JP2013061854A - Keyboard device, and information processor using the keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small keyboard device capable of detecting that a user can use the keyboard device without performing an intentional operation.SOLUTION: A keyboard device includes: plural key switches 1 adjacent to one another; plural contact parts 2b each disposed below each of the plural key switches 1; and a proximity sensor 2a capable of detecting an approach of an operation body to the plural key switches 1. The proximity sensor 2a is disposed so as to pass through spaces between adjacent contact parts 2b and the circumference of contact parts 2b. Since the proximity sensor 2a is disposed to pass through spaces between the contact parts 2b and the circumference of the contact parts 2b, the sensor can be provided in even a small keyboard device having plural key switches 1 disposed all over the keyboard device. This can provide a small keyboard device capable of detecting that a user can use the keyboard device without performing an intentional operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a keyboard device, and more particularly to a keyboard device with a proximity sensor that detects that a user has approached the keyboard device.

  The keyboard device is generally used as an input device such as a computer. In recent years, computers have become widespread, and a very large number of computers are used under various conditions, and there are many computers that are rarely used even though they are always operating. In such a rarely used computer, it is desired that when not in use, the power saving mode is set to suppress power consumption, and when the computer is used, the power saving mode is quickly canceled.

To release the power saving mode of the computer with the keyboard device, for example, when the user presses any key, the keyboard device sends a power saving mode release signal to the computer, and thereby the computer releases the power saving mode. Such a method can be considered.
However, this method has a problem that the power saving mode cannot be released unless the user knows that the power saving mode is released when any key on the keyboard device is pressed. Further, even when it is known that pressing any key on the keyboard device cancels the power saving mode, there is a possibility that inconvenience may occur because a plurality of keys are pressed in succession as soon as the cancellation is made.

  As a method for solving the above problem, for example, in the keyboard device with a sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 9, a first sensor module 133 including a case 131, an optical sensor, and a plurality of keys. 132, a second sensor module comprising a touch sensor, a keyboard 103 with illumination comprising a control module and an illumination module. The touch sensor determines whether the user is touching or not touching the keyboard 103 with illumination. Detect on the surface.

As a result, in the conventional keyboard device with a sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 in a dark environment, when the user touches the illuminated keyboard 103, the illumination module is turned on, and the user does not touch the illuminated keyboard 103. Since the lighting module is not turned on when the keyboard 103 is not used, a power saving operation is possible.
Further, if the sensor function of the sensor-equipped keyboard device is used, it is possible to easily cancel the power saving mode of the computer using the keyboard device.

US Publication No. 2010/0141458

  However, in the conventional keyboard device with a sensor described in Patent Document 1, since the touch sensor detects that the user has touched the surface of the illuminated keyboard 103, the keyboard device is small, such as a notebook computer. Thus, when the key tops of a plurality of keys are arranged on the entire keyboard 103, there is a problem that the detection unit of the touch sensor cannot be arranged. In addition, since it is not detected unless the user touches the surface of the keyboard 103, the user must touch the surface of the keyboard 103 before use. If the user does not intentionally touch the keyboard 103, the keyboard device is used. There was a problem that could not be detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a small keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device even if the user does not perform an intentional operation. is there.

In order to solve this problem, in the keyboard device according to claim 1 of the present invention, a plurality of adjacent key switches, a plurality of contact portions respectively provided below the plurality of key switches, A proximity sensor capable of detecting the approach of the operating body to the key switch,
The proximity sensor is disposed so as to pass between the adjacent contact portions and the outer periphery of the contact portion.

  In the keyboard device according to claim 2 of the present invention, the keyboard device includes a membrane sheet formed by laminating an upper membrane sheet, a spacer, and a lower membrane sheet, and the plurality of contact portions are provided on one membrane sheet. It is characterized by being a membrane switch.

  In the keyboard device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor is formed on the membrane sheet.

  In the keyboard device according to claim 4 of the present invention, each of the plurality of key switches has a key top, and a frame having a plurality of holes through which the key top is inserted is provided. It is provided on the frame.

  Further, in the keyboard device according to claim 5 of the present invention, a frame having a key top on each of the upper portions of the plurality of key switches and having a plurality of holes through which the key tops are inserted is provided. And the proximity sensor is provided on the decorative sheet.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the keyboard device includes a light source, and light is emitted from the light source when the proximity sensor detects the approach of the operating body.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard device comprising: a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source; and a reflector disposed on one surface side of the light guide plate.

  In the keyboard device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor includes a light source, a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source, and a reflector disposed on one surface side of the light guide plate. Is a keyboard device with a proximity sensor that emits light from the light source when detecting the approach of the operating body, wherein the lower membrane sheet is the light guide plate.

  In the keyboard device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor has a sensor line and a ground line facing each other.

  The keyboard device according to claim 10 of the present invention is characterized by comprising a control circuit for driving the proximity sensor.

  An information processing apparatus according to claim 11 of the present invention is connected to the keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and operates according to an output signal from the keyboard device with a proximity sensor. The information processing apparatus has a power saving mode, and the information processing apparatus outputs a signal indicating that the proximity sensor of the keyboard device with the proximity sensor has detected the approach of the operating body during the power saving mode. The apparatus cancels the power saving mode.

According to the keyboard device of the first aspect of the present invention, since the keyboard device according to the present invention includes the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor detects the operating body when the user's hand that is the operating body approaches. However, it is possible to detect that the user uses the keyboard device without intentional special operation.
In addition, since the proximity sensor is disposed between the contact portions provided at the lower part of the plurality of key switches and through the outer periphery of the contact portions, the key tops of the plurality of key switches are disposed throughout the keyboard device. Even a small keyboard device can be provided with a sensor.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a small keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device without intentional operation by the user.

  According to the keyboard device according to claim 2 of the present invention, since the plurality of contact portions are the plurality of membrane switches provided on one membrane sheet, the position accuracy of each contact is improved, and the plurality of contact portions are Man-hours to assemble can be omitted.

  According to the keyboard device of the third aspect of the present invention, since the proximity sensor is directly formed on the membrane sheet, a highly accurate sensor can be configured.

  According to the keyboard device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the proximity sensor is provided in the frame near the operation surface of the key top, the distance between the user's hand as the operation body and the proximity sensor is reduced, and the detection accuracy is improved. improves. In addition, since the proximity sensor is not exposed on the upper surface of the frame, it is possible to avoid an accident in which the proximity sensor is damaged by a fallen object or the proximity sensor malfunctions by spilling a drink or the like.

  According to the keyboard device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the proximity sensor is provided on the uppermost surface of the frame, the distance between the user's hand as the operating body and the proximity sensor is further reduced, and the detection accuracy is further improved. .

  According to the keyboard device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the user brings the hand that is the operating body close, the proximity sensor detects the approach of the operating body and light is emitted from the light source provided. The user can recognize that it has been detected, and the key switch is illuminated when used, so that the operability of the keyboard device is improved.

  According to the keyboard device of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light source can be guided to the entire keyboard device by the light guide plate, and the light emitted from the light guide plate by the reflective material provided on one surface side of the light guide plate. Can be returned to the light guide plate, so that the entire keyboard device can be illuminated with high luminance.

  According to the keyboard device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the light emitted from the light source can be guided to the entire keyboard device by the light guide plate, and the light emitted from the light guide plate by the reflective material provided on one surface side of the light guide plate. Can be returned to the light guide plate, so that the entire keyboard device can be illuminated with high brightness, and since the membrane sheet is a light guide plate, the number of components can be reduced and illumination can be performed with higher brightness. .

  According to the keyboard device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the proximity sensor has the opposing sensor line and the ground line, it is possible to increase the capacity of the proximity sensor and to make the ground line less susceptible to external noise. Can do.

  According to the keyboard device of the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the control device for driving the proximity sensor is provided, the proximity of the operating body can be detected by the keyboard device alone, and any information processing device can be used. It is possible to provide a keyboard device that can output proximity detection signals of the same operating body and has excellent versatility.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device without performing the intentional operation by the user can perform a particularly intentional operation during use. It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus in which the power saving mode is canceled even if it is not performed.

As described above, since the keyboard device according to the present invention includes the proximity sensor, the user can detect that the user uses the keyboard device without performing a special operation only by bringing his hand close to the keyboard device. In addition, since the proximity sensor is disposed between the contact portions provided at the lower part of the plurality of key switches and through the outer periphery of the contact portions, the key tops of the plurality of key switches are disposed throughout the keyboard device. Even a small keyboard device can be provided with a sensor.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a small keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device without intentional operation by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a keyboard apparatus, (b) is a disassembled perspective view of a keyboard apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of the membrane sheet | seat of the keyboard apparatus of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the key switch and contact part of the keyboard apparatus of the said 1st Embodiment, (a) is sectional drawing of the principal part of a key switch and a contact part, (b) is sectional drawing of a contact part. is there. It is a figure explaining the structure of the illumination mechanism of the keyboard apparatus of the said 1st Embodiment, (a) is a top view of a keyboard apparatus, (b) is AA sectional drawing of (a) of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the part which passes. It is a perspective view of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a keyboard apparatus, (b) is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of a keyboard apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a part of keyboard apparatus which shows arrangement | positioning of the proximity sensor of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of a part of keyboard apparatus which shows the structure of the proximity sensor of the keyboard apparatus which concerns on the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus using the keyboard apparatus with a proximity sensor of this invention. It is an external view of the keyboard apparatus of the prior art example shown by patent document 1. FIG.

<First Embodiment of Keyboard Device>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the keyboard device, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the keyboard device. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the membrane sheet 2. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the key switch 1 and the contact portion 2b, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the contact portion 2b.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly for a keyboard device used in a notebook computer. However, the application target of the keyboard device according to the present embodiment is not limited to this, and can be applied to a keyboard device used in various computers and electronic devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of key switches 1 on the top surface side, and the key tops 11 of the key switch 1 are close to each other so as to contact each other. And has a metal frame 9 on the lowermost surface side.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the membrane sheet 2 is disposed on the lower surface side of the key switch 1, and the reflector 3 and the metal frame 9 are sequentially laminated on the lower surface side of the membrane sheet 2.

  The key switch 1 has a configuration capable of moving up and down, and is held at the upper end position when not operated. Further, characters such as alphabets are printed on the upper surface of the key top 11, and the user presses the key switch 1 on which desired characters are displayed.

  The membrane sheet 2 is formed by laminating a plurality of film-like plastic sheets, and each sheet is provided with a wiring pattern or the like having electrical conductivity if necessary. A contact portion 2b is provided.

Moreover, the proximity sensor 2a is arrange | positioned so that it may pass through the outer periphery of the contact part 2b provided between the adjacent contact parts 2b or the edge part in the approximate center area | region of the membrane sheet 2. FIG.
The interval between the adjacent contact portions 2b is the same as the interval between the key switches 1, but the key pitch of a general keyboard device is about 16 to 19 mm. It is easily possible to arrange between 2b or the outer periphery of the contact portion 2b.

  The reflecting material 3 is a film-like plastic sheet having flexibility and one surface having light reflectivity.

  The metal frame 9 is a part provided with a wall portion on the outer periphery of a substantially rectangular metal plate, and holds the reflector 3, the membrane sheet 2 and the key switch 1 and protects the keyboard device.

  The light source 4 is a white LED and is disposed so that the light emitting surface thereof faces the side surface of the membrane sheet 2.

  Next, the configuration of the membrane sheet 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The membrane sheet 2 has three film-like parts each having flexibility, and the upper membrane sheet 21, the spacer 23, and the lower membrane sheet 22 are laminated in this order from the upper surface side.

  A sensor line 21 a is wired on the upper surface side of the upper membrane sheet 21, and a plurality of upper contacts 21 b are provided on the lower surface side. On the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet 22, a plurality of lower contacts 22b are respectively provided at positions facing the plurality of upper contacts 21b of the upper membrane sheet 21, and at a position facing the sensor line 21a, the sensor line 21a is abbreviated. A ground line 22a having the same shape and wider than the sensor line 21a is wired. The spacer 23 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 23a at the same positions as the plurality of upper contacts 21b and the plurality of lower contacts 22b. The upper contact 21b of the upper membrane sheet 21 and the lower contact 22b of the lower membrane sheet 22 are wired to detect the contact state between the upper contact 21b and the lower contact 22b. In FIG. Omitted.

  The proximity sensor is constituted by a sensor line 21a of the upper membrane sheet 21 and a ground line 22a of the lower membrane sheet 22, and the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a are sandwiched by sandwiching the spacer 23 between the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a. Capacitance occurs between the two. Since the capacitance between the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a varies depending on the state of the surrounding electric field, the surrounding electric field changes when the user's hand as the operating body approaches, and the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a are grounded. The capacitance value between the lines 22a also changes. Therefore, by measuring the capacitance value between the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a, the proximity of the user's hand as the operating body can be detected, and the sensor functions as a proximity sensor.

  Next, the structure of the key switch 1 and the contact part 2b of the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the key switch 1 is composed of a key top 11 and a rubber dome 12, and the key top 11 is placed on the rubber dome 12 fixed to the upper surface of the membrane sheet 2. Yes.
Thereby, when the key switch 1 is pressed, the key top 11 moves downward while elastically deforming the rubber dome 12. When the key switch 1 is largely pressed, the rubber dome 12 is reversed, and the protrusion 12 a of the rubber dome 12 formed so as to face the membrane sheet 2 presses the upper surface of the membrane sheet 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the contact portion 2b of the membrane sheet 2 is a membrane switch in which the upper contact 21b of the upper membrane sheet 21 and the lower contact 22b of the lower membrane sheet 22 face each other in the insertion hole 23a of the spacer 23. The protrusion 12a presses the upper surface of the upper membrane sheet 21 facing the upper contact 21b and the lower contact 22b of the membrane switch. Thereby, the flexible upper membrane sheet 21 is elastically deformed, and the contact portion 2b, which is a membrane switch, is connected when the upper contact 21b and the lower contact 22b come into contact with each other.

  As described above, in the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the membrane sheet 2 is provided with the plurality of contact portions 2b arranged corresponding to the plurality of key switches 1, so Compared with the case where the contact portions 2b are individually arranged, the positional accuracy is high and the contact portions 2b can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, since the electrical wiring to each contact can also be provided directly on the membrane sheet 2, the wiring reliability is high and the work for wiring connection does not occur. Can be manufactured at low cost.

  Further, since the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a constituting the proximity sensor 2a are directly formed on the upper membrane sheet 21 and the lower membrane sheet 22 constituting the membrane sheet 2, respectively, the position and shape are highly accurate, and adjacent to each other. Since the proximity sensor 2a can be disposed so as to pass between the matching contact portions 2b or the outer periphery of the contact portion 2b, it is not necessary to increase the size of the keyboard device even if the proximity sensor 2a is provided. Furthermore, since the proximity sensor 2a can be disposed at a substantially central position of the membrane sheet 2, it is possible to reliably detect that the user's hand as the operating body is close to the keyboard device.

  Next, the illumination mechanism of the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 4A is a plan view of the keyboard device, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. Note that the display of the key switch 1 is omitted in (b).

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the light source 4 is disposed so that the light emitting surface faces the end surface of the membrane sheet 2. Further, the light source 4 is arranged so that the light emitting surface has substantially the same height as the lower membrane sheet 22 in the membrane sheet 2 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting surface of the light source 4 enters the lower membrane sheet 22 and propagates through the lower membrane sheet 22, so that the lower membrane sheet 22 functions as a light guide plate. Since the lower membrane sheet has substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the keyboard device, the light incident on the lower membrane sheet 22 is transmitted to the entire keyboard device.

  A part of the light propagating through the lower membrane sheet 22 as the light guide plate is emitted from the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet 22 and passes through the spacer 23 and the upper membrane sheet 21 as shown in FIG. Illuminate the switch 1. A part of the light propagating in the lower membrane sheet 22 is emitted from the lower surface of the lower membrane sheet 22, but the lower material of the lower membrane sheet 22 is disposed on the lower surface of the lower membrane sheet 22. The light emitted from the reflector 3 is reflected by the reflecting surface of the reflecting material 3 and returns to the lower membrane sheet 22 again. Then, the light exits from the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet 22, passes through the spacer 23 and the upper membrane sheet 21, and illuminates the key switch 1.

  Thereby, the light emitted from the light source 4 propagates in the lower membrane sheet 22 as a light guide, and the light emitted from the lower surface of the lower membrane sheet 22 is returned to the lower membrane sheet 22 by the reflecting material 3. Since the amount of light inside the body can be maintained, the entire keyboard device can be efficiently illuminated.

  In the keyboard device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a circuit for measuring the capacitance of the proximity sensor 2a and detecting the proximity of the operating body and a circuit for blinking the light source 4 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 2a are provided. The control circuit having this is mounted on the membrane sheet 2.

  Thereby, in the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the proximity of the operating body can be detected by the keyboard device alone, and when the proximity of the operating body to the proximity sensor 2a is detected, a detection signal is output from the control circuit. Therefore, it is possible to connect to various information processing apparatuses 90, and furthermore, the power saving mode of the information processing apparatus 90 to which the keyboard apparatus is connected can be canceled by this detection signal.

  In addition, since the control circuit has a circuit that blinks the light source 4 based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 2a, it can notify by light that the proximity sensor 2a has detected the proximity of the user, and the user can use the key switch 1 Since the key switch 1 can be illuminated only when the is used, the power consumption can be reduced and the operability of the keyboard device is improved.

As described above, in the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of adjacent key switches 1, the plurality of contact portions 2 b provided below the plurality of key switches 1, and the plurality of key switches 1, respectively. A proximity sensor 2a capable of detecting the approach of the operating body to the sensor, and the proximity sensor 2a passes between the contact part 2b and the contact part 2b adjacent to each other and through the outer periphery of the contact part 2b. Since the proximity sensor 2a detects the operating body when the user's hand as the operating body approaches, the user can use the keyboard device without performing a special operation intentionally by the user. Can detect use.
Further, since the proximity sensor 2a is arranged between the contact portions 2b and the contact portions 2b provided below the plurality of key switches 1 and through the outer periphery of the contact portions 2b, the key tops 11 of the plurality of key switches 1 are arranged. However, it is possible to provide a sensor even in a small keyboard device arranged in the entire keyboard device.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a small keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device without intentional operation by the user.

Further, each of the plurality of contact portions 2b includes a membrane switch, and a plurality of membrane switches are provided for one membrane sheet 2 formed by laminating the upper membrane sheet 21, the spacer, and the lower membrane sheet 22, The position accuracy of the contacts can be improved, and the number of steps for assembling the plurality of contact portions 2b can be omitted.
Further, since the proximity sensor is directly formed on the membrane sheet 2, it is possible to configure a sensor with high shape and position accuracy.

  In addition, the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the light source 4, and when the proximity sensor 2 a detects the approach of the operating body, light is emitted from the light source 4. As the proximity sensor 2a detects the approach of the operating body and light is emitted from the light source 4 provided, the user can recognize that the proximity sensor 2a has detected, and the key switch Since 1 is illuminated, the operability of the keyboard device is improved.

  In addition, since the light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light source 4 and the reflector 3 are disposed on one side of the light guide plate, the light emitted from the light source 4 can be guided to the entire keyboard device by the light guide plate. Since the light emitted from the light guide plate can be returned to the light guide plate by the reflector 3 provided on the one surface side of the light guide plate, the entire keyboard device can be illuminated with high luminance.

  In addition, since the lower membrane sheet 22 is a light guide plate, it is not necessary to separately provide a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the light source 4, and the light can be illuminated with higher luminance while reducing the number of components.

  The proximity sensor 2a is a capacitive proximity sensor 2a having a sensor line 21a and a ground line 22a facing each other. The sensor line 21a is on the lower surface side of the upper membrane sheet 21, and the ground line 22a is on the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet 22. Since the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a are opposed to each other with the spacer 23 interposed therebetween, it is possible to form the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a with high position and shape accuracy, as well as the proximity sensor. The capacity of 2a can be increased, and the ground line 22a can be less affected by external noise.

  Further, the keyboard device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a control circuit for driving the proximity sensor 2a, and can detect the proximity of the operating body with the keyboard device alone, and any information processing device. It is possible to output the proximity detection signal of the same operating body to 90, and the versatility is excellent.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a small-sized keyboard device that can detect that the user uses the keyboard device even if the user does not perform an intentional operation.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the sensor line 21a of the proximity sensor 2a is provided on the lower surface side of the upper membrane sheet 21, and the ground line 22a is provided on the upper surface side of the lower membrane sheet 22. Even if the installation portion of the proximity sensor 2a is changed, for example, 21a is provided on the lower surface side of the upper membrane sheet 21 and the ground line 22a is provided on the lower surface side of the spacer 23, the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, a sheet may be further added to the upper surface of the membrane sheet 2, and both or one of the sensor line 21a and the ground line 22a may be provided on the added sheet.

  Further, although the light source 4 is a white LED having a light emitting surface on the side surface, an LED other than white can be used, and a light emitting element or a light bulb other than the LED can also be used.

  Moreover, although the membrane sheet 2 has a three-layer structure, a two-layer structure may be formed by applying insulating coating to both or one of the lower surface of the upper membrane sheet 21 and the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet 22.

  Further, although the lower membrane sheet 22 is used as a light guide, the upper membrane sheet 21, the spacer, and the lower membrane sheet 22 are provided with translucency, and the light guide is provided between the lower membrane sheet 22 and the reflector 3. It may be newly provided. In this case, it is necessary to arrange the light emitting surface of the light source 4 so as to face the end surface of the newly provided light guide.

  Although the control circuit is mounted on the membrane sheet 2, the mounting position of the control circuit is not limited to the membrane sheet 2, and the same effect can be obtained by mounting the control circuit on other parts of the keyboard device. .

<Second Embodiment According to Keyboard Device>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a keyboard device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the keyboard device, and FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the keyboard device. . FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the keyboard device showing the arrangement of the proximity sensors 2a of the keyboard device according to the present embodiment. In addition, about the structure same as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the keyboard device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of key switches 1 on the top surface side and a key top 11 of the key switch 1 spaced from each other. The frames 5 are arranged so as to enter the gaps between the plurality of key tops 11, and a metal frame 9 is provided on the lowermost surface side.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the frame 5 has a plurality of holes 5d through which the key tops 11 of the plurality of key switches 1 are inserted, and the keyboard device according to the second embodiment A membrane sheet 2 in which a plurality of key switches 1 are arranged and placed on the upper surface is laminated on the upper part of the metal frame 9, and the key tops 11 of the plurality of key switches 1 arranged at intervals from each other are framed. The frame 5 is inserted so as to pass through the plurality of holes 5 d of the 5 and the frame 5 is placed on the upper surface of the membrane sheet 2.

  Next, the configuration of the proximity sensor 5a of the keyboard device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the keyboard device showing the structure of the proximity sensor 5a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the proximity sensor 5 a includes a sensor line 5 b and a ground line 5 c formed of conductive metal or the like, and the sensor line 5 b and the ground line 5 c are arranged below the frame 5 with a plurality of frames 5. It arrange | positions so that it may pass between the hole parts 5d. The sensor line 5b and the ground line 5c are installed with a slight gap, and an electrostatic capacitance is generated between the sensor line 5b and the ground line 5c. Accordingly, the proximity of the user's hand as the operating body can be detected by measuring the capacitance value between the sensor line 5b and the ground line 5c, and functions as a proximity sensor.

  In the second embodiment, the membrane sheet 2 is not provided with a proximity sensor. The membrane sheet 2 is provided with a plurality of contact portions 2b corresponding to the plurality of key switches 1, and a plurality of rubber domes 12 are fixed to the upper surface of the membrane sheet 2 at positions corresponding to the plurality of contact portions 2b, respectively. Then, a plurality of key tops 11 are placed on top of the plurality of rubber domes 12, respectively.

  In the keyboard device according to the second embodiment, the proximity sensor 5a is provided on the frame 5, and since the frame 5 is closer to the operation surface of the key top 11 than the membrane sheet 2, the proximity sensor 5a and the user's hand as an operation body The distance between the two is reduced, and the detection accuracy of the proximity sensor is improved.

  Further, since the proximity sensor 5a is provided at the lower part of the frame 5, the proximity sensor 5a is not exposed on the upper surface of the frame 5, and the proximity sensor 5a is operated by spilling a drink or the like by damaging the proximity sensor 5a due to falling objects. It is possible to provide a keyboard device that can avoid an accident that causes a failure and is easier to use.

In the second embodiment, the sensor line 5b and the ground line 5c constituting the proximity sensor 5a are installed at the lower part of the frame 5, but the sensor line 5b is provided on the upper surface of the frame 5 or the sensor line 5b. The sensor line 5b and the ground line 5c may be provided on the upper surface of the frame 5 by adding an insulating layer in the middle of the ground line 5c.
Further, the frame 5 may be formed of a conductive material, the entire frame 5 may be a ground line, an insulating layer may be added on the upper surface, and a sensor line may be provided on the insulating layer.

<Modification of Second Embodiment According to Keyboard Device>
Hereinafter, a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the keyboard device showing the structure of the proximity sensor of the keyboard device according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the structure same as 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the decorative sheet is substantially the same as the frame 5 on the upper surface of the frame 5 and has openings 6 d that are substantially the same as the plurality of holes 5 d of the frame 5. 6 is laminated, and a sensor line 6b is provided on the upper surface of the decorative sheet 6 by a method such as printing a conductive paint or the like, and a ground line 6c is provided on the lower surface of the decorative sheet 6. The sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c are conductive, and the sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c are opposed to each other with the decorative sheet 6 therebetween, so that the electrostatic capacitance is between the sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c. Occurs. Thus, the proximity of the user's hand as the operating body can be detected by measuring the capacitance value between the sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c, and functions as the proximity sensor 6a. The sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c are arranged so as to pass between the plurality of openings 6d of the decorative sheet 6.

  As described above, in the keyboard device according to the modified example of the present embodiment, the frame 5 having the plurality of holes 5d through which the key tops 11 of the plurality of key switches 1 are inserted is provided, and the frame 5 is provided on the upper surface with the decorative sheet. 6, the proximity sensor 6 a is provided on the decorative sheet 6. Therefore, the proximity sensor 6a is provided above the upper surface of the frame 5, and the distance between the user's hand as the operating body and the proximity sensor 6a is further reduced, and the detection accuracy is further improved.

  Further, in the keyboard device according to the modified example of the present embodiment, the sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c constituting the proximity sensor 6a are formed by a method such as printing a conductive paint on the decorative sheet 6, so that the number of steps for assembling the sensor Can be omitted, and the proximity sensor 6a with high position and shape accuracy can be configured.

In the above description, the sensor line 6b is provided on the upper surface of the decorative sheet 6 and the ground line 6c is provided on the lower surface of the decorative sheet 6. However, an insulating layer is added between the sensor line 6b and the ground line 6c to provide the sensor line 6b. And the ground line 6 c may be provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the decorative sheet 6.
In addition, the upper surface of the decorative sheet 6 provided with the sensor line 6b may be further painted to perform a process such as making the sensor line 6b less visible to the user.

<Embodiment of information processing apparatus using keyboard device with proximity sensor>
Next, an embodiment of an information processing apparatus using the keyboard device with a proximity sensor will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

  In the information processing apparatus using the keyboard device with the proximity sensor according to the present embodiment, the keyboard device 91 including the proximity sensor and the information processing apparatus 90 including the power saving mode are connected by an interface such as a USB, and the information processing apparatus Further, various peripheral devices 92 are connected to 90 through an interface such as a USB.

  In such an information processing apparatus 90, when the user has not operated the information processing apparatus 90 for a long time, the information processing apparatus 90 shifts to the power saving mode, for example, the head of the built-in hard disk device is returned to the standby position, and the spindle It becomes a power saving mode such as stopping the motor. Also, the connected peripheral device 92 is instructed to shift to the power saving mode. For example, in the case of a display device, the power saving mode is set such that the backlight is turned off.

  When a user brings his / her hand close to the keyboard device 91 to use the information processing device 90, the keyboard device 91 of the information processing device 90 according to the present embodiment includes a proximity sensor, so the keyboard device 91 is an operating body. The approach of the hand is detected and a signal is output to the information processing device 90. When the information processing device 90 receives a signal notifying the approach of the operating body from the keyboard device 91, the information processing device 90 performs processing such as releasing the power saving mode of the information processing device 90, that is, rotating the spindle motor of the built-in hard disk device. At the same time, the information processing apparatus 90 instructs the connected peripheral device 92 to cancel the power saving mode, and thereby, for example, if the display apparatus is a display apparatus, the backlight is turned on.

  In this case, the user does not need to intentionally operate the keyboard device 91 to cancel the power saving mode, and the information processing device 90 and the information processing device 90 can be simply moved closer to the keyboard device 91 for input operation. Since the power saving mode of the peripheral device 92 connected to the PC is released, the user does not need to know in advance how to release the power saving mode, and there is a risk of erroneous operation due to the operation of releasing the power saving mode. Therefore, it is possible to provide the information processing apparatus 90 having an easy-to-use power saving mode.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus 90 using the keyboard device with proximity sensor according to the present embodiment has the keyboard device 91 with proximity sensor and the power saving mode that operates according to the output signal from the keyboard device 91 with proximity sensor. Since the information processing device 90 is configured to output a signal indicating that the proximity sensor of the keyboard device 91 with proximity sensor has detected the approach of the operating body, the information processing device 90 cancels the power saving mode. By using the keyboard device 91 with a proximity sensor that can detect that the keyboard device 91 is used, it is possible to provide the information processing device 90 in which the power saving mode can be canceled without performing any intentional operation during use.

  In the information processing device 90 using the keyboard device with the proximity sensor 2a according to the above embodiment, the keyboard device, the information processing device 90, and the peripheral device 92 are described as individual devices, but these are like a notebook PC. The same effect can be obtained with an integrated device.

  In addition, although each device is connected by an interface such as USB, the connection method between each device is not limited to USB, and the same effect can be obtained with a dedicated interface or a bus line. it can. Further, a dedicated signal line for a signal indicating that the approach of the operating body from the proximity sensor is detected may be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key switch 2 Membrane sheet | seat 2a Proximity sensor 2b Contact part 3 Reflective material 4 Light source 5 Frame 5a Proximity sensor 5b Sensor line 5c Ground line 5d Hole part 6 Cosmetic sheet 6a Proximity sensor 6b Sensor line 6c Ground line 6d Opening part 9 Metal frame 11 Key top 12 Rubber dome 12a Protrusion 21 Upper membrane sheet 21a Sensor line 21b Upper contact 22 Lower membrane sheet 22a Ground line 22b Lower contact 23 Spacer 23a Insertion hole 90 Information processing device 91 Keyboard device 92 Peripheral device

Claims (11)

A plurality of adjacent key switches,
A plurality of contact portions respectively provided at a lower portion of the plurality of key switches;
A proximity sensor capable of detecting the approach of the operating body to the plurality of key switches, and a keyboard device comprising:
The said proximity sensor is arrange | positioned so that it may pass between the said adjacent contact part and the contact part, and the outer periphery of the said contact part, The keyboard device with a proximity sensor characterized by the above-mentioned.   An upper membrane sheet, a membrane sheet formed by laminating a spacer and a lower membrane sheet, and the plurality of contact portions are a plurality of membrane switches provided for one membrane sheet. 2. A keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to 1.   The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 2, wherein the proximity sensor is formed on the membrane sheet.   Each of the plurality of key switches has a key top, a frame having a plurality of holes through which the key top is inserted, and the proximity sensor is provided in the frame. The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 2.   Each of the plurality of key switches has a key top, a frame having a plurality of holes through which the key top is inserted, the frame has a decorative sheet on the top surface, and the proximity sensor The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 2, wherein the keyboard device is provided on a sheet.   6. The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 2, wherein the keyboard device includes a light source, and light is emitted from the light source when the proximity sensor detects the approach of the operating body.   The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 6, further comprising: a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source; and a reflector disposed on one surface side of the light guide plate.   A light source, a light guide plate that guides light emitted from the light source, and a reflector disposed on one surface side of the light guide plate. When the proximity sensor detects the approach of the operating body, the light source The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the keyboard device with a proximity sensor emits light, and the lower membrane sheet is the light guide plate.   The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor has a sensor line and a ground line facing each other.   The keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit that drives the proximity sensor. In the information processing apparatus to which the keyboard device with a proximity sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is connected and operates according to an output signal from the keyboard device with a proximity sensor.
The information processing apparatus has a power saving mode, and the information processing apparatus outputs a signal indicating that the proximity sensor of the keyboard device with the proximity sensor has detected the approach of the operating body during the power saving mode. An information processing apparatus using a keyboard device with a proximity sensor, wherein the apparatus cancels the power saving mode.