuous input area, as well as an opaque glare mask over the display device, which has a first area with a transparent main window for displaying pixel graphics and/or for position-dependent inputs and at least a second area with several separate secondary windows, wherein both the main window and the secondary windows overlap the display area and the input area. From the US 5,594,471 A It is known that the detection unit, e.g. a touch sensor unit, for position detection of inputs, is connected to a The input area is designed to be larger than the effective display area of the display unit. This allows the area of the sensor unit extending beyond the display area to be used for input from separate buttons. These separate buttons are formed by button areas within a template covering the device. Pixel graphics within the button windows are not possible. The EP 2 687 972 A2 This document describes techniques for programmable