JP2776658B2 - keyboard - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard, and more particularly to a keyboard used in a portable computer.

[0002]

Conventional keyboards, as shown in FIG. 7, m in parallel to print each other on one side (m is a natural number) number of conductive patterns 14 _1, 14 _2, and has a ... 14 _m, the other surface Printed board 13 having _n conductive patterns 15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 _n printed in a direction perpendicular to the above direction, and m conductive patterns 14 on the printed board 13
_1, 14 _2, ... 14 _m electrically interconnected the m terminals 6 _1, 6 _2, respectively, ... 6 _m and, n pieces of the conductive pattern 15 ₁ of the printed circuit board 13, 15 _2, ... 15 _n N terminals 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ,.
_n , arranged in a matrix on the printed board 13, one contact being electrically connected to each conductive pattern in one direction, and the other contact being electrically connected to each conductive pattern in the other direction. n push button switches 11 ₁₁ , 11 ₁₂ ,
11 _mn and push-button switches 11 ₁₁ , 11 ₁₂ ,... 11 _mn
Pushbutton _{12 11, 12 12, ... 12} mn and the terminal 6 _{1,
6 2, ... 6 m, 7} 1, 7 2, case 1 was exposed to ... 7 _n
6 is included.

Next, the operation of a conventional keyboard will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the conventional keyboard shown in FIG.

In FIG. 8, 11 _hi , 11 _hj , and 11 _hk are push-button switches in the h-th row, i, j, and k-th column. One contact in each push-button switch is in the same direction on one surface of the printed circuit board 13. It is electrically connected in common to the h-th row of conductive patterns 14 _h. The push button switches 11 _hi , 11 _hj ,
The other contacts in 11 _hk are the other-direction conductive patterns 15 _i , 1 in the i, j, and k-th columns on the other surface of the printed board 13.
5 _j and 15 _k are individually electrically connected. When pushbutton 12 _hj of the push button switch 11 _hj is pressed only pushbuttons 12 _hj of the push button switch 11 _hj sinks, conductive patterns 14 _h and the conductive pattern 15 the contacts of _j is pressed pushbutton 11 within _hj Is electrically connected through _Unpressed pushbutton switches 11 _hi and 11 _hk
The pattern on one side of the printed circuit board 13 and the pattern on the other side are not electrically connected unless each switch is pressed. The same applies to the pushbutton switches in all other rows. A symbol representing the meaning of the switch is usually marked on the push button.

[0006]

The above-mentioned conventional keyboard is not used because various shapes and sizes of OA equipment are being used, and the shape and size of the keyboard are fixed both when used and when not used. There is a drawback in that it limits the miniaturization of related equipment when carrying the camera.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard which can dramatically reduce the space when carrying or storing.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard comprising: a dielectric material having a uniform thickness and a rectangular elasticity; and m (m is a natural number) attached to one surface of the dielectric material in parallel with each other. And n (n is a natural number) conductive foils stuck on the other surface of the dielectric material in a direction perpendicular to the direction, and m conductive foils provided at one end of the dielectric material. M terminals electrically connected to each other, n terminals electrically connected to the n conductive foils provided at the other end of the dielectric material, and the position of the switch superimposed on one surface of the dielectric material. an insulating sheet symbols were marked in a matrix of m rows and n columns indicating the meaning of the mark and the switch shown, heavy on the other surface of the dielectric material
And an air mat having a valve at one end .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard comprising a conductive material having a uniform thickness and a rectangular elasticity; m (m is a natural number) conductive foils attached to one surface of the conductive material in parallel with each other; N (n is a natural number) conductive foils adhered to the other surface of the conductive material in the direction perpendicular to the direction, and m electrically connected to the m conductive foils provided at one end of the conductive material, respectively.
Terminals, n terminals electrically connected to the n conductive foils provided at the other end of the conductive material, a mark indicating the position of the switch superimposed on one surface of the conductive material, and a mark of the switch. Signs indicating meaning are marked in a matrix of m rows and n columns
An insulating sheet and a valve, which is superimposed on the other surface of the conductive material,
And an air mat at one end .

[0010]

[0011]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the keyboard of the first invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard of this embodiment has a rectangular sponge 3 having a uniform thickness, and m conductive foils 4 ₁ attached to one surface of the sponge 3 in parallel with each other.
4 _2, ... 4 _m and, n pieces of conductive foil 5 ₁ pasted to the direction perpendicular to the direction on the other surface of the sponge 3, 5 _2, and ... 5 _n, m-number of conductive provided at one end of the sponge 3 Foil 4 ₁ , 4 ₂ , ... 4
_m terminals 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ ,... 6 electrically connected to m
_m and n conductive foils 5 ₁ , 5 provided on the other end of the sponge 3.
_2, n-number of terminals 7 connected ... 5 _n and each electrically _1, 7
_2, ... 7 _n and the mark 8 ₁₁ indicating the position of the switch superimposed on one surface of the sponge 3, 8 _12, ... 8 _mn and symbols indicating the meaning of the switch 9 _11, 9 _12, a ... 9 _mn m rows and n columns And a second insulating rubber 2 superimposed on the other surface of the sponge 3.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the keyboard of FIG. 1 is wound in one direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the keyboard of FIG. 1 is expanded. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, immediately below the switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj , and 8 _hk in the h-th row, i, j, and k-th column are electrically connected to each other by the one-way pattern 4 _{h in} the same direction. The switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj , and 8 _hk are individually opposed to the conductive foils 5 _i , 5 _j , and 5 _{k of} the other surface in the other direction via the sponge 3.

Below the switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj and 8 _hk , as shown in FIG. 4, between the conductive foil 4 _{h on} one side and the conductive foils 5 _i , 5 _j and 5 _{k on} the other side, respectively. There are equivalent capacitances 10 _hi , 10 _hj and 10 _hk due to the dielectric constant of the sponge 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the switch mark 8 _hj is pressed by a finger, the sponge 3 at that portion is compressed, so that the equivalent capacitance 10 _hj below the switch mark 8 _hj is not pressed. It changes as compared with the equivalent capacitances 10 _hi and 10 _hk of the portion.

Since the capacitance of the flat plate capacitor is proportional to the area of the counter electrode and inversely proportional to the distance, when the sponge 3 is compressed, the distance decreases while the area of the counter electrode remains constant, and the capacitance increases. Become. Therefore, switch mark 8
_{When hj} is pressed, the equivalent capacitance 10 _hj between the two opposing conductive foils 4 _h and 5 _j becomes larger than the equivalent capacitances 10 _hi and 10 _hk between the other opposing conductive foils. The equivalent capacitance value connected to differences in the opposing conductive foil terminals 6 _1, 6 _2, ...
By sequentially checking between 6 _m and 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ,... 7 _n , the pressed switch mark can be identified.

The insulating rubbers 1 and 2 protect the inside and the insulating rubber 1 is for marking a switch mark or a switch symbol. Note that rubber may be used instead of the sponge 3. Further, a thin plastic sheet may be used instead of the insulating rubbers 1 and 2.

In the embodiment of the second invention, the sponge denoted by reference numeral 3 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 showing the embodiment of the first invention is replaced with a conductive rubber. FIG. 5 shows the keyboard of FIG. 1 in which the sponge 3 is replaced with a conductive rubber 21.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a line.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the second invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, immediately below the switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj , and 8 _hk in the h-th row, i, j, and k-th column are electrically connected to each other by the one-way same-direction pattern 4 _h . The switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj , and 8 _hk are conductive rubber 21
Through the other side of the conductive foil 5 _i , 5 _j , 5
_{and k} are individually opposed to each other.

Below the switch marks 8 _hi , 8 _hj , and 8 _hk , as shown in FIG. 5, between the conductive foil 4 _{h on} one surface and the conductive foils 5 _i , 5 _j , and 5 _{k on the} other surface, respectively. There are equivalent resistances 20 _hi , 20 _hj , and 20 _{hk of the} conductive rubber 21.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the switch mark 8 _hj is pressed by a finger, the conductive rubber 21 at that portion is compressed, so that the equivalent resistance 20 _hj below the switch mark 8 _hj is not pressed. It changes as compared with the equivalent resistances 20 _hi and 20 _hk of the portions.

In general, the conductive rubber is obtained by distributing fine metal powders at a uniform density in ordinary rubber. Therefore, when the density of the conductive rubber increases by compression, the electric resistance decreases. Therefore, when the switch mark 8 _hj is pressed, the equivalent resistance 20 _hj between the two opposing conductive foils 4 _h and 5 _j becomes smaller than the equivalent resistances 20 _hi and 20 _hk between the other opposing conductive foils. By sequentially checking the difference between the resistance values between the terminals 6 ₁ , 6 ₂ ,... 6 _m and 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ ,... 7 _n connected to the opposing conductive foil, the pressed switch mark can be identified. .

The insulating rubbers 1 and 2 protect the inside, and the insulating rubber 1 is for marking a switch mark or a switch symbol. Note that a conductive sponge may be used instead of the conductive rubber 21. Further, a thin plastic sheet may be used instead of the insulating rubbers 1 and 2.

Next, an embodiment of the third invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a keyboard according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the keyboard according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a plastic bag 17 having a valve 18 at one end in place of the insulating rubber 2 of the first or second embodiment.
(FIG. 6 shows the case of the embodiment of the first invention).

The valve 18 is for filling and discharging air in the plastic bag 17 and serves as an air mat.
When the keyboard is used, air can be sealed in the plastic bag 17 when the keyboard is used. When the keyboard is not used, the air can be exhausted from the plastic bag 17 to wind up the keyboard, and the volume when not in use can be further reduced. .

[0030]

As described above, the keyboard of the present invention can be wound in the direction of one side of a square by using a flexible material and a foil, so that the keyboard can jump when carrying or storing. There is an effect that the space can be reduced effectively.

By providing the air mat on the opposite side of the switch, there is an effect that the elasticity of the switch is increased and the operability is improved during use without increasing the space for carrying or storing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a keyboard of the first invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the keyboard of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is wound up.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the keyboard of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is developed.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the third invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional keyboard.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional keyboard.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,2 insulating rubber 3 Sponge _{4 1 ~4 m, 5 1 ~5} n conductive foil _{6 1 ~6 m, 7 1 ~7} n terminal 8 ₁₁ to 8 _mn mark 9 ₁₁ to 9 _mn symbols 10 _hi to 10 _hk equivalent capacitance 11 ₁₁ to 11 _mn push button switch 12 ₁₁ to 12 _mn pushbutton 13 printed board _{14 1 ~14 m, 15 1 ~15} n conductive pattern 16 case 17 plastic bag 18 the valve 20 _hi to 20 _hk equivalent resistance 21 Conductive rubber

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References Japanese Utility Model Sho 59-21520 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Sho 56-43549 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Hei 3-39221 (JP, U) (58) Survey Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H01H 13/70 G06F 3/02 310 H01H 13/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A dielectric material having a uniform elasticity and a rectangular elasticity, and m attached to one surface of the dielectric material in parallel with each other.
(M is a natural number) conductive foils, n (n is a natural number) conductive foils stuck on the other surface of the dielectric material in a direction perpendicular to the direction, and the m number of conductive foils provided at one end of the dielectric material M terminals each electrically connected to the conductive foil, n terminals electrically connected to the n conductive foils provided at the other end of the dielectric material, and n terminals electrically connected to one surface of the dielectric material, respectively. A mark indicating the position of the overlapped switch and a symbol indicating the meaning of the switch are denoted by m rows and n rows.
An insulating sheet marked in a matrix of columns and the dielectric material
And an air mat having a valve at one end, the keyboard being overlapped on the other surface of the keyboard. 2. A conductor material having a uniform elasticity and a rectangular elasticity, and m attached to one surface of the conductor material in parallel with each other.
(M is a natural number) conductive foils, n (n is a natural number) conductive foils stuck on the other surface of the conductive material in a direction perpendicular to the direction, and the m conductive foils provided at one end of the conductive material M terminals each electrically connected to the conductive foil, n terminals electrically connected to the n conductive foils provided at the other end of the conductive material, and n terminals respectively electrically connected to one surface of the conductive material. A mark indicating the position of the overlapped switch and a symbol indicating the meaning of the switch are denoted by m rows and n rows.
An insulating sheet marked in a matrix of columns and the conductive material
And an air mat having a valve at one end, the keyboard being overlapped on the other surface of the keyboard.