Input device support table and method for using the same

Abstract

To provide an input device support table for improving comfort of work including operability of an input device and quality of input information, and a method for using the same.SOLUTION: An input device support table used by being arranged between both legs of a worker includes: an input device support unit 11 for supporting an input device; and a pair of rugged portions 2 formed at an end portion in a width direction positioned on both sides of the input device support unit 11. The rugged portion 2 has a recessed portion in the vicinity of a center of the end portion or in the whole portion from the vicinity of a center to a deepest side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device support, for example for supporting a keyboard for a computer, and to a method for using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, keyboards for desktop personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "desktop PCs") have been placed on a workbench when in use. Therefore, workers who use keyboards have had to place the keyboard and both hands on the workbench, and maintain a certain amount of time in a sitting or standing position depending on the height of the workbench. This type of position for long periods of time can cause strain and pain to the worker's body, which can ultimately result in a decrease in work efficiency and the quality of the results.

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, with improvements in hardware specifications and a variety of usage scenarios, the use of mobile computers such as notebook personal computers (hereinafter also referred to as "notebook PCs") and touchscreen tablet personal computers (hereinafter also referred to as "tablet PCs") has also increased. Workers sometimes use mobile computers by placing them on a workbench, but they also sometimes use them by placing them on their legs or laps while sitting on a chair or the floor, and therefore support stands for tablets such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 have been proposed.

[0004] Mobile computers were also sometimes used with external output devices such as displays or monitors, or two or more were used together on a workbench. In other words, workers sometimes used mobile computers like desktop PCs to improve work efficiency, and in such cases, they sometimes attached an external keyboard to the mobile computer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Design Registration No. 1492631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As such, external keyboards are sometimes used not only for desktop PCs but also for mobile computers. In such cases, when considering the comfort of work, including keystrokes, keyboards that can be connected to a computer wirelessly are often chosen over wired ones. However, even wireless keyboards do not eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects on the worker's body and work that can occur when the worker remains in a seated or standing position for long periods of time with both hands and the keyboard resting on the work surface.

[0007] In addition, an external keyboard may be used while sitting on a chair or the floor, either directly on the legs or knees or via a tray-like stand. In this position, however, the worker is likely to bend their wrists, which can cause problems with the worker's body and work, such as pain in the wrists and elbows.

[0008] Generally, workers do not see, or even if they see, input devices connected to a specific computer, including keyboards. In order to concentrate on their work, it is desirable for the only thing in the worker's field of vision to be the output device that displays the results of the work. In other words, it is desirable for there to be nothing other than the output device, and this includes not only the input device but also the worker's hands. In other words, the input device does not essentially have to be on the workbench; it should be placed in a location that does not interfere with the operability of the input device and contributes to improving the quality of the information being input.

[0009] The inventors have come to the conclusion that improving the operability of an input device and the quality of input information depends on the worker's posture, such as the position of the hands and the posture of the back (hereinafter also referred to as "working posture"). In other words, the position of the input device should be adjusted to the working posture desired by the worker, rather than adjusting the working posture to the position of the input device. The "working posture desired by the worker" is a state that reduces or avoids the strain on the upper body parts, such as the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back, that is associated with work, and is expected to improve concentration and thinking ability for work. For example, this state would be one in which the arms are hanging down, the wrists are neither raised nor bent, and the entire body from the neck to the back is straight.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device support stand and a method of using the input device support stand that improves the operability of the input device and the comfort of work, including the quality of the information input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] That is, the present invention is an input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and is provided with an input device support portion that supports an input device, and a pair of uneven portions formed on the widthwise end portions located on both sides of the input device support portion, and the uneven portions have recesses near the center of the end portions or all the way from near the center to the innermost part.

[0012] The term "worker" does not limit the gender, age, status (e.g., worker or student), physical information (e.g., height and weight), work content (e.g., computer operation or game console operation), or other attributes.

[0013] The "input device support stand" is basically a structure that is supported by the lower body of the worker and is unlikely to shift out of position, and is preferably a structure that positions the input device support stand between all or part of the worker's legs from the thighs to the lower legs when seated, and more preferably a structure that is sandwiched between and / or hooked onto all or part of the worker's legs from the thighs to the lower legs.

[0014] "Input device" includes any device equipped with an input section that can be pressed, touched, or moved by the operator's fingers or hands, such as a keyboard, touchpad, trackball, or controller with one or more of the following: handle, lever, cross key, button, dial, knob, or touch panel. It may be palm-sized or larger, and preferably horizontally long, but may also be vertically long or have approximately the same dimensions. The keyboard may or may not have a numeric keypad, may be thin, or may be a touch panel type.

[0015] The "input device support part" includes anything that determines the position of the input device and prevents the input device from shifting position or falling, such as a fitting groove into which the input device is fitted, a gripping device that clamps the input device, an adjuster device that can be adjusted according to the size of the input device, a hooking device for hanging the input device, an adhesive device or adhesive material that can be attached and detached to the input device, and two or more of these may be combined.

[0016] The "uneven portion" is formed in at least two or more locations where the width in a plan view, i.e., the distance between both ends of the width direction of the input device support base, is different; in other words, it is formed at least with a relatively short width portion (concave portion) and a long width portion (convex portion), and preferably has a stepped shape in which the concave portion and the convex portion are connected via a step of a predetermined length in the width direction and depth direction, but it may also have a tapered or curved shape that is continuous without a step.

[0017] With this configuration, the recesses are sandwiched between the insides of the thighs of both legs of the worker, from the insides of the thighs to the insides of the knees, or from the insides of the thighs to the insides of the lower legs beyond the insides of the knees, so that the input device support base is easily supported with the back side (opposite the worker) tilted diagonally downward. In this state, when inputting using the input unit tilted diagonally downward, the worker's back is easily straightened and all or part of the body from the shoulders to the fingertips is easily stretched straight diagonally downward, which is expected to avoid or reduce the burden on the worker's body and to make it less likely that the avoidance or reduction of this burden will hinder the worker's thinking. "All or part of the body from the shoulders to the fingertips" means all or a combination of two or more of the shoulders, between the shoulders and elbows, the elbows, between the elbows and wrists, the wrists, the palms, the fingers, and the fingertips.

[0018] The uneven portion is preferably formed of a recessed portion adjacent to the input device support portion, and a protruding portion that is closest to the operator, is continuous with the recessed portion, and protrudes outward in the width direction.

[0019] With this configuration, the recessed portions are sandwiched between the insides of the worker's legs, and the protruding portions are hooked onto the upper parts of the worker's thighs, which is expected to have the effect of making it easier to position the input device supported by the input device support portion in a position that makes it easier for the worker to achieve the desired working posture. In other words, when the input device is positioned between the insides of the worker's legs, it becomes easier to stretch all or part of the body from the shoulders to the fingertips diagonally downward while hanging down the arms, and to keep the body from the neck to the back in a straight position.

[0020] The convex portion may be only a first convex portion that is continuous with the recessed portion on the side of the worker's upper body and protrudes outward in the width direction, or may be a second convex portion that is continuous with the recessed portion on the innermost side and protrudes outward in the width direction. This is because the first convex portion is likely to catch on the upper parts of the worker's thighs, and the portion from the recessed portion to the second convex portion is likely to be pinched between the inside of the thighs and the inside of the calves, making it difficult for the input device support base to slip or fall. The convex portion may be provided all the way from the worker side to near the center of the end portion, or may be provided in a location such as the closest to the worker, the closest to the center, or somewhere in between, and is not limited thereto.

[0021] Furthermore, when the input device has an input center portion at a position that is offset in its width direction, it is desirable that the input device support portion be positioned so that, when the input device is supported, the input center portion of the input device is positioned equidistant from each of the left and right uneven portions of the input device support base.

[0022] "Input center" means the center or vicinity of the center of the input part, and is located at a position that roughly coincides with the center of the width of the operator's body when the input device is in normal use. For example, it is the middle position that is roughly equidistant from each of the left and right index fingers in the home position when operating the keyboard, or the position where the distance from the center of one of the two handle rotation axis, lever operation axis, or handle, lever, cross key, or button arranged side by side horizontally or vertically is roughly equal to the distance from the other.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the input device support section supports the input device, the center of the width of the worker's body coincides with the input center, and the input center is positioned in front of the worker. Therefore, even if the input device has the input center at a position that is offset from the center or near the center that is equidistant from each of the left and right ends in the width direction, it is possible to expect the effect of making it easier for the worker to achieve the working posture he or she desires, as well as the effect of making it easier for the worker to position his or her hands in a normal usage state without having to see the input device.

[0024] It is also preferable that the input device further include a hand rest portion on which the operator places his or her hands, on the front side of the input device support portion in the depth direction.

[0025] According to this configuration, the hand rest is disposed between the input device supported by the input device support section and the worker's body, allowing the worker to place his / her hands on the hand rest, which not only helps to reduce the burden on the body caused by the weight of the arms, but is also expected to improve the operability of the input device by allowing the worker's hands to be approximately fixed in the working position desired.

[0026] Moreover, it is desirable that the corners on the back side of the uneven portion in the outer circumferential direction are rounded.

[0027] With this configuration, the corners are less likely to injure or dig into the worker's body during work, which can prevent or reduce physical pain for the worker, thereby improving work comfort. Furthermore, with this configuration, the contact area between the worker's legs and the input device support base can be increased compared to when the corners are approximately right angles, which can be expected to provide stronger support for the input device support base. The worker can apply pressure to the insides of their legs through the recessed portions and to the upper thighs through the protruding portions, which can be expected to improve work efficiency and make it easier to perform movements that involve changing posture.

[0028] The present invention also provides a method for using the input device support stand, in which the rear side of the input device in the depth direction is tilted downward and the pair of uneven portions is sandwiched between the legs of an operator.

[0029] With this configuration, the input section of the input device is tilted away from the worker, making it easy to maintain the height, distance, and orientation of the worker's body that makes it easy for the worker to maintain the desired working position, and these can also be easily changed as appropriate, which is expected to have the effect of avoiding or reducing the burden on the worker's body and improving the worker's concentration and thinking ability for work.

[0030] The present invention can also be expressed as follows: Note that descriptions equivalent to those described above are basically omitted, but are included as necessary.

[0031] The present invention provides an input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and is provided with an input device support portion that supports an input device, and a pair of outer peripheral end portions located on both the left and right sides of the input device support portion, the outer peripheral end portions having a recess near the center in the depth direction or extending from the center to the entire rear side.

[0032] The "outer peripheral edge" is a portion that forms the outer peripheral shape of the input device, and may have an outer peripheral corner formed by the intersection of the "left and right side edges" and the "front and back side edges" relative to the operator, and may include the uneven portion, concave portion, or convex portion described above, or may correspond to the uneven portion. The "outer peripheral corner" may be an arc shape with a predetermined curvature radius, or an acute, right, or obtuse angle, and may correspond to the convex portion described above. The boundary between the "left and right side edges" and the "front and back side edges" is the point where a vertical plane perpendicular to the orientation of the operator's body intersects, and corresponds to the point where the operator grasps the present invention from both sides with their left and right hands in normal use, and the above boundary corresponds to the end of each side edge.

[0033] The present invention provides an input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and is equipped with an input device support portion that supports an input device, and a pair of outer peripheral end portions located on both the left and right sides of the input device support portion, the outer peripheral end portions having inclined portions that slope toward the back in the depth direction and toward the outside in the width direction.

[0034] The "inclined portion" is a part in which, under normal use conditions, the outer peripheral end forms a shape that expands in the depth direction opposite to the operator's side (hereinafter also referred to as the "front side in the depth direction"); it may be straight or curved, or may have a shape that includes straight and curved portions, and may extend from the end closest to the front in the depth direction or a predetermined point located further back in the depth direction than the end, to the end closest to the back in the depth direction or a predetermined point located further back in the depth direction than the end.

[0035] The inclined portion preferably extends from the front side to the rear side in the depth direction of the outer peripheral end portion. In other words, the inclined portion may extend from the frontmost side in the depth direction to the front side in the depth direction corresponding to a predetermined location on the rear side in the depth direction, but may also extend to other locations.

[0036] The outer peripheral end portion preferably has a protrusion that is located closer to the depth direction than the inclined portion and protrudes outward in the width direction. In other words, the protrusion may be located closest to the depth direction, or the inclined portion may be located closest to the protrusion in the depth direction, or another portion may be located closer to the depth direction than the inclined portion.

[0037] The outer peripheral end portion desirably has a first convex portion located on the depthwise front side of the inclined portion and protruding outward in the widthwise direction, and a second convex portion located on the depthwise rear side of the inclined portion and protruding outward in the widthwise direction. In other words, the first convex portion may be located on the depthwise frontmost side and the second convex portion may be located on the depthwise rearmost side, a recess may be formed between the first convex portion and the second convex portion, and the uneven portion may be formed by the first convex portion and the second convex portion.

[0038] The present invention provides an input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and used, the input device support stand comprising: an input device support portion that supports an input device; and a pair of outer peripheral end portions located on both left and right sides of the input device support portion, the outer peripheral end portions having convex portions located on the front side in the depth direction and protruding outward in the width direction. In other words, the portion deeper in the depth direction than the convex portions may be the inclined portion or a non-inclined straight portion, and in a case where the convex portion is located furthest in the depth direction nearer the worker and another convex portion is located furthest in the depth direction, the convex portion may be the first convex portion and the other convex portion may be the second convex portion.

[0039] The outer peripheral end has an inclined portion that inclines toward the rear in the depth direction and toward the inside in the width direction, the inclined portion extending from the front side of the outer peripheral end in the depth direction to the rear side, and the convex portion is a front inclined portion of the inclined portion located on the front side in the depth direction. In other words, the inclined portion is a portion that forms a shape that causes the outer peripheral end to widen toward the operator in normal use, and may be linear or curved, or may have a shape including linear and curved portions, and the front inclined portion that corresponds to the frontmost side in the depth direction may also be linear or curved, or may be the convex portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the present invention, not only can the operability of the input device and the comfort of work, including the quality of the information input, be improved, but the device is also expected to have excellent portability and make it easy to flexibly change the work location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an end view of the portion XX in the plan view. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the input device support base. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the details of the plan view. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the input device support base. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the input device support base. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating how to use the input device support base. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of another input device support base according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] An input device support base according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this input device support base") will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 9. In these figures, where there are multiple identical parts, only one part is numbered. For ease of explanation, certain parts and their leading lines are shown with hidden lines (broken lines) or imaginary lines (two-dot chain lines), and cross sections are also shown with hatching. A left side view of this input device support base is omitted because it is symmetrical to the right side view shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] <Outline of this input device support stand> As shown in FIG. 1 , this input device support base is supported by the lower half of the operator's body while supporting a keyboard as an input device. It basically comprises a surface portion 1, uneven outer peripheral edges 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "uneven edges 2") located on the left and right sides of the surface portion 1, a front edge portion 3 located toward the operator when in use, a rear edge portion 4 located on the farthest side opposite the operator when in use, and a flat back surface portion 5 facing the surface portion 1, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The shape of the outer peripheral portion of this input device support base is symmetrical, but may also be asymmetrical. This input device support base is molded from a single piece of wood, but the material is not limited to wood. For example, it may be made of resin, fibers such as fiberboard solidified with resin, molded fibers such as pulp mold, or metal such as aluminum. The processing method is not limited, and may include cutting from a material, molding from resin using a 3D printer, or assembling pre-molded components.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the input device support stand may be of any size that can be supported and carried by a worker, but the width W1 of the longest part may be 100 to 800 mm, the width W2 of the shortest part may be 50 to 700 mm, the depth L1 may be 80 to 500 mm, and the height H1 may be 3 to 200 mm, and the size may be adjusted depending on the type, size, and combination of input devices and the support structure.

[0045] <Overview of Surface Part 1> As shown in Fig. 1, the surface portion 1 has an input device support portion 11 that supports a keyboard, and a hand rest portion 12 on which the operator places their hands, located in front of the input device support portion 11 in the depth direction. The surface portion 1 is inclined away from the operator when in use. The surface portion 1 is parallel to the back portion 5, but may be inclined toward the front end portion 3 or the back end portion 4 relative to the back portion 5.

[0046] <Details of the input device support portion 11> 1 and 3, the input device support portion 11 is a fitting groove formed to a size that allows the keyboard K to be fitted in and removed based on the outer shape and size of the keyboard K, and it is sufficient that the input device support portion 11 exerts a fitting force that prevents (or makes it difficult for) the keyboard K to shift position or fall off when in use, and the depth H2 is 2 to 100 mm, and the keys may or may not be exposed above the surface portion 1 when the keyboard is supported. Furthermore, when two or more input devices are to be arranged on the same input device support base, the respective input device support portions may be individually provided at separate positions, or two or more input devices may be arranged on one input device support portion, and the depth may or may not be different for each input device.

[0047] 1, the input device support part 11 is formed so that the position of the input center which is offset in the width direction of the input device, i.e., the intermediate position which is equidistant from each of the left and right index fingers at the home position when operating the keyboard, is located equidistant from each of the left and right uneven parts 2. In other words, the input device support part 11 is formed so that the intermediate position which is equidistant from each of the left and right index fingers at the home position is located at or near the intermediate position of the input device support base which is equidistant from each of the left and right uneven parts 2. The input device support part 11 is located to the right of the surface part 1, but may be located to the center or to the left depending on the position of the intermediate position which is equidistant from each of the left and right index fingers at the home position.

[0048] Although not shown, the input device support portion 11 may have a through-hole of a predetermined size that penetrates from the front portion 1 to the back portion 5 in addition to and / or in place of the front cutout portion 31 and / or the back cutout portion 41 when the purpose is to reduce the weight of the input device support stand and / or when the purpose is to attach and detach a keyboard and / or operate an on / off switch, etc. and / or connect electrical wiring, etc.

[0049] <Details of hand rest 12> 1 and 4, hand rest 12 is designed for both hands of the operator, but can also be used for either hand, and is large enough to accommodate at least the base of the hand, which corresponds to the area between the palm and the wrist. Hand rest 12 is continuous with concave-convex portion 2 and front end 3.

[0050] <Details of the hand-rest curved surface portion 12a> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the hand-rest curved surface portion 12a may be curved or inclined to an extent that does not injure the worker's hands and does not reduce work efficiency, and the radius of curvature or angle of inclination in the depth cross section may be constant in the width direction and / or within the same depth cross section, or may change along the way. The smallest angle of the boundary between curved hand placement portion 12a and hand placement portion 12 in the same depth cross section, that is, the angle between curved hand placement portion 12a and front edge 3 in the range from near the center of the width of each curved hand placement portion 12a to near front cutout 31 in Fig. 1, and the angle at the change point of the radius of curvature or tilt angle within curved hand placement portion 12a when the radius of curvature or tilt angle is not constant within the same depth cross section, may be 91 to 360°, preferably 120 to 270°, and more preferably 150 to 180°. An angle smaller than 91° could dig into the worker's hand, and an angle larger than 360° is physically impossible. The minimum radius of curvature of the curved portion of curved hand placement portion 12a is 1 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. An angle smaller than 1 mm could dig into the worker's hand. The hand rest curved surface portion 12a may be gradually narrowed from the center to the ends in the width direction of the input device support stand.

[0051] <Overview of uneven section 2> 1 and 5, the concave-convex portion 2 is formed as a pair symmetrically on both sides, but may be formed asymmetrically. The concave-convex portion 2 has a concave portion 21 that is adjacent to the input device support portion 11 and includes a concave portion apex 21m that is the point with the shortest width in the vicinity of the adjacent point (hereinafter also referred to as the "convex portion apex"; if there is more than one point, it is the center point in the depth direction among those points), and a convex portion 22 that is continuous with the concave portion 21 and protrudes relatively outward in the width direction. In other words, the input device support base is formed of at least the concave portion 21 with a relatively short width and the long convex portion 22, and has a stepped shape in which the concave portion 21 and the convex portion 22 are continuous via a predetermined step. The recesses 21 and the protrusions 22 are each formed by curves, but they may also be formed by straight lines or a combination of curves and straight lines, and the curvature of each of the recesses 21 and the protrusions 22 may be constant or may change along the way.Furthermore, the recesses 21 and the protrusions 22 may each be processed to improve the frictional force with the worker's legs that come into contact with them, such as by finely formed irregularities or grooves, or by the attachment of an anti-slip sheet or the like.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 22 includes a first convex portion 22a including a first convex portion 21n, which is the widest point in the depth direction closer to the recess vertex 21m (hereinafter also referred to as the "first convex portion vertex"; if there is more than one point, it is the point closest to the recess vertex among those points), and a second convex portion 22b including a second convex portion 21o, which is the widest point in the depth direction closer to the recess vertex 21m (hereinafter also referred to as the "second convex portion vertex"; if there is more than one point, it is the point closest to the recess vertex among those points).

[0053] <Details of recess 21> As shown in FIG. 5, recess 21 may be curved to such an extent that it fits snugly against the inside of the thighs of both legs of the worker when in use, but the radius of curvature R1 at recess apex 21m may be greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 50 mm, and more preferably greater than 100 mm; if it is less than 5 mm, it may not fit snugly against the thighs of the worker, and / or the depth length L2 between first convex portion apex 21n and second convex portion apex 21o may be 50 to 500 mm, preferably 80 to 300 mm, and more preferably 150 to 250 mm; if it is 50 mm or less, it may not fit snugly against the thighs of the worker, and if it is 500 mm or more, it will be longer than the depth length L1 shown in FIG. 1 and is not possible.

[0054] Furthermore, although not shown, when the vicinity of the recess apex 21m, the first convex portion apex 21n, the second convex portion apex 21o, or the entire recess 21 is formed by a combination of multiple straight lines or a combination of straight lines and curves, the smallest angle of the intersection of consecutive straight lines or the angle of the intersection of consecutive straight lines and curves at the recess apex 21m or in the vicinity of the recess apex 21m (the angle on the side that comes into contact with the worker's thigh) may be greater than 60°, preferably greater than 90°, and more preferably greater than 120°; if it is less than 60°, it may be difficult to fit closely to the worker's thigh.

[0055] <Details of the first convex portion 22a> As shown in FIG. 5, first convex portion 22a may be curved and protrude to an extent that it can be caught from the upper inner side of both thighs of a worker in use, but the radius of curvature R2 at first convex portion apex 21n may be 1 to 300 mm, preferably 3 to 200 mm, and more preferably 5 to 50 mm. If it is smaller than 1 mm, first convex portion 22a may dig into the worker's legs, hands, or arms, making the worker more likely to feel physical pain, and if it is larger than 300 mm, it may be difficult for first convex portion 22a to be caught on the worker's thighs, and / or the radius of curvature R2 from concave portion apex 21m to first convex portion apex 21n The depth length L3 from the top of the recess 21m to the recess 30m may be 10 to 500 mm, preferably 20 to 200 mm, and more preferably 30 to 100 mm. If it is shorter than 10 mm, it will not easily catch on the thighs of the operator, and if it is 500 mm or more, it will not be longer than the depth length L1 shown in Figure 1. Also, the protruding width W3 from the top of the recess 21m may be 3 to 100 mm, preferably 10 to 50 mm, and more preferably 20 to 40 mm. If it is shorter than 3 mm, it will not easily catch on the thighs of the operator, and if it is longer than 100 mm, it may become distorted in shape and make it difficult to achieve the desired effect.

[0056] <Details of the second convex portion 22b> As shown in FIG. 5, second convex portion 22b may be curved and protrude to a degree that it is positioned near the inside of the knee and / or the inside of the calf of both legs so that the worker can easily hold recessed portion 21 between the inside of the thigh and make it fit tightly when in use. However, radius of curvature R3 at second convex portion apex 21o may be 1 to 100 mm, preferably 20 to 75 mm, and more preferably 30 to 50 mm. If it is less than 1 mm, second convex portion 22b may dig into the worker's leg, making the worker more likely to feel physical pain, and if it is less than 1 mm or more than 100 mm, it may be difficult for the worker to fit recessed portion 21 to the thigh, and / or if it is greater than 100 mm, it may be difficult for the worker to fit recessed portion 21 to the thigh. The depth length L4 from the recess 21m to the second convex portion apex 21o may be 20 to 500 mm, preferably 50 to 250 mm, and more preferably 100 to 150 mm. If it is shorter than 20 mm, it may be difficult for the worker to fit the recess 21 to the thigh, and if it is 500 mm or more, it will be longer than the depth length L1 shown in Figure 1. Also, the protruding width W4 from the recess apex 21m may be 5 to 150 mm, preferably 10 to 100 mm, and more preferably 15 to 80 mm. If it is shorter than 5 mm, it may be difficult for the worker to fit the recess 21 to the thigh, and if it is longer than 150 mm, it may become a distorted shape and it may be difficult to achieve the desired effect.

[0057] <Relationship between first convex portion 22a and second convex portion 22b> As shown in FIG. 5, the radius of curvature R2 of the first convex portion 22a and the radius of curvature R3 of the second convex portion 22b, the depth length L3 from the recess apex 21m to the first convex portion apex 21n and the depth length L4 from the recess apex 21m to the second convex portion apex 21o, and the protruding width W3 of the first convex portion 22a and the protruding width W4 of the second convex portion 22b may be equal to or different from each other.

[0058] <Details of the back side of the uneven part 2> As shown in FIG. 6 , the corners of the outer periphery of the back side of the uneven portion 2 are rounded. The rounded shape extends from the back side of the first convex portion 22a, excluding the outermost end portion of the front end 3 and its surrounding area, through the back side of the recess 21 and the back side of the second convex portion 22b, to the outermost end portion of the back end 4. However, the rounded shape may extend from the outermost end portion of the front end 3 to the entire outermost end portion of the back end 4. The rounded shape may be continuous with any one or more of the back sides of the first convex portion 22a, the second convex portion 22b, and the uneven portion 2, or may be discontinuous with each of them. The projected width of the rounded shape increases in the order of the back side of the first convex portion 22a, the second convex portion 22b, and the uneven portion 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the rounded shape may be reversed, or the back side of the second convex portion 22b may be the widest, or all may be the same.

[0059] <Outline of another uneven part 2> 1 (not shown), the uneven portion 2 may be formed in a straight line in plan view from the innermost portion of the recess 21 to the lateral end of the rear end 4, or may be formed in a diagonal line in plan view from the apex of the first protrusion 22a to the lateral end of the rear end 4. In other words, the protrusion 22 may have only the first protrusion 22a and not the second protrusion 22b. The uneven portion 2 may be formed in a diagonal line or an arc in plan view from the lateral end of the front end 3 to the lateral end of the rear end 4. In other words, the uneven portion 2 may be formed in a continuous, stepless tapered shape, with the lateral end of the front end 3 being the protrusion 22 and the entire area from the protrusion 22 toward the rear end 4 being the recess 21. In other words, a tapered shape having a longest and shortest width portion, such as width W1 and width W2, may also be included in the uneven portion of the present invention, and the longest width portion may be the protrusion and the rest may be the recess.

[0060] <Outline of front end 3> 1 and 2, front end 3 may or may not have a front cutout 31 that penetrates from front surface 1 to back surface 5, and may or may not include an end portion of curved hand rest portion 12a or an end portion of first convex portion 22a. When the purpose is to reduce the weight of the input device support stand or to improve the design (appearance), front end 3 may have two or more front cutouts 31, and they may be located anywhere as long as they do not interfere with hand rest portion 12.

[0061] <Details of front cutout 31> As shown in FIG. 1 , the front cutout 31 has a mountain shape in a plan view, with a front cutout apex 31a closest to the rear end 4 and an arc-shaped front cutout side 31b formed continuous with the front cutout apex 31a, but the shape is not limited to this and may be any other shape. The front cutout apex 31a may be located anywhere and may have any length or shape as long as it does not affect the function of the input device support portion 11 or the hand rest portion 12. The length, angle, radius of curvature, and other specifications of the front cutout side 31b may be determined depending on the position and length of the front cutout apex 31a.

[0062] <Overview of rear end 4> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , the rear end 4 has a rear cutout 41 that penetrates from the front surface 1 to the rear surface 5, but this is not required and may include the edge of the second protrusion 22b. The rear cutout 41 may be located anywhere if it is intended for the purpose of attaching or detaching a keyboard, operating an on / off switch, etc., and / or connecting electrical wiring, etc. The corners of the rear side of the rear end 4 toward the outer periphery are rounded. The rounded shape extends from one outermost end of the rear end 4 to the other outermost end and is continuous with the rounded shape on the back side of the uneven portion 2, but does not necessarily have to reach the outermost end of each. The projected width of the rounded shape is the same for all but is not limited to this. For example, the projected width may be wider or narrower as it approaches the outermost end.

[0063] <Details of rear cutout 41> As shown in FIG. 1, the rear cutout portion 41 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but is not limited to this and may have any shape or depth as long as it does not affect the function of the input device support portion 11.

[0064] Hereinafter, a method of using an input device support stand according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "a method of using this input device support stand") will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows the working posture of a worker P using the input device support stand while facing a seated workbench Y. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, a display R is installed on the workbench Y. The worker P tilts the rear side of the input device support stand supporting a keyboard K downward and holds the pair of concave-convex portions 2 between his / her legs. Specifically, the worker P holds the concave portions 21 between the insides of his / her thighs PL1, hooks the first convex portions 22a from the upper inner side to the top of his / her thighs PL1, and positions the second convex portions 22b near the insides of his / her knees PL2 and calves PL3. The worker P may use the input device support stand while sitting cross-legged on the floor or with his / her legs stretched out, in which case the tips of the second convex portions 22b and the back end 4 may contact the floor.

[0066] The worker P may set the angle d1 of the keyboard K to be approximately the same as the angle d2 of the worker P's hand Ph. The worker P sets the angle of the forearm Pf to be approximately the same as the angle d2 of the hand Ph, straightens the hand Ph to the elbow Pj, and bends the elbow Pj. However, the worker P may not bend the elbow Pj and may straighten the upper arm Ps so that the shoulder Pk is in a straight line from the hand Ph to the hand Ph, or may bend the wrist so that the hand Ph and forearm Pf form a V-shape. The worker P may place the hand Ph on the hand rest portion 12 or the curved hand rest portion 12a. The worker P may recognize the position of the input center of the keyboard K based on the position of the input device support base that is held between both legs and touched by feel without visually looking under the workbench Y.

[0067] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the effects obtained by the present input device support stand and the method of using the same will be listed.

[0068] This input device support stand is used by being placed between the legs of a worker P, and comprises an input device support part 11 that supports a keyboard K as an input device, and a pair of uneven parts 2 formed on the widthwise end parts located on both sides of the input device support part 11, and the uneven part 2 has a recess 21 near the center of the end part.

[0069] According to this configuration, the recesses 21 are sandwiched between the inside of the thighs PL1 of both legs of the worker P, from the inside of the thighs PL1 to the inside of the knees PL2, or from the inside of the thighs PL1 past the inside of the knees PL2 to the inside of the calves PL3, so that the back side of the input device support stand (the side opposite the worker) is easily tilted diagonally downward. In this state, the worker P's back is easily straightened when typing on the keyboard K tilted diagonally downward, and all or part of the body from the shoulders Pk to the fingertips of the hands Ph is easily straightened diagonally downward, which is expected to have the effect of preventing or reducing physical strain and making it less likely that the worker's thinking will be hindered.

[0070] Although not shown, the uneven portion 2 may have recesses 21 throughout the entire end portion from near the center to the innermost side, and this configuration can also be expected to provide the same effects as those described above.

[0071] The uneven portion 2 may be formed of a recess 21 adjacent to the input device support portion 11, a first protrusion 22a located closest to the worker P and protruding outward in the width direction, continuous with the recess 21, and a second protrusion 22b located at the farthest back and protruding outward in the width direction, continuous with the recess 21.

[0072] With this configuration, the recessed portion 21 is sandwiched between the inside of the thigh PL1 of the worker P, the first protrusion 22a catches on the upper part of the thigh PL1 of the worker P, and the second protrusion 22b is positioned near the inside of the knee PL2 and the inside of the calf PL3 of the worker P, which is expected to have the effect of making it easier to place the keyboard K at a position and inclination angle that makes it easier to achieve a desired working posture for the worker P. In other words, when the keyboard K is placed on the inside of the thigh PL1 of the worker P, it becomes easier to stretch all or part of the body from the shoulder Pk to the fingertips of the hand Ph straight and obliquely downward while hanging down the forearm Pf, and also to keep the body from the neck to the back in a straight state.

[0073] In addition, the uneven portion 2 may not have the second convex portion 22b, and may be formed only by the convex portion 22 (first convex portion 22a) which is located closest to the worker P and is continuous with the concave portion 21 and protrudes outward in the width direction, and with this configuration, effects equivalent to those described above can be expected.

[0074] The keyboard K has an input center at a position offset in the width direction (a middle position located approximately equidistant from each of the left and right index fingers at the home position when operating the keyboard), and the input device support part 11 is formed so that when the keyboard K is supported, the input center of the keyboard K is located equidistant from each of the left and right uneven parts 2.

[0075] According to this configuration, when the input device support portion 11 supports the keyboard K, the center of the width of the worker P's body coincides with the input center of the keyboard K, and the input center of the keyboard K is positioned directly in front of the worker P. Therefore, even if the keyboard K has its input center at a position that is offset from the center or the vicinity of the center that is equidistant from each of the left and right ends in the width direction, it is possible to expect the effect of making it easier for the worker P to achieve the working posture he or she desires, as well as the effect of making it easier for the worker P to position his or her hands in a normal use position without having to visually check the input device.

[0076] The input device support base includes a hand rest portion 12 on which the operator P places his / her hands, on the front side of the input device support portion 11 in the depth direction.

[0077] According to this configuration, the hand rest 12 is disposed between the keyboard K supported by the input device support part 11 and the body of the worker P. When the worker P places his / her hands on the hand rest 12, the burden on the body caused by the weight of the arms can be reduced, and the operability of the input device can be improved by allowing the hands to be approximately fixed in the working position desired by the worker.

[0078] The corners in the outer circumferential direction on the back side of the uneven portion 2 are rounded.

[0079] With this configuration, the corners on the outer periphery of the back side of the uneven portion 2 are less likely to injure or dig into the body of the worker P during work, so that the worker P can apply pressure to the inside of the thigh PL1 through the recess 21 and the upper part of the thigh PL1 through the first convex portion 22a, which is expected to improve work efficiency and make it easier to perform movements that involve changing posture.

[0080] Furthermore, the input device support stand is used by tilting the back side of the keyboard K downward in the depth direction and holding the pair of uneven portions 2 between the legs of the operator.

[0081] With this configuration, the keyboard K is tilted away from the worker P, making it easy to maintain the keyboard K at a height, distance, and orientation that allows the worker P to easily maintain the desired working position relative to his or her body, and these can also be easily changed as appropriate, which is expected to have the effect of avoiding or reducing the burden on the worker P's body and improving the worker P's concentration and thinking ability when working.

[0082] The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described content, and includes the structure, shape, and dimensions of all parts, the interrelationship between parts, and the method of use, as long as the same effect can be obtained.

[0083] 9, when the input device support base is used in combination with a trackpad (touchpad) or trackball, the input device support base may not have the front cutout 31 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and the trackpad insertion portion 11a may be continuous with the input device support portion 11. The distance from the first convex portion apex 21n to the side end of the trackpad insertion portion 11a is the same on the left and right sides; in other words, the trackpad insertion portion 11a is located equidistant from the left and right first convex portion apexes 21n.

[0084] As shown in Figure 8 and Figures 10 to 14, this embodiment can also be expressed as follows: Including Figures 10 to 14, descriptions of contents equivalent to those described above are basically omitted, but are included as necessary.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, the input device support stand is used by being placed between the legs of a worker P, and has a pair of outer peripheral end portions 2 located on both the left and right sides of the input device support portion that supports a keyboard K, and the outer peripheral end portions 2 have inclined portions 2a that are inclined toward the back in the depth direction and toward the outside in the width direction.

[0086] The inclined portion 2a is substantially linear from the innermost depth side of the outer peripheral end 2 to the innermost depth side, with a recessed portion 21 substantially at the innermost depth side and a protruding portion 22 at the innermost depth side. The input device support base is flared toward the innermost depth side in a plan view, and the outer peripheral end 2 corresponds to the uneven portion 2 and is tapered from the innermost depth side to the innermost depth side. The angle of the inclined portion 2a is 2 to 50° outward, preferably 5 to 40°, and more preferably 10 to 30°, based on the front of the operator. If the angle is less than 2° or greater than 50°, it may be difficult to hold the device between the operator's legs. The length of the inclined portion 2a may be longer than 50 mm, preferably longer than 80 mm, and more preferably longer than 100 mm. If the length is less than 50 mm, it may be difficult to fit the device to the operator's thighs.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 11, the outer peripheral end 2 has a first convex portion 22a located on the depthwise front side of the inclined portion 2a and protruding outward in the widthwise direction, a second convex portion 22b at the substantially innermost side in the depthwise direction, and a concave portion 21 between the first convex portion 22a and the second convex portion 22b. The only difference from the input device support base shown in Fig. 10 is the presence or absence of the first convex portion 22a. The outer peripheral end 2 corresponds to the uneven portion 2, and the inclined portion 2a is approximately linear from the innermost point in the depthwise direction of the point where the curvature of the concave portion 21 becomes zero to the innermost point in the depthwise direction.

[0088] As shown in Figure 12, the outer peripheral end 2 has a first convex portion 22a that is located closer to the depth than the inclined portion 2a and protrudes outward in the width direction, and a second convex portion 22b that is located further back in the depth direction than the inclined portion 2a and protrudes outward in the width direction.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 13, the input device support stand is used by being placed between the legs of worker P, and includes a pair of outer peripheral end portions 2 located on both the left and right sides of the input device support portion that supports the input device, and outer peripheral end portions 2 have convex portions 22 located on the front side in the depth direction and protruding outward in the width direction. Outer peripheral end portion 2 corresponds to uneven portion 2, and has concave portions 21 located substantially further back in the depth direction than convex portions 22. Outer peripheral end portion 2 corresponding to concave portions 21 is approximately perpendicular to the front of worker P.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 14, the outer peripheral end 2 has an inclined portion 2a that slopes toward the rear in the depth direction and toward the inside in the width direction. The inclined portion 2a extends from the front side of the outer peripheral end 2 in the depth direction to the rear side, and the convex portion 22 is a front inclined portion of the inclined portion 2a located on the front side in the depth direction. The outer peripheral end 2 is tapered, narrowing from the frontmost side in the depth direction to the rearmost side in the depth direction. The angle of the inclined portion 2a is 2 to 50°, preferably 5 to 40°, and more preferably 10 to 30°, directed inward from the front of the worker. If the angle is less than 2°, the convex portion 22 will not easily catch on the upper thighs of the worker. If the angle is more than 50°, it will be difficult to hold the outer peripheral end between the legs and the shape may become distorted, making it difficult to achieve the desired effect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Surface part 11 Input device support 11a Trackpad insert 12 Hand rest area 12a Hand placed curved part 2 Uneven part (outer edge) 2a Slope 21 Recess 22 Convex part 22a First convex part 22b Second convex part 3 Front edge 31 Front cutout 4 Back edge 41 Rear cutout 5 Back part Y Workbench R Display P worker Ph hand Pf forearm Pj elbow Ps upper arms Pk shoulder

Claims

1. An input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and used, an input device support portion that supports the input device; a pair of concave and convex portions formed at widthwise end portions located on both sides of the input device support portion; The uneven portion has a recess near the center of the end portion or all the way from the center to the innermost side. Input device support base.

2. The uneven portion is formed by the recessed portion adjacent to the input device support portion and a protruding portion that is closest to the operator, is continuous with the recessed portion, and protrudes outward in the width direction.

2. The input device support base according to claim 1

3. the input device has an input center portion at a position offset in a width direction; The input device support portion is formed so that the input center portion is positioned equidistant from each of the left and right uneven portions when the input device is supported. The input device support base according to claim 1 .

4. The input device further includes a hand rest portion on which the operator places his / her hands, on the front side of the input device support portion in the depth direction. The input device support base according to claim 1 .

5. The corners of the outer periphery on the back side of the uneven portion are rounded. The input device support base according to claim 1 .

6. A method of using the input device support base according to claim 1, comprising: The back side of the input device is tilted downward in the depth direction, and the worker holds the pair of concave and convex parts between their legs. How to use the input device support stand.

7. An input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and used, an input device support portion that supports the input device; a pair of outer peripheral end portions located on both left and right sides of the input device support portion; The outer peripheral end has an inclined portion that is inclined toward the back side in the depth direction and toward the outside in the width direction. Input device support base.

8. The inclined portion extends from the front side to the rear side in the depth direction of the outer peripheral end portion. The input device support base according to claim 7 .

9. The outer peripheral end portion has a convex portion that is located on the front side of the inclined portion in the depth direction and that protrudes outward in the width direction. The input device support base according to claim 7 .

10. The outer peripheral end portion has a first convex portion located on the front side of the inclined portion in the depth direction and protruding outward in the width direction, and a second convex portion located on the rear side of the inclined portion in the depth direction and protruding outward in the width direction. The input device support base according to claim 7 .

11. An input device support stand that is placed between the legs of a worker and used, an input device support portion that supports the input device; a pair of outer peripheral end portions located on both left and right sides of the input device support portion; The outer peripheral end has a protrusion located on the front side in the depth direction and protruding outward in the width direction. Input device support base.

12. the outer peripheral end portion has an inclined portion inclined toward the rear side in the depth direction and toward the inside in the width direction, The inclined portion extends from the front side to the rear side in the depth direction of the outer peripheral end portion, The convex portion is a front inclined portion of the inclined portion that is located on the front side in the depth direction. The input device support base according to claim 11.

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