JPH09222937A - Portable computer provided with pop-up type keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To move the keys of a keyboard within the range of full stroke for about 3mm in the state of opening the upper case of a portable computer. SOLUTION: This portable computer has the upper case provided tunrably corresponding to a lower case. The lower case has a vertically movable keyboard. When the upper case is turned upward to be opened, a keyboard operating mechanism operates the keyboard into carried-up state and, when the upper case is turned downward to be closed, the keyboard is moved down toward a storage position. The keyboard operating mechanism is provided with a slide panel having an inclined slot for receiving a guide pin provided on the keyboard. When the slide panel is moved in certain one direction in its reciprocating motion, the keyboard is carried up and, when the slide panel is moved in the other direction on the other hand, the keyboard is carried down. When the keyboard is at a carried-up position, keys 24 of the keyboard can be moved within the range of full stroke for about 3mm.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable computer, and more particularly to a laptop or notebook computer having an alphanumeric keyboard.

[0002]

The use of portable computers such as notebook computers has many advantages, but one of the major drawbacks is that the height of keyboard switches must be kept within the thickness limits of portable computers. It is necessary to shorten it. The industry is constantly striving to design portable computers as thin as possible. In reducing the height of the keyboard switch, the designer has to shorten the effective sliding bearing surface of the keyboard switch, and the switch moving range (stroke) is almost 3 m.
It had to be shortened to 2 mm or less as compared with the full stroke switch movement stroke of m.

The compromise of shortening the effective slide bearing surface of the keyboard switch weakens the force with which the keys are supported, thus increasing the roll of the keys and, compared to the feel of a tall desktop keyboard. , There is a tendency to feel restraint or insufficient when hitting a key.

Shortening the range of movement of the switch is one of the other compromises, but this impairs the keystroke efficiency and the accuracy, and the key is smaller than that of a high desktop keyboard. It takes less time to feel physical stress or fatigue when hitting.

[0005]

OBJECT AND PROBLEM OF THE INVENTION One of the main objects and features of the present invention is to provide an improved characteristic that the feeling of rolling and restraint is less than that of a keyboard which is designed to have a low height. To provide a portable computer having a very short profile with a full stroke key having.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable housing having a lower case and an upper case, the portable housing being in a closed position overlapping the lower case and being opened at an angle with respect to the lower case. A portable housing consisting of two cases connected by a hinge so that the upper case can be moved to and from a position, and a lower case that allows vertical movement to a low storage position and a keyed raised position It is an alphanumeric keyboard installed inside,
An alphanumeric keyboard having multiple letters and numeric keys in multiple stages and operably connected to the keyboard, the alphanumeric keyboard is lowered as the upper case is swung from the closed position to the open position. From the raised position where the key can be entered to the raised position, and as the upper case is swung from the open position to the closed position, the alphanumeric keyboard moves from the raised position where the key can be entered to the lower storage position. In order to lower it, an operating device that interlocks with the pivotal movement of the upper case with respect to the lower case is provided, and the operating device interlocks with the reciprocating motion of the slide mechanism that is reciprocally attached to the lower case. Port tab having a pop-up keyboard, having a connecting device for connecting a slide mechanism and the keyboard to raise and lower the keyboard. Computer is provided.

[0007]

These features and objects of the invention will become apparent from the examples described below.

1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the portable computer of the present invention, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The computer 10 has an upper or lid case 12 pivotally attached to a lower or base case 14, and the upper case 1
2 is lower case 14, upper case 12 is lower case 1
4 is axially movable between a closed position overlying 4 and an open operating position in which the upper case 12 is directed upwards at a substantially right angle for keyboard operation. The upper case 12 is preferably pivotally attached to the lower case 14 via a hinge mechanism 16.

The upper case 12 includes a display 18 visible when the upper case is open. The lower case 14 has an alphanumeric keyboard 20 as a device for inputting data when the upper case is open. The keyboard 20 includes a plurality of keys 24 for a plurality of alphabetic characters and numbers. The alphanumeric key 24 shown in the figure is a key having a low height and having a full range of movement (a full stroke key), rather than a key having a short range of movement which is currently popular in a portable computer. Preferably, keyboard 20 also includes a row of low height function keys 28.

The lower case 14 includes an upper wall 31 and a bottom wall 32.
And a generally rectangular housing 30 having a thin space extending between the. A hole 33 is provided in the upper wall 31 near the hinge mechanism 16 and a keyboard cavity 34 is formed near the front wall.

The keyboard 20 includes a keyboard housing 36 that supports the keyboard 20 within a keyboard cavity 34.
Having. The keyboard 20 is designed to move vertically between the low storage position shown in FIG. 3 and the raised keyable position shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment, the keys 24 and 28 are substantially flush with the top wall 31 of the lower case 14 when the keyboard 20 is in the low stowed position, and the keyboard 20 is in the raised keyed position. Is in a position higher than the lower case 14. When the keyboard 20 is in the stowed position, the bottom portion of the keyboard housing 36 contacts the bottom wall 32 or is slightly above it. Alternatively, computer hardware such as disk drives and circuit boards are attached to the bottom wall 32. In the raised state, the bottom portion of the keyboard housing 36 is separated from the bottom wall 32 by a space 38.

The computer 10 has a keyboard actuation mechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 40, which comprises a lower case 14.
In response to the up and down movement of the upper case 12 with respect to, the keyboard 20 is moved to its stowed position and the raised position.
More specifically, the keyboard operating mechanism 40 is operatively attached between the upper case 12 and the keyboard 20, and when the upper case 12 is raised from its closed state to its open state, the keyboard operating mechanism 40 is operated. Move from the storage position to the raised key input position. Similarly, when the upper case 12 is lowered from its open state to its closed state, the keyboard operating mechanism 40 moves so that the keyboard is lowered from the key input position to the storage position.

The keyboard actuating mechanism 40 has a slide mechanism 42 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) attached to the lower case along the side surface of the keyboard and horizontally reciprocating. Slide mechanism 4 provided on both sides of the keyboard
Each of the two is the same, so only one of them is shown in detail. Each slide mechanism 42 includes an elongated blade 44 attached to the lower case 14 to reciprocate back and forth to move the keyboard 20 up and down. Each blade 44 is spaced with a pair of substantially identical slanted elongated slots 46 formed adjacent the sides of the keyboard housing 36. Each elongated slot 46 has a cam portion 46a that is slanted to move the keyboard 20 from the stored position to the raised position, and as shown in FIG. 4, for holding the keyboard 20 in the raised position when the blade 44 moves forward. It has a level part 46b.
The keyboard housing 36 has a protruding slot pin 48 that extends into and slides in the slot 46 for converting the horizontal reciprocating motion of the blade 44 into the vertical motion of the keyboard 20.

A T-shaped mounting slot 50 is formed in the blade 44 to receive a mounting pin 52 projecting from a side of the lower case 14 for movably supporting the blade 44 in the lower case 14. 3 and 4
Slot 50 and pin 52, as shown in FIG.
Restrict exercise.

A cam follower 56 provided near the hinge 16 is provided on each blade 44 for engaging the cam 58 and following its movement. Cam 5
8 is preferably provided on the upper case or integrally formed with the upper case, and projects into the opening 33 provided in the upper wall 31 and contacts the cam follower 56. When the upper case is pivoted downwardly from the open position to the closed position, the cam 58 moves downward and engages the cam follower 56 to retract the blade 44, which retracting movement then causes the keyboard to move. It is a movement to move from the raised state to the stored state. On the contrary, when the upper case is axially moved upward from the closed position to the open position,
The cam 58 pivots upward, moving the blade forward.

The keyboard actuation mechanism 40 has a spring mechanism 60 operatively coupled to the slide mechanism 42 for biasing or biasing the blades 44 forward when the upper case is moved to the open position. The spring mechanism 60 includes a compression spring 6 formed on the lower case.
6 has a spring contact portion 62 for supporting one end. The other end of the compression spring 66 is supported by a spring contact portion provided on the blade 44. As shown in FIG. 3, when the cam is pivoted downward and backward in response to closing the upper case, the spring 66 is compressed between the spring contact portions 62 and 64. When the upper case is moved to the open position, the spring is uncompressed, the blades 44 move forward, and the keyboard 20 is then raised from its stowed position to a raised position for key entry.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that, in a low profile portable computer, all mobile alphanumeric keys 2
4 can be provided. 6 and 7 show the key 24
1 shows a vertical cross section of. When the keyboard 20 is in the open position (FIG. 7), the keys move through the full stroke (3-4).
mm) can be depressed, while on the other hand, when the keyboard is in the retracted position (FIG. 6), the key is prevented from being depressed in the range of the entire movement stroke.

The keyboard 20 preferably has a support base plate 70. The support base plate 70 has a plurality of "openings" 72 formed corresponding to the location of each key switch. A single block 74 having a plurality of tubular raised portions 76 is provided on the base plate, or
It is formed integrally with the base plate. Each tubular upright 7
A key 24 having a shape complementary to the key 6 is fitted into the key 6.
A thin film switch layer 78 is provided on the single block 74 separated by a separation layer 80 having an opening concentric with the opening 72.

A rubber dome sheet 82 having a plurality of rubber domes formed thereon is provided on the thin film switch layer 78.
Each dome 84 corresponds to each key switch. Each dome 84 has a central opening 86 therein through which the key shaft 88 supported by the tubular upright 76 is inserted. The rubber dome 84 not only functions as a return spring, but also serves to sensuously notify the operator that the key switch has been pressed. Further, as is clear from FIG. 7, the key top can be pushed further downward as “excessive movement” even after the thin film switch is activated before reaching the final end of the movement range of the full stroke. Has become.

The key shaft 88 and the upright cylinder 76 form the keyboard 2
When 0 is in the stowed position, it is designed to poke into the opening 72 to minimize the height and profile of the key 24. When the key 24 is pressed while the keyboard 20 is in the storage position, the key shaft 88 abuts the bottom wall 33, and the key 24
To make it non-functional. However, when the key 20 is in the raised position, the space 38 underneath the plate 70 is sufficient space for the key 24 to be depressed in its full range of movement of about 3 mm.

8 to 10 show another embodiment of the portable computer indicated by reference numeral 90. In this embodiment, the cam 58 of the previous embodiment is removed and a cam 92 is attached instead. The cam 92 is pivotally mounted in the opening 33. Specifically, the cam 92 is supported by a rod-shaped shaft 94 attached to the lower case 14 and is axially movable.

The cam 92 has an upper lid engaging surface 96 and a cam follower engaging surface 98. When the lid 12 is moved to the closed or lowered position, the lid engages the cam surface 96 and the cam 92 pivots about the rod shaft, thereby causing the cam surface 98 to move relative to the cam follower 56. , Keyboard 20
Blade 44 is moved to the rearward position to bring it to the lowest position.

When the lid 12 is moved to the open position, the spring mechanism 60 causes the cam surface 98 to rotate the cam 92 to release the keyboard 20 to the raised position.
Move the cam follower 56 against.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable computer according to the present invention showing a state in which a lid case is swung open from a base case and is operable.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the portable computer shown in FIG. 1 with a part of the base case cut away so that a part of a keyboard operating mechanism for raising and lowering the alphanumeric keyboard can be seen.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 to show the keyboard operating mechanism with the lid case closed.

4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing line 4-4 of FIG. 2 to show the keyboard actuation mechanism with the lid case open.
Longitudinal sectional view along the line.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of the portable computer shown by removing a part of a side wall portion of the base case.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one of the keys of the keyboard when the keyboard is closed.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the keyboard is raised,
FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 with one of the keys on the keyboard depressed to the lowest full stroke position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portable computer adopting another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 with the lid case closed.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 with a lid case opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 portable computer 12 upper case 14 lower case 16 hinge mechanism 18 display 20 keyboard 24 keys 28 function keys 31 upper wall 32 bottom wall 34 keyboard cavity 36 keyboard housing 38 space 40 keyboard operating mechanism 42 sliding mechanism 44 blade 46 narrow slot 50 slot 52 Pin 56 Cam follower 58 Cam 60 Spring mechanism 66 Spring 70 Base plate 72 Opening 74 Single block 76 Cylindrical upright portion 78 Thin film switch layer 80 Separation layer 82 Rubber dome sheet 84 Dome 88 Key axis 90 Portable computer 92 Cam 96 Cam surface 98 Cam engagement surface

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A portable housing comprising a lower case and an upper case, wherein the upper case is moved between a closed position overlapping the lower case and an open position angularly separated from the lower case. It is an alphanumeric keyboard that is mounted in the lower case so that it can be moved vertically to a low housing position and a raised position where keys can be entered. And an alphanumeric keyboard having a plurality of multi-character and numeric keys, and an alphanumeric keyboard operably connected to the keyboard as the upper case is swung from the closed position to the open position. An alphanumeric keyboard as the upper case is swung from the open position to the closed position to raise it from the low storage position to the keyed up position An operating device that is interlocked with the pivoting movement of the upper case with respect to the lower case in order to lower the key input from a raised position to a lower storage position, and the operating device is reciprocally attached to the lower case. A portable computer having a pop-up keyboard, comprising: a slide mechanism; and a connecting device for connecting the slide mechanism and the keyboard to raise and lower the keyboard in association with the reciprocating movement of the slide mechanism. 2. The portable computer of claim 1, wherein the upper case has a visible display facing the operator when the upper case is moved to the open position. 3. The portable computer of claim 1, wherein the actuating device comprises a biasing device operably coupled to the keyboard for moving the keyboard from the stowed position to the keyed up position. 4. The actuating device incrementally raises the keyboard from the storage position to a higher position as the upper case is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, and closes the upper case from the open position. A cam follower operatively connecting the upper case and the alphanumeric keyboard so as to lower the keyboard from a keyed raised position to a lower stowed position as it is pivoted to the position. Item 1. A portable computer according to item 1. 5. The portable computer of claim 4, wherein the actuating device comprises a biasing device operably coupled to the keyboard for moving the keyboard from the stowed position to the raised position. 6. The portable computer of claim 5, wherein the cam is operably connected to the upper case, the cam follower is operably connected to the keyboard, and the biasing device biases the cam follower to engage the cam. 7. The lower case has a hole near the hinge, the cam follower is mounted in the hole of the lower case, the cam is carried by the upper case, and the upper case is in a closed position for engaging the cam follower. 5. The portable computer according to claim 4, wherein the portable computer is adapted to enter the hole of the lower case as it moves. 8. The portable computer according to claim 4, wherein the coupling device has a tilted slot and a guide pin that moves in the slot. 9. A tilted slot is formed in the slide mechanism, a guide pin is provided on the keyboard, and extends into the tilted slot to move the keyboard up and down in response to the reciprocating movement of the slide mechanism. 9. The portable computer according to claim 8, wherein: 10. The plurality of alphanumeric keys are low-shaped keys that move in the entire range, and when the keyboard is raised to a high key input position, the low-shaped keys can move in the entire range. 9. The key held by the key support device to be pressed and released, wherein the lower profile key is adapted to be locked in its full range when the keyboard is in the stowed position. Portable computer. 11. The full range moving low profile key has a key device supported by a key support device, the keyboard being capable of full range depression of the low profile key in a raised key enable position. 11. The portable computer according to claim 10, further comprising a key shaft portion supported by a key support device including a base support portion and an upright cylinder portion that allow the key shaft portion to enter the base support portion when in a state. 12. The keyboard occupies a cavity in the lower case when the keyboard is in the stowed position and penetrates the base support to cover the entire range of keys when the keyboard is in the raised key-entry position. 11. The portable computer of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the cavity of the case is emptied so that there is sufficient space under the base support for the key shaft to enter the space for movement. . 13. A portable housing comprising a lower case and an upper case, wherein the upper case is moved between a closed position overlapping the lower case and an open position angularly separated from the lower case. A portable housing consisting of two cases that are connected by a hinge so that it can be moved, and is vertically mounted in a lower storage position and a raised position where keys can be input. An alphanumeric keyboard with letter and number keys and an activating keyboard that raises the alphanumeric keyboard from a low storage position to a high key-entry position when the upper case is swung from a closed position to an open position. And a pop-up device connected to a plurality of character and number keys, each of which is a low-shaped key that moves over its entire range When the keyboard is in the stowed position, the key is held in place by being pressed and released by a key support device that allows the full range of movement of the lower shaped key when raised to the keyable position. 9. A portable computer as claimed in claim 8 wherein the low profile key is adapted to stop the full range of movement. 14. The low profile key that is full range movable is a key device supported by a key support device, and the keyboard is capable of full range depression of the low profile key in the raised key enable position. 14. The portable computer according to claim 13, further comprising a key shaft portion supported by the key supporting device including the base supporting portion and the upright cylinder portion to allow the key device to enter the base supporting portion when in the state. 15. The keyboard occupies the cavity of the lower case when the keyboard is in the stowed position, and penetrates the base support to cover the entire range of keys when the keyboard is in the raised key-entry position. 15. The portable computer of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the cavity of the case is emptied so that there is sufficient space under the base support for the key shaft to enter the space for movement. . 16. The base support portion includes a keyboard support plate having a plurality of openings at locations related to the corresponding alphanumeric keys, and the upright cylinder portion of the key is provided at the opening for slidably supporting the shaft portion. 16. The portable computer according to claim 15, wherein the portable computer is disposed in contact with the key, and when the key is fully pressed, the shaft portion penetrates the opening and can enter a space below the base support portion. 17. Each of the plurality of keys has a plurality of corresponding rubber-based domes related to the position of the corresponding key, and each of the rubber-based domes has a key shaft portion slidable by an upright tubular portion. 17. The portable computer according to claim 16, which has a hole that penetrates it. 18. A pop-up device is operably coupled to the keyboard and raises the alphanumeric keyboard from a lower storage position to a higher key-entry position as the upper case is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. In order to lower the alphanumeric keyboard from the high key input position to the lower storage position as the upper case is swung from the open position to the closed position, it is interlocked with the swivel movement of the upper case with respect to the lower case. 14. The portable computer of claim 13, including an actuator. 19. The operating device incrementally raises the keyboard from the storage position to a higher position as the upper case is swung from the closed position to the open position, and the upper case moves from the open position to the closed position. 19. A cam and a cam follower operatively connecting the upper case and the alphanumeric keyboard so as to lower the alphanumeric keyboard from the high key input position to the lower storage position as the alphanumeric keyboard is swung to. The listed portable computer. 20. The portable computer according to claim 19, wherein the cam is attached to the lower case, rotates in association with the rotation of the upper case, and the cam follower is operatively connected to the keyboard.