JPH08234882A - Keyboard unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide the keyboard unit, with which operability is improved, the fatigue of an operator is reduced and the extension of area to be occupied can be suppressed, concerning the keyboard unit with which information is inputted to various kinds of electronic equipment by successively pushing down plural key tops with the fingers of both hands. CONSTITUTION: The key top to be pushed down with the finger of the left hand is twisted so that a coordinate axis on its lower surface can be made parallel with the coordinate axis of a key top arranging area and a coordinate axis on its upper surface can be turned from 0 deg. to 20 deg. in the clockwise direction to the coordinate axis of the key top arranging area, and the key top to be pushed down with the finger of the right hand is twisted so that the coordinate axis on its lower surface can be made parallel with the coordinate axis in the key top arranging area and the coordinate axis on its upper surface can be turned from 0 deg. to 20 deg. in the counter-clock-wise direction to the coordinate axis in the key top arranging area. Then, this keyboard unit is constituted by arranging plural lines, which are composed of plural key tops linearly arranged in the X axis direction of the key top arranging area, in the Y axis direction.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a keyboard device for inputting information to various electronic devices by sequentially depressing a plurality of key tops with fingers of both hands, and particularly excellent operability even when an operator operates for a long time. The present invention relates to a keyboard device that incorporates an ergonomic element with less fatigue.

When an operator unconsciously extends his / her hands over a keyboard device operated with both hands, both hands are arranged in a V shape, and a keyboard device in which a key top is arranged so that the operator can press down in such a state Excellent operability and less fatigue even if operated for a long time.

On the other hand, the keyboard device is generally placed on an office desk or the like, and it is required that the occupied area is as small as possible. However, the area occupied by the conventional keyboard device that can press the keytop with both hands arranged in a V shape increases.

Therefore, there is a demand for the development of a keyboard device which incorporates ergonomic elements to improve the operability and suppress the increase of the occupied area.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a conventional keyboard device, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another example of a conventional keyboard device, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the shape of a conventional key top. .

When the left-right direction of the key top array area 1 is the X-axis direction and the depth direction is the Y-axis direction when viewed from the front, a normal keyboard device is linearly arrayed in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. A plurality of rows of key tops 2 are further arranged in the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, another conventional keyboard device has a right hand key top arrangement region 11 and a left hand key top arrangement region 12, and the key top arrangement regions 11 and 12 are X-shaped.
A plurality of rows of key tops 2 linearly arranged in the axial direction are arranged in the Y axis direction.

Each key top array area has a coordinate axis Y.
Are arranged on the keyboard device so that the intervals between the keys are gradually opened toward the front, and the coordinate axis Y of each key-top arrangement region is aligned with the extension direction of the C-shaped hand unintentionally placed by the operator.

As shown in FIG. 7, in each key top 2, the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface and the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface are both parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y in the key top arrangement area. It is made of a resin molded so that

[0010]

In the ordinary keyboard device shown in FIG. 5, the characters and symbols on the key tops are easy to see, so that even a beginner to an expert can easily operate it, and all key tops are arranged closely. As a result, it is possible to form a keyboard device having a small occupied area.

However, when it is unintentionally placed, it is necessary to bend the direction of the hand in the shape of a V in the Y-axis direction of the key-top arrangement region during operation. There is a problem that accumulated fatigue gradually increases.

On the other hand, the keyboard device shown in FIG. 6 can be operated with the hand in a V shape, and the fatigue accumulated in the arm of the operator is small, but a wasteful space is generated around each key top arrangement region. There is a problem of increasing the area occupied by the keyboard device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device which is excellent in operability, has less operator fatigue, and can suppress an increase in occupied area.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a keyboard device according to the present invention. Note that the same object is denoted by the same symbol throughout the drawings.

The above problem is that when the left-right direction of the keytop array region 1 is the X-axis direction and the depth direction is the Y-axis direction when viewed from the front, the center of the keytop array region 1 is moved leftward along the X-axis. A keyboard device for pressing down the arranged key tops 3 with a finger of the left hand, and pressing down the key tops 4 arranged in the right direction from the center along the X-axis with a finger of the right hand. In the key top 3, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface are the clock axes with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area 1. twisted to pivot 0-20 degrees in the direction, the coordinate axis X _L key tops 4 on the lower surface to be pressed by the fingers of the right hand, Y _L is the key-top sequence region 1
Coordinate axes X _H , Y parallel to the coordinate axes X, Y of
_H is twisted so as to rotate counterclockwise 0 to 20 degrees with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the keytop arrangement area 1, and is arranged linearly in the X-axis direction of the keytop arrangement area 1 from the plurality of keytops. This is achieved by the keyboard device of the present invention in which a plurality of rows are arranged in the Y-axis direction and the corresponding push button switches are activated by pressing the key tops 3 and 4.

[0016]

In FIG. 1, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface of the key top 3 pressed by the finger of the left hand are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _{H on the} upper surface are the keys. coordinate axes X of the top sequence region 1, twisting to pivot 0-20 degrees in a clockwise direction with respect to Y, the coordinate axis X _L of the key tops 4 to be pressed by the fingers of the right hand of the lower surface, Y
Twist so that _L is parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface rotate 0 to 20 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1. By this, the coordinate axis Y _H on the upper surface of the key top can be aligned with the extension direction of both hands in the V shape, and the key top can be pushed down with the hands in the V shape, so that it is accumulated in the operator's arm. Fatigue is reduced.

Moreover, the coordinate axis X on the lower surface of the key top
_{Since L} and Y _L are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area, the key tops can be densely arranged in the key top arrangement area and the area occupied by the keyboard device can be reduced. .

That is, it is possible to realize a keyboard device which is excellent in operability, has less operator fatigue, and can suppress an increase in occupied area.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a view showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a key top of a keyboard device of the present invention.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from the front, the left and right direction of the key top arrangement region 1 is the X-axis direction and the depth direction is the Y direction.
In the axial direction, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of rows of key tops 3 and 4 linearly arranged in the X axis direction are arranged in the Y axis direction.

In the key top 3 to be pressed with the left hand finger, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface are the key top arrangement area 1. It is twisted so as to turn 12 degrees clockwise with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of.

Further, in the key top 4 to be pressed with the right finger, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L of the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H of the upper surface are the key top array. It is twisted so that it turns 12 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the region 1.

In such a keyboard device, the coordinate axis Y _{H on the} upper surface of the key top coincides with the extension direction of both hands in the V shape, and the hand in the V shape is moved back and forth to move the key top. Since it can be pressed, the fatigue accumulated in the operator's arm is reduced.

Moreover, the coordinate axis X on the lower surface of the key top
_{Since L} and Y _L are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area, the key tops can be densely arranged in the key top arrangement area and the area occupied by the keyboard device can be reduced. .

However, the relationship between the key tops and the fingers is not one-to-one, and for example, in the case of the index finger, two rows of key tops are shared. Therefore, even when the hand is put in a V shape, the fingers are open and the extension direction of the hand is different from the extension direction of each finger.

Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the turning angles of the coordinate axes X _H and Y _{H on} the upper surface of the key top are different for each finger, and the angle of the key top pressed by the little finger is the minimum and the index finger. It is configured to maximize the angle of the key top pressed with.

In such a keyboard device, the coordinate axis Y _{H on the} upper surface of the key top coincides with the extension direction of both hands forming a V-shape, and also with the extension direction of each expanded finger, the operator's The fatigue accumulated in the arm can be further reduced.

Further, in the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the height of the key top is the highest in the central portion of the key top arrangement area 1, and the left and right ends are approached from the central portion of the key top arrangement area 1. The key tops are arranged so that the height of the key tops gradually decreases.

In the key top 3 to be pressed with the left hand finger, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface are the key top arrangement area 1. It is formed so as to turn clockwise by 12 degrees with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y.

In the key top 4 to be pressed with the right finger, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L of the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H of the upper surface are the key top arrangement. It is formed so as to turn counterclockwise by 12 degrees with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the region 1.

In such a keyboard device, the coordinate axis Y _{H on the} upper surface of the key top coincides with the extension direction of both hands forming a V shape, and the height of the key top gradually decreases as it approaches the left and right ends. Therefore, the twist of the arm is reduced, and the fatigue can be further reduced.

The coordinate axis X of the key-top arrangement region as the keyboard device key top 3 and 4 used in the FIG. 4 (a), Y relative coordinate axes X _L, Y _L is the upper surface parallel axes X of the lower surface _H and Y _H are turning 0 to 20 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.

Further, the key tops 3 and 4 with which the fingertips abut when pressed are formed with curved recesses corresponding to the roundness of the fingertips. The key tops 3 and 4 are automatically positioned at the central portions thereof.

A modified example of the keyboard device according to the present invention aims to improve the degree of recognition of the key top by the fingertip by advancing such an idea. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the key top 3,
The upper surface of 4 is provided with a depression 31 that conforms to the shape of the finger pressing the key tops 3, 4.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in a keyboard device in which the pivot angles of the coordinate axes X _H and Y _{H on} the upper surface of the key top are different for each finger, a depression suitable for the shape of the finger pressing the key tops 3 and 4 is formed on the upper surface. The use of key tops with 31 reduces false presses.

In addition to the key tops that are pressed with a specific finger, the keyboard device includes key tops that are pressed with the right or left thumb. For example, the tab key, the space key, and the like are arranged in the center front of the keyboard device and are pressed by the right or left thumb.

In another modification of the keyboard device according to the present invention, the key top 5 pressed by the thumb of the right hand or the left hand has coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area as shown in FIG. 4 (c).
And comprise parallel bottom surface of the coordinate axes X _L, Y _L and the upper surface of the coordinate axes X _H, and Y _H respect.

Further, on the upper surface of the key top 5, there is a depression 51 extending in the lateral direction from the center to the right, which is adapted to the shape of the right thumb.
Is formed, and a recess 52 that extends laterally from the center to the left side and that conforms to the shape of the left thumb is formed, and the operability with the fingertip is improved.

[0039] In this way, the keypad pressed by the finger of the left hand is
Coordinate axis X on the bottom surface_L, Y_LIs the key top array
The coordinate axis X on the top surface is parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of region 1.
_H, Y_HFor the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area 1
Twist to rotate clockwise 0 to 20 degrees and press with your right finger
The key top 4 is the coordinate axis X on the lower surface._L, Y _LBut
On the top surface, parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area 1.
Coordinate axis X_H, Y_HIs the coordinates of the key top array area 1
Twist to rotate 0 to 20 degrees counterclockwise with respect to axes X and Y
Therefore, the coordinate axis Y on the upper surface of the key top_HOf
You can match the extension direction of both hands that make a letter shape,
You can press the key top with your hands in a V shape.
Therefore, the fatigue accumulated in the operator's arm is reduced.

Moreover, the coordinate axis X on the lower surface of the key top
_{Since L} and Y _L are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area, the key tops can be densely arranged in the key top arrangement area and the area occupied by the keyboard device can be reduced. .

That is, it is possible to realize a keyboard device which is excellent in operability, has less operator fatigue, and can suppress an increase in occupied area.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a keyboard device which is excellent in operability, has less operator fatigue, and can suppress an increase in occupied area.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a keyboard device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a key top of the keyboard device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a conventional keyboard device.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another example of a conventional keyboard device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a shape of a conventional key top.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 keytop sequence region 3,4,5 keytop 31,51,52 recess X, coordinate axis X _L of the Y key top sequence region, Y _L key top bottom surface of the coordinate axes X _H, Y _H axis of the key top upper surface

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Hideyuki Motoyama Inventor Hideyuki Motoyama 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor, Goro Watanabe, 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Atsuo Takanezawa 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa within Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Keita Matsumoto 1015 Kamedotachu, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Kohei Nakajima Kanagawa 1015 Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Fujita 1015 Kamitadanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Fujitsu Limited (72) Takashi Ando 1015 Ueda-anaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Address within Fujitsu Limited

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. When the left-right direction of the key top arrangement region as viewed from the front is the X-axis direction and the depth direction is the Y-axis direction,
A key top arranged in the left direction along the X axis from the center of the key top arrangement region is pressed down with a finger of the left hand, and X is drawn from the center.
A keyboard device for pressing down the key tops arranged in the right direction along an axis with a finger of the right hand, wherein the key tops pressed with the finger of the left hand have coordinate axes X _L and Y _{L on the} lower surface in a key top array region. Is parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface are twisted so as to rotate clockwise by 0 to 20 degrees with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area, and are pressed by the finger of the right hand. In the key top, the coordinate axes X _L and Y _L on the lower surface are parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area, and the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface are counterclockwise with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area. A plurality of rows of the keytops, which are twisted so as to rotate by 0 to 20 degrees and are linearly arranged in the X-axis direction of the keytop arrangement area, are arranged in the Y-axis direction. Corresponding push button switch Keyboard apparatus characterized by comprising configured to dynamic. 2. The angle at which the coordinate axes X _H and Y _H on the upper surface of the key top are swiveled with respect to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top array area is that the key top pressed with the little finger is the minimum and the key top pressed with the index finger is the maximum. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The height of the key tops arranged in the key top arrangement region is the highest in the central portion of the key top arrangement region, and gradually lowers as approaching the left and right ends of the key top arrangement region. The described keyboard device. 4. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein depressions each having a shape corresponding to a fingertip are provided on an upper surface of the key top. 5. The key top located in the center of the key top array region and pressed by the right thumb or the left thumb has coordinate axes X _L , Y _L on the lower surface and coordinate axes X _{H on} the upper surface,
Y _H is parallel to the coordinate axes X and Y of the key top arrangement area, and a recess adapted to the shape of the right thumb is formed on the right side of the center of the upper surface of the key top, and a shape of the left thumb is adapted on the left side of the center. The keyboard device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard device has a recess.