JP2007102613A - Waterproof keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a waterproof keyboard suitably waterproofed for daily life with a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: In this waterproof keyboard 100, a peripheral part 160 of a waterproof dome sheet 150 having a flat shape as the whole which includes domes 152 elastically supporting a plurality of key tops 122 is formed in a protruding shape. The protruding-shaped peripheral part 160 has elasticity, and forms a sealing mechanism to dust and moisture, when a chassis 102 is fixed to a case 136 movably holding the plurality of key tops 122 by a small screw 148, by being pressed to the case 136. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a manual operation input device such as a keyboard, particularly a full keyboard and a numeric keypad for manually inputting data and instructions to a computer.

  Conventionally, there are keyboards that have been subjected to various waterproofing, drip-proofing, and dustproofing treatments ranging from daily life waterproofing to complete waterproofing including use at medical sites. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-222267 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-305281 (Patent Document 2), a switch element portion is provided by an elastic waterproof cover that covers a support panel provided with a key switch. A keyboard for a personal computer that prevents intrusion of mist-like oil or water vapor into the hood is disclosed. In any case, the dust-proof and drip-proof effect is achieved by completely covering the switch element portion disposed on the support panel between the waterproof cover and the support base. The key top is disposed above the waterproof cover, and when the key top is pressed, the switch element portion is pressed via the elastic waterproof cover.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-222267 JP-A-9-305281

  Both the keyboards described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are robust waterproof mechanisms, and it is necessary to prepare and assemble a member dedicated to the waterproof structure, and thus the manufacturing cost is high.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof keyboard suitable for daily life waterproofing with a simple structure while eliminating the drawbacks of the conventional technology and maintaining a feeling of operation substantially equivalent to that of a normal keyboard. To do.

  In the waterproof keyboard according to the present invention, the peripheral portion of the planar flexible support as a whole having a support portion that elastically supports a plurality of key tops is formed in a convex shape, and the convex peripheral portion has elasticity. When the second frame body is fixed to the first frame body movably holding the plurality of key tops by the fastening means, the first frame body is pressed to seal against dust and moisture. Forming mechanism.

  More specifically, the keyboard according to the present invention includes a first frame body having a rectangular planar shape as a whole and movably holding a plurality of key tops, a plurality of corresponding key contacts, and a connection circuit thereof. There is a circuit support that is disposed, a second frame that has a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape, and that forms a base that supports the circuit support, and a space between the first frame and the circuit support. A flexible support having a support portion that elastically supports a plurality of key tops, and the first frame and the second frame while pressing the flexible support against the first frame A flexible support body having a peripheral edge formed in a convex shape toward the side facing the first frame, and a first peripheral edge formed by the tightening means. A sealing mechanism against dust and moisture is formed by pressing against the frame.

  Thus, according to the present invention, when the second frame is fixed to the first frame with the flexible support interposed therebetween, the peripheral portion of the flexible support is the first frame. By being pressed by the support, a sealing mechanism having a simple structure against dust and moisture is formed. Thus, the keyboard contacts and other circuit elements are protected from ingress of dust and moisture from above.

  Next, embodiments of a waterproof keyboard according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, a waterproof keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a general-purpose full keyboard with a standard key layout such as a 106 keyboard used for a personal computer or the like.

  The keyboard 100 has a case 136. Although not shown in the figure, the case 136 is a frame body in which a large number of openings 208 (FIG. 13) are perforated and the key tops 122 are accommodated and held so as to be movable up and down. , 106 keyboard or numeric keypad is formed. As shown in FIG. 4 in another embodiment, the key top 122 has a protrusion 138 at its lower part, and the protrusion 138 contacts the dome 152 of the corresponding contact 116. Thus, a key switch corresponding to one key is configured.

  The keyboard 100 has a chassis 102 as a base as shown in the lower part of the figure. The chassis 102 has a flat and substantially rectangular planar shape as a whole. In this embodiment, the chassis 102 is a frame body of an integrally molded product of synthetic resin, and a screw hole 103 is formed in the peripheral portion 106 thereof. A recess 104 having a slight depth is formed in the inner portion of the chassis 102. The concave portion 104 also has a rectangular planar shape, and the peripheral edge portion 106 slightly protrudes from the bottom surface of the concave portion. As shown in the figure, the peripheral portion 106 is formed with a convex portion 108 that surrounds the entire peripheral portion along the peripheral direction.

  The projection 108 of the chassis 102 has a semi-circular or inverted U-shaped cross section as a whole in this embodiment in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the surface including the bottom surface of the recess 104. When the keyboard 100 is assembled, The dome sheet 150 has such a size that the dome sheet 150 is fitted to the key switch membrane 112, the separator 113, and the other key switch membrane 114 therebetween. Of course, the cross-sectional shape may be other shapes, and for example, a rectangular shape is also advantageously applied.

  Key switch membranes 112 and 114 are placed in the recess 104 of the chassis 102 with a separator 113 interposed therebetween. As will be understood later, the key switch membranes 112 and 114 are paired to function as a circuit support, and may be of a publicly known configuration. A membrane switch 111 is formed by these key switch membranes 112 and 114 and the separator 113.

  More specifically, the lower membrane 112 is a rectangular flexible synthetic resin sheet having a plane dimension substantially the same as the size of the recess 104 as a whole, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The film can be used. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the membrane 112 is formed by printing one electrode 118 of the contact 116 constituting the key switch and its wiring circuit pattern on the upper surface in this figure. Similarly, the upper membrane 114 is also a rectangular flexible synthetic resin sheet having substantially the same planar dimensions and thickness as the lower membrane 112 as a whole. The other electrode 120 and its wiring circuit pattern are printed and formed. The separator 113 is formed of an electrically insulating material and has a rectangular planar shape as a whole having substantially the same planar dimensions as the membrane 112 or 114. Its material and thickness may be the same as membranes 112 and 114. In the present embodiment, the separator 113 is provided with a circular through-hole 117 at a position corresponding to the electrodes 118 and 120 of the contact 116, whereby the key top 122 is pushed in the direction of arrow A as described later. At times, the electrodes 118 and 120 at the contact 116 are in contact with each other through the through hole, and the electric circuit corresponding to the key is closed.

  In the present embodiment, a flexible waterproof dome sheet 150 is disposed above these. The waterproof dome sheet 150 has substantially the same planar dimensions as the outer dimensions of the chassis 102, and forms a waterproof layer made of an elastic synthetic resin sheet member such as silicone or neoprene. The thickness is about 0.7 mm, for example, and as can be seen from FIG. 1, the peripheral edge 160 is raised in a convex shape. The peripheral portion 160 is formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion 108 on the peripheral portion 106 of the chassis 102 when the keyboard 100 is assembled.

  As will be described in detail later, when the waterproof dome sheet 150 is attached to the case 136, the convex peripheral edge 160 forms a watertight and dustproof seal with respect to the case 136 and is located below the membrane switch 111 and the chassis 102. Waterproof elements and components.

  On the waterproof dome sheet 150, a large number of domes 152 are integrally formed in a convex shape as shown in the figure. The dome 152 is hollow, has a truncated cone shape as a whole, and forms a support portion for the key top 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 as another embodiment, a protrusion 162 projecting downward is provided inside the top of the truncated cone shape. The protrusion 162 presses the contact portion 116 of the key switch membrane 114 from the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 2, thereby closing the electric circuit as described above.

  More specifically, the dome 152 achieves a click action by such a truncated cone shape and the elasticity of its material, and when the key top 122 is pressed against the elasticity from above, the pair of electrodes 118 of the contact 116 and A so-called dome click mechanism is configured in which the key tops 122 are pressed so that they are in contact with each other, and when the pressing force is released, the key top 122 returns to the original position by a repulsive force due to elasticity. The repulsive force obtained by the dome 152 produces a comfortable touch of the key.

  The membrane switch 111 may be replaced with another configuration, for example, a printed wiring board switch. Referring to FIG. 3 as an example, one contact 116 of the printed wiring board switch includes two electrodes 118 and 120 formed on one main surface of the synthetic resin substrate 214 by printing. A protrusion 162 is formed inside the dome 152 of the waterproof dome sheet 150. An electrode tip 218 is attached to the free end of the protrusion 162. When the projection 138 is lowered in the direction of arrow A by the operation of the key top 122, the dome projection 162 is lowered accordingly, and the electrode tip 218 mechanically and electrically connects the two electrodes 118 and 120 of the substrate 214. To do. Thus, the contact 116 is closed. The arrangement of the electrodes 118 and 120 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be, for example, an opposing comb pattern, an opposing D-shaped pattern, a spiral pattern, or the like.

  In FIG. 1, only one set of the key top 122, the dome 152, the contact 116, etc. is shown, but this is to avoid complication of the figure. Needless to say, they are arranged to form a key matrix. Moreover, in each figure, the same component is shown with the same referential mark.

  The waterproof dome sheet 150 is attached to the case 136 and the chassis 102 together with the membranes 112 and 114 by pressing the peripheral edge 160 with the convex portion 108 of the chassis 102 from below when the chassis 102 is attached to the case 136 with the screw 148. Fixed.

  More specifically, each of these components is assembled as shown by the dashed lines 142, 144 and 146 in FIG. 1, and finally the chassis 102 is fitted to the case 136, and the two are appropriately connected to the periphery. Fix to each other with tightening means such as screws 148 at multiple locations. Accordingly, the peripheral edge 137 of the case 136 is pressed with an appropriate pressure by the peripheral edge 106 of the chassis 102 via the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150. Due to this pressing force and the elasticity of the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150, a waterproof and sealing mechanism is completed. Of course, the screws may be fastened near the center of the keyboard 100, but from the viewpoint of waterproofing, it is better that there are few screw holes near the center, and in this embodiment, the whole is fixed only at the peripheral edge.

  As described above, the flexible convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150 is firmly fixed to the case 136 by the chassis 102, so that the electric circuit and the mechanical contact formed in the membranes 112 and 114 are formed. Is sealed against water from above. In this way, a waterproof, dustproof and drip-proof mechanism that prevents intrusion of dust and moisture from above the keyboard 100 in FIG. 1 is realized. In general, keyboards are easily exposed to eraser debris, trash, and drips of drinks, which often cause internal circuitry to fail. In general, the majority of keyboard wetting accidents are accounted for by liquid ingress from above. The present embodiment can realize such daily waterproofing, dustproofing, and dripproofing with a simple configuration. The assembled chassis 102 is attached to a base unit (not shown) according to the application, and the keyboard 100 is completed.

  Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the waterproof keyboard 100 according to the present invention is a so-called numeric keypad keyboard having a key layout of, for example, 4 columns and 5 rows. In each figure, similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The waterproof mechanism will be described in detail. The waterproof dome sheet 150 has a convex portion 164 formed at the top of the convex peripheral portion 160 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. In addition, the inside of the convex peripheral edge 160 forms an inverted U-shaped space in this embodiment. When the chassis 102 is attached to the case 136 with the screws 148, as shown in FIG. 7, the convexity of the chassis 102 is projected from below into the inverted U-shaped space of the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150 interposed therebetween. The shaped peripheral edge 108 engages. The height of the convex peripheral edge 160 is such that the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150 is pressed in this state, and the convex 164 is elastically deformed, thereby providing appropriate waterproof and dustproof sealing. Designed to achieve values.

  The assembled state is shown in FIG. The convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150, which is pressed and elastically deformed by the convex peripheral edge 108 of the chassis 102 inside the peripheral edge 137 of the case 136, is elastically deformed to form a watertight seal. is doing. For this reason, as shown by an arrow B in the figure, for example, liquid that has entered through the gap between the case 136 and the key top 122, that is, the opening 208 that accommodates the key top 122, is not contained in the keyboard 100 by this sealing mechanism. Intrusion downward is completely prevented. Since this sealing mechanism completely surrounds the recess 104 (FIG. 1) of the chassis 102, the liquid may stay in the recess space 172 formed by the waterproof dome sheet 150, but the membrane switch 111. Never penetrates into the inside or flows down into the chassis 102.

  As can be seen from FIG. 8, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board 176 on which an integrated circuit 174 such as a keyboard encoder is mounted is attached to the lower side of the chassis 102 in the same figure, and the membrane switch 111 is connected by an FPC connector 178. It is connected to the wiring circuit pattern for the electrode 120 (FIG. 1). The above-described waterproof mechanism can protect these circuit elements 174 and the like from the intruding liquid B from above.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a space 172 defined by the inside of the case 136 and the waterproof dome sheet 150 can be designed to have a low height C. In such an application example, the surface opposite to the space 172 of the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150 is fitted with a little elasticity to the surface on the space 172 side of the convex portion 108 of the peripheral edge 106 of the chassis 102. In addition, the waterproof dome sheet 150 is firmly supported by the chassis 102 between the two. Also in this case, the watertight sealing mechanism is achieved by the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150.

  The structure as shown in FIG. 9 is also advantageously applied when the chassis 102 is a metal plate, that is, a sheet metal. An example of this is shown in FIG. Positioning protrusions 166 as shown in FIG. 11 are formed integrally with the sheet 150 at several places on the flat surface of the waterproof dome sheet 150. In addition, a through hole 168 is formed in the switch membranes 112 and 114 and the separator 113 at the corresponding membrane switch 111. Further, through holes 170 are also formed in corresponding portions of the chassis 102.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion 166 may have a shape in which the free end has a slightly larger diameter than the body portion, or may have a cylindrical shape having the same diameter over the entire length, as shown in FIG. The through hole 166 of the membrane switch 111 may be a circular hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 166. On the other hand, the through hole 170 of the chassis 102 may be a circular hole having a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion 166, so that the protrusion 166 can be fitted into the through hole 170 of the chassis 102 elastically and firmly. . Thus, the waterproof dome sheet 150 is accurately positioned with respect to the chassis 102, and the positions of the projections 138, the dome 152, and the contact point 111 of the key top 122 in the plane direction are accurately determined.

  Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a firm watertight sealing mechanism is realized by the elastic convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150. Conventionally, it has been difficult to realize a waterproof mechanism in an application example of a chassis made of sheet metal, but in this embodiment, a waterproof mechanism can be advantageously realized even if the chassis 102 is made of sheet metal.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the keyboard 100 is assembled by engaging the key top 122 with the opening 208 of the case 136 and arranging the waterproof dome sheet 150 and the chassis 102 on the lower side thereof, as indicated by a one-dot chain line 210. The chassis 102 is fixed to the case 136 with screws 148. As a result, the peripheral edge 137 of the case 136 is pressed to the peripheral edge 106 of the chassis 102 with an appropriate pressure via the elastic convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150. As described above, the waterproof and sealing mechanism is realized by the pressing force and the elasticity of the convex peripheral edge 160 of the waterproof dome sheet 150.

  The assembled state is shown in FIG. In this figure, the connection line from the membrane switch 111 to the keyboard encoder (not shown) is visible in the form of an FPC flat cable connector 178 at the notch.

  An operation member other than a key such as a joystick can be provided on the keyboard 100 configured as described above. Referring to FIG. 12, an opening 180 is formed at an appropriate position of the case 136, and the operation unit 184 of the joystick sensor 182 penetrates the opening 180. The joystick sensor 182 is mounted on one main surface of the control board 186, and this control board is attached to the case 136 by fastening means such as a screw 188 as shown in the figure. In the present embodiment, a connector 190 is attached to the opposite main surface of the control board 186, and a connection cable 192 extending therefrom is connected to another circuit board (not shown).

  Incidentally, an annular convex portion 194 surrounding the opening 180 is provided on the peripheral edge portion of the opening 180 as shown in the figure, and a waterproof bellows 196 is fixed to this via a bellows pressing ring 200 with a screw 198. In the present embodiment, the waterproof bellows 196 is formed of a rubber sheet having a substantially circular planar shape as a whole. A circular opening 212 is provided at the center, and the shaft 202 of the operation unit 184 is accommodated in the opening 212 in a tight contact state. The bellows pressing ring 200 has a planar shape substantially the same as the planar shape of the annular convex portion 194, that is, an annular synthetic resin or metal ring. By the above-described close contact mechanism 212 with respect to the shaft 202 and the sealing mechanism by the screw 198 and the bellows holding ring 200, liquid such as water and dust entering from the opening 180 as shown by the arrow D can further enter the inside. Can be prevented.

  On the other hand, the space 172 with the key top 122 corresponding to the key switch layer 111 is completely separated from the inside of the keyboard 100 by a waterproof mechanism similar to the waterproof mechanism of the waterproof dome sheet 150 described above. This waterproof mechanism is realized by the convex peripheral edge portion 204 and the convex portion 206 configured similarly to the convex peripheral edge portion 160 and the convex portion 164 of the waterproof dome sheet 150 described above. The convex peripheral edge portion 204 and the convex portion 206 are formed integrally with the waterproof dome sheet 150 and the chassis 102 so as to surround the outer side of the convex portion 194 surrounding the joystick opening 180, respectively.

  These waterproof mechanisms can protect the joystick sensor 182 as well as the membrane switch 111 and other circuit elements 174 (FIG. 8) from the ingress liquids B and C from above. Therefore, it is possible to completely waterproof operation parts such as a joystick, which has conventionally been complicated in waterproofing measures. Further, the connector 190 and the connecting cable 192 need not be waterproof.

  As can be seen from the above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an operation member such as a joystick or a desired position for mounting a circuit element such as a pointing device, a liquid crystal display element, a light emitting diode, a lamp, or an integrated circuit element is provided. A waterproof mechanism can be selectively provided.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the Example of the waterproof keyboard by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the partial cross section of the membrane switch in the Example shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the other Example of a switch. It is a cutaway side view which shows the other Example of the waterproof keyboard by this invention. It is sectional drawing of the waterproof dome sheet | seat in the Example shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional end view which shows the peripheral part of the waterproof dome sheet | seat in the Example shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional end view similar to FIG. 6 which shows the state which assembled the waterproof dome sheet | seat in the Example in the case. It is explanatory sectional drawing which shows the assembled state of the Example. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other Example of the waterproof keyboard by this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows other Example of the waterproof keyboard by this invention. It is explanatory partial exploded perspective view which shows the engaging part of the waterproof dome sheet | seat and chassis in the Example shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing a waterproof keyboard according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view for explaining assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway perspective view for explaining an assembled state of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

100 keyboard
102 Chassis
111 Membrane switch
116 contacts
122 key top
136 Key panel
150 waterproof dome sheet
160 Convex edge
164 Convex

Claims (10)

A first frame body having a rectangular planar shape as a whole and movably holding a plurality of key tops;
A plurality of corresponding key contacts and a circuit support provided with a connection circuit thereof;
A second frame having a planar shape corresponding to the planar shape and forming a base for supporting the circuit support;
A flexible support that is between the first frame and the circuit support and has a support portion that elastically supports the plurality of key tops;
A tensioning means for fixing the first frame and the second frame to each other while pressing the flexible support against the first frame;
The flexible support has a first peripheral edge formed in a convex shape toward the side facing the first frame, and the first peripheral edge is pressed against the first frame by the tightening means. To form a first sealing mechanism against dust and moisture.   The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the flexible support forms a dome click mechanism for closing the key contact by elasticity.   The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the flexible support is made of a synthetic resin, and the support is integrally formed.   2. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the second frame body has a second peripheral edge portion formed in a convex shape corresponding to the first peripheral edge portion, and the second peripheral edge portion is the second peripheral edge portion. A keyboard which surrounds the inside of a frame and forms a space for accommodating the circuit support.   5. The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein the second peripheral edge is fitted to the first peripheral edge while holding the circuit support in the space.   The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the second frame is made of metal.   The keyboard according to claim 6, wherein the flexible support body, the circuit support body, and the second frame body include a positioning mechanism for determining a mutual position.   The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the second frame includes an electric circuit element mounted on a side opposite to the first frame. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein the first frame body is formed with an opening for accommodating the operation portion of the operation member,
The first frame body further includes a third peripheral portion that surrounds the opening, and a second sealing mechanism that seals the operation portion. The keyboard according to claim 9,
The second frame further has a fourth peripheral edge that surrounds the second sealing mechanism from the outside of the second sealing mechanism,
The flexible support has a fifth peripheral edge that is formed in a convex shape toward the side facing the first frame corresponding to the fourth peripheral edge, and the fourth peripheral edge is formed by the fastening means. A keyboard is characterized in that a third sealing mechanism against dust and moisture is formed by pressing the part with a fifth frame.