JPH0675677A - Keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform key operation without paying attention to a mistouch on a cursor key when operating JIS array keys or keys of an array based upon the JIS array. CONSTITUTION:A contact part in three-layered structure consisting of an upper electrode sheet, a spacer, and a lower electrode sheet and an electronic lock key 5 which switches the contact part are provided so as to control the input of cursor keys 2 on a keyboard main body 4; and the operation state and operation resetting of the cursor keys 2 are switched with the electronic lock key 5.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a notebook type keyboard used as an input device for various information processing equipment or office equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 3A and 3B are a plan view and a side view showing a part of an example of a conventional keyboard. Conventionally, a notebook-type keyboard used as an input device for various information devices or office equipment is, for example,
As shown in FIG. 3, keys having various functions are arranged on the keyboard body 4 in a JIS arrangement or an arrangement based on the JIS arrangement.

In such a notebook type keyboard, there are restrictions such as its size and shape, and there is a cursor key 2 in addition to the JIS arranged keys or the arranged keys 1 according to the JIS arrangement. The cursor key 2 was placed at a location where space was limited. Since it is arranged in the limited place, when the key 1 having the JIS arrangement key or the arrangement conforming to the JIS arrangement is input, the hand often comes into contact with the cursor key 2 and presses the cursor key 2 to cause an erroneous input. Sometimes.

Therefore, conventionally, in order to prevent such an erroneous input, when a key 1 having a JIS arrangement key or an arrangement conforming to the JIS arrangement is input, a hand touches the cursor key 2 and presses the cursor key 2 to make an error. Even if a partition plate 3 is provided on the front part of the cursor key 2 so as not to allow input, and the user touches the part of the partition plate 3, the cursor key 2
Cursor key 2
Prevented erroneous input by pressing.

[0005]

In the conventional keyboard as described above, the partition plate is provided on the front surface so that the hand does not enter the cursor keys, but the height of the partition plate only prevents erroneous input. It has the disadvantage that it does not have a sufficient height and that the partition plate makes it difficult to operate the cursor key input.

An object of the present invention is to provide a note-type keyboard which is excellent in operability without erroneous input to cursor keys.

[0007]

The keyboard of the present invention comprises:
A keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged in accordance with JIS or TIS and a cursor key for moving a cursor has a contact portion of a three-layer structure composed of an upper electrode sheet, a spacer, and a lower electrode sheet, and this contact point. An electronic lock key having a switch mechanism for switching the parts is provided, and the operating state of the cursor key and the release of the operating state are performed by the electronic lock key.

[0008]

The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view and a side view showing a part of an embodiment of a keyboard of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing the electronic lock key of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, this keyboard is provided with an electronic lock key 5 for holding and releasing the operation of the cursor key 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic lock key 5 has a contact portion 6 having a three-layer structure composed of an upper electrode sheet 7, a spacer 8 and a lower electrode sheet 9, and has a function of operating the contact 6. There is.

The switch mechanism of the electronic lock key S is
The contact portion 6 has a pressing portion at one end and a spring 10 in a hole formed in the side surface, a button 5a into which the ball 11 is inserted, and a groove 12 into which the ball 11 is inserted in the side wall.
A support member having a spring 13 is provided at the bottom thereof.

Next, the operation of this keyboard will be described. First, when the button 5a of the electronic lock key 5 is pressed, the button 5a goes down against the spring 13 and the contact 6 is turned on. At this time, the ball 11 on the side surface of the button 5a enters the groove 12, and the button 5a continues to press the contact 6 to maintain the operation state of the cursor key 2. Next, when the button 5a is further pressed, the button 5a is lowered once and the ball 11 is moved into the groove 1
2 and is pushed back by the restoring force of the spring 13, the contact 6 is turned off, and the operating state of the cursor key 2 is released.

In this embodiment, the electronic lock key 5 is used.
Is attached to the surface of the keyboard, but it may be attached to the front side surface of the keyboard. Although the electronic lock key is described as a self-holding type in this embodiment, the electronic lock key 5
The cursor key 2 may be activated only while the button 5a is pressed with a finger. In this case, if the key is not pressed with a finger, the key 1 input having a JIS array key or an array conforming to the JIS array accidentally touches the cursor key 2 and presses the cursor key 2. Also does not work.

[0013]

According to the invention described above, by providing the key switch for switching the operation of the cursor key and the release of the operation state, the JIS array mounted in the vicinity of the cursor key and the front surface of the keyboard or the array conforming to the JIS array can be realized. Even if the user touches the cursor key by mistake when inputting a key that the user has, the cursor key does not operate, so that another key can be operated without paying attention to the contact of the cursor key.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view and a side view showing a part of a keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an enlarged plan view showing the electronic lock key of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view and a side view showing a part of an example of a conventional keyboard.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 cursor keys 3 partition plate 4 keyboard body 5 electronic lock key 6 contacts 7 upper electrode sheet 8 spacer 9 lower electrode sheet 10, 13 spring 11 ball 12 groove

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged in accordance with JIS arrangement or TIS and a cursor key for moving a cursor, wherein a contact portion having a three-layer structure composed of an upper electrode sheet, a spacer and a lower electrode sheet. A keyboard having an electronic lock key having a switch mechanism for switching between the contact portions and having the electronic lock key for operating and releasing the operating state of the cursor key.