JP3204584B2 - keyboard - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard which is a data input device for electronic equipment.

In recent years, it has been considered that operability is good when a keyboard has a curved shape in which a height of a key top surface is lower at a middle portion in a depth direction than a near side. Since it is costly to prepare key tops having different heights and form a curved shape, the cost is reduced by making the height of the key tops uniform and bending the panel.

[0003] Therefore, it is desired that the keyboard panel can be easily bent, and the degree of freedom in key arrangement is improved.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a conventional curved type keyboard. In FIG. 6, the keyboard 1
Reference numeral 1 designates a membrane sheet 13 as a switch element provided on a curved metal plate 12 such as an iron plate, and a projection-shaped actuator 1 corresponding to each key on the membrane sheet 13.
4 _a is a rubber-like sheet 14 which is formed integrally respectively are provided. Protrusion 14 downward to the actuator 14 in _a
b is formed. A switch panel 15 is located on the rubber-like sheet 14 and is fixed by a metal plate 12 and screws 16.

The switch panel 15 has a cylindrical guide portion _15a integrally formed at a position corresponding to each key, and two ribs _15b1 , _{15b2 in the} direction of the rubber sheet 14 between the keys. Are integrally formed. The sliding portion 16 _a of the key switch 16 corresponding respectively to the guide portion 15 _a is loosely fitted, the key top 16 _b is arranged on the switch panel 15.

In the keyboard 11 described above, the switch panel 15 has ribs 15 _b1 , 1 according to the curved shape of the metal plate 12.
5 deflection flexible portion 15 _c between _b2, the central portion as a whole is a curved shape such that lower.

In such a keyboard 11, when the operator presses the key switch 16, the rubber-like sheet 1 is pressed.
4 actuator 14 _a is pushed in by the protruding portion 14 _b is switching is performed by pressing the membrane sheet 13. The return of the key switch 16 in this case is performed by the restoring force of the actuator 14. FIG. 6 shows a case where _a single unit key switch _16a is arranged in _a single key area of the switch panel 15, and FIG. 6 shows a case where a single key is arranged in two key areas in the vertical direction. It is shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a conventional two-unit key switch. FIG. 7A is a partial sectional view, and FIG.
(B) is a partial plan view. 7A and 7B, the two-unit key switch 17 extending over two key areas in the vertical direction (the depth direction from the front of the keyboard) is connected to the keyboard 1.
A predetermined number is arranged on one.

In this case, the switch panel 15 is formed integrally with _a cylindrical guide portion 15a in one of the two key areas. Further, a wire-like link 18 and an engaging portion 15 are provided between the two key areas on the switch panel 15.
_e1 and 15 _e2 are formed.

Further, the second unit key switch 17 sliding portion 17 loosely fitted in the guide portion 15 _a of the switch panel 15
_a1 and the auxiliary pillar _17a2 are formed, and the link 18
Locking portions 17 _C1 and 17 _c2 are formed to lock with the respective ends of.
Then, a predetermined number of key tops 17 _b are arranged on the key panel 15.

In this case, the link 18 is connected to the key switch 1
7 is pressed, the engaging portion 15 is pressed._e1, 15 _e2Engaged in
Key top 17 with part as axis_bLink each end of
Key top 17_bEven if you press the corner of
This is for sliding the crab.

In the portion where the two-unit key switches 17 are arranged, the ribs 1 of the switch panel 15 are also provided.
5 _b1, 15 is intended to be bent by the flexible portion 15 _c between _b2 is bent.

[0013]

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the problems of the conventional single-unit key switch, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the problems of the conventional two-unit key switch. FIG.

The keyboard 11 as shown in FIG. 6 has a flexible portion 15 _c between the key switches 16.
Since it is the switch panel 15 is a curved shape by flexing and remove the horizontal line represent 8 to place the key 16 _A, the flexible portion 15 of the switch panel 15 in the key 16 _A portion _c However, there is a problem that the keys cannot be arranged as shown in FIG.

Furthermore, backlash can not be vertical 2 unit key switch 17, as shown in FIG. 7 is provided near the center in order to align the sliding portion 17 _a1 to another key switch 16 or the like rows increases At the same time, it is necessary to provide the engaging portions 15 _e1 and 15 _e2 widely in order to make the switch panel 15 curved, so that the play with the link 18 is large and a link sound is generated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, it is conceivable that an auxiliary guide portion _15d is provided on the switch panel 15 and the auxiliary column _17a2 of the two-unit key switch 17 is loosely fitted as an auxiliary sliding portion to form a two-axis. But the auxiliary guide part 15
_{Since d} must be provided, the cost increases, and if no link is provided, the slidability deteriorates and the key arrangement is limited.

Further, when the switch panel 15 is formed into a curved shape, the ribs 15 _b1 ,
Since bending the flexible portion 15 _c between 15 _b2, must be strong rigidity of curvature is poor metal plate 12, there is a problem of weight gain. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object is to improve the degree of freedom of key arrangement, and a second object is to provide a keyboard which can be easily bent.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of key switches, which are operated by an actuator formed of an elastic member on a circuit board, are arranged on a switch panel. In a keyboard that is arranged in a curved shape by making the depth direction of the front side of the operation more flexible in the vertical direction, the predetermined key switches are arranged on the switch panel on adjacent rows in the vertical direction, A hole having a predetermined shape is formed on the side of the key switch of the switch panel in the vertical direction to be separated from the key switches arranged in a row in the horizontal direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a thin groove is formed between the hole grooves before and after the predetermined key switch in the longitudinal direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the hole groove is formed linearly or in a sawtooth shape with respect to a predetermined number of adjacent key switches.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of holes are formed at predetermined intervals between the hole grooves before and after the flexible portion of the switch panel and the predetermined key switch in the longitudinal direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of long holes are formed at predetermined intervals in the flexible portion of the switch panel, and a thin portion is formed between the long holes.

[0022]

[0023]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the key switches are arranged so as to hang on adjacent columns in the vertical direction, the key switches are formed in the lateral direction by forming a hole groove on the side. Since the switch panel is separated from the flexible panel, the flexible portion becomes independent, and the switch panel can be easily formed into a curved shape, and the degree of freedom in key arrangement can be improved. According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the thin groove is formed between the hole grooves before and after the predetermined key switch in the longitudinal direction, the curved shape can be more easily achieved. According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the hole groove is formed in a straight line or in a sawtooth shape with respect to a predetermined number of adjacent key switches, it is possible to avoid the influence of the adjacent key switches.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of holes are formed at predetermined intervals between the flexible portions of the switch panel and the front and rear of the predetermined key switch at predetermined intervals between the hole grooves. The curved shape can be more easily obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of long holes are formed at predetermined intervals in a flexible portion of the switch panel, and a thin groove is formed between the long holes to easily form a curved shape. It becomes possible.

[0026]

[0027]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A is an overall plan view, FIG. 1B is a plan view of a front surface of the switch panel, and FIG. 1C is a plan view of a back surface of the switch panel.

In FIG. 1A, the keyboard 20 is
The key switches 22 are basically arranged on the switch panel 21 in a predetermined row (six rows in FIG. 1A) linearly in horizontal rows (B direction) in the operation left-right direction. The key switch 22 includes a key switch (single unit key switch) 22 _A arranged corresponding to a single key area,
A key switch 22 _B are arranged over the plurality of key region in rows, there is a key switch 22 _c which is arranged over the columns adjacent to each other in the operating front of the depth direction of the columns (A direction). The key switch 22 _c as a single unit the key switch 22 _c1, there is a column 2 unit key switch 22 _c2 formed in the end portion of the keyboard 20. The keyboard 20 (switch panel 21) is formed in a curved shape by being flexible so as to lower the middle portion in the direction A as in FIG. The configuration of the keyboard 20 is the same as that of FIG. 6, and a membrane sheet and a
A rubber sheet is provided, and the above-described switch panel 21 is provided on the rubber sheet (described in FIG. 3).

The switch panel 21 is shown in FIG.
(C), the cylindrical guide portion 23 corresponding to each key switch 22 are respectively formed, the guide portion 23 _a
The avoiding flexible portion 24 a predetermined number of the row (A direction of the front and rear rows) with _a, 24 _b is a predetermined number form. The flexible portion 24 _a
For example, a predetermined number of long holes _24a1 are formed at predetermined intervals, and a thin groove _24a2 (see FIG. 3A) is formed between the long holes _24a1 .

In the switch panel 21, a guide portion _23b is formed at a position corresponding to the single unit key switch _22c1 , that is, at a position adjacent to a vertical column. The guide portion 23 _b longitudinal linear Anamizo 25 on each side is towards the side of the (A direction) is formed. Also, column 2
A guide portion _23c is formed at a position corresponding to the unit key switch _22c2 , and both sides of the guide portion _{23c in} the vertical direction (A direction) (one side when formed at the end of the keyboard 20). A hole groove 25 is formed.

The key slots 22 _A and 22 _B arranged in one horizontal row and the key switches 22 _c1 and 22 _c2 arranged in two rows are arranged in the switch panel 21 by the holes 25.
Are separated and become independent upon bending.
Further, thin portions 26 are formed between the formed hole grooves 25, respectively, so that the curved portions are easily formed.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the single-unit key switch shown in FIG. As described above in FIG. 2, the sequence rows B1, B2, respectively B3 single unit the key switch 22 _A, a single unit the key switch 22 _c1 in tandem over the rows B1 and B2 and row B2 and B3, respectively Are arranged. The column direction of Anamizo 25 on both sides of a single unit the key switch 22 _c1 are respectively formed, the thin portion 26 (FIG. 3 between wise direction of Anamizo 25
(See (A)).

[0033] Thus, when a curved shape by bending the flexible portion 24 _a of the switch panel 21, without Anamizo 25 interferes with deflection of the movable flexure 24 _a, also a single unit key The switch _22c1 can be easily formed into a curved shape by the thin groove 26, and the degree of freedom of key arrangement can be improved.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the two-unit key switch of FIG. FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view, and FIG. 3B is a partial plan view.

FIG. 3A shows a two-row unit key switch _22c2 , in which a membrane sheet 32, which is a switch element, is provided on a curved metal plate 31 such as an iron plate. unit key switch 22突湾song-like actuator 33 that corresponds to the _{c2 a}
Are provided integrally with each other. Protrusion 33 _b is formed by downward in the actuator 33 in _a. The switch panel 21 is located on the rubber-like sheet 33 and is fixed by the metal plate 31 and the screws 34.

The switch panel 15 has a cylindrical guide portion 23 at a position corresponding to the vertical two-unit key switch _22c2.
c is integrally formed, and the rib 35 is integrally formed in the rubber-like sheet 33 direction. A thin portion 26 is formed outside the rib 35 by forming a groove from both sides. The sliding portion 36 is loosely fitted in the guide section 23 _c, the key top 37 is arranged on the switch panel 21.

On the other hand, the guide portion 23 of the switch panel 21
_On the outside of _c , the engaging portion 3 for engaging the wire-like link 38
_9a and _39b are formed. Further, hook portion 40 on the back side of the key top 37 to secure the end of the link 38 _a, 40
_b is formed.

In FIG. 3B, as described above, the tandem two-unit key switch 22 _c2 is connected to the switch panel 2.
One row B2 and B3 are arranged in a row. In the switch panel 21, holes 25 are formed on both sides of the guide portion 23 _{C in} the column.
Is formed, and a thin portion 26 is formed between the holes 25.

[0039] Then, without Anamizo 25 interferes with deflection of the flexible portion 24 _a when the switch panel 21 is a curved shape and can be easily curved by the thin portion 26.

[0040] Thus, the sliding portion 36 by pressing the key top 37 presses the projecting portion 33 _b of the actuator 33 _a, performs switching by pressing the membrane sheet 32. At this time, the link 38 is the key top 38
Even if you push the corner part of, it slides smoothly. That is, since the thin portion 26 is formed on the outer side of the engaging portion 39 _a, 39 _b, between thin portion 26 becomes to be mounted in a state of not being curved, backlash does not occur, it does not generate a link sound .

A two-unit key switch _22c2
Can be formed at the center of the key top 37 to prevent backlash during sliding, and can be arranged at a portion other than the corner of the keyboard 20.
The degree of freedom in key arrangement can be improved.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a partial plan view of another shape of the groove shown in FIG. FIG. 4A corresponds to FIG.
In column 2 unit key switch 22 _c1, in which the Anamizo 25 _a of the adjacent single unit the key switch 22 _A side is formed in a saw shape. Further, FIG. 4 (B) corresponds to FIG. 3 (B), the in the Anamizo 25 _b of a single unit the key switch 22 _A side of adjacent columns 2 unit key switch 22 _c2 those formed in serrated is there.

Thus, the single unit key switch 2
Avoid 2 _A can form Anamizo 25 _b, it is those that can be closer.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a partial sectional view, and FIG.
Is a partial plan view.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the keyboard 20 is provided with a membrane sheet 32 as a switch element on a curved metal plate 31 such as an iron plate, and corresponds to each key switch 41 on the membrane sheet 32. rubber sheet 42突湾song-like actuator 42 _a is formed integrally respectively are provided. Protrusion 42 _b is formed by downward to the actuator 42 in _a. This rubber-like sheet 42
A switch panel 43 is located on the upper side, and is fixed by the metal plate 31 and the screws 34.

The switch panel 43 includes the key switches 4
With cylindrical guide portion 43 _a at a position corresponding are formed integrally with the 1, a rubber sheet 42 respectively in the direction of two ribs 43 _b1, 43 _b2 between each key switch 41 are formed integrally . The sliding portion 41 _a of the key switches 41 respectively corresponding to the guide portion 43 _a is loosely fitted, the key top 41 _b is arranged on the switch panel 43.

Further, between the ribs 43 _b1 and 43 _b2 , a plurality of small holes 44 are formed at predetermined intervals on a straight line in the row direction as shown in FIG. 5B. The line of the small hole 44 becomes a flexible portion of the switch panel 43.

Thus, the switch panel 43 can be easily formed into a curved shape.

It should be noted that a predetermined number of small holes 44 may be formed in place of the long holes _24a1 and the thin grooves 26 in the first embodiment, or only the thin grooves 26 may be formed as the small holes 44.

[0050]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when arranging key switches so as to hang on adjacent columns in the vertical direction, a hole groove is formed on the side and arranged in one horizontal line. By separating the switch panel from the key switch to be operated, the flexible portion of the switch panel becomes independent, so that the switch panel can be easily formed into a curved shape, and the degree of freedom in key arrangement can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the curved shape can be more easily formed by forming the thin film between the hole grooves before and after the predetermined key switch in the longitudinal direction. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the hole groove is formed linearly or in a sawtooth shape with respect to a predetermined number of adjacent key switches, so that the influence of the adjacent key switches can be avoided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of small holes are formed between the flexible portion of the switch panel and the hole in the longitudinal direction of the predetermined key switch. The curved shape can be more easily obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined number of long holes are formed in a flexible portion of the switch panel, and a thin groove is formed between the long holes, whereby the switch panel can be easily formed into a curved shape.

[0054]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a single unix key switch part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a vertical two-unit key switch portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial plan view of another shape of the hole groove of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial explanatory view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of a conventional curved type keyboard.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of a conventional two-unit key switch.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem of a conventional single unit key switch.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a problem of a conventional single unit key switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

20 Keyboard 21,43 switch panel 22 key switch 22 _A, 22 _c1 single unit the key switch 22 _c2 column 2 unit key switches 23 _a, 23 _b, 23 _c guide portion 24 _a, 24 _b flexible portion 24 _a1 slot 24 _a2, 26 thin grooves 25, 25 _a, 25 _b Anamizo 31 metal plate 32 membrane sheet 33 and 42 rubber sheet 33 _a, 42 _a actuator 33 _b, 42 _b projecting portions 36, 41 _a sliding portion 37, 41 _b Key Top 38 Link 44 Small Hole

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13/70 G06F 3/02 310

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An elastic member (3) is provided on a circuit board (32).
Actuator formed of 3) (33 a, _{34 a)} by a key switch for switching operation, it is arranged by a predetermined number aligned on the switch panel (21), by flexible the depth direction as the vertical direction from the operating front In the keyboard formed in a curved shape, the predetermined key switches (22 _c1 , 22 _c2 ) are arranged on the switch panel (21) so as to extend over the adjacent rows in the vertical direction. the key switch on the side of the vertical direction ₍₂₂ c1, 22 _c2), having a predetermined shape to be separated from the key switches arranged in a horizontal direction one line (22 _a) Anamizo _(25,25 a, ₂₅ b) A keyboard is formed. 2. The key switch (22 _c1 , 2).
A front and rear of the vertical 2 _c2), the Anamizo (2
5,25 _a, 25 _b) keyboard according to claim 1, wherein a thin groove (26) is formed between. Wherein the Anamizo (25,25 _a, 25 _b) is,
A straight line (2
5. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is formed in the shape of 5) or a saw-like shape (25 _a , 25 _b ). 4. The flexible portion of the switch panel (21) and the predetermined key switch (22 _c1,2
Wherein a before and after the vertical 2 _c2) Anamizo (25,
25 _a, 25 _b) keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the hole ₍₂₄ a1, 44) is characterized in that it is a predetermined number bored at predetermined intervals in between. The flexible portion according to claim 5, wherein said switch panel (21), a long hole _{(24 a1)} a predetermined number formed at predetermined intervals, forming a thin groove (26) in the long hole _{(24 a1)} between The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein