JP3604564B2 - Foldable keyboard input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002]
The present invention relates to a keyboard device for inputting key data to a personal computer, a word processor, or the like, and more particularly to a foldable keyboard input device capable of folding a keyboard into a plurality of pieces when not in use.
[0003]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art For portable notebook personal computers and word processors, a foldable keyboard input device disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 3-17723 is known in order to make the shape as compact as possible while moving.
[0004]
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, this conventional foldable keyboard input device 100 cuts an elongated keyboard 101 almost at the center in the longitudinal direction while avoiding a key 105 placed on the keyboard, and Divided keyboards 101a and 101b.
[0005]
A first hinge portion 102 and a second hinge portion 103 for rotatably connecting the two divided keyboards 101a and 101b are formed at two positions above and below the divided position.
[0006]
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the divided keyboards 101a and 101b facing each other at the divided position are in contact with each other, the original keyboard 101 is restored to its original shape, and the keyboard device 100 for normal key data input is used. Can be used as
[0007]
On the other hand, when not used, such as when carrying, the divided keyboards 101a and 101b are rotated about the hinge portions 102 and 103, as shown in FIG. / 2 length.
[0008]
The second hinge portion 103 is also rotatable by 90 degrees with respect to the operation surface 106 of the keyboard 101 in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 10, and stands up when folded to act as a hinge portion. .
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this conventional keyboard device 100, the pivotal fulcrum of the hinge portions 102, 103 is moved to the keyboard 101 so that the keys 105, 105 of the divided keyboards 101a, 101b do not interfere with each other when folded. It is on the same plane as the operation surface 106 or slightly above it. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 10 developed as the keyboard 101, the hinge portions 102 and 103 must be exposed on the operation surface 106, thereby restricting the layout of the keys 105 on the operation surface 106. Various problems have occurred, such as obstructing the operation of the keys 105 and impairing the appearance of the keyboard device 100 as a whole.
[0010]
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when folded, the cut portions of the split keyboards 101a and 101b are exposed, and dust and water droplets enter into the split keyboards 101a and 101b from there, causing a malfunction. Also, it was not preferable in appearance.
[0011]
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a keyboard device 110 that covers the cut portion with a flexible sheet 113 in a folded state is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-34611.
[0012]
That is, similar to the keyboard device 100 of the first conventional example, the keyboard device 110 separates the divided keyboards 111a and 111b formed by cutting the keyboard 111 at the center in the longitudinal direction into the hinge portions 112 at the cut positions. , 112 so as to be rotatable and foldable, and further includes a flexible sheet 113.
[0013]
The flexible sheet 113 is formed to have substantially the same width as the keyboard 111, and one end thereof is fixed near the cutting position on the bottom surface of one of the divided keyboards 111b. Further, the other end becomes a U-shaped slide portion 113a, and is guided by guide grooves 114, 114 formed in the side surface of the other divided keyboard 111a, and slides along the bottom surface of the divided keyboard 111a. It is free.
[0014]
Therefore, when the keyboard 111 shown in FIG. 13 is expanded, the flexible sheet 113 is arranged along the bottom surface. In the folded state shown in FIG. 14, the slide portion 113a moves toward the center cutting position. , And cover the cut portions of the divided keyboards 111a and 111b.
[0015]
However, since the second conventional keyboard device 110 covers the cut portion using the flexible sheet 113, it lacks durability and is vulnerable to impacts. The inside of the keyboards 111a and 111b may be damaged.
[0016]
Furthermore, even with this keyboard device 110, the above-mentioned problem that the hinge portions 112, 112 are exposed on the operation surface cannot be solved.
[0017]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a foldable keyboard input device in which a hinge portion is not exposed on an operation surface of a keyboard.
[0018]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable keyboard input device that can cover a cut portion of a divided keyboard exposed by folding and withstand an external impact.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, a foldable keyboard input device according to claim 1 includes a plurality of divided keyboards formed by dividing an elongated keyboard at one or more positions in a longitudinal direction; A back plate that directly and indirectly rotatably connects the two divided keyboards facing each other on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard, and a rotatable connection to one side of the back plate, A support plate that supports the split keyboard so as to be able to advance and retreat along the longitudinal direction of the keyboard up to a contact position with the split keyboard on the other side facing the split position,
The divided keyboard on at least one side is connected to a back plate via a support plate, so that the divided keyboard can be freely folded on both sides of the back plate.
[0020]
The two divided keyboards facing each other at the divided position rotate about both sides of the back plate as pivot points. If the width between both sides of the back plate is set to a width that does not interfere between the keys when each split keyboard is folded, the split keyboard will not be exposed on the operating surface of the split keyboard, and the split keyboard will It is folded with both sides as pivot points.
[0021]
When used as a keyboard, at least one of the split keyboards is supported by the support plate so as to be able to advance and retreat in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard. The position gap is filled and restored to the original keyboard shape.
[0022]
Further, in the foldable keyboard input device according to the second aspect, at least one of the divided keyboards has an engagement mechanism for engaging and disengaging the divided keyboards in a state where the divided keyboards are in contact with each other. And
[0023]
Since the two keyboards can be engaged in a state where the divided keyboards are in contact with each other, they can be used as an integrated keyboard without any difference from a normal keyboard. At the time of folding, by releasing the engagement, at least one of the divided keyboards can be retracted from the cutting position to a position that does not interfere with the other divided keyboard when folded.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 1, a foldable keyboard input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a horizontally long rectangular keyboard 2 in which a number of key switches 3, 3,. The key data corresponding to 3 is output to a data processing device such as a personal computer or a word processor (not shown) via the cable 4.
[0026]
The keyboard 2 is divided into a first divided keyboard 5 on the left side and a second divided keyboard 6 on the right side in the figure along the arrangement of the key switches 3 at substantially the center in the longitudinal direction.
[0027]
An elongated thin plate-shaped back plate 7 is disposed on the back side of the dividing position at which the keyboard 2 is divided into two right and left sides in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 2. This back plate 7 corresponds to the back of a book when the keyboard 2 is folded like a book, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), and protects the cut end faces of the divided keyboards 5, 6 from external force. And a hard plate material such as a metal plate. The width of the back plate 7 in the short direction is formed to be wider than the sum of the thicknesses of the first divided keyboard 5 and the right second divided keyboard 6, and when folded, the distance between the key switches 3, 3 is reduced. Does not interfere.
[0028]
On both left and right sides along the longitudinal direction of the back plate 7, first hinge portions 8, 8 and second hinge portions 9, 9 are integrally formed at two upper and lower positions. The hinge part may be arranged at three or more positions.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first hinges 8, 8 are for rotatably connecting the left side of the back plate 7 and the right side of the rectangular support plate 10. Reference numeral 9 denotes a rotatable connection between the right side of the back plate 7 and the second divided keyboard 6. With these connections, the support plate 10 and the back plate 7 are located on the same plane in a developed state.
[0030]
The first split keyboard 5 is formed in a shape that encloses the periphery of the support plate 10 and the back plate 7, and when the support plate 10 and the back plate 7 are deployed on the same surface, the entire periphery thereof is Will completely cover the
[0031]
On both sides of the support plate 10, two rows of guide ridges 10a, 10a are integrally provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 2, while, as shown in FIGS. Guide recesses 5a, 5a into which the guide protrusions 10a, 10a loosely fit are formed on both sides of the first divided keyboard 5 facing the protrusion positions of the protrusions 10a, 10a. The first split keyboard 5 is supported in parallel with the support plate 10 by loosely fitting the guide protrusions 10a, 10a into the guide recesses 5a, 5a, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 2 along the support plate 10. To slide freely.
[0032]
A pair of retaining protrusions 10b, 10b projecting inward are formed in the middle of the guide ridges 10a, 10a, and only between the stopper steps 11a, 11b projecting from the inner walls of the guide recesses 5a, 5a. By being movable, the first split keyboard 5 is movable between the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0033]
In other words, the first split keyboard 5 is configured such that the stopper protrusions 10b and 10b abut on the stopper step 11a, thereby restricting the sliding in the direction of the split position, being positioned at the split position in FIG. , The sliding in the opposite direction is regulated, and it is positioned at the folded position in FIG.
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a lock lever 12 that rotates about a pin 13 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the second split keyboard 6 on the split position side. On the side surface of the opposing first divided keyboard 5, a locking recess 14a is formed.
[0035]
The lock lever 12 is urged by a return spring 15 that abuts on the rear end so that the tip 12a rotates inward. When the first split keyboard and the second split keyboard 6 do not touch, the lock lever 12 is locked. 12 is in contact with the guide side wall 16 provided side by side. The guide side wall 16 has the same cross-sectional shape as the guide ridge 10a, and is formed on an extension of the guide ridge 10a. Therefore, the first split keyboard 5 is slidable to the split position where the guide side wall 16 is loosely fitted in the guide recess 5 a and abuts on the second split keyboard 6.
[0036]
At this split position, the tip of the lock lever 12 is locked from outside into the locking recess 14a of the first split keyboard 5, and the first split keyboard 5 and the second split keyboard 6 are integrally formed on the same surface. The keyboard 2 is connected.
[0037]
The locked lever 12 is released by pressing the outer surface exposed from the side surface of the second split keyboard 6 inward against the return spring 15.
[0038]
In order to operate each key switch 5 of the first divided keyboard 5 and to output key data of the key switch 5 to the cable 4, the first divided keyboard 5 and the second divided keyboard are the first divided keyboard. Regardless of the movement of 5, the electric connection is always made by a flexible printed circuit board (not shown).
[0039]
The keyboard device 1 configured as described above can be placed in one of the normal use state and the folded storage state by the operations shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D.
[0040]
That is, from the normal use state shown in FIGS. 1 and 8A, the lock lever 12 is pressed to release the lock with the locking concave portion 14 a, and the first split keyboard 5 is moved to the split position on the support plate 10. Backward in the direction of retreating (leftward) from.
[0041]
At the position shown in FIG. 8B where the cut surface (end surface on the split position side) of the first split keyboard 5 crosses over the left side of the back plate 7, the stopper projection 10b abuts on the stopper step 11b, and the first split keyboard 5 5 is restricted.
[0042]
Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first split keyboard 5 and the second split keyboard are provided on both sides of the back plate 7 with the first hinge portions 8 and 8 and the second hinge portions 9 and 9 as pivot points. 6 is rotated to fold it into the housed state shown in FIG. In the housed state, the end faces of the divided keyboards 5 and 6 at the dividing position are covered by the back plate 7 and the side faces are covered by the guide ridges 10a and the guide side walls 16, so that dust or the like enters the inside. It is difficult to store and can be folded and folded into a book shape.
[0043]
Although omitted in the above-described embodiment, a locking portion or the like for locking between the divided keyboards 5 and 6 in the stored state may be provided to maintain the stored state.
[0044]
In order to switch from the stored state to the normal use state in which the keyboard device 1 is used, the divided keyboards 5 and 6 are changed from the state shown in FIG. 8D to the state shown in FIG. Then, the first split keyboard 5 is moved in the direction of the split position until it comes into contact with the second split keyboard 6 shown in FIG. When the two are in contact with each other, as described above, the guide side wall 16 is loosely fitted into the guide recess 5a, and the lock lever 12 is locked in the locking recess 14a. Are integrated on the same surface.
[0045]
In this use state, since the divided keyboards 5 and 6 are connected by the included hinge part, the hinge part does not appear on the operation surface on the front side and does not hinder the input operation of the key switch 3.
[0046]
The present invention can be variously modified without being limited to the above embodiment. For example, a support plate may be rotatably connected to both sides of the back plate, and the divided keyboard may be slidably supported on each support plate.
[0047]
FIG. 9 shows states of a foldable keyboard input device 20 according to another embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. I do.
[0048]
In the foldable keyboard input device 20, a support plate 10 ', which is symmetrical to a support plate 10 connected to the left side, is rotatably connected to the right side of the back plate 7 by second hinge portions 9, 9. A second split keyboard 21 is slidably supported in the left-right direction in the figure so as to cover the plate 10 '. That is, a guide recess 5a and a guide recess (not shown) having a target shape are formed on both sides of the second divided keyboard 21, and guide protrusions 10a are provided on both sides of the support plate 10 'instead of the guide side walls 16. And a guide ridge (not shown) having a target shape.
[0049]
In the keyboard device 20 in the use state shown in (a), the first split keyboard 5 and the second split keyboard 21 are in contact with each other above the center of the back plate 7.
[0050]
When the keyboard device 20 is folded, the split keyboards 5, 21 are moved backward to the position shown in FIG. 2B, and folded as shown in FIGS.
[0051]
Further, in order to change from the folded storage state shown in (d) to the use state of (a), the development is performed in the order of (c) and (b), the divided keyboards 5 and 21 are brought into contact at the center, and To engage both.
[0052]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the elongated keyboard is divided at substantially the center in the longitudinal direction to obtain two divided keyboards. However, the elongated keyboard is divided at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction, and three or more divided keyboards are formed. Alternatively, a plurality of back plates may be rotatably connected. In this case, the plurality of divided keyboards in the housed state are folded in a zigzag manner.
[0053]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the split keyboard has a shape that covers the whole of the support plate. However, the split keyboard does not necessarily have to cover the periphery of the split keyboard, for example, the support plate is exposed on the bottom side.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the divided cut portion is covered by the back plate, dust and water droplets do not enter from the cut portion when folded, and malfunction of the keyboard can be prevented.
[0055]
Further, since a hard material can be used for the back plate, a keyboard device which is strong against external force and impact, and has excellent durability and portability can be provided.
[0056]
Further, since the pivot point of the split keyboard can be on the rear side of the split keyboard, a hinge portion for turning the split keyboard to the front side is not exposed, and the operation of the key switch can be performed without impairing the appearance. Does not affect gender.
[0057]
Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above, the divided keyboards can be engaged with each other in a state where the divided keyboards are in contact with each other.
[0058]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a use state of a foldable keyboard input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard device 1 showing a state in which a first split keyboard 5 is moved.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the keyboard device 1 showing a state where the first split keyboard 5 is removed.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 shows a first divided keyboard 5 in which keys 3 are omitted;
(A) is a plan view,
(B) is a sectional view taken along line BB of (a).
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a division position in FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a partially broken perspective view showing an engagement mechanism.
FIG. 8 shows each state of the foldable keyboard input device 1,
(A) shows the usage state,
(B) shows a state in which the first split keyboard 5 is retracted,
(C) shows a state in which the divided keyboards 5 and 6 are rotated,
(D) shows the storage state,
It is a front view shown each.
FIG. 9 shows states of a foldable keyboard input device 20 according to another embodiment,
(A) shows the usage state,
(B) shows a state in which the split keyboards 5 and 21 are retracted,
(C) shows a state in which the divided keyboards 5 and 21 are rotated,
(D) shows the storage state,
It is a front view shown each.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a conventional foldable keyboard 100.
11 is a rear view of the foldable keyboard 100. FIG.
FIG. 12 is a front view showing a stored state of the foldable keyboard 100.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another conventional foldable keyboard 110.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a stored state of the foldable keyboard 110.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Foldable keyboard input device 2 Keyboard 5 First divided keyboard 6, 21 Second divided keyboard 7 Back plate 10, 10 'Support plate 12 Lock lever (engagement mechanism)
14a Locking recess (engaging mechanism)
20 Foldable Keyboard Input Device of Second Embodiment

Claims (2)

A plurality of divided keyboards (5) and (6) formed by dividing the elongated keyboard (2) at one or more positions in the longitudinal direction;
A back plate (7) for directly or indirectly rotatably connecting two split keyboards (5) and (6) facing each other at a split position on both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the keyboard (2). ,
The split keyboard (5) is rotatably connected to one side of the back plate (7), and the split keyboard (5) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard (2) until it comes into contact with the split keyboard (6) on the other side facing the split position. And a support plate (10) that supports the base so as to be able to advance and retreat along
By connecting the split keyboard (5) on at least one side to the back plate (7) via the support plate (10), the split keyboards (5) and (6) are provided on both sides of the back plate (7). A foldable keyboard input device characterized by being foldable. An engagement mechanism (12) (14a) for engaging and disengaging the split keyboards (5) and (6) in a state where the split keyboards (5) and (6) are in contact with each other is provided on at least one of the split keyboards (5) and (6). The foldable keyboard input device according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images