JP5437859B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present application relates to a protective sheet. The present application relates to an input device including a protective sheet.

  A keyboard mounted on or connected to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) includes a key top for each inputable character. The key top has a gap between other key tops in order to ensure a stroke by a pressing operation by the user. In such a keyboard with a gap between adjacent key tops, for example, the user accidentally spills coffee or other liquid on the key tops, uses it in the rain, or is used in an environment where a lot of dust is scattered. If this happens, liquid or dust may enter the gap between the key tops. If liquid or dust enters between the key tops, the movable parts arranged under the key tops may not operate smoothly, which may make it impossible to smoothly stroke the key tops. In response to such problems, various proposals have been made to prevent liquid or dust from entering between the key tops of the keyboard.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard device in which a sheet member having identification information for identifying a key is placed on the key top surface of the keyboard. The sheet member disclosed in Patent Document 1 is made of silicon rubber and has elasticity.

JP 2000-353443 A

  However, since the sheet member disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a single layer structure made of silicon rubber, there is a problem that the sheet member is easily torn by repeatedly expanding and contracting as the keyboard is repeatedly pressed.

The input device of the present application is an input device including a plurality of input units, and is disposed between a protective sheet capable of covering at least the input units and an adjacent input unit among the plurality of input units. And a frame for supporting the protective sheet, wherein the protective sheet is formed of a plurality of layers including at least a first layer and a second layer, and the first layer includes an elastic material, the two-layer, seen containing a material having a cushioning property, the plurality of are arranged independently to each input unit, the support frame comprises an upper frame and a lower frame, and the upper frame and the lower frame The key sheet of the input part is exposed from a hole formed in the upper frame.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a protective sheet that is not easily torn even when used for a long time.

Perspective view of laptop Top view of laptop keyboard Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. Cross section of keyboard showing key pressed Top view of protective sheet Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. 4A Top view of keyboard with protective sheet Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. 5A Cross section of keyboard showing key pressed The principal part top view which shows the modification of a protection sheet Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. 7A Top view of the main part of the laptop keyboard Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. Sectional view showing the key pressed Key cross section Sectional drawing of the keyboard provided with the protection sheet concerning Example 2. FIG. Sectional drawing of the keyboard provided with the protection sheet concerning Example 3. Sectional drawing of the keyboard provided with the protection sheet concerning Example 4. The top view which shows the modification of a protection sheet Sectional drawing of the ZZ part in FIG. 13A

(Embodiment 1)
[1. Configuration of input device]
Hereinafter, a keyboard of a notebook computer will be described as an example of an input device to which the protective sheet of the present application is applied.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the notebook computer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vicinity of the keyboard in the notebook computer. In this embodiment, a keyboard of a notebook computer is used as an example of an input device. However, a keyboard mounted on a desktop personal computer or a keyboard that can be externally connected to a personal computer or a personal digital assistance (PDA) may be used. . The keyboard in this embodiment includes, for example, a keyboard capable of inputting only numbers and arithmetic symbols in addition to a keyboard having a QWERTY layout.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the notebook computer includes a first housing 1 and a second housing 2. The first housing 1 contains a circuit board on which various electric elements are mounted, a hard disk drive, and the like. The second housing 2 includes a display panel 4. The 1st housing | casing 1 and the 2nd housing | casing 2 are supported by the hinge part 3 so that rotation is mutually possible. The hinge unit 3 includes a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

  A keyboard 5 and a pointing device 6 are arranged on the upper surface 1 a of the first housing 1. The keyboard 5 receives input operations of various characters by the user. The pointing device 6 is a device capable of accepting a contact operation by the user on its operation surface and moving the cursor displayed on the display panel 4 to a desired position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard 5 includes a plurality of keys. Inputable characters and functions are assigned to each key. In the present embodiment, the keyboard layout of the keyboard 5 is a QWERTY layout, but is not limited to this key layout, and may be another key layout such as an AZERTY layout or a Dvorak layout. Although not shown, it is possible to input by pressing the key top on the top surface of each key top in the keyboard 5 (the surface pressed by a finger when the user inputs characters or the like with the keyboard 5). Characters and function names are printed.

  3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken along the line ZZ in FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state where the key is not pressed. FIG. 3B shows a state where some keys are pressed. Hereinafter, although the specific structure of the keyboard 5 is demonstrated, it demonstrates taking the key 5a as an example.

  The key 5 a includes a key top 51, link members 52 a and 52 b, and a dome portion 53. The key top 51 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially trapezoidal as shown in the figure. On the upper surface 51a of the key top 51, characters and symbols representing the function of each key are printed. On the lower surface side of the key top 51 (the back side of the upper surface 51a), a protruding portion 51b is formed in the approximate center, and link support portions 51c and 51d are formed on both sides of the protruding portion 51b. The protrusion 51 b is fitted in a recess 53 a formed in the dome portion 53. The link support portion 51c has an opening, and one end of the link member 52a is loosely fitted in the opening. The link support portion 51d has an opening, and one end of the link member 52b is loosely fitted in the opening.

  The link members 52a and 52b are arranged so as to cross each other. One end portion of the link member 52a is rotatably supported by the link support portion 51c, and the other end portion is movably supported by a link support portion 54a formed on the membrane portion 55. One end portion of the link member 52b is rotatably supported by the link support portion 51d, and the other end portion is movably supported by a link support portion 54b formed on the membrane portion 55. The link members 52a and 52b are members that guide the key top 51 in the downward direction indicated by the arrow E and the upward direction indicated by the arrow F.

  The dome portion 53 is formed in a dome shape having a hollow structure as shown in FIG. 3A. In the dome 53, a protrusion 51 b is fitted into a recess 53 a formed at the upper end, and the lower end is fixed to the membrane portion 55. The dome 53 is deformed when pressure is applied from the outside, and maintains the shape shown in FIG. 3A when no pressure is applied, and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The dome 53 has a protrusion 53b formed on the back side of the recess 53a. The dome portion 53 is a member that supports the key top 51 so that the key top 51 is not displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E by its own weight when the key top 51 is not pressed as shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the dome 53 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E by the key top 51 when the user presses the key top 51 in the direction indicated by the arrow E from the state where the key top 51 is not pressed. Accompanied by compression deformation.

  The link support part 54a supports the other end of the link member 52a. The link support portion 54b supports the other end of the link member 52b. When the key top 51 is displaced from the position shown in FIG. 3A in the direction shown by the arrow E, the other end of the link member 52a moves in the direction shown by the arrow H in the area where the link support portion 54a and the membrane member 55 face each other. The other end of the link member 52b moves in a direction indicated by an arrow G in a region where the link support portion 54b and the membrane member 55 face each other. When the key top 51 is in the position shown in FIG. 3A, the other end of the link member 52a abuts against the inner wall at the right end of the link support portion 54a as shown in the figure, and the other end of the link member 52b is the link support portion 54b. It contacts the inner wall at the left end as shown. Thus, the other end of the link member 52a can be restricted from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow G, and the other end of the link member 52b can be restricted from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow H. Displacement in the direction indicated by arrow F from the position shown in FIG. 3A can be restricted.

  The membrane portion 55 includes an upper membrane sheet 55a, a lower membrane sheet 55b, a spacer 55c, an upper contact 55d, and a lower contact 55e. The upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each of the upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b includes a base material. The base material can be formed of, for example, silicone rubber. The substrate is formed with a wiring pattern (not shown) and contacts 55d and 55e. The wiring pattern and the contacts 55d and 55e can be formed of Ag ink, for example. The upper contact 55d is formed on the surface of the upper membrane sheet 55a that faces the lower membrane sheet 55b. The lower contact 55e is formed on a surface of the lower membrane sheet 55b that faces the upper membrane sheet 55a. The upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e are connected to a wiring pattern (not shown) that is electrically connected to an electric circuit board (not shown) in the first housing 1. The upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b are bonded together with a spacer 55c interposed therebetween. The spacer 55c has an opening so that the upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b communicate spatially at least in the upper contact 55d, the lower contact 55e, and the periphery thereof, and the upper membrane sheet 55a is elastically deformed. Thus, the electrical contact between the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e is not hindered. By sandwiching the spacer 55c between the upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b, a gap can be formed between the upper membrane sheet 55a and the lower membrane sheet 55b. The spacer 55c can form a gap between at least the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e. By forming a gap between the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e, it is possible to prevent the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e from contacting each other when the key top 51 is not pressed.

  A gap P1 exists between the key top 51 of the key 5a and the key top 58 of the key 5b, and between the key top 58 of the key 5b and the key top 59 of the key 5c. Although not shown, there is a gap between the key tops mounted on the keyboard 5 and the adjacent key tops. Further, even in a portion where the key top and a part of the first casing 1 are adjacent to each other, a gap (for example, a gap P2 shown in FIG. 3A) exists between the key top and the first casing.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the keyboard 5 will be described.

  FIG. 3A shows a state where the key top 51 is not pressed. In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the key top 51 is maintained at the illustrated position (upward position) by the dome portion 53, and displacement in the direction indicated by the arrow E due to its own weight is restricted. At this time, the contact 55d and the contact 55e are separated from each other.

  From this state, when the user presses the key top 51 with a finger or the like in the direction indicated by the arrow E, the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E while being guided by the link members 52a and 52b. At this time, the dome 53 is compressed and deformed by the pressing force in the direction indicated by the arrow E applied to the key top 51. Further, since the key top 51 is supported by the link members 52a and 52b, the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E while maintaining a parallel posture with respect to the membrane portion 55. When the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E, the link member 52a moves in the direction indicated by the arrow H while the other end is supported by the link support portion 54a, and the link member 52b is moved to the other end. Moves in the direction indicated by the arrow G while being supported by the link support 54b.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the key top 51 is pressed to a predetermined position by the user, the protrusion 53b formed on the dome 53 contacts the upper membrane sheet 55a. When the key top 51 is further pressed from this state, the protrusion 53b presses the upper membrane sheet 55a, and the upper membrane sheet 55a is curved and deformed in the direction indicated by the arrow E. When the upper membrane sheet 55a is deformed to a predetermined position, the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e come into contact with each other. When the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e come into contact with each other, the wiring pattern formed on the upper membrane sheet 55a and the wiring pattern formed on the lower membrane sheet 55b become conductive, and an electrically on state can be obtained. . Since the wiring pattern is electrically connected to the signal processing circuit arranged in the first housing 1 (the connection state is not shown because the connection state is well known), the signal processing circuit corresponds to the key pressed. The signal processing performed is executed. For example, when a predetermined character input function is assigned to the pressed key, the assigned character is controlled to be displayed on the display unit 4 arranged in the second casing 2.

  In the state shown in FIG. 3B, when the user moves his / her finger away from the key top 51, the key top 51 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow F by the elastic return force of the dome portion 53. That is, the dome portion 53 has an elastic restoring force that pushes the key top 51 in the direction indicated by the arrow F. At this time, since the key top 51 is guided by the link members 52 a and 52 b, the key top 51 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow F while maintaining a posture parallel to the membrane portion 55. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the dome part 53 is restored to its original shape from the state of being compressed and deformed, the projecting part 53b pressing the upper membrane sheet 55a is separated from the upper membrane sheet 55a. The upper membrane sheet 55a returns to its original shape (a shape parallel to the lower membrane sheet 55b as shown in FIG. 3A) from the curved deformation state by separating the protrusion 53b, and the upper contact 55d The lower contact 55e is separated. When the upper contact 55d and the lower contact 55e are separated from each other, the wiring pattern of the upper membrane sheet 55a and the wiring pattern of the lower membrane sheet 55b are electrically separated from each other, and are electrically turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the key top 51 is raised to a predetermined position, the other end of the link member 52a comes into contact with the inner wall at the right end of the link support portion 54a, and the other end of the link member 52b is the link support portion 54b. As shown in FIG. Thus, the other end of the link member 52a can be restricted from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow G, and the other end of the link member 52b can be restricted from moving in the direction indicated by the arrow H. Displacement in the direction indicated by arrow F can be restricted. With the above operation, the key top 51 returns to the original position shown in FIG. 3A.

[2. (Configuration of protective sheet)
FIG. 4A is a plan view of the protective sheet according to the present embodiment. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ in FIG. 4A.

  The protective sheet 10 can be placed so as to cover the keyboard 5 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, the protective sheet 10 includes a first convex portion 10a and a second convex portion 10b at positions corresponding to the key tops mounted on the keyboard 5 (see FIG. 2 and the like). . In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, only some convex portions in the protective sheet 10 are provided with symbols, but the protective sheet 10 has convex portions formed at positions corresponding to all the key tops provided in the keyboard 5. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the protective sheet 10 has a two-layer structure including a first layer 11 and a second layer 12. The first layer 11 is a layer exposed to the surface when the protective sheet 10 is placed on the keyboard 5. That is, the first layer 11 is a layer that is directly pressed by a user's finger or the like when the protective sheet 10 is placed on the keyboard 5. The first layer 11 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The 1st layer 11 should just be formed with the material which has elasticity at least. In addition, when the first layer 11 is mixed with a known antibacterial agent such as silver or phosphorous as necessary, when the keyboard 5 is shared among a plurality of users, contamination of the keyed user is suppressed. This is preferable. The second layer 12 is a layer that is in close contact with the first layer 11 and is a layer that contacts the key top when the protective sheet 10 is placed on the keyboard 5. The second layer 12 can be formed of a nonwoven fabric, for example. The 2nd layer 12 should just be formed with the material which has a buffer property or sound-absorbing property, and may be formed with flexible materials, such as a urethane foam other than a nonwoven fabric.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the protective sheet 10 is formed in an uneven shape corresponding to the height of the key top of the keyboard 5 and the gap between the key tops. In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4B, the first convex portion 10a, the second convex portion 10b, the third convex portion 10c, the first concave portion 10d, and the second concave portion 10e are illustrated. The first convex portion 10a corresponds to the key 5a shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3A. The second convex portion 10b corresponds to the key 5b shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3A. The 3rd convex part 10c respond | corresponds to the part located in the circumference | surroundings of the keyboard 5 in the 1st housing | casing 1 shown to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3A. The first recess 10d corresponds to the gap P2 between the key 5a and the first housing 1 shown in FIG. 3A. The second recess 10e corresponds to the gap P1 between the key 5a and the key 5b shown in FIG. 3A.

  FIG. 5A is a plan view of the keyboard 5 on which the protective sheet 10 is placed. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ in FIG. 5A. When the protective sheet 10 is placed on the keyboard 5, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first convex portion 10a of the protective sheet 10 is placed on the key 5a, and the second convex portion 10b is placed on the key 5b. The third protrusion 10c is placed on the first casing 1, the first recess 10d enters the gap P2 between the key 5a and the first casing 1, and the second recess 10e is connected to the key 5a. Enter the gap P1 with the key 5b.

  The protective sheet 10 can be fixed to the first housing 1 by the hook-and-loop fastener 13. The hook-and-loop fastener 13 is composed of one cloth material on which a large number of hook-like raised portions are formed and the other cloth material on which a large number of loop-like raised portions are formed, and both can be joined. One cloth material of the hook-and-loop fastener 13 is adhered to the back surface (the surface on the second layer 12 side) of the third convex portion 10c of the protective sheet 10 with an adhesive tape or the like. The other cloth material of the hook-and-loop fastener 13 is adhered to the vicinity of the keyboard 5 on the upper surface 1a of the first housing 1 with an adhesive tape or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the hook-and-loop fastener 13 is arranged along a pair of short sides of the protective sheet 10 (first hook-and-loop fastener 13a, second hook-and-loop fastener 13b). Thereby, after aligning the protective sheet 10 in the regular position in the keyboard 5, the protective sheet 10 can be fixed in a regular position by joining the cloth materials of the hook-and-loop fastener 13. The “regular position” is a position of the protective sheet 10 in a state where the convex portion of the protective sheet 10 is placed on the key top and the concave portion enters the gap between the key tops.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5B (in a state where the key top is not pressed), for example, when the user presses the key top 51 of the key 5a in the direction indicated by the arrow E, the first recess 10d and the second main part of the protective sheet 10 are mainly used. The first convex portion 10 a is displaced together with the key top 51 in the direction indicated by the arrow E while the concave portion 10 e is deformed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the key top 51 of the key 5a is pressed in the direction indicated by the arrow E. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the first convex portion 10 a is sandwiched between the user's finger 100 and the key top 51, and thus is in close contact with the key top 51. The operation of each movable component when the key top 51 is pressed is the same as described above.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6 (when the key top is pressed), when the user separates the finger 100 from the key top 51 of the key 5 a, the key top 51 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow F by the elastic return force of the dome portion 53. To do. At this time, since the first layer 11 is formed of an elastic material, the protective sheet 10 returns to its original shape when it is in an unloaded state (not pressed with a finger or the like) as shown in FIG. 5B. .

[3. Effects of the embodiment, etc.]
According to the present embodiment, the protective sheet 10 has a two-layer structure including a first layer 11 made of, for example, a skin layer and a second layer 12 made of, for example, a non-woven fabric, thereby forming a protective sheet having a single-layer structure. Compared to the above, durability during long-term use and durability against keyboard keystrokes can be improved. Therefore, even if the keyboard 5 on which the protective sheet 10 is placed is repeatedly pressed, the protective sheet 10 is less fatigued and can be prevented from being damaged due to tearing, so that liquid or dust enters the back side of the key top. Can be prevented.

  If you spill water on a keyboard without a protective sheet, water will enter the back of the key top, but the water will evaporate, leaving almost no residue on the back of the key top. The smoothness of the key top stroke is rarely impaired. However, if coffee or juice is spilled on the keyboard 5 on which the protective sheet 10 is not placed, even if the coffee or juice that has entered the back side of the key top is dried, viscous sugar or the like remains. May end up. If such a viscous residue adheres to movable parts such as the link members 52a and 52b, the movement of the movable parts becomes worse and the operability of the keyboard 5 is reduced. Since the protective sheet 10 of the present embodiment can prevent the liquid from entering the back side of the key top 5, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above problems.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, since the gap | interval P1, P2 between keytops can be covered with the protection sheet 10, it can prevent that a liquid, dust, etc. approach into the back side of a keytop. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the smoothness of operation of the movable parts such as the link members 52a and 52b due to the liquid or dust entering the back side of the key top. In addition, the necessity of removing the key top and cleaning the inside of the keyboard 5 is almost eliminated.

  In the present embodiment, the gaps P1, P2, etc. between the key tops can be covered with the protective sheet 10, so that it is possible to prevent the key tops from being removed when the user operates the keyboard 5. it can. That is, in the case of the keyboard on which the protective sheet 10 according to the present embodiment is not placed, when the user operates the keyboard, the user's fingertips enter the gaps P1, P2, etc., and the key top is lifted. The top or accompanying mechanical parts may come off the keyboard. In the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user's fingertip from entering the gaps P1, P2, etc. by covering the gaps P1, P2, etc. between the key tops with the protective sheet 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the key top or a mechanism part associated therewith from being detached from the keyboard with the user's fingertip.

  In addition, since the protective sheet 10 is detachable from the keyboard 5 as in the present embodiment, a dedicated protective sheet can be prepared for each user who uses the notebook computer. For example, when one laptop is shared by multiple users, each user has their own protective sheet so that each user can attach their own protective sheet to the keyboard before using the keyboard. Can be operated. The user removes the personal protective sheet from the keyboard after using the notebook computer, so that the personal protective sheet does not touch other people and is hygienic.

  In the present embodiment, the second layer 12 is formed of a cushioning material such as a non-woven fabric, so that the impact generated when the user presses the key top with the finger can be reduced. it can. For example, when the user presses the key top 51 with a finger in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 5B and the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E as shown in FIG. 6, the link members 52a and 52b are moved to the upper membrane. It contacts the sheet 55a. The impact and vibration when the link members 52a and 52b contact the upper membrane sheet 55a are transmitted to the key top 51 through the link members 52a and 52b. In the present embodiment, the impact and vibration are absorbed by the second layer 12 formed of a nonwoven fabric, thereby reducing the impact transmitted from the key top to the user's finger. Moreover, since the 2nd layer 12 formed with the nonwoven fabric can absorb the keystroke sound produced when a user presses a key top with a finger | toe, a keystroke sound can be reduced.

  Further, the protective sheet 10 of the present embodiment is provided with convex portions (first convex portions 10a and the like) at positions corresponding to the key tops of the keyboard 5, and concave portions (first concave portions) at positions corresponding to the key tops. 10d etc.), when placed on the keyboard 5, the gap with the key top can be reduced as much as possible as compared with the protective sheet not provided with irregularities. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the ingress of liquid or dust from the gap between the protective sheet 10 and the key top. For example, if the protective sheet is not uneven, the gap between the protective sheet and the key top becomes large in the gap between the key tops, and liquid or dust may enter the keyboard from this gap. Becomes higher.

  Further, the protective sheet 10 of the present embodiment is provided with convex portions (first convex portions 10a and the like) at positions corresponding to the key tops of the keyboard 5, and concave portions (first concave portions) at positions corresponding to the key tops. 10d, etc.), when placed on the keyboard 5, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the protective sheet 10 compared to a protective sheet that is not provided with irregularities. That is, since the concave portion of the protective sheet 10 enters the gap between the key tops, the position of the protective sheet 10 in the surface direction of the operation surface of the key top is regulated. Therefore, the position of the protective sheet 10 in the surface direction of the operation surface of the key top can be reduced when the user presses the key.

  Further, since the protective sheet 10 of the present embodiment can be fixed to the keyboard 5 with the hook-and-loop fastener 13, when the user is performing a character input operation using the keyboard 5 to which the protective sheet 10 is attached, Since the displacement of the protective sheet 10 with respect to the keyboard 5 hardly occurs, the operability is not lowered. In addition, when the configuration in which the protective sheet 10 is fixed to the keyboard 5 with the hook-and-loop fastener 13 is applied to a mobile device such as a notebook computer, the protective sheet 10 is not easily detached from the mobile device. Can be transported.

  In the present embodiment, the protective sheet 10 has a two-layer structure including the first layer 11 and the second layer 12, but may have a structure of three or more layers. 7A and 7B show a protective sheet having a three-layer structure. FIG. 7A is a plan view of a main part of the protective sheet. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7B, the protective sheet has a three-layer structure including a first layer 11, a second layer 12, and a third layer 14. The first layer 11 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The first layer 11 has at least a surface 11a (a surface on which a finger comes into contact when the user operates the keyboard 5) painted in a dark color such as black. The second layer 12 can be formed of a nonwoven fabric, for example. The third layer 14 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The third layer 14 has at least a surface 14a painted in a light color such as white. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first layer 11 has notches 11b and 11c of predetermined characters formed on the first and second protrusions 10a and 10b. The cutout portion 11b formed in the first convex portion 10a has the shape of the letter “Q” as shown in FIG. 7A. The notch 11c formed in the second convex portion 10b has a “W” shape as shown in FIG. 7A. Although illustration is omitted, a notch having a predetermined character shape is also formed on the other convex portion (the convex portion corresponding to the key top) of the protective sheet. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the protective sheet is viewed from the surface 11 a side, white characters appear on the surface 11 a of the black first layer 11. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to print predetermined characters on the surface of the protective sheet. When the protective sheet having predetermined characters printed on the surface is used for a long time by the user, the printed characters may disappear due to friction between the protective sheet and the finger. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the first layer 11 is cut out in the shape of a character, and the character is shown by the color of the third layer 14 below the first layer 11, thereby making the user's finger and the protective sheet. Characters will not disappear due to friction between the two.

  In addition, by providing the first layer 11 with a character-shaped cutout as described above, it is possible to support a self-luminous keyboard. A self-luminous keyboard is a keyboard that can emit light from a key top by disposing a light source such as an LED on the back side of the key top and forming the key top from a translucent material. Thereby, the keyboard can be visually observed in a dark place, and the operability can be improved. If a protective sheet that does not have translucency is placed on the self-luminous keyboard, light from the keyboard will be blocked, making it difficult to see the keyboard in the dark and reducing operability. End up. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the first layer 11 is provided with a character-shaped cutout to expose a part of the second layer 12 or the third layer 14 below the first layer 11, and the second layer 12 or By forming the third layer 14 with a light-transmitting material, the light from the key top is passed through the second layer 12 or the notch of the third layer 14 and the first layer 11 to the surface 11 a side of the first layer 11. Can lead to. Therefore, when the protective sheet is viewed from the surface 11a side of the first layer 11, only the characters appear to emit light, and the keyboard can be viewed and operated in a dark place.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the configuration in which the first layer 11 is notched can be applied to the protective sheet having a two-layer structure in the present embodiment. That is, in the protective sheet having a two-layer structure in which the first layer 11 and the second layer 12 are laminated, the first layer 11 may be formed with a notch having a character shape corresponding to each key. Thereby, since a part of 2nd layer 12 can be exposed to the shape of a character via the notch, it is not necessary to print a character on a protection sheet. Printed characters may disappear due to friction between the user's finger and the protective sheet, but in a configuration where the characters are formed by notches, the characters disappear due to friction between the user's finger and the protective sheet. It is preferable because there is nothing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the configuration in which the cutout is provided in the first layer 11, the color of the lower layer of the first layer 11 (such as the second layer 12 or the third layer 14) may be a single color. A plurality of colors may be used. For example, in the third layer 14, the area corresponding to the key that can input the alphabet is painted white, the area corresponding to the key that can input the number is painted blue, and the area corresponding to the function key is painted green. The area corresponding to the other keys is painted red. Thereby, in the notch of the first layer 11, characters having different colors appear for each region.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the hook_and_loop | surface fastener 13 was used as a means to fix the protective sheet 10 to the keyboard 5, other fixing means may be used. For example, the keyboard 5 and the protective sheet 10 are provided with buttons that can be engaged with each other, and both are engaged, and the protective sheet 10 is provided with a claw portion, the keyboard 5 is provided with a concave portion, and the claw portion and the concave portion are engaged. And a method in which the protective sheet 10 and the keyboard 5 are provided with magnets having different polarities (or one is a magnet and the other is a metal) and the magnets are attracted to each other (or the magnet and the metal are attracted).

  Further, the first layer 11 in the present embodiment is an example of the first layer of the present invention. The second layer 12 in the present embodiment is an example of the second layer of the present invention. The 1st convex part 10a and the 2nd convex part 10b in this Embodiment are examples of the keytop fitting part of this invention. The first recess 10d and the second recess 10e in the present embodiment are examples of the gap sealing portion of the present invention. The hook-and-loop fastener 13 in the present embodiment is an example of the locking means of the present invention. The notches 11b and 11c in the present embodiment are examples of the notches of the present invention.

(Embodiment 2)
[1. Configuration of input device]
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the keys 5a to 5c in FIG. 2 and the vicinity thereof. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views taken along the line ZZ in FIG. FIG. 9A shows a state where the key is not pressed. FIG. 9B shows a state where some keys are pressed. FIG. 9C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the key 5b.

[1-1. Example 1]
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, the keyboard 5 according to the present embodiment includes a protective sheet 110 and a frame 120.

  The protective sheet 110 is arranged independently for each key provided on the keyboard 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the protective sheet 110 has a two-layer structure including a first layer 111 and a second layer 112. The first layer 111 can be formed of, for example, a skin layer made of a resin that can be elastically deformed by contraction / extension. The first layer 111 only needs to be formed of at least an elastic material. The second layer 112 is a layer that is in close contact with the first layer 111. The second layer 112 can be formed of a nonwoven fabric, for example. The second layer 112 only needs to be formed of a material having at least a buffer property or a sound absorbing property, and may be formed of a flexible material such as urethane foam in addition to the nonwoven fabric.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the protection sheet 110 is formed in a similar shape to the planar shape of each key. As shown in FIG. 8, the protective sheet 110 has a hole 113 formed substantially at the center of the main plane. As shown in FIG. 9A, the hole 113 is a hole through which the link members 52a and 52b and the dome 53 are inserted. In the protective sheet 110, the vicinity of the hole 113 is fixed to the back surface of the key top 51 of each key with an adhesive or the like. The protective sheet 110 is sandwiched between the frame 120 and the upper membrane sheet 55a in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion 114. In addition, “clamping” in the present embodiment includes a state in which the protective sheet is compressed and deformed.

  The frame 120 is a member for fixing the protective sheet 110. Although not shown, the frame 120 is supported on the first housing 1 by an engagement means such as a claw engagement. Since the frame 120 has a plurality of holes 121 corresponding to the position and size of each key of the keyboard 5, the frame 120 is arranged so as to surround each key independently. In the hole 121, each key and its accompanying parts are inserted. The frame 120 is preferably formed of, for example, a resin material that is not easily elastically deformed. The frame 120 holds the protective sheet 110 together with the upper membrane sheet 55a. As shown in FIG. 9A, the frame 120 holds the protective sheet 110 disposed on each of the adjacent keys in a portion where the plurality of keys are adjacent. In addition, when the frame 120 clamps the protective sheet 110, it is preferable to clamp the protective sheet 110 with a pressing force to the extent that the protective sheet 110 is compressed and deformed by the clamping. Thereby, since the frame 120 can pinch | protect the protection sheet 110 reliably, it is hard to make a clearance gap between the protection sheet 110 and the flame | frame 120, and can improve waterproofness and dustproof property.

  9A, when the user presses the key top 51, for example, the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E. At this time, since the vicinity of the hole 113 is fixed to the key top 51, the protective sheet 110 is deformed in the direction indicated by the arrow E with the displacement of the key top 51 as shown in FIG. 9B. Since the protective sheet 110 is made of an elastically deformable material, it is difficult to prevent the key top 51 from being displaced by compressing and deforming when the key top 51 is displaced from the position shown in FIG. .

  9B, when the user lifts his / her finger from the key top 51, the key top 51 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow F by the elastic return force of the dome portion 53. At this time, since the first layer 111 is formed of an elastic material, the protective sheet 110 returns to its original shape when it is in an unloaded state (not pressed with a finger or the like) as shown in FIG. 9A. .

  In the keyboard 5 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the holding state of the protective sheet 110 is released by removing the frame 120. Therefore, the key top 51 can be removed. By removing the key top 51, the key top 51 can be washed, and movable parts such as the link members 52a and 52b and the periphery thereof can be cleaned. When returning the keyboard 5 to the original state, first, the key top 51 is mounted at a predetermined position. Next, the frame 120 is fixed at a predetermined position on the keyboard 5 so that the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion 112 of the protective sheet 110 is sandwiched with the upper membrane sheet 55a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a protective sheet 110a including a first layer 111a and a second layer 112a is fixed to the back surface of the key top 58. The protective sheet 110 a fixed to the key top 58 is separated from the protective sheets 110 b and 110 c fixed to the key top adjacent to the key top 58. The frame 120 includes a protective sheet 110a, a protective sheet 110b including the first layer 111b and the second layer 112b, and a protective sheet 110c including the first layer 111c and the second layer 112c between the upper membrane sheet 55a. It is pinched. Therefore, by removing the frame 120, the key top 58 and the protective sheet 110a fixed thereto can be removed at the same time. Since the protective sheet 110a fixed to the key top 58 is separated from the protective sheets 110b and 110c fixed to the adjacent key tops, the individual key tops can be removed together with the protective sheet. By adopting such a configuration, there is a problem in the fitting relationship between the link member 52b of the specific key top 51 and the key 51d by, for example, repeated pressing, including cleaning or cleaning only an arbitrary key among the plurality of keys. The key top 58 in which a malfunction has occurred can be removed together with the protective sheet 110, and a new key top 58 equipped with the protective sheet 110 is attached instead, so that only the specific key can be easily replaced. Can be done.

[1-2. Example 2]
FIG. 10 shows a modification of the protective sheet and the frame according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the support structure of the protective sheet 110 in the frame 120. The protective sheet 110 is sandwiched between the frame 120 and the upper membrane sheet 55a in the first embodiment, but is sandwiched between the upper frame 122 and the lower frame 123 in the second embodiment.

  The frame 120 includes an upper frame 122 and a lower frame 123. The lower frame 123 is fixed to the upper membrane sheet 55a. The upper frame 122 is disposed on the upper portion of the lower frame 123 and is supported by the first casing 1 by an engaging means such as a claw engagement, although not shown. Between the upper frame 122 and the lower frame 123, there is a gap in which at least the protective sheet 110 can be sandwiched. Similar to the frame 120 described above, the upper frame 122 and the lower frame 123 are arranged so as to surround each key in the keyboard 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the frame 120 holds the protective sheet 110 disposed on each of the adjacent keys at a portion where the plurality of keys are adjacent. In addition, when the frame 120 clamps the protective sheet 110, it is preferable to clamp the protective sheet 110 with a pressing force to the extent that the frame 120 is compressed and deformed.

  Thereby, since the frame 120 can pinch | protect the protection sheet 110 reliably, it is hard to make a clearance gap between the protection sheet 110 and the flame | frame 120, and can improve waterproofness and dustproof property.

  Moreover, the protective sheet 110 shown in FIG. 10 is fixed to the back surface of each key top and separated for each key top, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 9C. Therefore, by removing the frame 122, at least one of the key tops 51, 58 and 59 and the protective sheet 110 fixed thereto can be removed at the same time. By adopting such a configuration, there is a problem in the fitting relationship between the link member 52b of the specific key top 51 and the key 51d by, for example, repeated pressing, including cleaning or cleaning only an arbitrary key among the plurality of keys. Since the entire protective sheet 110 can be removed at the time of the replacement, only the specific key can be easily exchanged.

[1-3. Example 3]
FIG. 11 shows a modification of the protective sheet and the frame according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The difference between Example 1 and Example 3 is the support structure of the protective sheet in the frame. The protective sheet 110 is sandwiched between the frame 120 and the upper membrane sheet 55a in the first embodiment, but is supported on the upper portion of the frame 124 in the third embodiment.

  The frame 124 is fixed to the upper membrane sheet 55a. The frame 124 is arranged so as to surround each key in the keyboard 5, similarly to the frame 120 described above. As shown in FIG. 11, the frame 124 supports the protective sheet 110 disposed on each of the adjacent keys in a portion where the plurality of keys are adjacent. As a method for supporting the protective sheet 110 with respect to the frame 124, it is preferable to adopt a method in which the protective sheet 110 is detachably supported by a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. By adopting a configuration in which the protective sheet 110 can be attached to and detached from the frame 124, the key top 51 can be easily detached from the keyboard 5, and the key top 51 can be easily cleaned and the movable parts and the vicinity thereof can be cleaned. it can.

  Similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 9C, the protective sheet 110 is fixed to the back surface of each key top and separated for each key top. Therefore, by removing an arbitrary key top, the protective sheet fixed to the key top is also removed at the same time. By adopting such a configuration, there is a problem in the fitting relationship between the link member 52b of the specific key top 51 and the key 51d by, for example, repeated pressing, including cleaning or cleaning only an arbitrary key among the plurality of keys. Since the entire protective sheet 110 can be removed at the time of the replacement, only the specific key can be easily exchanged.

[1-4. Example 4]
FIG. 12 shows a modification of the protective sheet and the frame according to the present embodiment.

  The protective sheet 130 can be placed so as to cover the key tops 51 of the keys included in the keyboard 5. The protective sheet 130 is attached along the shape of the operation surface of each key top of the keyboard 5. That is, when the second layer 132 of the protective sheet 130 is depressed, for example, along the shape of the operation surface of each key top of the keyboard 5, the alignment between the protective sheet 130 and the keyboard 5 can be facilitated. Note that it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the depressed shape provided in the second layer 132 is reflected in the first layer 131 because the keyboard 5 can be easily attached along the protective sheet 130.

  The protective sheet 130 has a two-layer structure including a first layer 131 and a second layer 132. The first layer 131 is a layer exposed to the surface when the protective sheet 130 is attached to the keyboard 5. That is, the first layer 131 is a layer that is directly pressed by a user's finger or the like when the protective sheet 130 is attached to the keyboard 5. The first layer 131 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The first layer 131 may be formed of at least an elastic material. The second layer 132 is a layer that is in close contact with the first layer 131, and is a layer that contacts the key top 51 when the protective sheet 130 is placed on the keyboard 5. The second layer 132 can be formed of a nonwoven fabric, for example. The second layer 132 only needs to be formed of a material having at least a cushioning property or a sound absorbing property, and may be formed of a flexible material such as urethane foam in addition to the nonwoven fabric.

  The protective sheet 130 can be attached to the operation surface of the key top 51 with an adhesive, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. When the protective sheet 130 is fixed to the key top 51 with an adhesive, the protective sheet 130 can be reliably fixed to the key top 51, so that there is an advantage that the position does not shift from the key top 51. When the protective sheet 130 is attached to the key top 51 with a hook-and-loop fastener, the protective sheet 130 can be easily attached to and detached from the key top 51. Therefore, the protective sheet 130 can be easily replaced or the protective sheet 130 can be easily attached. It can be removed. In this case, for example, when a person other than the owner of the keyboard 5 contaminates the key top by touching the keyboard 5, the owner can personally own the protective sheet 130, thereby preventing contamination by others. It can also be protected. In addition, since the outer peripheral part is supported by the flame | frame 120, the protective sheet 130 should just be mounted in the keytop 51, and it is not essential that it is mounted | worn in the keytop 51. FIG.

  The frame 125 is fixed to the upper membrane sheet 55a. Similar to the frame 120 described above, the frame 125 is arranged so as to surround each key in the keyboard 5. As shown in FIG. 12, the frame 125 supports the protective sheet 130 disposed on each of the adjacent keys in a portion where the plurality of keys are adjacent. As a method of supporting the protective sheet 130 with respect to the frame 125, it is preferable to employ a method of detachably supporting the protective sheet 130 with a hook-and-loop fastener or the like. By adopting a configuration in which the protective sheet 130 can be attached to and detached from the frame 125, the key top 51 can be easily detached from the keyboard 5, and the key top 51 can be easily cleaned and the movable parts and the vicinity thereof can be cleaned. it can.

  Further, the protective sheet 130 is separated for each key top, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 9C. Therefore, by removing any key top, the protective sheet 130 fixed to the key top is also removed at the same time. By adopting such a configuration, there is a problem in the fitting relationship between the link member 52b of the specific key top 51 and the key 51d by, for example, repeated pressing, including cleaning or cleaning only an arbitrary key among the plurality of keys. Since the entire protective sheet 130 can be removed at the time, the replacement of only the specific key can be easily performed.

[2. Effects of the embodiment, etc.]
According to the present embodiment, the protective sheet 110 has a two-layer structure including a first layer 111 made of, for example, a skin layer and a second layer 112 made of, for example, a non-woven fabric, thereby forming a protective sheet having a single-layer structure. Compared to the above, durability during long-term use and durability against keyboard keystrokes can be improved. Therefore, even if the keyboard 5 provided with the protective sheet 110 is repeatedly pressed, the protective sheet 110 is less fatigued and can be prevented from being damaged by tearing, and prevents liquid or dust from entering the back side of the key top. be able to. The same effect can be obtained with the protective sheet 130.

  If water is spilled on a keyboard that does not have the protective sheet 110, water enters the back side of the key top, but since the water evaporates, almost no residue remains on the back side of the key top. The smoothness of the top stroke is rarely compromised. However, if coffee or juice is spilled on the keyboard 5 without the protective sheet 110, even if the coffee or juice that has entered the back side of the key top is dried, viscous sugar or the like remains. May end up. If such a viscous residue adheres to movable parts such as the link members 52a and 52b, the movement of the movable parts becomes worse and the operability of the keyboard 5 is reduced. Since the protective sheet 110 of the present embodiment can prevent liquid from entering the back side of the key top 5, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above problems.

  In the present embodiment, the gaps P1 and P2 between the key tops can be covered with the protective sheet 110, so that liquid, dust, and the like can be prevented from entering the back side of the key tops. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the smoothness of operation of the movable parts such as the link members 52a and 52b due to the liquid or dust entering the back side of the key top. In addition, the necessity of removing the key top and cleaning the inside of the keyboard 5 is almost eliminated. The same effect can be obtained with the protective sheet 130.

  In the present embodiment, the protection sheet 110 positioned between the key tops is sandwiched between the frames 120, thereby preventing the key tops from being removed when the user operates the keyboard 5. Can do. That is, in the case of a keyboard that does not include the protective sheet 110 and the frame 120 of the present embodiment, when the user is operating the keyboard, the user's fingertips enter the gaps P1, P2, etc., and lift the key tops. The key top or the mechanical parts accompanying it may be detached from the keyboard. In the present embodiment, the protective sheet 110 and the frame 120 are provided in the gaps P1, P2, etc. between the key tops, so that it is difficult for the user's fingertips to enter the gaps P1, P2, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the key top or a mechanism part associated therewith from being detached from the keyboard with the user's fingertip.

  In the present embodiment, the second layer 112 is formed of a cushioning material such as a non-woven fabric, so that the impact generated when the user presses the key top with the finger can be reduced. it can. For example, in FIG. 9A, when the user presses the key top 51 with a finger and the key top 51 is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow E as shown in FIG. 9B, the link members 52a and 52b abut against the upper membrane sheet 55a. The impact and vibration when the link members 52a and 52b contact the upper membrane sheet 55a are transmitted to the key top 51 through the link members 52a and 52b. In the present embodiment, the impact transmitted from the key top to the user's finger is reduced by absorbing the impact and vibration with the second layer 112 formed of a nonwoven fabric. In addition, the second layer 112 formed of non-woven fabric can absorb the keying sound generated when the user presses the key top with a finger, so that the keying sound can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the key top 51 can be easily attached and detached by making the protective sheet detachable from the frame or the upper membrane sheet. Therefore, it is convenient for cleaning the key top 51 and cleaning the movable parts that support the key top 51 and the periphery thereof.

  In the present embodiment, a protective sheet is provided independently for each key provided on the keyboard 5, and the protective sheet 110 can be attached to and detached from the frame or the upper membrane sheet 55a. Only the key top 51 in the key can be attached and detached. Accordingly, the protective sheet is used when, for example, cleaning or cleaning only an arbitrary key among a plurality of keys, for example, when a trouble occurs in the fitting relationship between the link member 52b of the specific key top 51 and the key 51d due to repeated pressing. Since the entire 110 can be removed, only the specific key can be easily exchanged.

  In the present embodiment, the protective sheet 110 has a two-layer structure including the first layer 111 and the second layer 112, but may have a structure of three or more layers. 13A and 13B show a protective sheet having a three-layer structure. FIG. 13A is a plan view of a main part of the protective sheet. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ZZ in FIG. 13A. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the protective sheet 140 has a three-layer structure including a first layer 141, a second layer 142, and a third layer 143. The first layer 141 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The second layer 142 can be formed of a nonwoven fabric, for example. The third layer 143 can be formed of a skin layer made of an elastically deformable resin, for example. The third layer 143 has at least a surface 141a painted in a light color such as white. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the first layer 141 has a notch 140b of a predetermined character. The notch 140b formed in the first convex portion 140a has a “W” shape as shown in FIG. 13A. Although illustration is omitted, a notch having a predetermined character shape is also formed on the other convex portion (the convex portion corresponding to the key top) of the protective sheet. 13A, when the protective sheet 140 is viewed from the surface 141a side, the white character “W” appears on the surface 141a of the black first layer 141. Such a configuration and This eliminates the need for printing predetermined characters on the surface of the protective sheet.The protective sheet with the predetermined characters printed on the surface is caused by friction between the protective sheet and the finger during long-term use by the user. 13A and 13B, the first layer 141 is cut out in the shape of the character, and the color of the second layer 142 below the first layer 141 is lost. By making the characters appear, the characters do not disappear due to friction between the user's finger and the protective sheet.

  In addition, by providing the first layer 141 with a character-shaped cutout as described above, a self-luminous keyboard can be used. A self-luminous keyboard is a keyboard that can emit light from the key top by disposing a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) behind the key top and forming the key top from a translucent material. is there. Thereby, the keyboard can be visually observed in a dark place, and the operability can be improved. If a protective sheet that does not have translucency is placed on the self-luminous keyboard, light from the keyboard will be blocked, making it difficult to see the keyboard in the dark and reducing operability. End up. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the first layer 141 is provided with a character-shaped cutout to expose a part of the second layer 142 or the third layer 143 below the first layer 141, and the second layer 142 or By forming the third layer 143 with a light-transmitting material, light from the key top is passed through the second layer 142 or the notch of the third layer 143 and the first layer 141 to the surface 141a side of the first layer 141. Can lead to. Therefore, when the protective sheet is viewed from the surface 141a side of the first layer 141, only the characters appear to emit light, and the keyboard can be viewed and operated in a dark place.

  Note that as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the structure in which the first layer 141 is notched can also be applied to the protective sheet having a two-layer structure in the present embodiment. For example, in the protective sheet having a two-layer structure shown in FIG. 9A, the first layer 111 may have a notch having a character shape corresponding to each key. Thereby, a part of the second layer 112 can be exposed to the shape of the character through the notch, so that it is not necessary to print the character on the protective sheet. Printed characters may disappear due to friction between the user's finger and the protective sheet, but in a configuration where the characters are formed by notches, the characters disappear due to friction between the user's finger and the protective sheet. It is preferable because there is nothing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, in the configuration in which the first layer 141 is provided with a notch, the color of the lower layer of the first layer 141 (such as the second layer 142 or the third layer 143) may be a single color. A plurality of colors may be used. For example, in the second layer 142, the area corresponding to the keys that can input alphabets is painted white, the area corresponding to the keys that can input numerals is painted blue, and the area corresponding to the function keys is painted green. The area corresponding to the other keys is painted red. As a result, characters having different colors appear in the notches of the first layer 141 for each region.

  In the present embodiment, the protective sheet 110 is fixed to the key top 51, but can be configured to be detachable from the key top 51. For example, a hook-and-loop fastener can be used to support the protective sheet 110 with respect to the key top 51. With such a configuration, when only the key top 51 is replaced with a new key top, or when only the protective sheet 110 is replaced with a new protective sheet, parts can be easily replaced.

  The present application is useful for a protective sheet. The present application is useful for an input device including a protective sheet.

5 Keyboard 110, 130, 140 Protective sheet 111 First layer 112 Second layer 120, 124, 125 Frame

Claims (2)

An input device having a plurality of input units,
A protective sheet capable of covering at least the space between the input parts ;
A frame that is arranged between adjacent input portions of the plurality of input portions and supports the protective sheet ;
The protective sheet is
Formed of a plurality of layers including at least a first layer and a second layer;
The first layer includes a material having elasticity,
And the second layer, viewed contains a material having a cushioning property,
It is arranged independently for each of the plurality of input units,
The support frame includes an upper frame and a lower frame, and sandwiches the protective sheet between the upper frame and the lower frame,
An input device, wherein the key top of the input unit is exposed from a hole formed in the upper frame. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the protective sheet is detachable from the frame.

Images