Key input device

Abstract

To provide a key input device having a surface that is inclined in one direction and having a structure in which a part of the surface on which keys are arranged is further inclined in another direction.SOLUTION: A calculator 1a has inclined surfaces 111a and 112a that are provided on a top surface of a housing and on which key tops 141a are provided as a plurality of key top portions. A boundary portion between the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a is located on a virtual line Va that extends obliquely along the top surface. The inclined surfaces 111a and 112a are formed so that a height h1 from a substrate 40a inside the housing becomes lower as it approaches the boundary portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a key input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices such as calculators and PCs (Personal Computers) are equipped with a key input device to which a user approaches and types characters with his / her fingers. For example, a keyboard device is known as a key input device for a PC, which is configured to change the inclination angle of the keyboard operation surface in the direction toward the operator and the direction away from the operator (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-26717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned keyboard device merely tilts the entire surface on which the keys are arranged in one direction, and does not tilt a portion of the surface on which the keys are arranged in another direction in addition to tilting the surface in one direction.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a key input device having a surface that is inclined in one direction and a structure in which a part of the surface on which the keys are arranged is further inclined in another direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the key input device of the present invention is characterized in that it has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface provided on a top surface of a housing and on which a plurality of key top parts are provided, the boundary portion between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface is located on a virtual line extending obliquely along the top surface, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed so that the height from the substrate in the housing becomes lower toward the boundary portion side. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to have a structure in which a surface is inclined in one direction and a portion of the surface on which the keys are arranged is further inclined in another direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] (a) is a plan view showing a calculator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (b) is an upper side view showing the calculator according to the first embodiment. (c) is a left side view showing the calculator according to the first embodiment. (d) is a bottom side view showing the calculator according to the first embodiment. (e) is a right side view showing the calculator according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a first model of a calculator, FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing a second model of a calculator, and FIG. 1(c) is a perspective view showing a third model of a calculator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the calculator according to the first embodiment is dropped. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a calculator according to a first embodiment and a user's right hand. [Diagram 5] (a) is a plan view showing the calculator of the second embodiment. (b) is an upper side view showing the calculator of the second embodiment. (c) is a left side view showing the calculator of the second embodiment. (d) is a bottom side view showing the calculator of the second embodiment. (e) is a right side view showing the calculator of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a calculator according to a second embodiment and a user's right hand. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, first and second embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1(a) to 4. First, with reference to Fig. 1(a), the overall device configuration of a calculator (electronic desk calculator) 1a as an electronic device of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1(a) is a plan view showing calculator 1a of this embodiment. Fig. 1(b) is an upper side view showing calculator 1a. Fig. 1(c) is a left side view showing calculator 1a. Fig. 1(d) is a bottom side view showing calculator 1a. Fig. 1(e) is a right side view showing calculator 1a.

[0011] The calculator 1a is a small calculator that accepts key input from a user and performs calculations using a built-in electronic circuit. As an example, the calculator 1a is a function calculator that has a calculation function related to scientific and technical calculations in addition to the four arithmetic operations. The calculator 1a may be another calculator, such as a general calculator that performs the four arithmetic operations. The calculator 1a is a calculator in which the height of the key tops is inclined in a stepped manner in the horizontal and vertical directions (as seen from the user) so that the key tops fit the hand and fingers of the user's dominant hand. The horizontal direction is the direction connecting the left end side (first end side) and the right end side (second end side) of the calculator 1a, which is the X-axis direction described later. The vertical direction is the direction connecting the top end side (third end side) and the bottom end side (fourth end side) of the calculator 1a, which is the Y-axis direction described later. The components of the calculator 1a related to key input are referred to as a key input device.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 1(e), the calculator 1a has an upper case 10a and a lower case 20a as a housing, and is placed on a placement surface M1 such as a table. In Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 1(e), the placement surface M1 is taken as a reference and the vertical upward direction is taken as the +Z direction, with the three-dimensional X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The placement surface M1 is a two-dimensional XY plane. The X-axis is taken in the horizontal direction (short side direction) of the calculator 1a on the placement surface M1, and the Y-axis is taken in the vertical direction (long side direction). These XYZ axes are assumed to be the same in other figures. The upper case 10a is a case made of resin or the like on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the calculator 1a. The upper case 10a has a key input section 11a, a display section 12a, and a connection section 13. The key input section 11a has a plurality of keys 14a.

[0013] The multiple keys 14a include, for example, numeric-specifying keys, arithmetic keys, function keys, operation keys, and function keys. The numeric-specifying keys include, for example, multiple keys for inputting numeric values ​​from [0] to [9] and a [.] (decimal point). The arithmetic keys include keys for inputting operators such as [+] (addition), [-] (subtraction), [×] (multiplication), and [÷] (division) used in normal calculations using the four arithmetic operations, and [=] (execute operation). The function keys include keys for inputting information related to functions, such as trigonometric function keys such as sin, and fraction keys. The operation keys include keys for inputting information related to operations, such as a shift key, an option key, a cursor key, a menu key, and a power-on key. The function keys include, for example, an all-clear key ([AC] key), a delete key ([DEL] key), and the like.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the external shape of calculator 1a when viewed from the top (+Z direction side) is formed into a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners. Key input unit 11a is provided on the -Y direction side of upper case 10a when viewed from the top. Similarly, display unit 12a is provided on the +Y direction side of upper case 10a. Similarly, connection unit 13 is provided between key input unit 11a and display unit 12a of upper case 10a.

[0015] The display unit 12a has a display 16a as a display means on a housing surface 121a in an area on the +Y direction side of the housing top surface. The display 16a performs display based on a signal input to a control unit (not shown) built into the calculator 1a via a plurality of key tops 141a. The display surface of the display 16a has the same height from the placement surface M1 from the first end side to the second end side. The housing surface 121a is a housing top surface in an XY plane parallel to the bottom surface (placement surface M1) of the lower case 20a. The display 16a is disposed on the -Y direction side of the housing surface 121a. The display 16a has, for example, a horizontally long rectangular display surface. The long side direction of the display surface of the display 16a extends from the first end (the end of the housing in the -X direction) side to the second end (the end of the housing in the +X direction) side opposite the first end.

[0016] The key input unit 11a has a plurality of keys 14a in an area on the -Y direction side of the top surface of the housing. The plurality of keys 14a, excluding the cursor key and the operation key, are arranged in a matrix shape from the first end side to the second end side of the housing in the key input unit 11a, and from the third end (the end on the +Y direction side of the housing) to the fourth end (the end on the -Y direction side of the housing). The cursor key and the operation key are arranged on the +Y direction side of the plurality of keys 14a arranged in a matrix shape on the key input unit 11a. Each of the plurality of keys 14a has a key top 141a as a key top part. The key top 141a has an operation surface on the top surface. The operation surface is a surface on which the user's finger is pressed for input, and is, for example, an XY plane parallel to the plane of the substrate 40a (the bottom surface of the lower case 20a, the mounting surface M1). The plurality of keys 14a are arranged at predetermined intervals (key pitch) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0017] The key 14a has a key top 141a, a rubber key (not shown), and the like. As shown in FIG. 1(c), the key top 141a is mounted on a board 40a built into the housing of the calculator 1a via the rubber key. However, in FIG. 1(c) and FIG. 1(d), the position of the board 40a is simply shown, and its length is not limited to the illustrated example. Also, in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(e), the illustration of the board 40a is omitted. The board 40a is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that supports the multiple keys 14a inside the housing, and the keys 14a, circuit elements, and the like are mounted on it. The board 40a is arranged parallel to the bottom surface of the housing (lower case 20a) of the calculator 1a. The rubber key is a roughly plate-shaped part made of an elastic material such as rubber, with a rubber key top (not shown) arranged at a position corresponding to the key top 141a. The rubber key tops are disposed in correspondence with the positions of the key tops 141a on the plane of the substrate 40a, and are substantially dome-shaped spring parts that receive the depressed key tops 141a.

[0018] The mounting part (not shown) of the rubber key top is normally supported by a support part (not shown) at a distance from the board to provide operability when the key top 141a mounted on the top is pressed, and is pressed down until it comes into contact with the board when pressed. A conductive member (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the mounting part. The mounting part is pressed down when the user presses the key top 141a in the keystroke (slide) direction (-Z axis direction). When the mounting part is pressed down, the conductive member comes into contact with an electrode wired to the board to detect key pressing. This contact electrically connects the electrodes corresponding to the key 14a on the board, and the key 14a is pressed down.

[0019] The key top 141a is exposed on the +Z direction side through a hole provided as an opening in the upper case 10a. The key top 141a is made of a two-color molded or single-color molded member. The two-color molded key top 141a has a resin base part of the background color of the characters on the operation surface and a resin engraved part of the character color on the operation surface. The engraved part is molded so as to penetrate the base part and be exposed as characters (engraving) on ​​the operation surface. The two-color molding can prevent the characters on the operation surface from disappearing even if the operation surface is physically worn down by pressing by the user, etc. The single-color molded key top 141a is made of only a base part. Paint of the character color is printed as characters (engraving) on ​​the operation surface of this base part. The key top 141a also has a flange (not shown). When the key top 141a is slid vertically (-Z direction) to the board and then returns in the opposite direction (+Z direction), the flange abuts against the upper case 10a to stop the key top 141a. However, the key 14a is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have another key structure mounted on the board.

[0020] The key input unit 11a has two different inclined surfaces 111a and 112a on the top surface of the case. As shown in Fig. 1(d), the inclined surface 111a is a plane inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the bottom surface of the lower case 20a (the plane of the board 40a) along the -X direction. As shown in Fig. 1(e), the inclined surface 112a is a plane inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the bottom surface of the lower case 20a (the plane of the board 40a) along the +Y direction.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1(d), the operation surfaces of the key tops 141a of the multiple keys 14a on the inclined surface 111a are arranged with a step at a predetermined distance from the inclined surface 111a so as to follow the inclined surface 111a. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 1(e), the operation surfaces of the key tops 141a of the multiple keys 14a on the inclined surface 112a are arranged with a step at a predetermined distance from the inclined surface 112a so as to follow the inclined surface 112a.

[0022] The connection part 13 has an inclined surface 131 on the top surface of the housing. The inclined surface 131 is a flat surface of a C surface for connecting the housing surface 121a and the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a without any step. The inclined surface 131 is adjacent to the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a. The housing surface 121a is not adjacent to the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a, but is adjacent to the inclined surface 131. The connection part 13 also has a solar panel 17a. The solar panel 17a is an electronic component that converts light energy into electrical energy (power) by utilizing the photovoltaic effect. The solar panel 17a is disposed on the inclined surface 131 so that the light receiving surface is parallel to the inclined surface 131.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 1(e), the lower case 20a is a case made of resin or the like that is fitted to the upper case 10a from below (-Z direction side). The lower case 20a is not provided with feet or protrusions, and the bottom surface can be placed directly on the placement surface M1. As shown in Fig. 1(a) to Fig. 1(c), the calculator 1a has a buffer section 18a at the upper left end (intersection of the first end and the third end) of the flat surface of the casing. The buffer section 18a is made of a buffer material such as an elastic body such as rubber or elastomer, and protects the casing of the calculator 1a by absorbing external impacts. As shown in Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(c), the calculator 1a has a substantially semi-cylindrical recess 19 on the first end side of the casing. The recess 19 is a finger hook for the thumb of the user's left hand.

[0024] Next, the functions of calculator 1a will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 2(a) to 4 in addition to Figs. 1(a) to 1(e). Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view showing calculator T1. Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view showing calculator T2. Fig. 2(c) is a perspective view showing calculator T3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing calculator 1a in a dropped state. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing calculator 1a and a user's right hand H1.

[0025] First, with reference to Fig. 2(a) to Fig. 2(c), the purpose of providing the inclined surfaces 111a, 112a, and 131 on the calculator 1a will be described. Consider a rectangular parallelepiped calculator T1 as shown in Fig. 2(a). In calculator T1, a display unit and a key input unit are formed on the same top surface of the housing, housing surface T11. The calculator T1 in the figure is an image diagram in which the display unit and key input unit (multiple key tops) are omitted and mainly the housing and its surfaces are depicted in a simplified manner. Calculators T2 and T3, which will be described later, are also image diagrams similar to calculator T1.

[0026] Furthermore, when a right-handed user operates calculator T1 with his / her right hand, there is a demand for improved key operability in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) (one-sided operability). For this reason, right-tilting calculator T2 was devised, as shown in Fig. 2(b). Compared to rectangular parallelepiped calculator T1, calculator T2 has an inclined surface T21 on the top surface of the key input section that is inclined to the right and whose height from the bottom surface (board) of the housing decreases in the +X direction. Calculator T1 allows the user's right hand to fit over the multiple key tops, improving key operability in the left-right direction.

[0027] Furthermore, when a right-handed user operates the calculator T2 with one hand, there is a demand for improving key operability in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction). For this reason, in this embodiment, a right-hand-front-inclined calculator T3 has been devised as shown in FIG. 2(c). Compared to the rectangular parallelepiped calculator T2, the top surface of the key input section of the calculator T3 is formed as a right-inclined inclined surface T31 whose height from the bottom surface (substrate) of the housing decreases as it approaches the +X direction, and a front-inclined inclined surface T32 whose height from the bottom surface (substrate) decreases as it approaches the -Y direction. The housing surface T33 of the top surface of the display section of the calculator T3 is parallel to the bottom surface (substrate) of the housing. The calculator T3 allows the user's right hand to fit the multiple key tops better, and improves key operability in the front-back, left-right directions.

[0028] Calculator T3 roughly corresponds to calculator 1a. Inclined surface T31 of calculator T3 corresponds to inclined surface 111a of calculator 1a. Case surface T33 of calculator T3 corresponds to case surface 121a of calculator 1a. Also, in calculator T3, there is a steep step between inclined surface T32 and case surface T33. For this reason, in calculator 1a, in order to smooth out the step between inclined surface 112a and case surface 121a, inclined surface 131 is formed by chamfering.

[0029] As a result, calculator 1a has a novel three-dimensional surface formed by an inclined surface and a flat surface. Solar panel 17a is disposed on inclined surface 131, thereby making effective use of the product development surface.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1(d), the angle θ1 of the calculator 1a is the inclination angle of the inclined surface 111a in the left-right direction (X-axis direction, the short side direction of the housing of the calculator 1a). As shown in FIG. 1(e), the angle θ2 of the calculator 1a is the inclination angle of the inclined surface 112a in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction, the long side direction of the housing of the calculator 1a). The angle θ1 is preferably in the range of 1° to 9°, for example. The angle θ1 is more preferably in the range of 1° to 3°, for example, 3°. The angle θ2 is preferably in the range of 1° to 3°, for example, 1.5°. In this way, the relationship of the angles θ1≧θ2 is set. This is because the inclination of the side surface of the user's operating hand (right hand H1) is smaller than the inclination of the wrist.

[0031] With respect to the angle θ1, the height (length in the +Z direction) from the inclined surface 111a to the operation surface of each key top 141a is set to a predetermined distance. In other words, the steps of two adjacent key tops 141a following the inclined surface 111a in the X-axis direction are the same. With respect to the angle θ2, the height from the inclined surface 112a to the operation surface of each key top 141a is set to the same predetermined distance. In other words, the steps of two adjacent key tops 141a following the inclined surface 112a in the Y-axis direction are the same. These predetermined distances are, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0032] These step structures can shorten the distance between the fingers of the user's operating hand (right hand H1 in FIG. 4) and each key top 141a. In addition, these step structures have the effect of removing excessive operating force due to the user's visual recognition of the inclination difference, in other words, the effect of relaxing the user's force during operation.

[0033] The shape of the housing of the calculator 1a described above will be explained using a boundary line (virtual line). As shown in FIG. 1(a), the boundary portion of the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a is defined as a virtual line Va. The virtual line Va extends obliquely (a diagonal line of the XY plane of the housing) along the top surface of the housing. In other words, the virtual line Va intersects with the outer edge of the housing at an acute or obtuse angle. The extension direction of the virtual line Va may be an oblique direction other than the approximately diagonal line of the XY plane of the housing. The inclined surfaces 111a and 112a are formed so that the height h1 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the board 40a shown in FIG. 1(c) and FIG. 1(d) becomes lower toward the virtual line Va side in the direction perpendicular to the virtual line Va. Also, the imaginary line-board distance, which is the distance (height h1) between the imaginary line Va of the calculator 1a and the plane of the board 40a (the bottom surface of the housing), is shorter on the second end side than on the first end side of the housing.

[0034] 1(a), the thickness of the case of calculator 1a (the length in the Z-axis direction) varies at each position on the XY plane due to the new three-dimensional surface formed by inclined surfaces 111a, 112a, and 131 and case surface 121a. That is, case surface 121a has the greatest thickness. The thickness of inclined surface 131 is equal to or smaller than the thickness of case surface 121a and equal to or larger than the thicknesses of inclined surfaces 111a and 112a.

[0035] The three-dimensional structure caused by the difference in thickness of the housing of calculator 1a causes the center of gravity of calculator 1a to become eccentric. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(a), if the housing of calculator 1a excluding buffer section 18a were a rectangular parallelepiped, the center of gravity would be located at approximately center point C1. However, because the housing of calculator 1a is a three-dimensional object with a difference in thickness, the center of gravity moves (becomes eccentric) from center point C1 toward the upper left end, where the thickness is greater. In other words, the position of the center of gravity of calculator 1a is closer to the first end than the second end, and closer to the third end than the fourth end.

[0036] Since the housing of calculator 1a, excluding buffer 18a, is eccentric, the shock-resistant reinforcement portion of the housing can be concentrated on the upper left side. For this reason, calculator 1a is provided with buffer 18a for shock-resistant reinforcement at the upper left side of the housing. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the center of gravity of calculator 1a including buffer 18a is located at center of gravity G1, which is the eccentric point on the upper left side of the housing.

[0037] Now consider the case where calculator 1a is dropped towards ground M2 as shown in Fig. 3. Because calculator 1a is eccentric, there is a high probability that immediately before the drop, the position near the center of gravity G1 of the casing will be close to ground M2 (the falling posture in Fig. 3). In this case, when calculator 1a is dropped, buffer section 18a directly hits ground M2, protecting the casing from damage. Therefore, buffer section 18a improves the drop impact resistance of calculator 1a.

[0038] In addition, because calculator 1a is decentered to center of gravity G1, it is not necessary to provide a shock absorbing section for shock resistance reinforcement in the event of a drop other than at the upper left end of the case, and this allows for freedom in designing the case edge. Therefore, calculator 1a can have recess 19 located at the case edge (first end) near center of gravity G1.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, a user mainly operates the calculator 1a using the right hand H1 as the operating hand. The calculator 1a has an inclined surface 111a of the key input section 11a, which is inclined to the right such that the height h1 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40a decreases from the first end to the second end. Similarly, the operating surface of the key top 141a of each key 14a on the inclined surface 111a is also inclined to the right in a stepped manner.

[0040] In addition, the calculator 1a has a configuration in which the inclined surface 112a of the key input unit 11a is inclined toward the front such that the height h1 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40a decreases from the third end to the fourth end. Similarly, the operating surface of the key top 141a of each key 14a on the inclined surface 112a is also inclined toward the front in a stepped manner.

[0041] At the first end of the key input unit 11a of the housing of the calculator 1a, the distance between the top surface of the housing and the plane of the board 40a (height h1) is constant. At the second end, the distance between the top surface and the board is shorter at the fourth end than at the third end.

[0042] The configuration of the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a allows the user of the calculator 1a to operate it with the right hand H1 (for a right-handed user). The virtual line Va connects the little finger F2 side of the right hand H1 on the side of the user operating the calculator 1a (-Y direction side) with the thumb F1 side of the right hand H1 on the side opposite the user operating the calculator 1a (+Y direction side). In this configuration, the right hand H1 and its fingers fit perfectly against the operating surface of the multiple keys 14a.

[0043] In addition, assuming that the user of the calculator 1a operates it with the left hand (left-handed user), the inclined surface 111a of the key input unit 11a and the operation surface of each key top 141a may be configured to incline to the left, with the height h1 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40a decreasing from the second end side to the first end side. In this case, the inclined surface 112a is formed on the first end side, but is configured to incline toward the front, as in the case of a right-handed user.

[0044] As described above, according to this embodiment, the calculator 1a has the inclined surface 111a as the first inclined surface and the inclined surface 112a as the second inclined surface. The inclined surfaces 111a and 112a are provided on the top surface of the housing, and a plurality of key tops 141a are provided. The boundary between the inclined surface 111a and the inclined surface 112a is located on the imaginary line Va that extends obliquely along the top surface. The inclined surfaces 111a and 112a are formed so that the height h1 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40a built into the housing becomes lower toward the imaginary line Va side. In addition, the imaginary line Va intersects with the outer edge of the housing so as to form an acute angle or an obtuse angle. For this reason, the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a can be provided as a structure in which a part of the top surface of the key input unit 11a, which is a surface inclined in one direction and on which the key tops 141a of the keys 14a are arranged, is further inclined in another direction. Therefore, by inclining the arrangement surface of the key tops 141a to provide an inclination that is more suited to the shape of the user's hand, operability can be improved and the user's sense of fatigue can be reduced.

[0045] The calculator 1a also has an inclined surface 131 as a third surface and a housing surface 121a as a fourth surface. The inclined surface 131 is adjacent to the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a. The housing surface 121a is not adjacent to the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a, but is adjacent to the inclined surface 131. The housing surface 121a is provided with a display 16a that displays based on signals input to the control unit via multiple key tops 141a. This allows the angle between the operation surface of the key input unit 11a and the display 16a to be different, making the display 16a easier to see. In addition, the new three-dimensional surfaces (inclined surfaces 111a, 112a, 131, and the housing surface 121a) make it easier to view the multiple key tops 141a, the display 16a, and the like, and increases the degree of freedom in arrangement.

[0046] In addition, at the first end of the housing, the distance between the top surface of the housing and the plane of the substrate 40a is constant. At the second end of the housing, the distance between the top surface of the substrate on the fourth end is shorter than the distance between the top surface of the substrate on the third end. Therefore, by adopting an inclination that is more suited to the shape of the user's hand, operability can be improved and the user's sense of fatigue can be reduced.

[0047] In addition, the virtual line-substrate distance, which is the distance between the virtual line Va and the plane of the substrate 40a, is shorter on the second end side of the housing than on the first end side. Therefore, by adopting an inclination that is more suited to the shape of the user's hand, operability can be improved and the user's sense of fatigue can be reduced.

[0048] In addition, the position of the center of gravity G1 of calculator 1a is closer to the first end than to the second end, and closer to the third end than to the fourth end. Therefore, the center of gravity is closer to the first end and the third end, resulting in an eccentric structure, which reduces the number of reinforcement points on the case from the perspective of impact resistance. Furthermore, by reducing the number of reinforcement points, the degree of freedom in designing the case of calculator 1a can be increased.

[0049] Furthermore, calculator 1a has buffer section 18a at the intersection of the first end and the third end of the housing. Therefore, buffer section 18a can be disposed at a location that is highly likely to collide with the ground when calculator 1a is dropped, thereby improving resistance to shock from a fall.

[0050] Also, the virtual line Va connects the little finger F2 side of the user's operating hand (right hand H1) on the side (-Y direction) of the user who operates the calculator 1a, and the thumb F1 side of the user's operating hand on the side (+Y direction) facing the user who operates the calculator 1a. Therefore, the right hand H1 and its fingers can fit perfectly on the operating surface of the multiple keys 14a.

[0051] In addition, the plane of the circuit board 40a is parallel to the bottom surface of the case. Therefore, the inclined surfaces 111a and 112a can be appropriately inclined without providing any protrusions or feet on the case of the calculator 1a.

[0052] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a) to 6. An overall device configuration of a calculator 1b as an electronic device of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a) to 6. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view showing calculator 1b of this embodiment. Fig. 5(b) is an upper side view showing calculator 1b. Fig. 5(c) is a left side view showing calculator 1b. Fig. 5(d) is a bottom side view showing calculator 1b. Fig. 5(e) is a right side view showing calculator 1b. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing calculator 1b and a user's right hand H1.

[0053] In the first embodiment, calculator 1a has a configuration in which the housing has a new three-dimensional surface with three inclined surfaces 111a, 112a, and 131 in addition to housing surface 121a of display unit 12a. In the present embodiment, calculator 1b has a configuration in which the housing has a new three-dimensional surface with two inclined surfaces in addition to the housing surface of the display unit. The following mainly describes the parts of calculator 1b that are different from calculator 1a.

[0054] Like calculator 1a, calculator 1b is a calculator whose keytops are inclined in a stepped manner in the horizontal and vertical directions and designed to fit the hand and fingers of the user's dominant hand. As an example, calculator 1b is a general calculator that performs the four arithmetic operations. Calculator 1b may be another type of calculator, such as a function calculator.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5(a) to Fig. 5(e), calculator 1b has an upper case 10b and a lower case 20b as a housing, and is placed on a placement surface M1. Note that in Fig. 5(b) to Fig. 5(e), the boundary between upper case 10b and lower case 20b is omitted. Upper case 10b has key input section 11b and display section 12b. Key input section 11b has a plurality of keys 14b. Lower case 20b has a protrusion 21 on the +Y direction side of the bottom surface of key input section 11b. Therefore, the housing of key input section 11b is inclined at an angle θ3 with respect to placement surface M1.

[0056] The multiple keys 14b include, for example, numeric key, calculation key, function key, etc. The numeric key includes, for example, multiple keys for inputting numeric values ​​from

[00] , [0] to [9], and [.] (decimal point). The calculation key includes keys for inputting operators such as [+] (addition), [-] (subtraction), [×] (multiplication), and [÷] (division) used in normal calculations using the four arithmetic operations, and [=] (execute calculation). The function key includes, for example, an all clear key ([AC] key), a clear key ([C] key), multiple memory keys ([MC], [MR], [M-], and [M+]), a root key ([√] key), a [%] key, etc.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the external shape of calculator 1b when viewed from the top (+Z direction) is a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. Key input unit 11b is provided on the -Y direction side of upper case 10b when viewed from the top. Similarly, display unit 12b is provided on the +Y direction side of upper case 10b.

[0058] Display unit 12b has display 16b similar to display 16a and solar panel 17b similar to solar panel 17a on housing surface 121b in the +Y direction area of ​​the housing top surface. Display 16b is disposed on the +Y direction side of housing surface 121b. Solar panel 17b is disposed on the -Y direction side of housing surface 121b.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(e), the housing of calculator 1b is bent at the boundary between key input unit 11b and display unit 12b, and the position of the upper edge side of the housing top surface is raised. That is, display unit 12b is arranged so that housing surface 121b is tilted in the +Z direction by a predetermined tilt angle with respect to the housing top surface of key input unit 11b. As a result, housing surface 121b of display unit 12b is tilted in the Y-axis direction, improving the visibility of the display surface of display 16b.

[0060] The key input unit 11b has a plurality of keys 14b in an area on the -Y direction side of the top surface of the housing. The plurality of keys 14b are arranged in a matrix shape from the first end side to the second end side of the housing in the key input unit 11b, and are also arranged in a matrix shape from the third end side to the fourth end side. Each of the plurality of keys 14b has a key top 141b as a key top part. The key top 141b has an operation surface on the top surface. The operation surface is a plane parallel to, for example, the bottom surface of the lower case 20b (the plane of the substrate 40b built into the housing in FIG. 5(c)). Also, in FIG. 5(b), FIG. 5(d), and FIG. 5(e), the substrate 40b is omitted from illustration. The plurality of keys 14b are arranged at a predetermined interval (key pitch) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0061] Like key 14a, key 14b has a key top 141b, a rubber key (not shown), etc. However, key 14b is not limited to having the same configuration as key 14a, and may have another configuration.

[0062] The key input unit 11b has two different inclined surfaces 111b and 112b on the top surface of the housing. As shown in Fig. 5(d), the inclined surface 111b is a plane inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the bottom surface of the lower case 20b (the plane of the substrate 40b) along the -X direction. As shown in Fig. 5(e), the inclined surface 112b is a plane inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the bottom surface of the lower case 20b (the plane of the substrate 40b) along the +Y direction. The housing surface 121b is adjacent to the inclined surfaces 111b and 112b.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the boundary between the inclined surfaces 111b and 112b is defined as a virtual line Vb. The virtual line Vb extends obliquely along the top surface of the housing in the XY plane of the housing, similar to the virtual line Va. The extension direction of the virtual line Vb may be another oblique direction, such as a substantially diagonal line of the XY plane of the housing. The inclined surfaces 111b and 112b are formed so that the height h2 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40b shown in FIG. 5(c) and FIG. 5(d) becomes lower toward the virtual line Vb. The virtual line Vb intersects with the outer edge of the housing at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0064] Angles θ1 and θ2 of calculator 1b are set to the same values ​​as angles θ1 and θ2 of calculator 1a (θ1≧θ2), for example. Lower case 20b may have feet made of an elastic material such as rubber instead of protrusions 21. Lower case 20b may not have feet or protrusions, and the bottom surface may be configured to be directly placed on placement surface M1.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5(d), the operation surfaces of the key tops 141b of the multiple keys 14b on the inclined surface 111b are arranged with a step so as to be a predetermined distance away from the inclined surface 111b so as to follow the inclined surface 111b. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 5(e), the operation surfaces of the key tops 141b of the multiple keys 14b on the inclined surface 112b are arranged with a step so as to be a predetermined distance away from the inclined surface 112b so as to follow the inclined surface 112b. These predetermined distances are, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the calculator 1b is operated by a user mainly using his / her right hand H1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the calculator 1b and the user's right hand H1. The calculator 1b has a right-inclined configuration in which the inclined surface 111b of the key input unit 11b has a height h2 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40b decreasing from the first end side to the second end side. Similarly, the operation surface of the key top 141b of each key 14b on the inclined surface 111b also has a stepped right-inclined configuration. Moreover, the calculator 1b has a forward-inclined configuration in which the inclined surface 112b of the key input unit 11b has a height h2 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40b decreasing from the third end side to the fourth end side. Similarly, the operation surface of the key top 141b of each key 14b on the inclined surface 112b also has a forward-inclined configuration. Also, virtual line Vb connects the little finger F2 side of the right hand H1 on the side of the user operating calculator 1b (-Y direction side) to the thumb F1 side of the right hand H1 on the side facing the user operating calculator 1b (+Y direction side). Due to the configuration of inclined surfaces 111b and 112b as described above, when a user operates calculator 1b with his / her right hand H1, the right hand H1 and its fingers fit well against the operating surface of multiple keys 14b.

[0067] At the first end of the housing of calculator 1b, the top-substrate distance, which is the distance (height h2) between the top surface of the housing and the plane of substrate 40b, is constant. At the second end, the top-substrate distance is shorter at the fourth end than at the third end. From another perspective, the imaginary line-substrate distance, which is the distance (height h2) between imaginary line Vb of calculator 1b and the plane of substrate 40b, is shorter at the second end than at the first end of the housing.

[0068] In addition, assuming that the user of the calculator 1b operates it with the left hand (a left-handed user), the inclined surface 111b of the key input unit 11b and the operation surface of each key top 141b may be configured to incline to the left so that the height h2 (height from the bottom surface of the housing) from the plane of the substrate 40b decreases from the second end side to the first end side. In this case, the inclined surface 112b is formed on the first end side, but is configured to incline toward the front, as in the case of a right-handed user.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), calculator 1b has a buffer section 18b similar to buffer section 18a at the upper left end (the intersection of the first end and the third end) of the plane of the casing.

[0070] 5(a) and 6, in calculator 1b, the thickness of the case (length in the Z-axis direction) varies at each position on the XY plane due to the new three-dimensional surface formed by inclined surfaces 111b and 112b and case surface 121b. Case surface 121b has the greatest thickness.

[0071] The three-dimensional structure caused by the difference in thickness of the housing of calculator 1b causes the center of gravity (not shown) of calculator 1b to become eccentric. Specifically, the center of gravity of calculator 1b moves (becomes eccentric) from approximately the center point of the top surface of the housing to the upper left end, where the thickness is greater.

[0072] Like calculator 1a, calculator 1b is decentered toward the center of gravity, eliminating the need to provide a shock absorbing section for reinforcement against shocks in the event of a drop other than at the upper left end of the case, and allowing more freedom in the design of the case edge. Calculator 1b may be configured, for example, to have a recess similar to recess 19 in the case.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, calculator 1b further has inclined surfaces 111b and 112b, and case surface 121b as a third surface adjacent to inclined surfaces 111b and 112b. Case surface 121b is provided with display 16b that displays based on signals input to the control unit via multiple key tops 141b. This allows the angle between the operation surface of key input unit 11b and display 16b to be different, making display 16b easier to see. In addition, the new three-dimensional surface (inclined surfaces 111b and 112b, case surface 121b) makes it easier to view multiple key tops 141b, display 16b, etc., and increases the degree of freedom in layout.

[0074] (Example) An example of the above embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a calculator 1c of this example.

[0075] Calculator 1c of this embodiment is a configuration example for explaining buffer unit 18c, which is an example of buffer unit 18a of calculator 1a of the first embodiment and buffer unit 18b of calculator 1b of the second embodiment. The configuration of calculator 1c other than buffer unit 18c is the same as that of calculators 1a and 1b, so only a brief description will be given.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 7, calculator 1c has an upper case 10c and a lower case 20c as a housing. The housing of calculator 1c has key input section 11a of calculator 1a, a key input section (not shown) similar to key input section 11b of calculator 1b, and display section 12c. Calculator 1c has display 16c mounted on metal plate section 40c within display section 12c, and a transparent display panel 161c on the top side of display 16c.

[0077] Calculator 1c has a buffer section 18c at the top left corner on the flat surface of the housing. Buffer section 18c is made of an elastic material such as elastomer or rubber. Buffer section 18c is a two-color molded product made of elastomer such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

[0078] In calculator 1c, buffer section 18c is attached to the housing by male screw S1. Specifically, in calculator 1c, buffer section 18c has a hole. Buffer section 18c is fastened to female screws of upper case 10c and lower case 20c by male screw S1 that penetrates the hole. Note that buffer section 18c may be attached to the housing of calculator 1c by other methods, such as by adhesive or tape.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the buffer portion 18c is fastened together with the housing (the upper case 10c and the lower case 20c) by the male screw S1, so that the buffer portion 18c can be easily and reliably fixed to the housing.

[0080] The above description of the embodiment is merely an example of the key input device according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the electronic device is configured to be the calculator 1a, 1b, but is not limited to this. The electronic device may be, for example, another device in which a user inputs with one hand and a plurality of keys are arranged in a stepped manner. More specifically, the electronic device may be a remote controller for various devices, a handy terminal, an external numeric keypad device for a PC (Personal Computer), an input device for a PIN number, etc.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the bottom surface of the housing of calculator 1b is parallel to board 40b, but this is not limited to the above. The bottom surface of the housing of calculator 1b may not be parallel to board 40b. For example, in calculator 1b of FIG. 5(c), lower case 20b of the housing may have a modified bottom shape by adding flesh to the dotted line portion below the bottom surface.

[0083] Even in the above-mentioned calculator 1b in which the bottom surface of the housing and the board 40b are not parallel, the inclined surfaces 111b and 112b are formed so that the height h2 from the board 40b becomes lower toward the virtual line Vb side. In addition, the top surface-substrate distance, which is the distance between the top surface of the housing and the board 40b, is constant at the first end of the housing. At the second end, the top surface-substrate distance at the fourth end is shorter than the top surface-substrate distance at the third end. From another perspective, the virtual line-substrate distance, which is the distance between the virtual line Vb and the board 40b of the calculator 1b, is shorter at the second end than at the first end of the housing. In addition, the calculator 1a of the first embodiment may be configured such that the bottom surface of the housing and the board 40a are not parallel, as in the above-mentioned calculator 1b. Even with these configurations, the two inclined surfaces provide an inclination that is more suited to the shape of the user's hand, thereby improving operability and reducing the user's sense of fatigue.

[0084] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1a, 1b, 1c Calculator 10a, 10b, 10c Upper case 11a, 11b Key input section 111a,112a,111b,112b Slope 14a,14b Key 141a, 141b key top 15a Cursor keys 12a,12b,12c Display section 121a, 121b Case surface 16a, 16b, 16c Display 161c Display Panel 13 Connection 131 Slope 20a, 20b, 20c Lower case 21 Protrusion 18a,18b,18c buffer section 19 Recess 40a, 40b Substrate 40c plate part G1 center of gravity C1 center point M1 Placement surface T1, T2, T3 Calculator T21,T31,T32 Inclined surface T11, T33 case surface

Claims

1. The keypad is provided on a top surface of the housing, and has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface on which a plurality of key top portions are provided; a boundary portion between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface is located on a virtual line extending obliquely along the top surface, The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are formed so that the height from the substrate within the housing becomes lower toward the boundary portion.

1. A key input device comprising:

2. The imaginary line intersects with the outer edge of the housing at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

3. a third surface adjacent to the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, The third surface is provided with a display means for performing a display based on a signal input to a control unit via the plurality of key top portions.

2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

4. a third surface adjacent to the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface; a fourth surface that is not adjacent to the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface and is adjacent to the third surface; The fourth surface is provided with a display means for performing a display based on a signal input to a control unit via the plurality of key top portions.

2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

5. At a first end side of the housing, a top surface-substrate distance, which is a distance between a top surface of the housing and the substrate, is constant; At a second end side located in a direction opposite to the first end of the housing, a distance between the top surface substrates at a fourth end side located in a direction opposite to the third end is shorter than a distance between the top surface substrates at a third end side perpendicular to the first end.

2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

6. a virtual line-to-substrate distance, which is a distance between the virtual line and the substrate, is shorter on a second end side located in a direction opposite to the first end of the housing than on a first end side of the housing; 2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

7. a position of a center of gravity of the key input device is closer to the first end than to the second end and closer to the third end than to the fourth end; 6. The keyboard input device according to claim 5.

8. the virtual line connects a side of a user operating the key input device and a side of a little finger of the user's operating hand, and a side of the key input device facing the user operating the key input device and a side of a thumb of the user's operating hand, 2. The keyboard input device according to claim 1.

9. A buffer portion is provided at an intersection of the first end and the third end of the housing.

6. The keyboard input device according to claim 5.

Images