JP2009075982A - Keyboard device, electronic equipment and method of manufacturing keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a keyboard device which suppresses entry of undesired matters such as dust and a liquid spray as much as possible, and has high reliability and excellent appearance. <P>SOLUTION: The keyboard device 1 having a plurality of keys and a switching means for detecting depression of each of the plurality of keys comprises: a top cover 100 in which partition parts for separating adjacent keys from each other are integrally molded; frame members 601, 602, 603 and 604 having a key receiving part for supporting keys so as to arrange the keys in a space surrounded by the partition parts; a first combining means 120 for combining the top cover 100 with the frame members; and a second combining means 620 for combining lower parts of the keyboard device 1 including the switching means 300 at an upper part 150 of the keyboard device 1 obtained by combining the top cover 100 with the frame members by the first combining means 120. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a keyboard device for a user to input information to an information processing device such as a computer. In particular, in a large keyboard device used in combination with a desktop personal computer or the like, dust or liquid droplets are used. The present invention relates to a keyboard device that makes it difficult for unnecessary items to enter the gaps between the keys, has high reliability, and is excellent in aesthetics.
The invention of the present application also relates to an electronic apparatus having a key input device portion to which such a keyboard device is applied, and a method for manufacturing the keyboard device.

  A typical example of the conventional keyboard device 10 is as shown in FIG. 7 whose external view is seen from above, and its structure is shown in an exploded perspective view in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the top cover 150 has a structure in which a portion with a key arrangement is largely open, and a key cap 201 of each key 200 (not shown) attached to a frame member to be described later is provided from here. By being exposed to the outside, the user can operate these keys 200. Here, there are many cases where there is nothing particularly in the portion 151 between the adjacent keys, but it is also conceivable to insert a member 151a that closes the portion 151 in order to prevent intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets.

Hereinafter, the structure of the conventional keyboard device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 which is an exploded perspective view.
FIG. 8 is drawn upside down from the state of use of the keyboard, with the top cover 150 on the bottom. The frame member 700 is formed with a key receiving portion for attaching each key 200 at a position corresponding to the key arrangement. In FIG. 8, a part thereof is drawn as a lattice pattern. A movable mechanism 250 of each key 200 described later is attached thereto. Next, a tack sheet 300 having an electrical contact as a membrane switch that is turned on and off depending on the presence or absence of pressing is placed on the frame member 700, and a back plate 400 made of metal or the like is placed thereon as a reinforcing material.

  In the frame member 700, a plurality of pins (701 to 704 in FIG. 8) are formed in the vicinity of the four corners so as to protrude to the lower side (upper side in the drawing) of the keyboard. The tack sheet 300 is formed with slightly larger holes 301 to 304 through which these pins pass, and the back plate 400 similarly has holes 401 corresponding to the positions of the pins. ... 404 are formed, and in assembly, pins are passed through these holes. Then, the frame member 700 and the back plate are inserted with the tack sheet 300 interposed therebetween by heating and crushing the resin pins so as to melt from the holes of the back plate 400 and welding them to the back plate 400. 400. Then, the top cover 150 is joined to a joined body obtained by joining the frame member 700, the tack sheet 300, and the back plate 400, and finally the bottom cover 500 is joined to complete the assembly of the keyboard device 10. A plurality of pins may be provided not only near the four corners of the frame member 700 but also at other locations.

  Hereinafter, an example of the key movable mechanism 250 will be described. As a typical structure of the movable mechanism for performing the vertical movement of the key, there is a so-called pantograph structure. The outline is shown in FIG. Although not shown in the drawing, a holder is mounted on the upper portion, and a top cover 150 is further mounted thereon. In detail, it has a finer structure, but is omitted here. In recent years, the attachment of the holder may be omitted. Therefore, when the user presses the key cap 201 of the key 200 as a key input operation, the pantograph structure of the key movable mechanism 250 is deformed and a rubber spring (not shown) is pressed. If it does so, the switch in the position corresponding to the key in the tack sheet 300 will receive a pressure from this rubber spring, and will be in a contact state. Thereby, key input is performed. There are many documents regarding the key structure using such a pantograph structure, but there is Patent Document 1 as an example.

Patent Document 2 is an example in which the frame member and the top cover are integrally formed. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which a frame member is divided into a plurality of parts as a countermeasure against curving of the keyboard due to shrinkage of the frame member after resin molding.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-224559 JP-A-8-212868 Japanese Utility Model Publication 2-5831

  In conventional keyboard devices that do not have a partition between the keys, liquid droplets such as trash and spilled coffee can easily enter, and variations in the touch of the keys appear due to the effects of trash that has entered the keyboard. As a result, it may become difficult to operate, or if liquid droplets penetrate into the switch part, there is a possibility that problems such as failure of normal operation may occur.

  In addition, when a keyboard device is manufactured by the conventional configuration and assembly method, particularly in a large keyboard device, when the frame member is formed of a plastic mold, there is an error in the longitudinal direction of the frame member due to shrinkage after resin molding. If there is a partition between the keys, it is necessary to set the distance between the partition and the key cap with a margin due to this error. Therefore, although the partition portion is provided, there is a problem that a slight gap is generated between the key cap and the partition portion, and the effect of preventing the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets is incomplete. It was.

Furthermore, after the shrinkage of the molded product has subsided, the size of the gap between the key cap and the partition portion may vary depending on the position in the keyboard device, which is also not preferable from an aesthetic point of view.
In addition, when the partition part is installed as a separate member from the top cover, there may be a gap between the top cover and the partition part, and the product design will not feel neat when viewed from above. There is a problem that the user's preference may not be met.

  In the keyboard device of Patent Document 2, since the top cover and the frame member are integrally formed, relative displacement between the top cover and the frame member due to shrinkage in the plastic mold does not occur. Since it is not a structure with a partition part between them, it does not contribute to prevention of unwanted objects such as dust and liquid splashes.

  In addition, in the keyboard device of Patent Document 3, as a countermeasure against deformation due to shrinkage of the frame member after resin molding, it is described that the frame member is divided into a plurality of parts, but this is to prevent the keyboard device from bending. The top cover structure having a partition part between the keys is not disclosed, and the key mounting position is not exactly matched to the key arrangement space surrounded by the partition part.

The invention of the present application solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional keyboard device, can suppress the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid splash as much as possible, is highly reliable, and has an excellent aesthetic appearance. It is an issue to provide.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic apparatus having a key input device portion to which such a keyboard device is applied and a method for manufacturing the keyboard device.

The above problems can be solved by the following invention described in each claim of the present application.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard device having a plurality of keys and a switch means for detecting a press against each of the plurality of keys, a partition portion that separates the adjacent keys is integrally formed. A top cover, a frame member having a key receiving portion for supporting the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition portion by being attached to the top cover, the top cover, A first coupling means for coupling a frame member; and an upper part of the keyboard device formed by coupling the top cover and the frame member by the first coupling means; And a second coupling means for coupling a lower side portion of the keyboard device including the switch means. It is a board apparatus.

  The invention described in claim 1 is configured as described above, and the top cover is integrally formed with a partition portion that separates adjacent keys, so that the partition portion is not provided. Of course, although a partition part is provided, invasion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets can be suppressed as much as possible as compared with the case where it is formed as a separate member. In addition, a keyboard device excellent in aesthetics can be obtained. Furthermore, the opening area of the top cover is reduced, and the strength of the keyboard device can be improved.

  In addition, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are provided, and the top cover and the frame member are coupled by the first coupling means to constitute the upper part of the keyboard device, and then the switch is placed on the upper part. Since the lower part of the keyboard device including the means can be joined by the second joining means, conventionally, a frame member having a key receiving part or a plurality of key receiving parts is joined to the lower part, and then the top cover Compared to the combination of the key cover and the key receiving space, the key receiving space surrounded by the partition portion of the top cover is easily aligned, and there is a gap between the key cap and the partition portion. The risk of occurrence is reduced. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets, and it is possible to provide a keyboard device that is more aesthetically pleasing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the keyboard device according to the first aspect, the frame member is composed of a divided frame member divided into a plurality of portions in the longitudinal direction.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the length of the frame member changes due to the shrinkage of the frame member after resin molding, the length change of the frame member can be suppressed to a problem-free size. Alignment between the key arrangement space of the top cover and the key receiving portion is further facilitated, and the possibility that a gap is generated between the key cap and the partition portion is further reduced. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets, and it is possible to provide a keyboard device that is more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, when there is a slight difference in keyboard key layout depending on the destination, etc., a common divided frame member can be used for parts common to all destinations. Manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, the invention described in claim 3 is the keyboard device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of key arrangement specifications are different for a plurality of key arrangement specifications in which a part of the key arrangement is different and the other parts are common. It is characterized in that the frame member is divided into frame members so as to be grouped together.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, with this configuration, one divided frame member can be matched to the destination, so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 4 is the keyboard device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the top cover to be painted and the frame member to which the paint is not applied are first coupled. The upper part of the keyboard device is configured by being combined by means.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to separate the top cover from the frame member and paint it alone by this configuration, and the frame member is not involved in the painting process. The key receiving part can be held in a state where the paint is not applied, and there is no possibility of hindering the operation of the key moving mechanism part that is mounted to support the key so that the key can be moved up and down. Improves.

  The invention described in claim 5 includes a key input device having a plurality of keys and switch means for detecting a press on each of the plurality of keys, and the key input devices are adjacent to each other. A top cover integrally formed with a partition part that separates keys, and a key receiving part that supports the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition part by being attached to the top cover. An upper side of the key input device formed by coupling a frame member, first coupling means for coupling the top cover and the frame member, and coupling the top cover and the frame member by the first coupling means. And a second coupling means for coupling a lower side portion of the key input apparatus including the switch means to the part. Is an electronic device characterized by.

  The invention described in claim 5 is configured as described above, and in the key input device of the electronic device, the top cover is integrally formed with a partition portion that separates adjacent keys. Of course, compared with the case where the partition portion is not provided, the partition portion is provided, but invasion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets can be suppressed as much as possible as compared with the case where the partition portion is formed as a separate member. Further, it is possible to obtain a key input device that is excellent in aesthetics. Furthermore, the opening area of the top cover is reduced, and the strength of the key input device can be improved.

In addition, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are provided, and the top cover and the frame member are coupled by the first coupling means to constitute the upper part of the keyboard device, and then the switch is placed on the upper part. Since the lower part of the keyboard device including the means can be joined by the second joining means, conventionally, a frame member having a key receiving part or a plurality of key receiving parts is joined to the lower part, and then the top cover Compared to the combination of the key cover and the key receiving space, the key receiving space surrounded by the partition portion of the top cover is easily aligned, and there is a gap between the key cap and the partition portion. The risk of occurrence is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid splashes, and it is possible to provide a key input device that is further excellent in aesthetics.
It is possible to provide an electronic apparatus including a key input device capable of producing various effects as described above.

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 6 is a method of manufacturing a keyboard device having a plurality of keys and a switch means for detecting a press on each of the plurality of keys, and the adjacent keys are connected to each other. And a frame member having a key cover for supporting the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition by being attached to the top cover. Are connected by first connecting means, and the upper side of the keyboard device is formed by connecting the top cover and the frame member by the first connecting means. A method of manufacturing a keyboard device, characterized in that the parts are coupled by a second coupling means.

  The invention described in claim 6 is configured as described above, and the top cover is integrally formed with a partition portion that separates adjacent keys, so that the partition portion is not provided. Of course, although a partition part is provided, invasion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets can be suppressed as much as possible as compared with the case where it is formed as a separate member. In addition, a keyboard device excellent in aesthetics can be obtained. Furthermore, the opening area of the top cover is reduced, and the strength of the keyboard device can be improved.

  In addition, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are provided, and the top cover and the frame member are coupled by the first coupling means to constitute the upper part of the keyboard device, and then the switch is placed on the upper part. Since the lower part of the keyboard device including the means can be joined by the second joining means, conventionally, a frame member having a key receiving part or a plurality of key receiving parts is joined to the lower part, and then the top cover Compared to the combination of the key cover and the key receiving space, the key receiving space surrounded by the partition portion of the top cover is easily aligned, and there is a gap between the key cap and the partition portion. The risk of occurrence is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid droplets, and it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a keyboard device that is more aesthetically pleasing.

  As described above, according to the keyboard device and the method of manufacturing the keyboard device of the present invention, the top cover is integrally formed with the partition portion that separates adjacent keys, so that unnecessary objects such as dust and liquid splash can be prevented from entering. A keyboard device that can be suppressed as much as possible and that is excellent in aesthetics can be obtained, and further, the strength of the keyboard device can be improved.

  In addition, when the frame member is composed of a divided frame member divided into a plurality of parts in the longitudinal direction, if there is a slight difference in the keyboard key arrangement depending on the destination, Since a portion common to the destination can be used as a common divided frame member, the manufacturing cost can be reduced by sharing the parts.

  In addition, when the top cover to be painted and the frame member not to be painted are coupled by the first coupling means to constitute the upper part of the keyboard device, the top cover is separated from the frame member, It becomes possible to paint alone, and the frame member does not get involved in the painting process, so that the key receiving part of the frame member can be kept in a state where the painting is not applied, and the key is held in the key receiving part. The possibility of hindering the operation of the key movable mechanism mounted to support the vertical movement is eliminated, and the reliability is improved.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide an electronic apparatus having a key input device portion to which a keyboard device capable of producing various effects as described above is applied.

  In constructing the keyboard device, the top cover on the outer side where the keys are arranged is formed as a unit in which a partition part for partitioning the keys is integrally formed. A key receiving portion for installing a movable mechanism for moving the key up and down is provided at the lower part of the space surrounded by the partition where the keys of the top cover are arranged. At least the key moving mechanism part of each key is mounted using the key, and the upper part of the keyboard device is configured. Then, the upper part is turned on and off according to the parts at the lower part (specifically, the presence or absence of pressing). A tack sheet having an electrical contact as a membrane switch, a back plate for reinforcing from the back, a component constituting the lower side portion of the keyboard device such as a bottom cover) is coupled by the second coupling means.

  The key receiving portion is provided in a frame member that is not painted, and the frame member and a top cover that is painted are coupled by the first coupling means to constitute the upper portion of the keyboard device. A frame member shall consist of a division | segmentation frame member divided | segmented into plurality in the longitudinal direction.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a keyboard device 1 according to a preferred embodiment (example) of the present invention as viewed from above. As shown in the figure, in the top cover 100, a partition portion 101 that separates adjacent keys is integrally formed. As a result, unwanted objects such as dust and liquid splash can be prevented from entering from the gap between the keys, and there is no boundary other than between the key cap and the partition 101, so that the partition is covered with the top cover. As in the case of being constituted by 100 and another member, the boundary between them does not become a place where an unnecessary object such as dust or liquid splash may enter. Moreover, it can be set as the keyboard apparatus which was excellent also in appearance, and since the opening area of a top cover reduces, the intensity | strength of a keyboard apparatus can be improved.

  FIG. 2A is a view of the state when the frame member is coupled to the top cover 100 as viewed from the back side. Reference numerals 601, 602, 603, and 604 denote divided frame members, each of which is divided into a plurality (four in this embodiment) in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 1. Here, only the hole for inserting the key movable mechanism is shown by a square, but a key receiving portion as described later is provided at the end of the hole. Moreover, although the coupling pin and the coupling hole are drawn only for the divided frame member 601, since the other divided frame members are basically the same, they are omitted. Here, the frame member is divided into three parts in the main part of the keyboard, and in addition, another divided frame member 604 is used in the horizontal numeric keypad part.

  In the extreme case, the frame member may be divided into one divided frame member per key (in this case, a plate having one key receiving portion). However, if the number of extra divisions is large, the number of parts is large. In addition, since the number of assembling steps increases and the cost increases, it is desirable to set the minimum number of divisions. On the other hand, if the individual frame members are too long in the longitudinal direction, a problem due to shrinkage after resin molding as described above occurs. A desktop keyboard used for a desktop personal computer has a key pitch of 19 mm and a total width of about 390 mm to 480 mm with a numeric keypad. In such a keyboard, when the main part is divided into three parts as shown in FIG. 2A, each divided frame member is long and is equivalent to six keys in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard, and is about 114 mm long. . In a keyboard with a partition part, the key is positioned accurately and placed in the compartment surrounded by the partition part. If the member has such a length, the effect of shrinkage after resin molding is not significant. Was confirmed by the inventor.

  When the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, 604 and the top cover 100 are coupled to each other, the positioning of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604 is performed by projecting the T-shaped pin 121 from the top cover 100. A character hole 631 is provided, and the T-shaped pin 121 is inserted into the T-shaped hole 631. For example, in FIG. 2A, in each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604, one or more sets of T-shaped pins 121 and T-shaped holes 631 are formed near the center of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604. (Two sets in this embodiment) may be provided.

  In FIG. 2A, the reference numeral 120 described for the rightmost divided frame member 601 is a first coupling pin (a first coupling pin) that protrudes from the top cover 100 in order to couple the divided frame member 601 to the top cover 100. The coupling means) PA. Reference numeral 630 indicates a hole HA for allowing the coupling pin PA to pass therethrough, and this hole is opened in the divided frame member 601 in accordance with a position where the coupling pin PA is provided in the top cover 100. Below, the 1st coupling pin PA is displayed as the coupling pin 120, and the hole HA for passing this is displayed as the hole 630. The split frame member 601 is put on the top cover 100 that is turned face down through the coupling pin 120 through the hole 630, and the split pin member 120 is heated and crushed and welded to the split frame member 601. Fix to the top cover 100.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of first coupling pins 120 and holes 630 are provided over the entire surface of the divided frame member 601, and the divided frame member 601 is covered with the top cover. It is designed to be firmly fixed to 100. The other divided frame members are also provided with a set of a plurality of first coupling pins 120 and holes 630 for fixing them to the top cover 100, but are not particularly shown. A mode in which these other divided frame members are fixed to the top cover 100 is in accordance with a mode in which the divided frame member 601 is fixed to the top cover 100.

  Each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, 604 is provided with a plurality of second coupling pins (second coupling means) 620 that project the tack plate 300 and couple the back plate 400. ing. These second coupling pins 620 are not provided in the divided frame member, but are provided in the top cover 100 so that a large hole is formed in the divided frame member, and after the top cover 100 and the divided frame member are joined. May be further protruded. The back plate 400 is coupled to the upper portion 150 including the top cover 100 and the divided frame member by heating and crushing the tip of the second coupling pin 620 and welding it to the back plate 400.

  Each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604 has a plurality of holes (openings) having a rectangular shape in plan view, and the keys are movable so as to be supported by a key receiving portion provided in the periphery thereof. The mechanism portion 250 is inserted from the back of the split frame member through this hole. FIG. 3A is a view showing a part of the divided frame member from the upper side while paying attention to one key receiving portion 650, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view seen obliquely from above. A plurality of pins R01, R02, L01, and L02 of the key movable mechanism 250 shown in FIG. 9 are formed on the key receiving portion 650, which is indicated by X01, X02, X03, and X04 in FIG. Are inserted in accordance with the respective recesses. Pins R01, R02, L01, L02 are received by these recesses X01, X02, X03, X04.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (b), X01 is a recess on the back side of the divided frame member, and the pin R01 is inserted therein and slides in the front-rear direction of the pantograph structure of the key movable mechanism portion 250 along with the rotational movement. It has a certain length so that it can. Similarly, X02 is a recess on the back side of the divided frame member, and the pin R02 is inserted here so that only the rotary motion can be fixed and fixed in the front-rear direction along with the vertical motion of the pantograph structure. It has become. X03 and X04 are symmetrical with X01 and X02, respectively, and have the same structure. Since these structures and operations are common to ordinary pantograph key switches, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The pins R01, R02, L01, and L02 inserted into the pin insertion recesses X01, X02, X03, and X04, respectively, are obtained by combining the top cover 100 and the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604. When the back plate 400 is further coupled to the upper portion 150 of the keyboard device 1 via the tack sheet 300, the tack sheet 300 is attached from the back side and sealed in the space formed by the recesses X01, X02, X03, and X04. It is done.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the section surrounded by the partition portion 101 when the top cover 100 and the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, 604 are coupled together, and is provided on the divided frame member. The state in which the key receiving portion 650 is arranged so as to face the section is shown in detail. In this manner, the key receiving portion 650 having the recesses X01, X02, X03, and X04 provided in the divided frame member appears at the lower portion of the window-shaped section surrounded by the partition portion 101 provided in the top cover 100. In addition, the top cover 100 and each divided frame member are arranged to overlap each other. At this time, the invention of the present application is intended to minimize the gap between the key cap 201 and the partition portion 101 by suppressing the positional relationship between the window-shaped section and the key receiving portion 650.

  Here, if the top cover 100 and the key receiving part 650 are integrally formed, the positional relationship between the window-shaped section and the key receiving part 650 does not shift. However, from the aesthetic point of view, there is a case where the top cover 100 is desired to be painted. At this time, if the key receiving portion 650 is integrally formed with the top cover 100, the portions of the recesses X01, X02, X03, and X04 are also painted at the same time. Then, when the key is pressed, the frictional force when the pins R01, R02, L01, and L02 of the key movable mechanism portion 250 perform a rotational motion and a sliding motion inside these recesses X01, X02, X03, and X04 is generated. There is a possibility that the smooth operation of the key may be impaired due to the increase in size due to painting. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the key receiving portion 650 so that it is not painted, but there is a problem in that the number of processes increases and the cost increases. Therefore, in the invention of the present application, the top cover 100 and the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604 are separated, and after coating only the top cover 100, the divided frame members having the key receiving portions 650 are disposed on the top. The cover 100 is attached and integrated.

  Further, if the length of the frame member is long, the length of the frame member changes due to shrinkage after resin molding, and accurate alignment with the section surrounded by the partition portion 101 of the top cover 100 cannot be performed. There arises a problem that a gap between the key cap 201 and the partition portion 101 becomes large. In order to avoid this, the frame member is divided into a plurality of parts.

  In addition, by dividing the frame member into a plurality of divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604, even if there is a slight difference in keyboard key placement depending on the destination, etc., it is common to all destinations For such a portion, a common divided frame member can be used, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced by sharing the parts. Furthermore, since the different key arrangement portions depending on the destination can be combined into one divided frame member, there are advantages such that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

The sharing of parts by using the divided frame members will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 (c) to 2 (e).
The keyboard device provided with the frames 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. 2C is for the J ground, but is indicated by 601JU of the frame 1 (corresponding to the area of the divided frame member 601). Although the location is different for the E location, it is common for the J location and the U location, so the divided frame member 601 can be used in common for the J location and the U location. On the other hand, the part indicated by 602J of the frame 2 (corresponding to the area of the divided frame member 602) is applicable only to the J place, and the U place and the E place are different from this. The frame member 602 can be used only at the J ground.

  Next, the keyboard device including the frames 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG. 2D is for the U ground, but is indicated by 602UE of the frame 2 (corresponding to the area of the divided frame member 602). Since the portion for the J place is different from the others, the U portion and the E place are common to each other. Therefore, the divided frame member 602 can be commonly used for the U place and the E place.

  Further, the keyboard device provided with the frames 1, 2, and 3 shown in FIG. 2E is for the E place, but is indicated by 601E of the frame 1 (corresponding to the area of the divided frame member 601). Since the portion is applicable only to the E place and the J place and the U place are different from each other, the divided frame member 601 can be used only in the E place.

  Thus, by dividing the frame members, some of the divided frame members can be used in common with other regions, and in this case, it is necessary to prepare different frame members for all of them. The merit that there is no arises. A specific example of a plurality of key arrangement specifications in which a part of the key arrangement is different and the other parts are common is a so-called 109 keyboard (FIG. 2C) and 104 keyboard (FIG. 2D). And the relationship between the 104 keyboard (FIG. 2 (d)) and the 105 keyboard (FIG. 2 (e)).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining an assembly operation when the top cover 100 and the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, 604 are coupled to obtain the upper portion 150, and the assembly structure of the upper portion 150. FIG. On the back surface of the top cover 100, as shown in the figure, a plurality of coupling pins 120 as first coupling means are provided in holes 630 provided in a plurality in each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604. Each is installed in a position that fits. Further, two T-shaped protrusions 121 for positioning as described above are also provided for each divided frame member.

  In each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604, the T-shaped protrusion 121 is inserted into the T-shaped hole 631, and at the same time, the connecting pin 120 as the first connecting means for the divided frame member The coupling pin 120 inserted into the hole 630 of the divided frame member and further protruding from the hole 630 is heated and crushed and welded to the divided frame member, thereby being firmly coupled to the top cover 100. In this way, the top cover 100 and the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, 604 are integrated as the upper part 150 of the keyboard device 1.

  As described above, the plurality of window-shaped holes provided in each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604 have the key receiving portion 650 in the periphery thereof, and are for receiving the key movable mechanism portion 250. However, these holes are shown in a simplified lattice form in FIG. 5 only for the split frame member 602. However, the same applies to other divided frame members, and the details are as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an assembly operation when the keyboard device 1 is configured by coupling another portion (which constitutes the lower side portion of the keyboard device 1) to the upper portion 150. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly structure of the keyboard device 1. FIG. This figure is similar to FIG. 8 described in the prior art, and is drawn upside down from the state of use of the keyboard. In the upper part 150, the surface of the top cover 100, which is one of the constituent elements, is below. It is drawn in. After the key movable mechanism portion 250 is inserted into a section surrounded by the partition portion 101 of the top cover 100 in the upper portion 150, the tack sheet 300 having an electrical contact as a membrane switch that is turned on / off by the presence or absence of pressing is the upper portion. A back plate 400 made of metal or the like is placed thereon as a reinforcing material. The tack sheet 300 and the back plate 400 are basically the same as those in the prior art described with reference to FIG.

  The upper portion 150 is provided with a plurality of coupling pins 620 as second coupling means so as to protrude to the lower side (upper side in the drawing) of the keyboard. In FIG. 2A, only one divided frame member 601 is shown, but a plurality of coupling pins 620 may be provided for the other divided frame members 602, 603, and 604 as well. In FIG. 6, a total of four coupling pins 620 provided in the vicinity of both corners protruding outward from each of the divided frame members 601 and 604 arranged on both sides are representatively described, and this will be described below.

  In the tack sheet 300, slightly larger holes 310 are provided in the vicinity of the four corners so that these coupling pins 620 pass through, and the back plate 400 also corresponds to the position of the pins 620 in the same manner. The holes 410 are provided in the vicinity of the four corners. In assembly, the coupling pins 620 are passed through the holes 310 and 410. And it heats and crushes so that the resin-made coupling pin 620 may melt | dissolve from the hole 410, and this is welded to the backplate 400. As a result, the upper portion 150 and the back plate 400 are coupled together with the tack sheet 300 inserted therebetween. In this way, the tack sheet 300 and the back plate 400 are coupled to the upper portion 150, and finally, the bottom cover 500 is coupled to complete the assembly of the keyboard device 1.

  In this embodiment, the first coupling means and the second coupling means are the first coupling pin 120 and the second coupling pin 620, respectively, and these are inserted into the holes 630, 310, 410 and then welded to the corresponding members. However, the coupling means is not limited to this, and may be a means such as screwing, bonding with an adhesive, or hooking with a claw.

  Further, the T-shaped pin 121 and the T-shaped hole 631 used for positioning the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604 and the top cover 100 are not limited to these shapes, and may have various shapes. May be. For example, a combination of an L-shaped pin and an L-shaped hole or a combination of a rectangular pin and a rectangular hole may be used. In this case, these positioning means are arranged not only in the vicinity of the center of each of the divided frame members 601, 602, 603, and 604, but also in the vicinity thereof as shown in FIG. 2B. If the combination with the hole 632 is appropriately provided, the rotation play of each divided frame member can be more reliably prevented.

  In the above embodiment, a keyboard device for a personal computer has been described as an example. However, the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and can be implemented within the scope of its technical idea. Naturally, the scope of implementation also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the invention of the present application can be applied not only to a single keyboard device but also to a keyboard mounted on a notebook computer or the like. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a personal computer, and can of course be applied to an electronic device having a key input device portion such as a PDA, a game device, or a mobile phone.

  The invention of the present application can be applied to a keyboard device used for information input by a user to a personal computer or the like.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the keyboard apparatus of invention of this application. It is a bottom view of the upper part of the keyboard device of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the other Example of the upper part of the keyboard apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the merit of sharing of components by using a division | segmentation frame member. It is another figure for demonstrating the merit of sharing of components by using a division | segmentation frame member. It is another figure for demonstrating the merit of sharing of components by using a division | segmentation frame member. It is a figure explaining the key receiving part provided in the division | segmentation frame member of the keyboard apparatus of invention of this application. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the partition part and key receiving part of the upper part of the keyboard apparatus of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the assembly structure of the upper part of the keyboard apparatus of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the keyboard apparatus of the invention of the present application. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the conventional keyboard apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of the conventional keyboard apparatus. It is a figure which shows the pantograph structure as a key movable mechanism part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Keyboard apparatus, 100: Top cover, 101: Partition part, 120: 1st coupling pin (1st coupling means), 121: T-shaped pin, 150: Upper part, 201: Key cap, 250: Key movable Mechanical part, 300: tack sheet, 400: back plate, 500: bottom cover, 601, 602, 603, 604: divided frame member, 620: second connecting pin (second connecting means), 630: hole, 631 : T-shaped hole, 650: Key receiving part.

Claims (6)

In a keyboard device having a plurality of keys and switch means for detecting a press on each of the plurality of keys,
A top cover in which a partition portion separating the adjacent keys is integrally formed;
A frame member having a key receiving portion for supporting the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition portion by being attached to the top cover;
First coupling means for coupling the top cover and the frame member;
Second coupling means for coupling the lower side portion of the keyboard device including the switch means to the upper side portion of the keyboard device formed by coupling the top cover and the frame member by the first coupling means. And a keyboard device.   The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the frame member includes a divided frame member divided into a plurality of portions in a longitudinal direction thereof.   A plurality of key arrangement specifications in which a part of the key arrangement is different and the other parts are common are divided frame members obtained by dividing the frame member so that the different key arrangement parts can be combined into one. Item 3. The keyboard device according to Item 2.   4. The upper part of the keyboard device is configured by connecting the top cover to be painted and the frame member to which the paint is not applied by the first coupling means. A keyboard device according to claim 1. A key input device having a plurality of keys and switch means for detecting a press on each of the plurality of keys;
The key input device is:
A top cover in which a partition portion separating the adjacent keys is integrally formed;
A frame member having a key receiving portion for supporting the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition portion by being attached to the top cover;
First coupling means for coupling the top cover and the frame member;
A second side for coupling a lower side portion of the key input device including the switch means to an upper side portion of the key input device formed by coupling the top cover and the frame member by the first coupling means. An electronic device, characterized in that it is a key input device characterized by having a coupling means. A method for manufacturing a keyboard device, comprising: a plurality of keys; and switch means for detecting a press on each of the plurality of keys.
A top cover integrally formed with a partition part that separates adjacent keys, and a key receiver that supports the key so that the key is disposed in a space surrounded by the partition part by being attached to the top cover. A frame member having a portion coupled by a first coupling means;
The upper part of the keyboard device formed by joining the top cover and the frame member by the first coupling means, and the lower part of the keyboard device including the switch means are coupled by the second coupling means. A manufacturing method of a keyboard device characterized by the above.

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