JP2003233448A - Key input device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key input device with a simple structure that can generate electric power, reduce a cost and improve power generation efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: A keyboard has a plurality of keys 10, an electric generator 70 installed for the plurality of keys 10 and a driving mechanism 30 that transfers the input operation of the keys 10 as mechanical power to the electric generator 70. The electric generator 70 generates electric power by the mechanical power obtained by the input operation of the keys 10. It is unnecessary to mount the electric generator 70 to each of the keys 10 one by one, the structure is made simple, a power generation mechanism can be composed of parts of a small number, and the configuration of wiring and the like is made simple, thereby also reducing the manufacturing cost. Because one electric generator 70 is required in correspondence with the plurality of keys 10, the electric generator can generate electric power larger than when an electric generator is mounted for each key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input device and electronic equipment. Specifically, the present invention relates to a key input device and an electronic device that generate power by a key input operation.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART A cordless keyboard that communicates with a portable electronic device or a personal computer body by radio or infrared rays has a power source such as a primary battery or a rechargeable battery incorporated therein. These need to be replaced each time the battery capacity is exhausted, the primary battery is replaced with a spare battery, and the rechargeable battery is recharged or replaced with a spare rechargeable battery. However, at the time of this replacement or recharging, the work must be interrupted, and a series of work is hindered when a long work is to be performed. Further, when using a primary battery, it is necessary to prepare a spare battery, which is heavy and inconvenient to carry. Even if a rechargeable battery is used, it cannot be recharged in an environment without a commercial power source, and if a replacement battery is prepared, it becomes as heavy as a primary battery, making it inconvenient to carry.

In order to solve the above-mentioned inconvenience, there has been proposed an electronic device, for example, one having a generator incorporated in a key input device. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-2001
There are those disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 154783 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-50354. JP 2001-15
In the one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4783, a generator consisting of a piezoelectric element is loaded under each key, and the key is depressed by the key input operation, whereby the piezoelectric element is displaced and an electromotive force is generated by this displacement. It is a thing. Further, in the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-50354, a generator consisting of a magnet and a coil is loaded under each key, and the relative position of the magnet and the coil is changed by an input operation of the key. It generates an electromotive force.

[0004]

However, in the key input device as described above, it is necessary to dispose one power generation device (piezoelectric element or magnet and coil) for each key. It was difficult and costly. In particular, it is necessary to provide wiring for connecting each generator to a capacitor or the like, and there is also a problem in that it is difficult to load the generator. In addition, since each generator has one generator built in, the size of each generator is also very small, and the power generated by each generator is also very small. There was also the problem of low efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to provide a key input device and an electronic device which can generate power with a simple structure, reduce costs, and improve power generation efficiency.

[0006]

Therefore, the present invention is to achieve the above object by providing one generator for a plurality of keys in a key input device.
Specifically, the key input device according to claim 1 of the present invention includes at least one of a plurality of keys, a generator installed for each of the plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys. A power transmission mechanism for transmitting an input operation of the key as mechanical power to the generator, the generator generating power with mechanical power obtained by input operation of at least one of the plurality of keys. Is characterized by.

In the present invention having this structure, since the input operation of at least one of the plurality of keys is transmitted to one generator through the transmission mechanism, it is necessary to incorporate one generator for each key. And the structure is simple. Further, as a result, the power generation mechanism can be configured with a small number of parts, and the configuration of wiring and the like can be simplified, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to install a generator for each key, and one generator can be provided corresponding to a plurality of keys, it is possible to provide a larger generator than when installing each key. it can. Therefore, the generated power is increased and the power generation efficiency can be improved. In order to increase the mechanical power to the generator, the power transmission mechanism should be configured so that the mechanical power generated by the operation of any of the keys is transmitted to the generator. preferable.

A key input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the first aspect, wherein the transmission mechanism is a rotatably provided shaft and a straight line of each key by the input operation. A linear rotary motion converting means for converting the motion into a rotary motion for rotating the shaft,
The generator is driven by this rotational movement.

In the present invention having this structure, the linear motion by the input operation of a plurality of keys is transmitted to the shaft as the rotary motion by the linear rotary motion converting means, and the rotary motion of the shaft transmits the power to the generator. . Here, since the rotational movement of the shaft does not require a space for movement such as a linear reciprocating movement of the key, the space required for disposing the power transmission mechanism can be reduced, and the key input device can be downsized. To be done. Also, by extending the shaft, the key part that rotates the shaft and the generator that is driven to rotate by the shaft can be arranged separately.
The degree of freedom in the layout of the generator in the key input device can be increased. As the generator driven by the rotary motion, for example, an electromagnetic induction type AC generator having a rotor for power generation composed of a permanent magnet and a stator wound with a coil can be used.

A key input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the first aspect, wherein the transmission mechanism is a rotatably provided shaft and a straight line of each key by the input operation. A linear rotary motion converting means for converting the motion into a rotary motion for rotating the shaft, and a rotary oscillating motion converting means for converting the converted rotary motion into a oscillating motion. Is driven.

Also in the present invention, since the linear motion is once converted into the rotary motion of the shaft and then converted into the swing motion, the space is saved by using the shaft and the flexibility of the layout of the generator is improved. The effect is obtained.
As the generator driven by the swing motion, for example, a piezoelectric element or the like that generates power by applying mechanical stress associated with the swing motion can be used.

A key input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the linear rotational motion converting means is swingably supported by a support shaft, It is arranged under the plurality of keys and swings in conjunction with the input operation of the keys, and has a spring property at one end opposite to the side where the keys are arranged with respect to the support shaft. It is characterized by comprising a plate integrally formed with a pawl and a pawl wheel having teeth engageable with the pawl and fixed to the shaft.

According to the present invention having this structure, it is possible to fix the key of the key only by fixing the ratchet wheel to the shaft, swinging by the input operation of the key, and providing the plate having the spring-like pawl that can engage with the ratchet wheel. Since the input operation can be converted into the rotational movement of the shaft, the number of required parts is small and the structure is simple.
It is cheap. Further, since the shaft can be rotated only in one direction, when a plurality of linear rotary motion converting means are provided, that is, when a plurality of plates are provided, the operation of each plate can be independently performed without synchronization. However, even if each plate rotates the shaft at the same time, or if it rotates with a slight time lag, the rotation directions of the shafts by each plate are the same, so the operations of each plate do not interfere with each other. The shaft can be reliably rotated. From this point as well, the structure of the linear rotary motion converting means is simplified and the cost can be reduced.

A key input device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the linear rotary motion converting means is arranged under a plurality of the keys. And a key-side turning member that abuts on the plate and that is turned by the reciprocating motion of the plate, are integrally formed at one end. The shaft-side turning member having a pawl, the key-side turning member, and the shaft-side turning member are connected, and the shaft-side turning member is turned in conjunction with the turning of the key-side turning member. It is characterized by comprising a connecting member to be moved, and a ratchet wheel having teeth engageable with the pawl and fixed to the shaft.

In the present invention having this structure, since the key input operation is transmitted to the shaft through the plate, the pair of rotating members and the connecting member, and is converted into the rotational movement of the shaft, the plate itself is extended to the shaft portion. There is no need to do so, and the degree of freedom in layout can be increased. In particular, power is transmitted via a connecting member that connects the rotating members,
Since this connecting member can be formed in a rod shape or a string shape, it can be arranged adjacent to a plurality of keys, and space saving can be achieved.

A key input device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the key input device does not depend on the key input operation. An auxiliary drive mechanism for rotating the shaft to drive the generator is provided. The auxiliary drive mechanism may be, for example, a dial fixed to the shaft and partially protruding from the key input device so that it can be rotated manually, or a dial connected to the end of the shaft and protruding from the key input device. Various mechanisms that can directly or indirectly rotate a shaft such as a handle can be used.

In the present invention having this structure, the electromotive force can be obtained by an operation other than the key input operation. Therefore, it is possible to easily generate electric power without repeatedly hitting the key, and to generate a predetermined electric power in a short time. You can For this reason, when the key input device is driven by using the stored power to store the generated power, the power stored in the power storage device that has been left for a long time is discharged. At this time, since electric power can be stored in the power storage device in a short time, it is particularly useful when the key input device is activated after being left for a long time.

A key input device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the second aspect, wherein the generator includes a rotor for power generation made of a permanent magnet and a stator wound with a coil. An alternating current generator having the power generation rotor, wherein the power generation rotor is attached to one end of the shaft and is rotatable. In the present invention having this configuration, since the rotor for power generation is directly connected to the shaft, the number of necessary parts is reduced and the cost can be reduced.

A key input device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the second aspect, wherein the generator includes a rotor for power generation made of a permanent magnet and a stator around which a coil is wound. It is an alternating-current generator having, wherein the rotor for power generation is rotatable via a train wheel including a gear attached to one end of the shaft. In the present invention having this configuration, since the rotor for power generation is connected to the shaft via the train wheel, the rotation speed transmitted from the shaft can be easily increased by the train wheel, and the rotation speed of the rotor for power generation can be increased. Can improve
Power generation efficiency can also be improved. That is, by using the train wheel, the rotation speed of the power generation rotor can be easily improved by using this train wheel as the speed increasing train wheel.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the key input device according to the eighth aspect, the train wheel avoids excessive torque transmission when a torque of a predetermined value or more is applied. It is characterized by having an escape mechanism for As the escape mechanism, for example, in a speed increasing train wheel, a rotating shaft having a pinion that meshes with a gear on the shaft side and a gear fitted to this rotating shaft are crimped by using a disc spring or the like, and the friction thereof is When a torque larger than the force is applied, a friction mechanism or the like that releases the torque by the relative rotation of the pinion and the gear can be used. In the present invention having this configuration, if the rotational power is not properly transmitted in the train wheel due to some trouble or the like, when a torque larger than a predetermined value is applied, a part of the train wheel slides and disconnects the transmission structure. As a result, it is possible to prevent an excessive torque from being applied to the train wheel and prevent damage to the train wheel.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the key input device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the train wheel has a mechanical energy storage for storing and supplying mechanical energy. It is characterized by having a part.
In the present invention having this configuration, the mechanical energy storage unit stores the mechanical energy transmitted from the shaft, and stores a larger amount of energy than the cogging torque generated between the stator of the AC generator and the rotor for power generation. When
Since mechanical energy is supplied to the power generation rotor, the power generation rotor can be continuously rotated to some extent, so that power generation efficiency can be improved.

A key input device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the third aspect, wherein the generator has a piezoelectric element, and the rotary oscillating motion converting means includes the shaft. And a cam that rotates together with the cam, one end of which abuts on the cam, and the other end of which swings as the cam rotates.
When the other end of the hammer contacts, mechanical stress is applied to generate electric power. In the present invention having this configuration, since the piezoelectric element is used for the generator, the generator can be made smaller than a generator including a rotor and a stator for power generation, and further miniaturization of the key input device is further promoted. To be done. Further, since the piezoelectric element is not affected by the external magnetic field, the key input device can be used even in a place where the external magnetic field affects.

A key input device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the key input device is a keyboard and the generator is the It is characterized in that it is provided in a portion having a large thickness in the cross-sectional direction on the back side when viewed from the operating side of the keyboard. Usually, the keyboard is thicker on the back side when viewed from the operating side so that it is easy to operate, or is provided with legs, and an inclined surface is formed so that the upper surface of the keyboard is lowered from the back side to the front side. . Therefore, the height of the back side of the keyboard from the surface where the keyboard is installed becomes large, and if the generator is placed on the back side where there is relatively space in this keyboard, the space can be effectively used and the generator is placed. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the planar area of the keyboard, which facilitates miniaturization of the keyboard.

An electronic device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is
A key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is provided. According to the electronic device of the present invention, electric power can be generated by performing a key input on the key input device, and therefore, the electronic device is suitable for various electronic devices including a primary battery and a secondary battery, which are used especially for portable applications.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a keyboard 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A keyboard 1 which is a key input device is used for a computer such as a personal computer, and includes a key 10 for inputting characters, numbers, symbols and the like, and an upper and lower half-separated case 2 that surrounds the key 10. Have.

As shown in FIG. 2, the key 10 includes a key top 11 that the operator touches with his / her finger when the key is input,
A key switch 12 integrally formed under the key top 11 is provided. A key input detection unit 20 is arranged below the key switch 12.

The key input detecting section 20 is a so-called membrane switch having a switch section 23 with contacts formed on the sheet facing each other. The switch portion 23 has contact sheets 24 on the upper and lower sides, and contact surfaces 2 are provided on the opposite surfaces.
5 is formed. Between the upper and lower contact sheets 24,
A spacer 26 is interposed to form a gap between the upper and lower contacts 25. Further, a rubber actuator 21 made of rubber is arranged above the switch portion 23. The rubber actuator 21 is formed in a bowl shape that is convex upward, and an upper portion thereof is in contact with the tip of the key switch 12, and has a protruding rubber switch 22 formed inside. In such a key input detection unit 20, when the operator presses the key top 11 with a finger to perform a key input, the rubber actuator 21 is pushed down via the key switch 12, and the rubber switch 22 pushes the upper contact sheet 24. As a result, the upper and lower contacts 25 are brought into contact with each other to make them conductive, thereby detecting the key input.

Inside the case 2, a key input detecting section 20 for detecting an input from the key 10 and a transmission mechanism 30 for obtaining mechanical power from an input operation of the key 10 as shown in FIG. A power generator 70 for generating power by the power transmitted from the power transmission mechanism 30 is provided. The power transmission mechanism 30 has a linear rotary motion conversion means 30A for converting a linear motion by input operation of each key 10 into a rotary motion, and a shaft 34 for transmitting the converted rotary motion to the generator 70. The linear rotary motion converting means 30A includes a plate 31 arranged under the key 10 and a ratchet wheel 33 engaged with one end of the plate 31, and the ratchet wheel 33 is fixed to the shaft 34. The shaft 34 is rotated integrally with the shaft 34.

The plate 31 is made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or plastic, and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. As shown in FIG.
Three character keys are arranged under the key 10 so as to divide the arrangement part of the character keys into three. These plates 31 are the base end side 40 located at the back when viewed from the operation side of the keyboard 1,
The case 2 is swingably supported by a common support shaft 32 whose both ends are fixed. Support shaft 32 of plate 31
As shown in FIG. 3, a bearing portion 36 is formed in the portion where is arranged. If the plate 31 is made of metal, the bearing portion 36 may be formed by welding a plate-shaped member formed into a tubular shape or a pipe cut off to the plate 31, or by cutting a part of the plate 31. Curling, or if the plate 31 is made of plastic, it is formed by injection molding or bolting a pipe-shaped member.

From the bearing 36 to the tip side 4 of the plate 31
Up to 1, there is a key array portion 35 in which a plurality of keys 10 are arrayed, and a pawl 37 is formed on the base end side 40. The key array portion 35 has a plurality of key holes 39 formed therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the key switch 12 of each key 10 penetrates the key hole 39 and is disposed below the rubber actuator 21. Abutted against. The pawl 37 is formed integrally with the plate 31 so as to protrude from the approximate center of the base end portion 40 with a width narrower than the width of the plate 31. The pawl 37 is formed by bending the plate 31 into an L-shape if the plate 31 is made of metal, or by injection molding if the plate 31 is made of plastic. The pawl 37 has a spring property, and the tip thereof can come into contact with the pawl wheel 33 side. In addition, the tip side 41 of the plate 31
A spring 38 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the key top 11 is arranged (on the back side), and restricts the swing of the plate 31. Here, the material of the spring 38, the spring constant, etc. are appropriately determined in consideration of the key touch property and the click feeling of the key input.

The pawl wheel 33 is a gear that transmits intermittent unidirectional rotational movement and prevents reverse rotation. One of the pawl wheels 33 is arranged on each plate 31, and the shaft 34 is provided at a position corresponding to each pawl 37. It is fixed to. Shaft 34
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, is rotatably supported by the case 2 by a bearing or the like on the side located deeper than the operating side of the keyboard 1, that is, the portion where the thickness of the keyboard 1 in the cross-sectional direction is large. The generator 70 is arranged at one end thereof. Further, on the shaft 34, a disc-shaped dial 10 is provided between the generator 70 and the ratchet wheel 33.
0 is fixed and part of the dial 100 is case 2
Exposed to the outside.

The generator 70 is formed in a substantially annular shape and is provided with a stator 72 having a coil 73 wound around an intermediate portion thereof, and a rotor 72 for power generation composed of a permanent magnet is rotatably provided in a stator hole of the stator 72. It is an electromagnetic induction type AC generator. The rotor 71 for power generation is the shaft 3
4 is directly connected to the shaft 4, and the shaft 34 is rotated by a key input operation. Where the generator 7
In order for 0 to efficiently generate power, the rotor 7 for power generation is selected according to the number of rotations of the rotor 71 for power generation by key input operation.
The size of the gap between the stator 1 and the stator 72, the material of the permanent magnet forming the rotor 71 for power generation, and the thickness and number of turns of the coil 73 are appropriately set.

In this embodiment, each of the plates 3
Since three 1s are provided, three sets of linear rotational motion converting means 30A are provided, and all the linear rotational motion converting means 30A rotate the common shaft 34 to rotate the rotor 71 for power generation. It is configured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a generator 70
A rectifier circuit 111 that rectifies the generated power, a power storage device 112 that stores the rectified power, and an information processing unit 11 that transmits the detected key input information to the PC body.
0 and 0 are connected. As shown in FIG. 5, the rectifier circuit 111 includes two field effect transistors (FETs).
117, 118 and two diodes 119, 120
It is a simple synchronous rectification circuit using. The field effect transistor 117 is a Pch (P channel) field effect transistor whose gate is connected to the AC output terminal MG2 of the coil 73, and also the field effect transistor 118.
Is a Pch (P-channel) field effect transistor having a gate connected to the AC output terminal MG1 of the coil 73.

The power storage device 112 is composed of a capacitor and the like, and is connected in series with the rectifier circuit 111 so as to charge the current rectified by the rectifier circuit 111.

The information processing unit 110, as shown in FIG. 4, receives the information from each circuit and processes it.
3, a detection circuit 114 that receives a key input signal from the key input detection unit 20 and sends it to the control circuit 113, and a data transmission circuit 115 that receives the key input signal from the control circuit 113 and sends it to the personal computer body. , A portable information device different from the personal computer, such as a watch, is provided with a charge control circuit 116 for controlling power supply for charging by an electromagnetic induction method. Each of these circuits 113 to 116 is arranged in parallel with the power storage device 112. It is connected and operating on that power.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the key 10 is input by pressing the key top 11 of the keyboard 1. Then, the plate 31 arranged under the key 10 is also pushed down against the spring force of the spring 38. Since the plate 31 is swingably supported about the support shaft 32, the claw 37 on the opposite side is pushed up as the plate 31 is pushed down.

The tip of the pawl 37 is engaged with the pawl wheel 33, and this tip pushes the teeth of the pawl wheel 33, and the shaft 34
To rotate. At this time, the other two pawl wheels 33 fixed to the shaft 34 also rotate at the same time, but the corresponding pawls 37 are urged downward by the springs 38 so that the pawl wheels 33 rotate in the rotational direction. Since it does not move, it is pushed by the teeth of the ratchet wheel 33 and rides on the teeth against the spring force of the pawl 37. After that, the spring force of the pawl 37 engages with the valley of the next tooth to stabilize it, so that the other two plates 3
1 does not rock. When the key 10 is returned to its original position, the spring 3
The plate 31 also returns to its original position due to the repulsive force of 8, and the pawl 37
Also returns to the original position. At this time, the pawl 37 is the pawl wheel 3
The tooth of No. 3 is overcome and the ratchet wheel 33 is engaged in the trough of the next tooth without reverse rotation. At this time, since the pawl 37 of the other plate 31 is engaged with the tooth of the pawl wheel 33, separately,
The reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel 33 can be prevented without providing a detent for preventing reverse rotation. By the above operation,
The linear movement by the input operation of the key 10 is converted into the rotational movement of the shaft 34.

The power-generating rotor 71 fixed to one end of the shaft 34, which rotates intermittently with the intermittent rotation motion of the ratchet wheel 33, rotates in the stator 72 to cause a change in the magnetic field. Generates an electromotive force.

In addition to the electromotive force generated by the key input as described above, in the present embodiment, when the dial 100 is turned, the shaft 34 is directly rotated, which causes the rotor 71 for power generation to be rotated to generate the electromotive force. Obtainable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the dial 100 constitutes an auxiliary drive mechanism.

The electromotive force generated by the generator 70 is an AC signal obtained by alternating the magnetic poles of the power-generating rotor 71, and this signal is rectified by the rectifier circuit 111 into a DC signal. In the rectifier circuit 111, in the field-effect transistors 117 and 118, one of the AC input terminals MG1 and MG2 of the generator 70, which is connected to the terminal of the polarity “−”, is turned on, and the other is turned off. It Therefore, the AC input terminal MG1 is "-".
At this time, a current flows through the field effect transistor 118, and when the AC input terminal MG2 is “−”, a current flows through the field effect transistor 117, so that the AC signal from the generator 70 is converted into a DC signal. Then, the power is stored in the power storage device 112.

The information processing unit 110 uses the electric power stored in the power storage device 112 to perform the following processing.
That is, when the key input detection unit 20 detects the input of the key 10, this detection signal is transmitted to the detection circuit 114 and output to the control circuit 113. The control circuit 113 outputs a transmission command to the data transmission circuit 115 to transmit this signal to the main body of the personal computer. As a result, the personal computer body detects the key input.

Further, the stored electric power is supplied to the charging control circuit 1
It is also used to drive 16. That is, the charging control circuit 116 obtains electric power from the power storage device 112, receives commands such as charging start and charging end from the control circuit 113,
External information such as watches and other portable information devices are charged by a non-contact method such as an electromagnetic induction method.

The present embodiment as described above has the following effects. (1) A linear rotary motion conversion means 30A including a plate 31 that is rocked when any of the plurality of keys 10 is tapped is provided, and power is generated via a shaft 34 by an input operation of each key 10. The generator rotor 71 of the machine 70 can be rotated to generate electricity. Therefore, only one generator 70 needs to be provided in the keyboard 1, and unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to prepare the same number of generators 70 as the number of keys, so that the structure is simple and the number of parts can be reduced. Manufacturing costs can also be reduced. Besides, keyboard 1
Since it suffices to provide one generator 70 for each key, a larger generator 70 can be incorporated as compared with the conventional generator incorporated in each key, and thereby the generated power can be increased and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

(2) Since the power generation rotor 71 of the generator 70 is directly connected to the shaft 34 and rotated, power transmission can be performed with a small number of parts, the structure can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, the linear rotary motion conversion means 30A
Since the linear movement (advancing / retracting movement, reciprocating movement) of each key 10 by the key input operation is converted into the rotational movement of the shaft 34, the space for disposing the transmission mechanism 30 can be reduced, and the keyboard 1 of a general size can be obtained. Also transmission mechanism 3
Zeros can be easily incorporated. Besides, shaft 3
4, the keys 10 and the generator 70 can be arranged apart from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the generator 70 should be arranged in the upper right portion of the keyboard 1 where the keys 10 are not arranged. Therefore, the space efficiency can be improved, the keyboard 1 can be prevented from being upsized, and the layout flexibility can be improved.

(3) Since each linear rotary motion converting means 30A is composed of the plate 31 and the pawl wheel 33, the number of parts can be reduced and the structure is simple, so that it can be manufactured at low cost. Further, since the shaft 34 is rotated only in one direction by the ratchet device including the ratchet wheel 33 and the plate 31, a plurality of linear rotary motion converting means 30A are provided,
Each linear rotary motion converting means 30A can be operated independently. Therefore, when the number of keys is large like the keyboard 1, a plurality of linear rotary motion converting means 30A can be provided, and the size of the plate 31 (corresponding number of keys) can be set within an appropriate range. , It is possible to efficiently generate power without disturbing the key input operation.

(4) Since the generator 70 is arranged in a portion having a relatively large thickness in the cross-sectional direction, which is relatively deep as viewed from the operating side of the keyboard 1, it is necessary to secure a space in the plane direction. Therefore, the keyboard 1 can be downsized.

(5) In addition to the key input operation, the electromotive force can be obtained by the dial 100, which is an auxiliary drive mechanism.
By rotating the dial 100, electricity can be stored easily. The power storage device 112 discharges over time even if it is stored, and the amount of stored power decreases, so that it is particularly useful when the keyboard 1 is activated after being left for a long time.

(6) In this embodiment, the charge control circuit 116
Since it is provided, the power generated by key input operation,
The keyboard 1 that can be used for charging other devices and is highly convenient can be provided. Further, since the keyboard 1 is a cordless type capable of wireless data communication, it is possible to provide the keyboard 1 which has a high degree of freedom in use and is easy to use.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description will be simplified or omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the power generation rotor 71 of the generator 70 is connected to the shaft 34 via the speed increasing train wheel.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the speed increasing train wheel 50 comprises a bevel gear 51, a first gear 52, a second gear 53, and a rotor pinion 54. The bevel gear 51 is fixed to the shaft 34. on the other hand,
The first gear 52 integrally has a first pinion 55 on the upper side and a first spur gear 56 on the lower side. Teeth are formed on the first pinion 55 so as to correspond to the teeth of the bevel gear 51, whereby the bevel gear 51 and the first gear 52 are meshed so as to be orthogonal to each other. Here, the bevel gear 51 and the first pinion 55 may have a tooth shape of a straight bevel gear or a curved bevel gear such as a bevel gear and a bevel gear.

The second gear 53 includes a second pinion 57 having a rotating shaft 57A and the second spur gear 5 fitted to the rotating shaft 57A.
8 and. The second pinion 57 is meshed with the first spur gear 56. The second spur gear 58 is pressed against the rotary shaft 57A by a disc spring 59 having a bowl-shaped spring property, and the second spur gear 58 is pressed against the rotary shaft 57A and the second spur gear 58 by a frictional force. The pinion 57 and the second spur gear 58 are normally rotated integrally. Kana for rotor 54
Is disposed above the power generation rotor 71 and meshes with the second spur gear 58. In addition, the module of each gear, the reference pitch circle size, the number of teeth, and the like are set so that the rotation speed of the shaft 34 and the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 71 are increased at a predetermined speed increase ratio.

In the keyboard 1 having such a structure, when the shaft 34 is rotated via the plate 31 and the ratchet 33 by the key input, the rotational power is the bevel gear 51, the first pinion 55 of the first gear 52, and the first pinion 55. The spur gear 56, the second pinion 57 of the second gear 53, the second spur gear 58, and the rotor pinion 54 are transmitted in this order to rotate the rotor 71 for power generation. At this time, the second pinion 57 of the second gear 53 (the rotating shaft 57
Between A) and the second spur gear 58, a frictional force is generated by the spring force of the disc spring 59, and the power is transmitted by rotating integrally. Further, the rotational power is simultaneously increased while being transmitted by each gear. Due to this rotation, an electromotive force is generated in the coil 73. This electromotive force is rectified by the rectifier circuit 111 as in the first embodiment and stored in the power storage device 112.

Further, when the rotor 71 for power generation does not move due to some trouble or the like, or when the pinion 54 for the rotor and the second spur gear 58 are meshed with each other, the rotor 71 does not move.
The second pinion 57 and the second spur gear 5 by the biasing force of the disc spring 59.
When a torque larger than the frictional force between the second pinion 57 and the second pinion 8 is applied, the second pinion 57 and the second spur gear 58 relatively rotate, and it is possible to avoid excessive torque transmission. Therefore, the escape mechanism is configured by the second gear 53 portion including the second pinion 57 (rotating shaft 57A), the second spur gear 58, and the disc spring 59.

According to such a second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as (1), (3) to (6) of the first embodiment. (7) Since the rotating shafts of the speed increasing wheel train 50 and the generator 70 can be made orthogonal to the shaft 34 by the bevel gear 51 and the first pinion 55, the speed increasing wheel train 50 and the generator 70 can be arranged horizontally. . Therefore, the keyboard 1 has a generator 7
It becomes easier to store 0 etc., and the keyboard 1 can be made thinner.

(8) Since the rotational speed of the shaft 34 can be increased by the speed-up gear train 50, even a small amount of intermittent rotational power by the ratchet wheel 33 can be transmitted to the rotor 71 for power generation by increasing the speed. be able to. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, even with the same key input operation, the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 71 can be improved, and a large electromotive voltage can be obtained correspondingly, and power generation efficiency can be improved.

(9) Since the second gear 53 is provided with a relief mechanism by the disc spring 59, even if an excessive torque is applied to the speed increasing gear train 50, the second pinion 57 and the second spur gear 5
The torque can be released to and from the vehicle. Therefore, excessive force is not applied to the speed increasing train wheel 50,
It is possible to prevent damage to the speed increasing train wheel 50 and the like.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the mainspring device which is a mechanical energy storage unit is provided in the speed increasing train wheel of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the speed increasing gear train 50 includes a shaft gear 61 fixed to the shaft 34, a mainspring device 62 meshed with the shaft gear 61,
The power generation rotor 71 is meshed with the mainspring device 62.
And a pinion 54 for the rotor fixed to the.

The mainspring device 62 is a rotor 71 for power generation.
Mechanical energy is stored so that can be continuously driven, and has a pinion 63 meshed with the shaft gear 61 and a cylindrical barrel 64. The barrel 64 has a band-shaped mainspring 67 housed inside, and a slipping attachment 68 which is a sliding support plate provided on the inner peripheral surface. The inner end of the mainspring 67 is fixed to a barrel 65 which is integrally formed with the pinion 63, and the outer end thereof is fixed to the slipping attachment 68 by welding, an adhesive or the like. Further, a barrel wheel 66 is engraved on the outer surface of the barrel 64.

Here, the mainspring 67 and the slipping attachment 68 are engaged with each other by engaging an engaging pawl formed by folding back the outer end portion of the mainspring 67 with a convex shape provided on the inner surface of the slipping attachment 68. It is also possible to adopt a method such as locking to the locking portion of.

The kana 54 for the rotor is the rotor 7 for power generation.
It is fixed to 1 and meshed with the barrel wheel 66. In addition, the module of each gear, the reference pitch circle size, the number of teeth, and the like are set so that the rotation speed of the shaft 34 and the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 71 are increased at a predetermined speed increase ratio.

Next, the rectifier circuit 111 is a simple synchronous rectifier circuit similar to that of the first embodiment, provided with a brake circuit 125. As shown in FIG. 9, the brake circuit 125 includes a first switch 124 connected to a first AC input terminal MG1 to which an AC signal (AC current) generated by the coil 73 is input, and the AC The second switch 123 connected to the second AC input terminal MG2 to which a signal is input. The first switch 124 is a field effect transistor (FET) 1 similar to that of the first embodiment.
18 and chopping signal (chopping pulse) CH
Is connected in parallel with the field effect transistor 122 whose gate is input. The second switch 123 is configured by connecting a field effect transistor (FET) 117 similar to that of the first embodiment and a field effect transistor 121 whose gate receives the chopping signal CH to each other in parallel. There is.

In the third embodiment as described above, the key 10
The linear motion due to the input operation of
It is converted into rotational motion by 0A, and the shaft gear 61 rotates together with the shaft 34. This rotation is Kana 6
It is accelerated and transmitted to the barrel 65 through 3 and accumulated in the mainspring 67 as mechanical energy.

Once the mechanical energy stored in the mainspring 67 becomes larger than the cogging torque of the rotor 71 for power generation, the pinion 54 for the rotor is driven at a substantially constant speed. As a result, the power generation rotor 71 rotates, and electromotive force is generated in the coil 73.

The electromotive force of the AC signal generated by the coil 73 is rectified into a DC signal by the rectifying circuit 111,
The electricity is stored in the electricity storage device 112. In the present embodiment, the rectifier circuit 111 is provided with the brake circuit 125, and the field effect transistor 121 and the field effect transistor 122 connected in parallel to the respective transistors 117 and 118 have the same chopping signal CH. On
It is controlled off. Therefore, each transistor 12
When the transistors 1 and 122 are simultaneously turned on by the chopping signal CH, the transistors 117 and 11 which are rectifying switches
Regardless of the state of No. 8, the AC input terminals MG1 and MG2 enter a closed loop state due to a short circuit or the like, and the generator 70 is short-braked.

The control circuit 113 detects the rotation speed of the power-generating rotor 71 by the electromotive voltage of the generator 70 and the like, and uses the brake circuit 125 to adjust the power-generating rotor 71 to a substantially constant speed. This prevents the mainspring 67 from unwinding all at once, and controls the generator 70 to generate a predetermined electromotive voltage for a long period of time by rotating the power generation rotor 71 at a substantially constant speed for a long period of time. . Here, since power can be generated without rotating the power-generating rotor 71 at a substantially constant speed, the brake circuit 12
5 is not used for the purpose of speed control, but the generator 70
May be used for the purpose of increasing the electromotive voltage by controlling chopping.

Since the end of the mainspring 67 is crimped to the inner surface of the barrel 64 by the slipping attachment 68, even if an excessive torque is applied while the mainspring 67 is wound up, the mainspring is made by the slipping attachment 68. 67 slips on the inner surface of the barrel 64,
The transmission of torque to the rotor pinion 54 is avoided. Therefore, the mainspring device 62 also functions as an escape mechanism.

In the third embodiment as described above, the aforementioned
In addition to the same effects as (1), (3) to (6), (8), there are the following effects. (10) A mainspring device 62 is provided in the speed increasing train wheel 50 to temporarily store the rotational movement from the shaft 34 as mechanical energy, and after a certain amount of energy is accumulated, the energy is continuously discharged to be used for a rotor. 54, that is, since the rotor 71 for power generation can be rotated, the power generation efficiency can be further improved and a relatively stable electromotive force can be continuously obtained as compared with the case where only the speed increasing train wheel 50 is provided.

(11) Since the mainspring device 62 is provided with the escape mechanism by the slipping attachment 68, even when the rotational movement from the shaft 34 is not transmitted due to some trouble or the like, the slipping attachment 68 is provided. Slides on the inner surface of the barrel 64, increasing the speed train 50
It can prevent damage.

(12) Since the rotation speed of the power generation rotor 71 can be controlled by providing the brake circuit 125, the power generation rotor 71 can be rotated at a substantially constant speed for a relatively long time, and a stable electromotive voltage can be maintained for a long time. Can be maintained for hours.

[Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment uses a linear rotary motion converting means 30B different from the linear rotary motion converting means 30A of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the linear rotary motion converting means 30B includes the key 1
0, a plate-side rotating member 81 arranged under the plate 80, a shaft-side rotating member 83 arranged under the shaft 34, a key-side rotating member 81, A connecting member 82 for connecting the shaft-side turning member 83 and a ratchet wheel 84 fixed to the shaft 34 are provided.

The plate 80 is made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum, or plastic, and is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. The keyboard 1 is similar to the first embodiment.
Three character keys are arranged under the key 10 so as to divide the arranged portion of the character keys into three, and are swingably supported by a common support shaft (not shown) fixed to the case 2. Further, as in the first embodiment, the plate 80 is provided with a plurality of key holes, and the key switch 12 of each key 10 penetrates the key holes and is disposed below the rubber actuator 2.
1 is abutted. A plate spring 85 is provided on the tip side of the plate 80, and a projection 86 is formed under the plate 80.

The key-side turning member 81 has a key-side turning shaft 91.
Is rotatably supported by the case 2 and has a horizontal flat surface on the upper end face, and this end face is in contact with the protrusion 86. Further, a key side connecting material hole 92 for attaching the connecting material 82 is formed at one end on the lower side. The shaft-side rotation member 83 is rotatably supported by the shaft-side rotation shaft 88, and the shaft-side rotation shaft 8 is sandwiched by the shaft 34.
A pawl 89 that can be engaged with the pawl wheel 84 extends and is integrally formed on the side opposite to the side. Further, a shaft-side connecting member hole 90 for attaching the connecting member 82 is provided in a portion of the shaft-side rotating member 83 located below the shaft-side rotating shaft 88. Further, a hole is bored in the shaft-side rotation member 83 and one end of a rotation suppression spring 87 is attached, and the other end of the rotation suppression spring 87 is fixed to a wall surface provided on the case 2 of the keyboard 1. Has been done.

The connecting member 82 is composed of a rod-shaped member made of metal or the like, a wire, or the like, and is formed by bending the respective ends. The respective ends are provided with the key-side connecting material hole 92 of the key-side rotating member 81 and the shaft-side rotating member 8.
It is attached by a method such as being hooked in the shaft side connecting member hole 90 of No. 3, and the key side rotating member 81 and the shaft side rotating member 83 are connected by this connecting member 82. The pawl wheel 84 is fixed to the shaft 34, and the pawl 89 can be engaged with the pawl wheel 84 as described above. Further, the pawl wheel 84 is provided with a reverse rotation prevention material 93 for preventing reverse rotation, and one end of the reverse rotation prevention material 93 is a pawl wheel 84.
Is engaged with teeth formed on the outer periphery of the keyboard 1 and the other end is the keyboard 1
It is fixed to the wall surface provided on the case 2.

In this embodiment having such a configuration, first,
By pressing the key top 11 on the keyboard 1, the key 1
When the input operation of 0 is performed, the plate 80 arranged under the key 10 is also pushed down against the spring force of the plate spring 85. Along with this, the projection 86 pushes down the upper end surface of the key-side rotating member 81, so that the key-side rotating member 81 rotates about the key-side rotating shaft 91. This rotating motion is performed by the connecting member 82 and the shaft side rotating member 83.
Be transmitted to. The shaft side rotating member 83 rotates about the shaft side rotating shaft 88 against the spring force of the rotation suppressing spring 87, and rotates the pawl 89 formed at one end downward.
The ratchet wheel 84 engaged with the pawl 89 is intermittently rotated. Since the ratchet wheel 84 is fixed to the shaft 34,
The shaft 34 also intermittently rotates at the same time.

When the key 10 is returned to the original position, the plate 80 is also returned to the original position by the spring force of the plate spring 85. Further, the shaft-side turning member 83 and the key-side turning member 81 connected via the connecting member 82 return to their original positions by the spring force of the turning suppression spring 87. At this time, the pawl 89 moves along the teeth of the pawl wheel 84, and the reverse rotation prevention member 93 prevents the pawl wheel 84 from being reversed.

Due to the above power transmission, the linear motion due to the input operation of the key 10 becomes the rotary motion of the shaft 34 through the reciprocating motion of the plate 80, the rotary motion of the key side turning member 81 and the shaft side turning member 83. To be converted. This rotation is
The power generation rotor 71 fixed to one end of the shaft 34 is driven to generate an electromotive force. The generated electromotive force is rectified by the rectifier circuit 111 and stored in the power storage device 112.

According to the fourth embodiment described above,
In addition to the same effects as (1) to (4), the following effects can be obtained. (13) That is, since the linear rotary motion converting means 30B for transmitting the power by rotating the key side rotating member 81 and the shaft side rotating member 83 is provided, for example, the rotating shafts of the rotating members on both sides. By adjusting the length from 91, 88 to the portion to which the connecting member 82 is connected, the moving distance of the pawl 89 can be adjusted, and the rotation angle of the pawl wheel 84 when each key 10 is pressed can be adjusted, The power generation capacity can be easily adjusted.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, a generator using a piezoelectric element is provided instead of the AC generator in the first embodiment. It is also different in that it has a rotary oscillating motion converting means 200 for further converting the rotary motion of the shaft 34 obtained by the linear rotary motion converting means 30A in the first embodiment into a oscillating motion.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rotary oscillating motion converting means 200 includes a cam 130 fixed to the shaft 34.
And the hammer 13 that is swingably arranged with respect to the case 2.
1 and 1. The cam 130 has recesses 137 formed at a plurality of locations (four locations in FIG. 11) on the periphery (cam surface). The hammer 131 is a cam follower whose one end 134 is in contact with the cam 130 and swings in accordance with the shape of the cam surface, and the other end 135 is a hammer having a striking piece 136, and the center of the hammer 131 swings by a fixed shaft 132. It is movably supported. The spring 133 is provided on the other end 135 side.
One end of is attached. The other end of the spring 133 is fixed to the bottom surface of the case 2 or the like. The spring 133 biases the hammer 131 in a pulling direction, so that the one end 134 of the hammer 131 is pressed against the cam 130.

On the other hand, the generator 140 is composed of a piezoelectric element such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate), and is fixed to a portion such as the bottom surface of the case 2 facing the striking piece 136.

In the present embodiment having such a configuration, the key 1
When the input operation of 0 is converted into the rotational motion of the shaft 34 by the linear rotational motion conversion means 30A, the cam 130 fixed to one end of the shaft 34 rotates. Hammer 131
Since one end 134 of the cam 130 is urged by the spring 133, it oscillates along the shape of the outer circumference (cam surface) of the cam 130, and when the rotation advances to the recess 137, the urging force of the spring 133 causes the cam 130 to move. Swing toward the center of. At this time, the other end 135 of the hammer 131 rotates about the fixed shaft 132, and the striking piece 136 strikes the generator 140. Due to this impact, mechanical stress is applied to the piezoelectric element that is the generator 140,
Electromotive force is generated. The generated electromotive force is rectified by the rectifier circuit 111 and stored in the power storage device 112.

In the fifth embodiment as described above, the aforementioned
In addition to the same effects as (1), (3) and (4), the following effects can be obtained. (14) Since the generator 140 is composed of a piezoelectric element, the generator 140 can be made small, and the weight and size of the keyboard 1 can be reduced. (15) Since the generator 140 is composed of a piezoelectric element, it has an advantage that it is not affected by an external magnetic field as compared with the generator 70 using a magnet or a coil.

[Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment is a rotary oscillating motion converting means 200A having a configuration different from that of the fifth embodiment.
Is used. As shown in FIG. 12, the rotary oscillating motion converting means 200A according to the present embodiment includes the shaft 3
A cam 150 fixed to the No. 4 and a bifurcated hammer 151 having two abutting portions 152 abutting on the outer peripheral cam surface of the cam 150 are provided. The hammer 151 is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 153, and the contact portion 152 has the cam 1
By being in contact with the cam surface of 50, it is driven up and down, and the striking portion 154 at the other end also swings up and down. On the other hand, the piezoelectric element is incorporated in the vibrating piece 162 which is a generator. That is, the vibrating piece 162 whose one end side is fixed to the case 2 by the fixing device 163 has a sandwich structure of a metal support member 165 and piezoelectric elements 164 composed of piezoelectric layers 164A and 164B attached to both surfaces thereof. ing. Vibrating piece 1
A weight 161 is fixed to the other end of the weight 62.
The hitting portion 154 is arranged in the concave groove portion of 1.

In the present embodiment having such a configuration, the key 1
When the input operation of 0 is transmitted to the shaft 34 by the linear rotary motion converting means 30A as rotary motion, the shaft 3
The cam 150 rotates with the rotation of 4. Then, the hammer 151 abutting on the cam 150 swings around the rotating shaft 153 and swings the striking piece 154 formed at the other end. As a result, the striking piece 154 strikes the weight 161 and vibrates the vibrating piece 162. Since mechanical stress is applied to the piezoelectric element 164 with this vibration, the piezoelectric element 164
Generates electricity.

In the sixth embodiment as described above, the aforementioned
In addition to the same effects as (1), (3), (4), (14) and (15), the following effects can be obtained. (16) Since the piezoelectric element 164 is incorporated in the vibrating piece 162, and the hammer 151 and the cam 150 vibrate the vibrating piece 162 to generate electric power, mechanical stress is applied to the vibrating piece 162 while the shaft 34 makes one rotation. Since the number of times increases, the power generation efficiency can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. For example,
In the first embodiment, the structure of the key 10 is a membrane switch, but other forms such as a mechanical switch may be used.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the plates 31, 80 of the linear rotary motion converting means 30A, 30B are prepared so that three regions are prepared and the region where the key 10 is disposed is divided into three. The number of sheets may be four or more. Further, when the key area is divided, the plates 31 and 80 are arranged in the left-right direction in the above embodiment, but the plates may be arranged in the vertical direction, for example.
As in the above embodiment, the plates 31, 80 are arranged in the left-right direction
When the keys are arranged, the moment when pressing the key is different between the key (upper key) and the farther key (lower key) closer to the support shaft 32. Therefore, especially the upper key is pressed more than the lower key. However, if each plate is arranged in the vertical direction, a support shaft is provided for each plate, and the positional relationship between the support shaft and the key can be made substantially constant. The keystroke feeling can be made constant.
Further, although each of the plates 31 and 80 is arranged under the letter key, the plate may be arranged in other parts such as a ten-key pad to generate an electromotive force from those key inputs.

The configuration of the linear rotary motion converting means 30A, 30B is not limited to that of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and any structure capable of converting the linear motion (reciprocating motion) by the input operation of the key 10 into the rotary motion of the shaft 34 may be used. . For example, one using a rack and pinion, one using a cam, one using a link mechanism, etc. may be used. However, in terms of space efficiency and simplification of the structure, each of the linear rotary motion converting means 30
A and 30B are preferable. Further, for example, the shaft 34
In the case where the rotor 71 for power generation is directly fixed to, the linear rotary motion conversion means 30A, 30B do not necessarily rotate the shaft 34 in one direction, but as in the above-described embodiment, the shaft 34 is fixed. If the rotor 71 is rotated only in one direction, the rotation speed of the rotor 71 can be easily increased, power generation efficiency can be improved, and a plurality of linear rotary motion conversion means 30A and 30B can be provided. This is preferable because it can be easily incorporated into the keyboard 1 in which is arranged.

Similarly, the rotation / oscillation motion converting means 200, 2
00A is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and may be any mechanism that can convert rotational motion of a crank or the like into swing motion (reciprocating motion).

Further, the speed increasing train wheel 50 of the second embodiment uses the bevel gear 51 and the like so as to be a rotating shaft orthogonal to the shaft 34. However, a normal spur gear or the like is used and the shaft 34 is used. The axes of the gears of the gear train and the gear train may be in the same axial direction.

Mainspring 6 as mechanical energy storage unit
In the third embodiment provided with 7, the brake circuit 12
5 was provided to control the unwinding speed of the mainspring 67, but this brake circuit 12
5 does not necessarily have to be provided. In the case where the brake circuit 125 is not provided, when the torque accumulated in the mainspring 67 becomes equal to or higher than the cogging torque of the power generation rotor 71, the mainspring 67 can be unwound at once and the power generation rotor 71 can be rotated at a high speed, thus improving the power generation efficiency. it can.

The relief mechanism provided in the speed increasing train wheel 50 is a disc spring 59 in the second embodiment and a slipping attachment 68 provided in the mainspring device 62 in the third embodiment. However, even if the speed increasing train wheel 50 does not have these, the object of the present invention can be achieved. In particular, the slipping attachment 68 of the mainspring device 62 is a safety mechanism for preventing the mainspring device 62 and the train wheel 50 from being damaged when the shaft 34 rotates at an extremely high speed, and if used normally. It does not need to be provided because it does not function.

The rectifier circuit 111 is not limited to the simple synchronous rectifier circuit described in each of the above embodiments, but may be a half-wave rectifier circuit, a full-wave rectifier circuit, a simple synchronous boost rectifier circuit, a transistor synchronous rectifier circuit, or the like.

The generated electric power is used for driving the information processing unit 110 and charging other devices in the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the caps lock provided on the keyboard 1 or the like may be used. It may be used to drive a light-emitting body such as an LED indicating the mode state, or may be used to drive the indicator when the charge amount of the power storage device 112 is provided. Further, the keyboard 1 of the above-described embodiment is a cordless type, and the generated electric power is used when the data transmission circuit 115 transmits data to the personal computer main body. However, the keyboard 1 to which the present invention can be applied includes radio waves, infrared rays, and the like. The present invention is not limited to the one for wirelessly communicating with the main body using, and can also be used for the wired keyboard 1. In this case, for example, a part of the electric power generated by the keyboard 1 may be supplied to the personal computer main body side to save energy in the personal computer main body. In the above embodiment, the charging control circuit 116 is provided and the charging power is used for charging the other device, but the charging control circuit 116 does not necessarily have to be provided.

Although only one generator 70, 140, 162 is arranged on the keyboard 1, the number of generators 70, 140, 162 is not limited to this and may be several. Even in this case, one generator is arranged for a plurality of keys, and the number of generators can be reduced as compared with the case where a generator is arranged for each key 10, so that the object of the present invention is to be achieved. Can be achieved. When a plurality of generators 70, 140, 162 are provided, a plurality of linear rotary motion converting means 30A, 30B are arranged and each of the linear rotary motion converting means 30A, 30B is used for generating an electric power.
It is preferable that the 62 can be driven separately.

The generator is not limited to the one using the electromagnetic induction type generator or the piezoelectric element, but may be any generator capable of generating power with mechanical power obtained by key input operation.

Further, the transmission mechanism is not limited to that of the above-mentioned embodiment, and any mechanism capable of transmitting mechanical power by key input operation to the generator may be used. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the linear motion of the key input operation is once converted into the rotary motion. However, a transmission mechanism that transmits the linear motion to the generator and drives the generator may be used. In particular,
For example, a bar member that moves up and down by swinging the pawl 37 portion of the plate 31 of the first embodiment is arranged, and mechanical stress is applied to the piezoelectric element by the movement of the bar member, or the coil and the magnet are moved relative to each other. A power transmission mechanism and a power generator may be provided that generate electric power by moving mechanically.

The key input device is a keyboard 1 for a personal computer.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various key input devices such as a controller used in a game machine, for example. Further, the present invention may be applied to various telephones such as mobile phones equipped with a key input device, remote controls for electric devices, calculators, electronic organizers, PDAs (small information terminals, "Personal Digital Assistant"), and various electronic devices. Any key can be used as long as it has the key. At this time, the generator may be driven when all the keys are pressed, or the generator may be driven when a predetermined key is pressed. In particular, it is preferable to set so that the generator can be driven when a plurality of keys that are frequently input, such as a space key used for kana-kanji conversion in Japanese input, are pressed.

In each of the above embodiments, the plate 3
By providing 1,80, the mechanical power generated by the input operation of any of the plurality of keys on the plates 31, 80 is generated by the generators 70, 140, 16
Although it is configured to be transmitted to No. 2 to generate power, one generator may be configured to be driven by one key input operation to generate power. That is, the key input device is 1
One or more keys, a generator installed for the keys, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the input operation of the keys to the generator by using mechanical power as the mechanical power, and the generator is the input operation of the keys. It may be characterized by generating power with mechanical power obtained by. At this time, it is preferable that the generator is arranged at a position apart from the key, and mechanical power is transmitted between the key and the generator by the transmission mechanism. Compared to the conventional case where one generator is installed in each key, the key and the generator can be arranged apart by providing a transmission mechanism, so that the generator can be easily assembled, and the key and the generator can be easily assembled. Since it is not necessary to consider interference or the like, the structure of the key input device can be simplified. Moreover, when a generator is installed in each key, the plane area of the generator should be approximately the same as the plane area of the key so as not to interfere with the generator installed in other adjacent keys. However, there is a problem that the size of the generator is reduced and the generated power is also reduced. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the key and the generator can be installed separately from each other, the size of the generator can be increased, the generated power can be increased, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmission mechanism converts a linear movement obtained by a key input operation into a rotation movement and transmits the rotation movement to the generator. If it can be converted into rotary motion, the space required for arranging the power transmission mechanism can be reduced, and a key input device in which one or more keys and a generator driven by the input operation of the keys are separated is easy. It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment that the size can be reduced.

Further, it is preferable that the transmission mechanism has a mechanical energy storage portion such as a mainspring for storing and supplying mechanical energy. For example, in the case of a key input device in which only the input operation of one key such as the space key is transmitted to the generator via the transmission mechanism to generate electric power, the input operation of the key for driving the generator is not so continuous. It is not performed and is likely to be operated at some intervals. Even in such a case, if the mechanical energy storage unit is provided, even if the key input operation is intermittent, it is possible to operate the generator with that energy after the mechanical energy has been stored to some extent. Can generate electricity. Therefore, the provision of the mechanical energy storage section is particularly effective in a key input device in which only one or a few keys for operating the generator are provided.

When the generator is driven by one key, it is preferable that the key is a key that is input relatively frequently. For example, in a normal keyboard 1 for a personal computer, it is preferable that the generator is driven by a Kana-Kanji conversion of Japanese characters, or an input operation of a space key that is frequently used for inputting English sentences. In this case, a plate is provided below the space key, and a portion of the plate where other keys are arranged is provided with a notch having a planar shape of the key to eliminate interference with the key. The plate may be configured to swing. The components of the transmission mechanism other than the plate may be those of the above-described embodiments. Further, the present invention can be applied to a key input device having a key with a small number of keys and a relatively high input frequency, such as a button of a controller of a game machine.
Since such a controller can be a cordless type, operability can be further improved.

[0104]

According to the key input device and the electronic equipment of the present invention, it is possible to generate power with a simple structure and to improve power generation efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a key input detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a transmission mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an information processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a rectifier circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a speed increasing train wheel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a speed increasing train wheel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a speed increasing train wheel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a rectifier circuit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a power transmission mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

11A and 11B are diagrams showing a rotation / oscillation motion converting means according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11A is a plan view, and FIG. 11B is a side view.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a rotary / oscillation motion converting means according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... Keyboard, 2 ... Case, 10 ... Key, 20 ... Key input detection unit, 30 ... Transmission mechanism, 30A, 30B ... Linear rotational motion converting means, 31, 80 ... Plate, 32 ... Support shaft, 33 ... Pawl wheel, 34 ... Shaft, 35 ... Key arrangement section, 36 ... Bearing section, 37 ... Pawl, 39 ... Key hole, 40 ...
Proximal side, 41 ... Tip side, 50 ... Speed-up gear train, 51 ... Gear,
52 ... First gear, 53 ... Second gear, 54 ... Rotor pinion, 55 ... First pinion, 56 ... First spur gear, 57 ... Second pinion, 57A ... Rotation shaft, 58 ... Second spur gear, 59 … Disc springs, 61… Shaft gears, 62… Mainspring devices, 63…
Kana, 64 ... barrel, 65 ... barrel true, 66 ... barrel car, 67
… Mainspring, 68… Slipping attachment, 7
0,140 ... Generator, 71 ... Rotor for power generation, 72 ... Stator, 73 ... Coil, 81 ... Rotating member on key side, 82
... connecting member, 83 ... shaft side rotating member, 84 ... pawl wheel,
85 ... Plate spring, 87 ... Rotation suppressing spring, 89 ... Claw, 93 ... Reverse rotation preventing material, 100 ... Dial, 110 ... Information processing section, 111 ... Rectifier circuit, 112 ... Power storage device, 11
3 ... Control circuit, 114 ... Detection circuit, 115 ... Data transmission circuit, 116 ... Charging control circuit, 125 ... Brake circuit,
130 ... Cam, 131 ... Hammer, 132 ... Fixed shaft, 1
36 ... Hitting piece, 137 ... Recess, 140 ... Generator, 150
... Cam, 151 ... Hammer, 152 ... Contact part, 153 ...
Rotating shaft, 154 ... Striking part, 154 ... Striking piece, 161, ... Weight, 162 ... Vibration piece which is a generator, 163 ...
164 ... Piezoelectric element, 164A, 164B ... Piezoelectric layer, 1
65 ... Supporting material, 200, 200A ... Rotating / oscillating motion converting means.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kiyoto Takeda             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 5B011 DA12 EB06                 5B020 KK12

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of keys, a generator provided for each of the plurality of keys, and an input operation of at least one of the plurality of keys to the generator as mechanical power. A key input device, comprising: a transmission mechanism for transmitting power; wherein the generator generates electric power with mechanical power obtained by an input operation of at least one of the plurality of keys. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission mechanism converts a shaft rotatably provided, and linear motion of each key by the input operation into rotational motion that rotates the shaft. And a linear rotary motion conversion means for driving the generator by the rotary motion. 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission mechanism converts a shaft rotatably provided, and linear movement of each key by the input operation into rotational movement that rotates the shaft. A key input device, characterized in that: a linear rotary motion converting means for converting the converted rotary motion to a rotary oscillating motion converting device for converting the converted rotary motion into a oscillating motion, and the oscillating motion drives the generator. . 4. The key input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the linear rotary motion converting means is swingably supported by a support shaft and is arranged under a plurality of the keys. A plate which is rocked in conjunction with a key input operation, and integrally formed with a pawl having a spring property at one end opposite to the side where the key is arranged with respect to the support shaft; A key input device, comprising: a pawl wheel having teeth engageable with a pawl and fixed to the shaft. 5. The key input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the linear rotary motion converting means is disposed below the plurality of keys and reciprocates in conjunction with an input operation of the keys. A plate, a key-side turning member that comes into contact with the plate and that is turned by the reciprocating motion of the plate, and a shaft-side turning member that has a pawl integrally formed at one end, The pawl can be engaged with a connecting member that connects the key-side turning member and the shaft-side turning member and that turns the shaft-side turning member in conjunction with the turning of the key-side turning member. And a ratchet wheel that has fixed teeth and is fixed to the shaft. 6. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein the key input device rotates the shaft to drive a generator without depending on a key input operation. A key input device comprising: 7. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein the generator is an AC generator having a power-generating rotor made of a permanent magnet and a stator around which a coil is wound, and the power-generating rotor is A key input device, wherein the key input device is attached to one end of the shaft and is rotatable. 8. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein the generator is an AC generator having a power-generating rotor made of a permanent magnet and a stator around which a coil is wound, and the power-generating rotor is A key input device, wherein the key input device is rotatable via a train wheel including a gear attached to one end of the shaft. 9. The key input device according to claim 8, wherein the train wheel has a relief mechanism for avoiding transmission of an excessive torque when a torque of a predetermined value or more is applied. Key input device. 10. The key input device according to claim 8, wherein the train wheel has a mechanical energy storage unit that stores and supplies mechanical energy. 11. The key input device according to claim 3, wherein the generator includes a piezoelectric element, and the rotation / oscillation motion converting means includes a cam rotating with the shaft, and one end of the cam contacting the cam. A hammer which is in contact with the hammer and whose other end swings as the cam rotates, wherein the piezoelectric element generates mechanical power by being mechanically stressed when the other end of the hammer contacts. And key input device. 12. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input device is a keyboard, and the generator is
A key input device, wherein the key input device is provided in a portion having a large thickness in a cross-sectional direction on the back side when viewed from the operating side of the keyboard. 13. An electronic device comprising the key input device according to claim 1. Description: