JP4204144B2 - keyboard - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a keyboard that is an input device of an electronic device such as a computer, and in particular, , Different The present invention relates to a general-purpose keyboard that can be connected to certain types of electronic devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in electronic devices such as personal computers and word processors, various keyboards that have been miniaturized by devising the arrangement and shape of key switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “keys”) have been proposed for the downsizing of devices. ing. For example, a low-profile keyboard used in a portable notebook electronic device has a higher key height than a standard-sized keyboard used in a desktop electronic device (hereinafter abbreviated as a standard keyboard). By reducing the size and shortening the keystroke stroke, a reduction in height, that is, a reduction in thickness is achieved. However, since the keystroke stroke is short and the key arrangement is unique, it tends to be difficult for an operator familiar with a standard keyboard. In addition, there is known a keyboard that is miniaturized by narrowing the key arrangement interval without changing the key size, keystroke stroke, and arrangement. However, there is a considerable difference in operation feeling from the standard keyboard.
[0003]
On the other hand, there is known a keyboard that is reduced in size by eliminating the numeric keys in a standard keyboard or effectively using multi-purpose keys to reduce the number of keys (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-177445). In this specification, a multi-use key is a single key that can selectively indicate different characters, symbols, etc. (generally called alphanumeric), and various functions of electronic devices (generally, (Referred to as "function") that can be selectively switched. In general, a keyboard is provided with a plurality of types of multi-purpose keys and a plurality of types of additional operation keys (for example, shift keys, control keys, etc.) that determine the usage of the multi-purpose keys by simultaneously operating each of the multi-purpose keys. It is done.
[0004]
In particular, the small computer keyboard described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-177445 eliminates the numeric keypad and the cursor key, and the standard keyboard is arranged slightly apart from the symbol (alpha numeric) key in the same manner as the numeric keypad. It also eliminates multiple function keys. The function that was to be indicated by the excluded function key is added as a new selective instruction item to the desired key that remains, thereby performing a unique symbol instruction and the added function instruction. A versatile symbol key is constructed. Further, in this small keyboard, as one of a plurality of types of additional operation keys, a function instruction selection key (referred to as an Fn key) that allows a multipurpose symbol key to perform a function instruction is installed.
[0005]
By the way, in general, a keyboard as a data input device uses firmware (built-in program) as an interface mode (signal conversion mode for converting a keystroke operation into a predetermined electric signal) corresponding to an OS (operating system) of a computer to be connected. Since the signal conversion format and command are different when the OS is changed, there is no versatility. On the other hand, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-177445 discloses a general-purpose keyboard having firmware capable of automatically switching the interface mode corresponding to various OSs installed in different types of computers. ing. In this general-purpose keyboard, the firmware is automatically recognized by automatically replacing the connection cable provided on the keyboard with various extension cables corresponding to the OS of various computers, and the interface mode is automatically set. It is designed to switch to.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional small keyboard described above, the number of keys has been reduced by adopting multi-use symbol keys, so that the keyboard can be used without changing the size and stroke of each key, and without reducing the function instruction capability of the keyboard. Can be miniaturized. However, since only one function instruction selection key for causing the multipurpose symbol key to perform a function instruction is provided at the right end of the key arrangement, there is a concern that the versatile symbol key and the function instruction selection key that require simultaneous operation may be inferior in usability. . In addition, since the frequently used cursor keys are eliminated and the cursor movement instruction function is added to some versatile symbol keys, the cursor operability is inferior.
[0007]
Further, in the conventional small keyboard, by reducing the housing dimensions as much as possible, the upper surface portion of the housing is reduced to the extent that it is provided slightly outside the arranged keys. As a result, it is difficult to place the operator's hand on the upper surface of the casing and perform a keystroke operation, which tends to deteriorate the feeling of use and increase fatigue.
[0008]
Furthermore, in the conventional general-purpose keyboard described above, it is troublesome to handle the connection cable and the extension cable, and when both the interconnected cables are left undisturbed on the desk, space saving on the desk, which is an advantage of the miniaturized keyboard. There is also a concern that damages sex. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the reliability and certainty of the OS automatic recognition function by firmware.
[0010]
The present invention Eyes In general, in a general-purpose keyboard that can be connected to different types of electronic devices, the connection cable and the extension cable can be handled in an orderly manner, and the keyboard that can improve the reliability and certainty of switching the interface mode is provided. There is.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface of the housing. A general-purpose type comprising a firmware capable of switching an interface mode corresponding to various OSs possessed by different types of electronic devices, and a connection cable having a connector for connecting the electronic devices On the keyboard, It is equipped with a firmware mode changeover switch arranged at an accessible location on the housing, and the connector of the connection cable can be fitted to a corresponding connector of an extension cable that enables connection to different types of electronic devices. On the surface of the housing, there is a recess that can accommodate both the connector of the interconnected connection cable and the corresponding connector of the extension cable, and the mode switch is installed in the recess Keyboard characterized by
I will provide a.
[0018]
Claim 2 The invention described in claim 1 The keyboard according to the item 1, wherein the mode changeover switch is a mechanical switch.
Claim 3 The invention described in claim 1 In the keyboard described in 1), a keyboard in which the mode change switch is a proximity switch is provided.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by common reference numerals.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of a keyboard 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the keyboard 10, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of the keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 has been reduced in size by reducing the number of keys, and is used by being detachably connected to a personal computer (not shown).
[0020]
The keyboard 10 includes a large number of keys 14 arranged on the upper surface 12 a of the housing 12. The keys 14 include a plurality of symbol (alphanumeric) keys 16 arranged in four columns in the front-rear direction as viewed from the operator, and a plurality of function keys 18 arranged around the symbol keys 16. It becomes. Some of these symbol keys 16 and function keys 18 are configured (ie, programmed) as different types of versatile keys 20. In addition, a plurality of types of additional operation keys 22 that determine the usage of the multi-use key 20 by simultaneous operation with each of the multi-use keys 20 are distributed in the left and right end regions of the key arrangement. The large number of keys 14 are uniformly arranged with substantially the same arrangement interval as that of a standard keyboard. Each key 14 has substantially the same size and keystroke operation stroke as those of a standard keyboard.
[0021]
In the keyboard 10, the numeric keys on the standard keyboard are eliminated, and the standard keyboard excludes a plurality of function keys arranged slightly apart around the symbol keys as in the numeric keys. The function that was to be indicated by the excluded function key is added as a new optional instruction item to some of the remaining keys 14, thereby adding a unique symbolic instruction and the added function. A versatile symbol key 24 capable of selectively performing instructions is configured. Further, on the keyboard 10, as one of a plurality of types of additional operation keys 22, function instruction selection keys (Fn keys) 26 that cause the multipurpose symbol key 24 to perform function instructions are installed one by one in the left and right end regions of the key arrangement. Is done.
[0022]
For example, the symbol key 16 that designates the number “3” is a multi-use key 20 that can selectively switch between “3” and “#” as a unique symbol instruction, and the function instruction selection key 26 at the same time. It is configured as a versatile symbol key 24 that can be operated to select and specify a function specified by “F3”. The symbol key 16 that designates the letter “E” can designate only “E” as a unique symbol designation, and further selects the function specified by “Copy” by simultaneously operating the function designation selection key 26. It is configured as a versatile symbol key 24 that can be instructed.
[0023]
In this way, the keyboard 10 employs the versatile symbol key 24 to reduce the number of keys, so that the dimensions of the individual keys 14 and keystroke strokes are not changed compared to the standard keyboard, and the keyboard functions are also improved. The size can be reduced without degrading the instruction ability. In addition, since one function instruction selection key 26 is installed in each of the left and right end regions of the key arrangement, the function instruction selection key 26 can be operated with either the left or right hand. The usability of the function instruction selection key 26 is improved, and the small keyboard 10 which is easy to handle for an operator familiar with a standard keyboard is provided.
[0024]
The keyboard 10 further includes four cursor keys 28 having at least a cursor movement instruction function independent of the versatile symbol keys 24. The cursor keys 28 are collectively arranged in the right end area of the key arrangement, similar to the arrangement on the standard keyboard. Each cursor key 28 is configured to perform a cursor movement instruction by performing a keystroke operation alone. Therefore, with the keyboard 10, cursor operations that are relatively frequently used can be performed simply and easily in the same manner as with a standard keyboard.
[0025]
The function instruction selection key 26 and the cursor key 28 are preferably colored differently from the other keys 14 in order to facilitate visual identification during operation. Further, the function selected by simultaneously operating the function instruction selection key 26 of each versatile symbol key 24 is advantageously displayed on the key top forward inclined surface 24a as shown in FIG. From this point of view, in the illustrated embodiment, various functions selected by simultaneously operating the function instruction selection key 26 are also added to the keys other than the symbol key 16 (for example, the cursor key 28) as selective instruction items. .
[0026]
The keyboard 10 includes an attachment portion that can detachably attach the palm rest 30 (FIG. 4) along one side edge of the upper surface 12 a of the housing 12. The attachment portion includes a palm rest receiving surface 32 formed adjacent to a large number of keys 14 at the front end edge of the housing upper surface 12a, and a pair of palm rest hinges 34 (FIG. 6) formed on the housing lower surface 12b. Have The four cursor keys 28 described above are arranged so that three of them protrude to the front side at the right end of the key arrangement. Thereby, the housing upper surface 12a has an area corresponding to one key row on the front side of the space key 14S at the front end of the key arrangement and on the left side of the three cursor keys 28 at the right end of the key arrangement. 32 is formed. Further, the palm rest buttering portion 34 is provided in a pair of cavities formed on the lower surface 12b of the casing so as to be separated from each other below the palm rest receiving surface 32.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the palm rest 30 is a detachable element that can be attached to and detached from the casing 12 of the keyboard 10 as desired. It has a depth sufficient to place both hands during operation and a height that does not deteriorate the operability when both hands are placed. The upper surface of the palm rest 30 is formed as a hand placement surface 36 made of an ergonomic curved surface. Therefore, in the keyboard 10, as a result of reducing the outer dimensions of the housing 12 as much as possible, the palm rest 30 is mounted even though the housing upper surface 12a is reduced to the extent that it is slightly provided outside the key 14. As a result, the operator's feeling of use can be significantly improved and fatigue can be effectively reduced.
[0028]
The palm rest 30 further has a protruding portion 38 having a surface that smoothly extends from the hand placement surface 36 as a corresponding attachment portion that cooperates with the attachment portions (the palm rest receiving surface 32 and the palm rest hinge portion 34) of the keyboard housing 12. And a pair of pivot portions 40 formed below the overhanging portion 38. The overhanging portion 38 is a thin plate-like portion having a dimension that at least partially covers the palm rest receiving surface 32 of the keyboard housing 12, and acts to improve the appearance when the palm rest is mounted.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, each of the pair of palm rest hinge portions 34 of the keyboard housing 12 includes a front wall portion 42 that forms the housing front end surface, and an upper wall portion 44 that has a palm rest receiving surface 32. A locking projection 50 is provided in a cavity defined by a rear wall portion 46 facing the front wall portion 42 and a pair of side wall portions 48, and projects substantially horizontally from the rear wall portion 46 forward. The locking protrusion 50 is a flat element, and a claw 52 extending upward is formed at the front end thereof. A gap is formed between each wall portion 42, 44, 46, 48 and the locking protrusion 50, and the corresponding pivot 40 of the palm rest 30 is received by the palm rest hinge part 34 through the gap. ing.
[0030]
Each pivot portion 40 of the palm rest 30 is located at a position corresponding to each palm rest hinge portion 34 of the keyboard housing 12 along a wall portion 54 extending downward from the base end of the overhang portion 38 connected to the hand placement surface 36. A pair of arms 56 that are formed and project substantially horizontally from the wall portion 54, and a shaft 58 that connects the ends of the arms 56. The shaft 58 is a flat plate-like element extending upward from both arms 56, and an opening 60 that can receive the tip of the corresponding locking projection 50 is formed at the center thereof.
[0031]
When attaching the palm rest 30 to the keyboard housing 12, first, the shaft 58 of each pivot 40 is inserted into the corresponding palm rest hinge 34, and then the claw 52 of each locking projection 50 is inserted into the opening 60 of the shaft 58. While inserting, both arms 56 of each pivot part 40 are inserted into the palm rest butterfly part 34. In this state, when the keyboard housing 12 and the palm rest 30 are placed on the flat reference plane R, the claws 52 of the locking projections 50 of the palm rest hinge portions 34 are locked to the shafts 58 of the corresponding pivot portions 40. Thus, the palm rest 30 is coupled to the front end of the housing 12. In this state, the palm rest 30 is attached to the housing 12 so as to be rotatable around the mutual engagement portion between the locking projection 50 of the palm rest hinge part 34 and the shaft 58 of the pivot 40.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, on the lower surface 12 b of the housing 12 of the keyboard 10, a pair of foldable legs 62 are installed in the left and right end regions along the rear edge. When the keyboard 10 equipped with the palm rest 30 is used with the legs 62 standing on the flat reference surface R, the palm rest 30 is rotatably attached to the housing 12 as described above. The posture of the hand placement surface 36 is not substantially changed. Therefore, even in such a use state, a stable keystroke operation can be performed by the hand support action of the palm rest 30.
[0033]
Thus, the palm rest 30 has an action of expanding the upper surface 12a of the housing 12 that is reduced as much as possible by downsizing. Therefore, the pointing device 64 can be mounted on the palm rest 30, as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, a so-called touch pad of a plane press input type is mounted. In this case, an interface unit (not shown) for transmitting and receiving an input signal from the pointing device 64 is formed on both the housing 12 and the palm rest 30.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 12, the keyboard 10 can be equipped with a connection cable 68 having an electronic device connection connector 66 at its end. Correspondingly, a recess 70 (see FIG. 6) capable of accommodating the connector 66 of the connection cable 68 is provided on the lower surface 12 b of the housing 12.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 13A, the connector 66 of the connection cable 68 is not only directly connected to a specific computer, but also to various electronic devices (for example, computers) having different OSs (operating systems). Can be configured to mate with corresponding connectors 74 of various extension cables 72. This type of extension cable 72 is prepared corresponding to the OS of various electronic devices to be connected.
[0036]
Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 13B, it is advantageous to form the recess 70 so that both the connector of the connecting cable 68 and the corresponding connector 74 of the extension cable 72 can be accommodated. . According to such a configuration, the connection cable 68 and the extension cable 72 can be handled in an orderly manner so that they are not left unnecessarily around the keyboard 10 on the desk. Accordingly, the keyboard 10 can be used by being appropriately connected to various types of computers without impairing the space saving on the desk, which is an advantage of the downsized keyboard 10.
[0037]
When the above-described extension cable 72 is used, the keyboard 10 converts a plurality of preset interface modes (key pressing operations into predetermined electrical signals) corresponding to various OSs of different types of electronic devices. Firmware (built-in program) that can be switched and commanded appropriately is equipped. Therefore, the extension cable 72 corresponding to the desired OS is connected to the connection cable 68, and at the same time, the keyboard 10 is connected to the electronic device having the desired OS for general use by appropriately switching the firmware interface mode of the keyboard 10. Can do.
[0038]
The interface mode can be switched by adding an automatic recognition function to the firmware of the keyboard 10, but in the present invention, instead, the operator on the casing 12 of the keyboard 10 approaches relatively easily. A configuration in which a firmware mode changeover switch 76 is installed in a possible part is adopted. According to such a configuration, the reliability and certainty of switching the interface mode can be improved relatively easily.
[0039]
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the mode changeover switch 76 is preferably installed in a recess 70 that can accommodate the connector 66 of the connection cable 68. Since the operation of the mode switch 76 is normally performed every time the extension cable 72 is connected to the connection cable 68, the switching operation can be urged to the operator by installing the mode switch 76 in the recess 70. . In addition, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the mode changeover switch 76 that may occur inadvertently when it is installed exposed on the outer surface of the housing, and the aesthetic appearance of the keyboard 10 is not impaired.
[0040]
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the mode changeover switch 76 includes a rotation operation switch 76a (FIG. 15A), a slide operation switch 76b (FIG. 15B), a DIP switch 76c (FIG. 15C), and the like. It can be constructed from a known mechanical switch. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a projection 78 is provided on the outer surface of the connector 66 of the connection cable 68, and an opening 80 that can receive the projection 78 of the connector 66 is provided on the inner wall of the recess 70 of the housing 12. Proximity sensing means such as an optical sensor 82 can be installed inside the opening 80 to constitute a proximity switch type mode change switch. In this case, when the connector 66 of the connection cable 68 is housed in the recess 70, the projection 78 is inserted into the opening 80 (FIG. 17A), and the projection 78 is not inserted into the opening 80 (FIG. 17). By selecting and accommodating either (b)), the interface mode can be switched based on the presence or absence of a sensing signal from the protrusion sensing means. Further, as the protrusion detection means, a touch sensor 84 (FIG. 17C) can be used instead of the optical sensor 82.
[0041]
In the proximity switch type mode change switch described above, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a plurality of protrusions 78 are provided on the outer surface of the connector 66 of the connection cable 68, and the inner wall of the recess 70 of the housing 12 is respectively provided. A plurality of openings 80 that can receive the protrusions 78 of the connector 66 can also be provided. In the illustrated configuration, a pair of protrusions 78 a aligned in the axial direction and one protrusion 78 b are respectively installed at two positions that are angularly shifted with respect to the central axis of the connector 66, and a pair of protrusions 78 b are disposed on the inner wall of the recess 70. An opening 80 is formed. Protrusion sensing means (not shown) is installed inside each opening 80. According to such a configuration, when the connector 66 is housed in the recess 70, the pair of protrusions 78a are inserted into both openings 80 (FIG. 19A), and one protrusion 78b is provided in one opening. By selecting and housing either the form inserted into the portion 80 (FIG. 19B) or the form in which none of the protrusions 78a and 78b are inserted into the opening 80 (FIG. 19C), the interface is obtained. The mode can be switched to three types. Similarly, by installing an appropriate number of protrusions, openings, and protrusion detection means, it is possible to switch between desired types of interface modes.
[0042]
As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a conductive member 86 made of a conductive film, a plate, or the like is provided on the outer surface of the connector 66 of the connection cable 68 instead of the protrusion 78, and the opening of the recess 70 of the housing 12 is provided. A pair of conductive pins 88 may be installed in 80. According to such a configuration, when the connector 66 is housed in the recess 70, the pair of conductive pins 88 is short-circuited by the conductive member 86 (FIG. 21A), and the conductive member 86 is a pair of conductive pins 88. The interface mode can be switched by selecting and accommodating one of the configurations (FIG. 21B) that does not short-circuit.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, , Different In a general-purpose keyboard that can be connected to a certain type of electronic device, the connection cable and the extension cable can be handled in an orderly manner, and the reliability and reliability of switching the interface mode can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the keyboard of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a key arrangement in the keyboard of FIG. 1;
4 is a plan view of a keyboard with a palm rest in which a detachable palm rest is attached to the keyboard of FIG. 1. FIG.
5A is a left side view of the keyboard of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5B is a right side view thereof.
6 is a bottom view of the keyboard of FIG. 4. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6;
8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7, (a) a partially enlarged sectional view of a palm rest, and (b) a partially enlarged sectional view of a keyboard housing.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the interconnecting portion between the keyboard housing and the palm rest as viewed from below.
10 is a right side view showing another usage pattern of the keyboard of FIG. 4; FIG.
11 is a plan view of the keyboard of FIG. 1 equipped with a palm rest according to a modification.
12 is a rear view of a modified example of the keyboard of FIG. 1. FIG.
13 is a partially enlarged bottom view of the keyboard of FIG. 12, (a) a diagram when the extension cable is connected, and (b) a diagram when the extension cable is stored.
FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged bottom view of a keyboard having a mode switch according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic perspective views showing various examples of the mode changeover switch provided in the keyboard of FIG. 14, showing (a) a rotation operation switch, (b) a slide operation switch, and (c) a dip switch.
FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged bottom view of a keyboard provided with a mode switch according to a modification.
17 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation mode of a mode changeover switch equipped in the keyboard of FIG. 16, wherein (a) when protrusion is detected, (b) when protrusion is not detected, and (c) protrusion detection by other detection means. Each form of time is shown.
FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged bottom view of a keyboard provided with a mode switch according to another modification.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation mode of the mode changeover switch equipped in the keyboard of FIG. 18, wherein (a) two protrusions are detected, (b) one protrusion is detected, and (c) protrusions are not detected. Each form at the time of sensing is shown.
FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged bottom view of a keyboard having a mode switch according to still another modification.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the mode of operation of the mode changeover switch equipped in the keyboard of FIG. 20, showing (a) when short-circuited and (b) when not short-circuited.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Keyboard
12 ... Case
12a ... Upper surface
12b ... lower surface
14 ... Key
16 ... Symbol key
18 ... Function keys
20 ... Multipurpose key
22 ... Additional operation keys
24 ... Multi-use symbol key
26 ... Function instruction selection key
28 Cursor keys
30 ... Palm rest
32 ... Palm rest receiving surface
34 ... Palm rest butterfly
38 ... Overhang
40 ... Axis
64 ... Pointing device
66 ... Connector
68 ... Connection cable
70 ... concave
72 ... Extension cable
74 ... Supported connectors
76 ... Mode selector switch
78 ... Protrusions
80 ... opening
82: Optical sensor
86: Conductive member
88 ... Conductive pin

Claims (3)

Numerous keys arranged on the upper surface of the housing, firmware capable of switching the interface mode corresponding to various OSs of different types of electronic devices, and a connection cable having a connector for electronic device connection at the end In a general-purpose keyboard comprising
Comprising a firmware mode changeover switch disposed at an accessible location on the housing;
The connector of the connection cable can be fitted to a corresponding connector of an extension cable that enables connection to the different types of electronic devices,
On the surface of the housing, a recess is provided that can accommodate both the connector of the connection cable and the corresponding connector of the extension cable that are interfitted,
The mode switch is installed in the recess ;
Keyboard characterized by. Keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the mode selector switch is ing the mechanical switch. Keyboard according to claim 1 wherein the mode selector switch is ing from the proximity switch.

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