JPH04362723A - Input device for information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to input devices for information processing apparatuses such as computers and word processors, and particularly relates to space saving of input devices and improvement of reliability of the devices.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Among the input devices for information processing devices such as personal computers and word processors that have become rapidly popular in recent years, the most frequently used business devices are as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 109522/1983. There is a trend toward larger sizes due to ease of input operation, ease of fatigue, etc. Furthermore, since this input device is large, it is structurally independent from the main body information processing device, and is normally used when it is installed on a desk or table alongside the main body information processing device.

0003

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] The conventional large input device described above occupies a large space on a desk or table, so while it is an effective device when it is in use, it is difficult to use it when it is not in use. ，Since there is not enough space on the table for disc work, the user must get up and use another desk.
Disk work is usually done at a table.

[0004] For the above reasons, the information processing apparatus is not installed on an individual's desk or table, but is installed on a dedicated desk or table for the information processing apparatus. Therefore, the input device is left unattended, and the probability of intrusion of dust and foreign matter is extremely high, which shortens the reliability and life of the device. An object of the present invention is to realize space saving and effective utilization of an input device, as well as improvement in reliability and longevity of the input device.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the input device is placed on the side of the information processing device, with the input surface of the input device facing downward, and the groove of the input device and the information processing device are The protrusions are fitted to hold the two together.

Other examples of the bonding method include a combination of magnets and magnetic materials, or magnets and magnetic materials such as iron plates, or a plastic fiber bonding method that utilizes mutual bonding of plastic fibers.

[0007]

[Operation] Since the input device is placed on the side of the information processing device, the projected area of the input device, which could not be used in the past, can be used effectively, and the same effect as space saving can be obtained.

[0008] Since the input device is configured to hold the input surface in a downward position, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust and foreign matter, thereby improving reliability and extending the life of the input device.

A groove is provided on the input device side and a protrusion is provided on the information processing device side, and the relationship between the distance H between the bottom of the input device groove and the other end, and the distance h between the protrusion and the installation surface of the information processing device is H≧h. Therefore, when the input device is installed on the side of the information processing device, the input device once moves the information processing device to a (a=H) as shown in FIG.
-h), the input device is installed on the side of the information processing device.

When the information processing device passes through the distance a, a partial load is applied to the information processing device, so even if a slight external force is applied, the connection between the two does not come off, resulting in a stable holding structure. Other coupling methods will be explained.

In FIG. 7, the protrusion on the information processing device side is configured to be movable up and down and fitted into the groove of the input device. In this method as well, as described above, the input device cannot be moved unless the protrusion is pushed up by the distance a, resulting in a stable holding structure. With this method, the input device can be attached and detached with a small amount of force by moving the protrusion upward with a finger.

[0012] Another coupling method will be explained.

In FIG. 10, a magnet and a magnet, or a magnet and a magnetic iron plate are integrally fixed to an input device or an information processing device, and are attached and detached. This method has good operability because it can be attached and detached by moving the input device parallel to the coupling surface.

In FIGS. 13 to 18, a plastic fiber bonding method is used in which the input device and the information processing device are mutually bonded by intertwining the plastic fibers with each other. In this method, the plastic fibers that are integrally fixed to the bottom of the input device have a function of preventing slipping when the input device is installed.

[0015] Plastic fiber bonding has a large holding force;
Like the magnetic method, it can be attached and detached with one touch, making it easy to operate.

Furthermore, since the structure is simple, it can be implemented at low cost.

[0017]

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram (side sectional view of essential parts) of a coupled state of an input device and an information processing device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the main body of an information processing device that includes a conventional external storage device, a control device, and a display section, and a conventional keyboard.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the keyboard.

FIG. 23 shows the handwriting input device 100 and the operating pen 110.

FIG. 24 shows a tablet type input device 200 and an operating pen 210.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a keyboard input device which is a typical example of an input device. Reference numeral 2 denotes a key top which is an operation surface for inputting characters, control commands, etc. Reference numeral 3 indicates an information processing apparatus main body incorporating an external storage device 4, a control device (not shown), and a display section 5.

In FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, reference numeral 6 denotes a groove provided at one end of the keyboard 1, which is rotatably fitted into the tip 8 of an L-shaped protrusion 7 provided on a part of the main body 3. It is configured to do so.

In FIG. 5, the relationship between the distance H between the bottom of the groove 6 and the other end 9 of the keyboard 1, and the distance h between the tip 8 of the protrusion 7 and the installation surface 10 of the main body 3 is configured such that H≧h.

When attaching the keyboard 1 to the side surface of the main body 3, the keyboard 1 is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the keyboard 1 pushes up the main body 1 by a distance a=H-h, passes through the maximum height H, and is maintained in the state shown in FIG.

In this configuration, unless the keyboard 1 passes through the maximum height H, the keyboard will not fall or move.
Can be held securely and stably.

[0027] When removing the keyboard 1, it can be easily removed while rotating the keyboard 1, so the operability of attaching and detaching is good.

Incidentally, the protrusion 7 may be made of an elastic material in order to hold the keyboard 1 from above. keyboard 1 here
The key top 2, which is the operating surface of the device, is configured to face downward as shown in FIG.

This is to prevent dust and foreign matter from entering the keyboard 1 while it is in the stored state, thereby increasing the reliability of the device and extending its life.

As shown in FIG. 4, the space for installing the keyboard on the front of the main body 3 can be effectively used for desk work, etc., thereby saving space.

A conventional input device and information processing device will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Conventionally, the keyboard 1 remains installed as shown in Figure 2 even when not in use, so when desk work is required, it is necessary to move to another desk or table to work, and the data on the display device cannot be output. I was working at a separate desk and table. This was time consuming and inefficient.

As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard 1 is attached to the side of the main body 3, and the user can immediately do desk work while looking at the display device, resulting in extremely high work efficiency. Further, even when the keyboard 1 is not in use, space can be saved by attaching the keyboard 1 to the side surface of the main body 3.

Next, the reliability and lifespan of the keyboard 1 will be explained.

In FIGS. 19 to 22, the key top boss 11 of the key top 2 is press-fitted into the movable piece 12. It is pivotally supported by a frame boss 13 which is a part of the keyboard 1 so as to be able to move up and down.

The click rubber 14 made of an elastic material such as rubber has a contact pressing portion 17 that presses the contacts 16 on the membrane sheet 15.

FIG. 19 shows a non-conducting state in which the key top 2 is not pressed. FIG. 13 shows a conductive state when the key top 2 is pressed with the finger 18.

FIG. 21 shows a state in which the dust 19 is moved by the airflow when the key top 2 is pressed and operated, and the dust 19 has entered between the piece 12 and the frame boss 13.
Even if I press 8, there is no continuity.

FIG. 22 shows a state in which a foreign object 20 has entered,
Even when pressed with finger 18, there is no conduction.

As described above, if the keyboard 1 is left facing upward, dust 19 and foreign matter 20 will enter the keyboard, resulting in decreased reliability and shortened lifespan.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show other embodiments.

Reference numeral 21 denotes an L-shaped protrusion that allows a window 22 provided in the main body 3 to be moved up and down. The protrusion 21 is the tip 2
3 fits into the groove 6 of the keyboard 1, and as shown in FIG. 7, the keyboard 1 is configured to be held with the key top 2, which is the operating surface, facing downward. The protrusion 21 has a plate portion 24 inside the main body, and the plate guide 2 is integrated with the main body 3.
5 and is configured to move up and down with an appropriate frictional force.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show other embodiments.

A magnet 26 is sandwiched between magnetic iron plates 27 on both sides and is integrally fixed within the case 28. The magnet 26 is integrally fixed to the main body 3 together with the case 28 by screws 29. The other end protrudes to the outside of the main body 3 and is configured to adsorb an iron plate 31 integrally fixed to the bottom surface 30 of the keyboard 1 and hold the key top 2, which is the operation surface of the keyboard 1, downward.

[0045] In this method, when storing the keyboard 1 in the main body 3, the keyboard 1 is placed upright and placed against the installation surface 10.
It is easy to operate because it only needs to be moved horizontally. In addition, the magnetic chuck system allows you to attach and detach with one touch, so you can quickly attach and detach.

FIGS. 13 to 18 show other embodiments.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a sheet A made of plastic fibers that is integrally fixed to the side surface of the main body 3. As shown in FIG. 25, a loop-shaped fiber is projected onto the base material 33 and then a portion is cut. It is composed of a hook-shaped part 34 and a rod-shaped part 35. A sheet B 36 is made of plastic fibers and is integrally fixed to the bottom surface 30 of the keyboard 1. As shown in FIG. 26, a large number of loop-shaped fibers 38 are formed on a base material 37.

When the sheets A32 and B36 are brought into contact with each other, the loop-shaped fibers 38 are hooked onto the hook-shaped portions 34, thereby binding them together.

Since the bonding force between the plastic fibers is strong, the keyboard 1 can be held securely and stably on the side surface of the main body 3.

[0050] In this method, when storing the keyboard 1 in the main body 3, it is only necessary to keep the keyboard 1 upright and move it horizontally with respect to the installation surface 10, so that it is easy to operate. In addition, the plastic fiber binding method allows for one-touch attachment and detachment, allowing quick attachment and detachment.

Further, the sheet B provided on the bottom surface 30 of the keyboard 1 has a non-slip function when the keyboard 1 is placed on the installation surface 10 and operated.

Another method of attaching the sheet A32 to the side surface of the main body 3 will be explained.

In FIGS. 14 and 17, the seat C39 has hook-shaped arms 40 at both ends, and is hooked onto the window 41 of the main body 3, the intake port 43 on the bottom surface 42 of the main body, and the like. Incidentally, the length can be adjusted using an adjusting section 44.

In FIG. 18, the sheet D45 is constructed by winding the main body 3 into eight rolls and connecting the ends as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 with one touch (not shown), and adjusting the intermediate length. The length can be adjusted at the section 46.

[0055]

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the input device (keyboard, etc.) can be stored on the side of the main body with the operation surface facing downward.
(1) Entry of dust and foreign matter can be prevented.

(2) Conventionally, the keyboard was always a table,
Since it was on a desk, there was no space for desk work, so instead of moving to another table or desk and working, you can now work at your desk while looking at the display device, improving work efficiency.

(3) Space can be saved because the space where the keyboard was installed can be used effectively.

(4) The operation of attaching and detaching the keyboard to the side surface of the main body is performed by fitting the protrusions and grooves and rotating them, moving the protrusions up and down and fitting them into the keyboard grooves, using a magnetic chuck method,
The keyboard can be attached to and detached from the main body with a single touch using a plastic fiber interconnection method, making it easy to operate and quick to operate.

(5) Since the structure is simple, it can be realized at low cost.

(6) The magnetic chuck system and plastic fiber interconnection system can be installed additionally on computers and word processors on the market.
Wide range of applications.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a coupled state of an input device and an information processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the installation state of a conventional information processing device and a keyboard.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the keyboard.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the keyboard of the present invention in a stored state.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a main part of another application example.

FIG. 8 is a view from P in FIG. 7;

9 is a Q view of FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a main part of another embodiment.

11 is a bottom perspective view of the keyboard of FIG. 10; FIG.

12 is a perspective view of the information processing device of FIG. 10. FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a main part of the application example of FIG. 13;

15 is a bottom perspective view of the keyboard in FIG. 13; FIG.

16 is a perspective view of the information processing device of FIG. 13. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of FIG. 14;

18 is a diagram showing an application example of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the keyboard.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the keyboard.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the keyboard.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the keyboard.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a handwriting input device and an operation pen.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a tablet input device and an operating pen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a hook-shaped portion and a rod-shaped portion.

FIG. 26 shows looped fibers on a substrate.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Keyboard input device, 2... Key top, 3... Information processing device body, 6... Groove, 7... Protrusion, 26... Magnet,
27...Iron plate, 32...Sheet A, 36...Sheet B.

Claims (8)

[Claims] Claim 1: An input device configured to be structurally independent from the device for inputting characters, control commands, etc. to an information processing device such as a computer or word processor, wherein the input device is coupled to a part of the side surface of the main body of the information processing device. An input device for an information processing device, characterized in that the input device is configured such that the input surface of the input device faces downward. 2. The input device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device main body and the input device are connected by fitting a protrusion and a groove. 3. In claim 2, when the projection and the groove are fitted, the relationship between the distance H between the groove bottom of the input device and the other end, and the distance h between the projection and the installation surface of the information processing device is H≧ An input device for an information processing device, characterized in that: h. 4. The input device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the input device and the information processing device are connected by a plastic fiber bond that is integrally bonded to each other by bonding plastic fibers to each other. 5. The input device for an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the input device and the information processing device are coupled by a combination of magnets or magnetic materials such as magnets and iron plates. 6. An information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that a groove is formed on the input device side, a protrusion is provided on the information processing device side, the protrusion is movable up and down, and the two are combined. input device. 7. Claim 4, characterized in that one side of the plastic fiber bond is made long in the shape of a band, hook portions are provided at both ends so that the plastic fiber bond can be additionally hooked onto the information processing device, and both are bonded. An input device for an information processing device. 8. In claim 4, one of the plastic fiber bonds is made long in the shape of a band, and both ends of the band are combined with plastic fiber bonds, and after the band is bonded in an eight-wrap shape on the side of the information processing device, input An input device for an information processing device, characterized in that the devices are combined.