Keyboard devices and information equipment systems

Abstract

It allows for a thinner and lighter design, resulting in a superior user experience. [Solution] The keyboard device is a keyboard device for inputting to a screen keyboard that displays multiple keys on a capacitive touchscreen, and comprises: a plurality of conductive keycaps; a scissor mechanism provided directly below each keycap to support the keycap so that it can move up and down; an insulating support plate having a through hole directly below each keycap and supporting each scissor mechanism on its upper side; a rubber dome provided between each keycap and the support plate, each having a conductive contact portion that contacts the keycap and a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed; and a plurality of conductive pads provided on the lower side of the support plate so as to cover each through hole in an insulated state between adjacent pads, and each conductive pad being able to communicate with each key of the screen keyboard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard device and an information device system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, information devices such as notebook computers and tablet computers that have a touch screen and no physical keyboard have been rapidly spreading. In many cases, this type of information device uses a screen keyboard displayed on the touch screen as a virtual input device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the screen keyboard has no physical up and down movement of keys or input feedback, and it is also impossible to distinguish the boundary with other adjacent keys by touch. Therefore, the screen keyboard is inferior to a physical keyboard device in terms of operation feeling, and some users may prefer to input with a physical keyboard device.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant has proposed a compact keyboard device that can be placed on the touch screen of the above-described information device and can be wirelessly connected to the information device (see Patent Document 2). Since this keyboard device has keys that physically move up and down, a high operation feeling can be obtained. However, since this keyboard device is equipped with a battery, a membrane switch, a wireless module, etc., there is a limit to thinning and weight reduction.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a keyboard device and information equipment system that can be made thinner and lighter and that provide a high level of operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A keyboard device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a keyboard device for inputting to a screen keyboard that displays a plurality of keys on a capacitive touchscreen, comprising: a plurality of conductive keycaps; a scissor mechanism provided directly below each keycap to support the keycap so that it can move up and down; an insulating support plate having a through hole directly below each keycap and supporting each scissor mechanism on its upper side; a rubber dome provided between each keycap and the support plate, each having a conductive contact portion that contacts the keycap and a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed; and a plurality of conductive pads provided on the lower side of the support plate so as to cover each through hole in an insulated state between adjacent pads, and each conductive pad being able to communicate with each key of the screen keyboard.

[0008] An information device system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises an information device having a capacitive touchscreen capable of displaying a screen keyboard composed of a plurality of keys, and a keyboard device placed on the touchscreen for inputting to the screen keyboard, wherein the keyboard device comprises a plurality of conductive keycaps, a scissor mechanism provided directly below each keycap to support the keycap so that it can move up and down, an insulating support plate having a through hole directly below each keycap and supporting each scissor mechanism on its upper side, a rubber dome provided between each keycap and the support plate, each having a conductive contact portion that contacts the keycap, a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed, and a plurality of conductive pads provided on the lower side of the support plate so as to cover each through hole in an insulated state between adjacent pads, and each conductive pad capable of electrically connecting to each key of the screen keyboard.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a keyboard device for inputting to a screen keyboard that displays a plurality of keys on a capacitive touchscreen, comprising: a plurality of conductive keycaps; a scissor mechanism provided directly below each keycap to support the keycap so that it can move up and down; an insulating support plate having a through hole directly below each keycap and supporting each scissor mechanism on its upper side; a plurality of rubber domes having a conductive contact portion that can contact the keycap, a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed, and legs that stand upright on the upper side of the support plate, wherein the contact portion and the pressing portion are formed of a conductive material and the legs are formed of a non-conductive rubber material; and a plurality of conductive pads provided on the lower side of the support plate so as to cover each through hole in an insulated state between adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is capable of electrical communication with each key of the screen keyboard.

[0010] An information device system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises an information device having a capacitive touchscreen capable of displaying a screen keyboard composed of a plurality of keys, and a keyboard device placed on the touchscreen for inputting to the screen keyboard, wherein the keyboard device comprises a plurality of conductive keycaps, a scissor mechanism provided directly below each keycap to support the keycap so as to be able to move up and down, an insulating support plate having through holes directly below each keycap and supporting each scissor mechanism on its upper side, a conductive contact portion that can contact the keycap, a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed, and legs that stand upright on the upper side of the support plate, wherein the contact portion and the pressing portion are formed of a conductive material, and the legs are formed of a non-conductive rubber material, and a plurality of conductive pads provided on the lower side of the support plate so as to cover each through hole in an insulated state between adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is able to communicate with each key of the screen keyboard. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to make the device thinner and lighter, and to obtain a high level of operability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information equipment system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an information equipment system in which a keyboard device is mounted on an information device. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic side view of the information equipment in its closed, storage mode. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a side view of the information device shown in Figure 3A, opened and in notebook mode, with the keyboard unit placed in the usage position. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a magnified portion of the keyboard device in its position of use. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where a predetermined keycap shown in Figure 4A is pressed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the bottom sheet with the conductive pads fixed as viewed from the upper side. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the bottom sheet shown in Figure 5 as viewed from the lower side. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state where a keycap of a keyboard device according to a configuration example in which an opening is formed in the bottom sheet is pressed. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device including a rubber dome according to a first configuration example. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where a predetermined keycap shown in Figure 8A is pressed. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device including a rubber dome according to a second configuration example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device including a rubber dome according to a third configuration example.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the keyboard device and the information device system according to the present invention will be given and described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an information device system 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 shows a state before the keyboard device 14 is placed on the information device 12. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the information device system 10 with the keyboard device 14 placed on the information device 12. Figure 3A is a schematic side view in a state where the information device 12 is closed and in a storage mode. Figure 3B is a side view in a state where the information device 12 shown in Figure 3A is opened and in a notebook mode and the keyboard device 14 is placed.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B, the information device system 10 of the present embodiment includes an information device 12 and a keyboard device 14. The keyboard device 14 is an auxiliary device for improving the operability of input operations on the information device 12. The information device system 10 can also include other input devices other than the keyboard device 14, such as a digitizer pen or the like.

[0016] First, a configuration example of the information device 12 will be described.

[0017] The information device 12 includes a first housing 16A, a second housing 16B, a hinge device 17, and a touch screen 18. The information device 12 of the present embodiment is a foldable personal computer like a book and can be used as a notebook PC or a tablet PC. The information device 12 may be a tablet PC (tablet terminal) having a single-plate touch screen, a portable game machine, or the like. The information device 12 may have a dual-screen structure in which touch screens are provided on each of two housings rotatably connected by, for example, a hinge device.

[0018] The housings 16A and 16B are rectangular flat boxes. In the housings 16A and 16B, standing walls are formed upright on the outer peripheral edges of the bottom plates, and the touch screen 18 is disposed on the open upper surface. The housings 16A and 16B can be made of, for example, a metal plate such as stainless steel, magnesium, or aluminum, or a fiber-reinforced resin plate. Inside each of the housings 16A and 16B, for example, a substrate on which various semiconductor chips and the like are mounted, a battery device, an antenna device, as well as various electronic components and a cooling device can be accommodated.

[0019] The housings 16A and 16B are arranged adjacent to each other. The housings 16A and 16B are connected by a hinge device 17 provided at a position straddling one edge portion 16Aa and 16Ba which are adjacent edges of each other (see FIG. 3B). The hinge device 17 connects the one edge portions 16Aa and 16Ba so as to be relatively rotatable. Thereby, the information device 12 opens and closes with the first housing 16A and the second housing 16B like a book.

[0020] The housings 16A and 16B can be set to any desired angle between the 0-degree position shown in Figure 3A and the 180-degree position shown in Figure 1. In the 0-degree position shown in Figure 3A, the information device 12 takes on a compact form with the touchscreen 18 housed inside (storage mode), making it easy to carry and store in a bag, etc. When the distance between the housings 16A and 16B is set to approximately 90 to 140 degrees, as shown in Figure 3B, the information device 12 can be used in the same form as a typical notebook PC (notebook mode). In the 180-degree position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the touchscreen 18 is formed as a large single panel, and the information device 12 can be used as a large-screen tablet terminal (tablet mode). Reference numeral 20 in Figures 3A and 3B is a spine cover member that covers the gap between the edges 16Aa and 16Ba that are separated from each other in storage mode and notebook mode.

[0021] In the following explanation, as shown in Figures 1 to 3B, the width direction of each housing 16A and 16B of the information device 12 will be referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the direction in which housings 16A and 16B are aligned perpendicular to the X1 and X2 directions will be referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction of housings 16A and 16B will be referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions. Similarly, the keyboard device 14 will be referred to as the X1, X2 directions, etc., based on its position on the information device 12 (see Figures 2 and 3B). The X1 and X2 directions may also be collectively referred to as the X direction, and the Y1 and Y2 directions and the Z1 and Z2 directions may also be referred to as the Y direction and Z direction.

[0022] The touchscreen 18 can be constructed using an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) with stacked capacitive touch panels. Therefore, the touchscreen 18 functions as an input device capable of detecting the touch position from the slight change in capacitance that occurs between the finger and the touch panel. The touchscreen 18 can be operated by touch on its upper surface 18a, which is the display surface.

[0023] The touchscreen 18 is made of a highly flexible, paper-like flexible display, allowing it to be folded in conjunction with the rotational movement between the housings 16A and 16B. In other words, the touchscreen 18 continuously covers the top surfaces of the first housing 16A and the second housing 16B, and can be opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing movements of the housings 16A and 16B. The touchscreen 18 has a folding region 18b that bends when the housings 16A and 16B rotate, specifically a strip-shaped region extending in the X direction along one edge 16Aa, 16Ba, which spans the hinge device 17 (see Figure 3B). The touchscreen 18 does not need to be made of a flexible display if the information device 12 is not foldable.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the information device 12 can display a screen keyboard 22 on the touchscreen 18. The screen keyboard 22, also called a software keyboard, is a virtual keyboard device that allows typing using touch operations on the touchscreen 18. The screen keyboard 22 consists of multiple keys 22a arranged in the same way as a typical keyboard device. The screen keyboard 22 can be operated in the same way as a typical keyboard device by accepting touch operations on each key 22a.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a state in which the on-screen keyboard 22 is displayed on the upper surface 18a of the touchscreen 18, specifically in the area on the first housing 16A side, towards the Y1 side. The display position, display range, and key arrangement of the on-screen keyboard 22 are not limited to those shown in Figure 1. In other words, the information device 12 can display the on-screen keyboard 22 at any position within the display area of ​​the touchscreen 18.

[0026] Next, we will describe the keyboard device 14, which is used in combination with the information device 12.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3B, the keyboard device 14 is used by being placed on the upper surface 18a of the touchscreen 18. The keyboard device 14 assists in input operations on the on-screen keyboard 22 displayed on the touchscreen 18. By physically pressing each keycap 24 of the keyboard device 14, each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 displayed directly below each keycap 24 can be touch-operated. This enables comfortable typing on the on-screen keyboard 22.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the keyboard device 14 placed on the on-screen keyboard 22 displayed on the touchscreen 18. Preferably, the arrangement of each keycap 24 of the keyboard device 14 matches the arrangement of each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22. This ensures that when the keyboard device 14 is placed on the on-screen keyboard 22, a key 22a with the same function is positioned directly below each keycap 24. Hereafter, this state in which the keyboard device 14 is placed in the appropriate position on the on-screen keyboard 22 will be referred to as the "usage position".

[0029] The keyboard device 14 has a width dimension in the X direction that is slightly smaller than that of the housings 16A and 16B in a plan view, and a width dimension in the Y direction that is slightly larger than the width dimension of the shorter side (Y direction) of the screen keyboard 22. As a result, when the keyboard device 14 is in use, it is positioned to cover the screen keyboard 22 with substantially the same outer shape. The keyboard device 14 may be configured to be positioned in use by, for example, magnets embedded in various places on the outer edges of the housings 16A and 16B. The keyboard device 14 may also be configured to be positioned in use by, for example, non-slip rubber material placed on various places on the outer edge of its bottom surface.

[0030] Figure 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a magnified portion of the keyboard device 14 in the position of use. Figure 4B is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which a predetermined keycap 24 shown in Figure 4A is pressed down. The scissor mechanism 26 is not shown in Figure 4B.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2, 4A, and 4B, the keyboard device 14 may comprise a plurality of keycaps 24, a plurality of scissor mechanisms 26, a plurality of rubber domes 28, a support plate 30, a plurality of conductive pads 32, a bottom sheet 34, and a frame member 36. As described above, the keyboard device 14 is an auxiliary input device that touches the keys 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 via the pressed keycaps 24. For this reason, the keyboard device 14 can be configured without batteries, membrane switches, wireless modules, etc., unlike a typical keyboard device.

[0032] The keycap 24 is an operating plate that is directly operated by the operator. The keycap 24 has conductivity at least between the operating surface (front surface) 24a and the back surface 24b. The keycap 24 is molded from, for example, resin, and the entire outer surface is plated with metal 24c to ensure conductivity between the operating surface 24a and the back surface 24b. The metal 24c can be formed, for example, by vapor deposition of stainless steel (SUS) or nickel. The keycap 24 may also be molded from a material that is conductive throughout.

[0033] The scissor mechanism 26 is a guide mechanism that supports the keycap 24 so that it can move up and down on the upper surface 30a side of the support plate 30. One scissor mechanism 26 is installed directly below each keycap 24. Multiple scissor mechanisms 26 can be installed for larger keycaps 24 such as the spacebar.

[0034] The scissor mechanism 26 can consist of an inner frame 26a and an outer frame 26b that is paired with the inner frame 26a. The inner frame 26a and the outer frame 26b are attached in a diagonal brace manner and function as a pantograph that guides the keycap 24 to move up and down on the support plate 30. An opening is formed on the inner circumference of the inner frame 26a where a rubber dome 28 is placed. The inner frame 26a may have a pair of left and right fixed shafts 26a1 that are pivotally supported on the back surface 24b side of the keycap 24 and a pair of left and right movable shafts 26a2 that are slidably supported on the upper surface 30a side of the support plate 30. The outer frame 26b may have a pair of left and right movable shafts 26b1 that are slidably supported on the back surface 24b side of the keycap 24 and a pair of left and right fixed shafts 26b2 that are pivotally supported on the upper surface 30a side of the support plate 30.

[0035] The rubber domes 28 are provided between the upper surface 30a of the support plate 30 and the back surface 24b of each keycap 24. One rubber dome 28 is installed inside each scissor mechanism 26. The rubber domes 28 are elastic members that provide electrical conductivity between the keycap 24 and the conductive pad 32 when the keycap 24 is pressed, and return the keycap 24 to its original position when the keycap 24 is released.

[0036] The rubber dome 28 may have a contact portion 28a, a pressing portion 28b, and a leg portion 28c. The rubber dome 28 as a whole has a substantially frustoconical shape.

[0037] The contact portion 28a forms the upper surface of the rubber dome 28 and is the part that contacts the back surface 24b of the keycap 24. To improve adhesion to the back surface 24b, the contact portion 28a can be formed as a donut-shaped surface with a recess in the center when viewed from above. The contact portion 28a may also be formed as a disc-shaped plane without a recess. The pressing portion 28b is the part that presses the conductive pad 32. The pressing portion 28b is provided coaxially below the contact portion 28a. The pressing portion 28b may be, for example, a frustoconical or cylindrical shape that tapers downwards.

[0038] The leg portion 28c is an elastically deformable portion for moving the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b up and down. The leg portion 28c has a skirt shape that forms the outer surface of the rubber dome 28 and is supported and upright by the upper surface 30a of the support plate 30. As a result, when the keycap 24 is pressed, the leg portion 28c is compressed and crushed, moving the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b downward. When the keycap 24 is released, the leg portion 28c returns to its original shape by its elastic force, pushing up the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b and raising the keycap 24.

[0039] The rubber dome 28 has conductivity in at least the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b, and electrical conductivity is maintained between the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b. The rubber dome 28 can be integrally molded from conductive silicone rubber with a conductive filler added, for example, from the contact portion 28a to the pressing portion 28b. This ensures electrical conductivity between the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b. The leg portion 28c does not need to be conductive. The entire rubber dome 28, including the leg portion 28c, may be molded from conductive silicone rubber.

[0040] The support plate 30 is a mounting plate for each scissor mechanism 26 and each rubber dome 28. The support plate 30 is a thin plate made of an insulating material. The thickness of the support plate 30 is, for example, 0.2 mm. The support plate 30 can be made of FR4 (Flame Retardant Type 4), a material made by impregnating glass fibers with epoxy resin and curing it. Plates made of FR4 are generally used in printed circuit boards and are high-strength, lightweight, and insulating.

[0041] The upper surface 30a of the support plate 30 serves as the support surface for the scissor mechanism 26 and the rubber dome 28. Shaft support portions 38 for supporting the shafts 26a2 and 26b2 are appropriately provided protruding from the upper surface 30a. The lower surface 30b of the support plate 30 serves as the mounting surface for the conductive pad 32 and the bottom sheet 34. The support plate 30 has through holes 30c directly below each keycap 24. One through hole 30c is provided directly below each rubber dome 28. The through holes 30c are holes with an inner diameter that allows the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28 to pass through, and are, for example, circular in shape.

[0042] Figure 5 is a plan view of the bottom sheet 34 to which the conductive pad 32 is fixed, as seen from the top surface 34a. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the bottom sheet 34 shown in Figure 5, as seen from the bottom surface 34b.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4A to 6, multiple conductive pads 32 are provided on the lower surface 30b side of the support plate 30 so as to cover each through hole 30c. One conductive pad 32 covers one through hole 30c. The conductive pads 32 are thin metal foils made of a highly conductive metal such as copper or aluminum. The thickness of the conductive pads 32 is, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0044] When the keyboard device 14 is in use, each conductive pad 32 is electrically connected to each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22. One conductive pad 32 is installed directly beneath each rubber dome 28. Adjacent conductive pads 32 are insulated from each other. For example, each conductive pad 32 is insulated from each other by being arranged with a predetermined gap C between them. The size of each conductive pad 32 is preferably the same as or slightly smaller than the outer shape of the key 22a to be connected. This allows each conductive pad 32 to be electrically connected to each key 22a with a large surface area while being reliably insulated from each other. The size of each conductive pad 32 is preferably uniform from each other, regardless of the size of the key 22a to be connected. More specifically, the size of each conductive pad 32 is preferably uniform for at least each type of key 22a to be connected (e.g., function keys, alphanumeric keys, cursor keys, etc.). This makes the magnitude of the signal transmitted between each conductive pad 32 and each key 22a uniform, resulting in more stable touch operation on the on-screen keyboard 22. For example, in Figure 4A, the key 22a directly below the central keycap 24 is called "key 22A," and the keys 22a adjacent to key 22A on the left and right are called "keys 22B" and "keys 22C," respectively. In this case, the conductive pad 32 that is electrically connected to key 22A is insulated from the adjacent conductive pads 32, 32 that are electrically connected to keys 22B and 22C by a gap C.

[0045] Each conductive pad 32 is fixed and positioned by adhesive to the upper surface 34a of the bottom sheet 34 in an arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of the keys 22a (keycaps 24). Each conductive pad 32 can also be fixed to the lower surface 30b of the support plate 30 by adhesive or other means.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4A to 6, the bottom sheet 34 forms the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14. The bottom sheet 34 is a thin sheet-like member made of an insulating material. The bottom sheet 34 is a resin sheet made of, for example, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), and a resin sheet called Mylar (registered trademark) can also be used. The thickness of the bottom sheet 34 is, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0047] The bottom sheet 34 is fixed to the lower surface 30b of the support plate 30 by adhesive or the like, with the conductive pad 32 sandwiched between it and the lower surface 30b. This prevents the conductive pad 32 from being exposed on the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14. The shape of the bottom sheet 34 can be formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the support plate 30 in a plan view. This allows the bottom sheet 34 to cover the entire surface of the lower surface 30b.

[0048] The bottom sheet 34 provides insulation between each conductive pad 32, while allowing conductivity between each conductive pad 32 and each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22. As described above, the bottom sheet 34 is a thin, insulating sheet-like material. This allows the bottom sheet 34 to maintain insulation between each conductive pad 32.

[0049] The on-screen keyboard 22 is composed of a capacitive touch panel, and the bottom sheet 34 is a thin insulating film located between the conductive pad 32 and the touchscreen 18. Therefore, the thin bottom sheet 34 that forms the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14 passes the AC voltage applied when the keycap 24 is pressed and conduction occurs between the operator's fingertip F and the conductive pad 32, as will be described later, and becomes part of the capacitor formed there. For this reason, even when the insulating bottom sheet 34 is provided on the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14, the information device 12 can detect the change in capacitance that occurs between the conductive pad 32 and the key 22a and accept touch operations on the on-screen keyboard 22. Accordingly, the thickness of the insulating bottom sheet 34 needs to be thin enough not to interfere with the detection of touch operations by the capacitive touchscreen 18. In this embodiment, the thickness of the bottom sheet 34 is set to, for example, 0.1 mm as described above.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4A, the frame member 36 is a component that constitutes the housing of the keyboard device 14. The frame member 36 is, for example, a molded part made of an insulating resin material. The frame member 36 may have an isolation frame 36a and an outer peripheral frame 36b.

[0051] The isolation frame 36a, together with each keycap 24, forms the upper surface of the keyboard device 14. The isolation frame 36a functions as a partition wall separating adjacent keycaps 24, 24 from each other. The isolation frame 36a is formed in a mesh-like manner, and the keycaps 24 are arranged to be vertically movable inside each mesh. The isolation frame 36a can be omitted. The outer perimeter frame 36b is a vertical wall that forms the outer perimeter side of the keyboard device 14. The outer perimeter frame 36b is formed to rise up from the outer edge of the isolation frame 36a toward Z2. Inside the outer perimeter frame 36b are housed a support plate 30 that supports the keycaps 24, the scissor mechanism 26, and the rubber dome 28, and a conductive pad 32 and a bottom sheet 34 laminated on the lower surface 30b side of the support plate 30.

[0052] Next, we will explain the operation of the keyboard device 14 as the primary focus of the operation of the information equipment system 10.

[0053] The information device 12 can use the keyboard device 14 in notebook mode (see Figure 3B) or tablet mode (see Figure 2). For example, in notebook mode, the keyboard device 14 is placed in a usage position on the upper surface 18a of the touchscreen 18 on the first housing 16A side, which is placed on a desk. In the usage position, the keyboard device 14 has keycaps 24 of the corresponding key type placed on each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22, and conductive pads 32 located beneath the keycaps 24 provide electrical contact with each key 22a.

[0054] First, as shown in Figure 4A, when the keycap 24 is not pressed, the keycap 24 is in the highest position towards Z1 due to the biasing force of the rubber dome 28. At this time, the conductive keycap 24 and the rubber dome 28 are electrically connected to each other. On the other hand, the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28 is above the through hole 30c of the support plate 30. In other words, the pressing portion 28b is separated from the conductive pad 32, and the two are not electrically connected. For this reason, the keyboard device 14 does not perform input (touch operation) to the keys 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 displayed on the touchscreen 18.

[0055] Next, to input to the on-screen keyboard 22, as shown in Figure 4B, for example, a predetermined keycap 24 is pressed with a fingertip F. This causes the keycap 24 to move downward (in the Z2 direction) under the guidance of the scissor mechanism 26, compressing and crushing the rubber dome 28. As a result, the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28 passes through the through-hole 30c and contacts the conductive pad 32 directly below it. Consequently, the keyboard device 14 becomes electrically connected from the fingertip F to the conductive pad 32 via the conductive keycap 24 and rubber dome 28, and input (touch operation) to the key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 is performed. At this time, each conductive pad 32 is insulated from each other. Therefore, other keys 22a other than the target key 22A, such as adjacent keys 22B and 22C, are not accidentally touched.

[0056] As described above, the keyboard device 14 of this embodiment provides input to a screen keyboard 22 that displays a plurality of keys 22a on a capacitive touchscreen 18. The keyboard device 14 comprises a plurality of conductive keycaps 24, a scissor mechanism 26 provided directly beneath each keycap 24, and an insulating support plate 30 that has through holes 30c directly beneath each keycap 24 and supports each scissor mechanism 26 on its upper surface 39b. The keyboard device 14 has a conductive contact portion 28a that contacts the keycap 24, and a conductive pressing portion 28b that is electrically connected to the contact portion 28a and passes through the through hole 30c when the keycap 24 is pressed, and each keycap 24 is provided between the support plate 30 and a rubber dome 28. The keyboard device 14 is provided with multiple conductive pads 32 on the lower surface 30b side of the support plate 30 so as to cover each through hole 30c in an insulated manner from adjacent ones, and each conductive pad 32 is capable of electrical communication with each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22.

[0057] Such a keyboard device 14 is equipped with a scissor mechanism 26 and vertically movable keycaps 24 supported by rubber domes 28, allowing for typing with a high level of tactile feel similar to that of a typical physical keyboard device. On the other hand, the keyboard device 14 uses the keys 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 for key output to the information device 12 when a keycap 24 is pressed. In other words, the keyboard device 14 does not need to be equipped with components for key output, such as batteries, membrane switches, and wireless modules. For this reason, the keyboard device 14 can be made significantly thinner and lighter compared to a typical keyboard device that connects to the information device wirelessly or via a wired connection. For example, the keyboard device 14 of this embodiment can be configured with a thickness of about 3 to 3.5 mm in the Z direction. That is, the information device system 10 equipped with the keyboard device 14 can input to the information device 12 with a comfortable typing touch using a physical keyboard device 14. Moreover, the keyboard device 14 can be easily carried together with the compact information device 12 and can be easily stored in a bag or the like.

[0058] In particular, the keyboard device 14 has conductive pads 32 that have a large surface area equivalent to that of each key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 and are substantially uniform in size, and these pads are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28 only needs to contact the conductive pads 32 and be electrically connected to them. As a result, the keyboard device 14 is less likely to cause poor contact with the touchscreen 18, and the occurrence of input errors and erroneous inputs on the on-screen keyboard 22 when the keycaps 24 are pressed can be suppressed.

[0059] In other words, let's consider a case where the keyboard device 14 does not have a conductive pad 32, and the pressing portion 28b pressed by the keycap 24 directly touches the key 22a. The pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28 is located inside the scissor mechanism 26, and is surrounded by legs 28c that elastically displace the rubber dome 28 itself. As a result, the surface area of ​​the pressing surface (tip surface) of the pressing portion 28b is small, and it is difficult to increase the surface area. Therefore, a configuration in which the pressing portion 28b directly touches the key 22a as described above is likely to cause poor contact with the minute electrodes of the touchscreen 18, and is prone to causing typing problems. In this respect, the keyboard device 14 of this embodiment has a conductive pad 32 with a large surface area that makes electrical contact with the key 22a. As a result, the keyboard device 14 can reliably touch the key 22a if the pressing portion 28b makes contact with the conductive pad 32 and makes electrical contact, so typing problems are less likely to occur.

[0060] Preferably, the size of the conductive pad 32 in plan view is the same as or less than the size of the key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22 in plan view. The larger the surface area of ​​the conductive pad 32, the less likely it is to cause poor conductivity to the key 22a. On the other hand, if the conductive pad 32 is too large, there is a concern that adjacent keys 22a may be accidentally touched.

[0061] The keyboard device 14 may be provided with a bottom sheet (sheet-like member) 34 on the lower surface 30b side of the support plate 30, with each conductive pad 32 sandwiched between the bottom sheet 34 and the lower surface 30b. The bottom sheet 34 insulates the conductive pads 32 from each other, while allowing conductivity between each conductive pad 32 and each key 22a. This prevents the conductive pads 32, which may be formed from, for example, metal foil and arranged in a floating island-like manner, from being directly exposed on the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14. This prevents the conductive pads 32 from rusting or peeling. The bottom sheet 34 improves the aesthetic appearance of the bottom surface of the keyboard device 14 and also prevents dust and dirt from entering from the bottom surface. Since the bottom sheet 34 can be attached to the support plate 30 with each conductive pad 32 fixed integrally, the workability when assembling the conductive pads 32 is also improved. The bottom sheet 34 can also be an anisotropic conductive sheet that has conductivity in the thickness direction and insulation in the surface direction.

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the state in which a keycap 24 of a keyboard device 14 is pressed down, in an example configuration in which an opening 34c is formed in the bottom sheet 34.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the bottom sheet 34 can also have openings 34c formed through it at positions overlapping each conductive pad 32. The openings 34c are openings with a diameter smaller than the outer shape of each conductive pad 32, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 where they overlap some of the conductive pads 32. The diameter of the openings 34c is larger than the diameter of the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28. Although Figures 5 and 6 illustrate openings 34c only at positions overlapping some of the conductive pads 32, openings 34c can be similarly provided directly beneath all conductive pads 32. The openings 34c illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 are round holes, but rectangular or polygonal holes may also be used.

[0064] In the keyboard device 14 shown in Figure 7, an opening 34c is provided in the bottom sheet 34, so that when a keycap 24 is pressed, the conductive pad 32 directly contacts the upper surface 18a of the touchscreen 18. Therefore, in this configuration, the bottom sheet 34 only needs to be insulating, and the ability to flow AC voltage during touch operation in its thickness direction is not limited.

[0065] Next, we will describe other configuration examples of the rubber dome 28 (rubber domes 28A, 28B, and 28C).

[0066] Figure 8A is a schematic, enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device 14 equipped with a rubber dome 28A according to the first configuration example. Figure 8B is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which a predetermined keycap 24 shown in Figure 8A is pressed down. The scissor mechanism 26 is not shown in Figures 8A to 10.

[0067] The rubber dome 28A shown in Figures 8A and 8B has a contact portion 28a and a pressing portion 28b made of a conductive material 40, and a leg portion 28c made of a non-conductive rubber material.

[0068] The conductive material 40 is, for example, a rubber material to which a conductive filler has been added. In this embodiment, the conductive material 40 is a silicone rubber to which a conductive filler has been added. Examples of conductive fillers include metal powder or carbon black. Examples of metal powders include silver, copper, aluminum, or nickel.

[0069] The rubber dome 28A has a contact portion 28a and a pressing portion 28b that are integrally molded from the same conductive material 40. This ensures electrical conductivity between the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b. The conductive material 40 is, for example, molded into a substantially cylindrical shape overall. The upper surface (Z1 side) of the conductive material 40 becomes the contact portion 28a, and the lower surface (Z2 side) becomes the pressing portion 28b. The contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b may be formed separately and then integrally formed with an adhesive or the like.

[0070] The legs 28c of the rubber dome 28A are made of a non-conductive rubber material. In this embodiment, the legs 28c are made of silicone rubber. In other words, the rubber dome 28A is made of a rubber material without the conductive filler described above. Generally, the flexibility of rubber material decreases when a conductive filler is added. The legs 28c need to be flexibly compressed when the keycap 24 is pressed down. This is to ensure a smooth feel when operating the keycap 24. On the other hand, the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b do not need to be as flexible as the legs 28c. Therefore, in the rubber dome 28A, the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b are made of a conductive material 40, and the legs 28c are made of a non-conductive rubber material. As a result, the rubber dome 28A is able to achieve both flexibility and conductivity between the contact portion 28a and the pressing portion 28b.

[0071] The contact portion 28a of the rubber dome 28 shown in Figure 4A, etc., was always in contact with the back surface 24b of the keycap 24. On the other hand, the contact portion 28a of the rubber dome 28A shown in Figure 8A can be in a position separated from the back surface 24b when the keycap 24 is not pressed. The contact portion 28a of the rubber dome 28A has a gap G between it and the back surface 24b.

[0072] Specifically, the contact portion 28a is located below the bottom plate 28e of a recessed area 28d on the upper surface of the rubber dome 28A. The bottom plate 28e is integrally molded with, for example, the leg portion 28c. A hole 28f is formed in the bottom plate 28e that penetrates in the Z direction. The contact portion 28a is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom plate 28e and is exposed to the inside of the hole 28f. A convex portion 24d that protrudes downward is formed on the back surface 24b of the keycap 24. The convex portion 24d has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the hole 28f and a height that allows it to contact the contact portion 28a through the hole 28f. Metal plating 24c is also applied to the surface of the convex portion 24d.

[0073] As shown in Figure 8B, when the keycap 24 is pressed and moves downward under the guidance of the scissor mechanism 26, the rubber dome 28A, especially the legs 28c, is smoothly compressed and crushed. At this time, the convex portion 24d of the keycap 24 contacts the contact portion 28a through the hole 28f. This creates electrical conductivity between the keycap 24, the contact portion 28a, and the pressing portion 28b. Furthermore, the pressing portion 28b of the rubber dome 28A contacts the conductive pad 32 through the through hole 30c. As a result, even in the keyboard device 14 equipped with the rubber dome 28A, electrical conductivity is maintained from the fingertip F to the conductive pad 32, allowing input (touch operation) to be performed on the key 22a of the on-screen keyboard 22.

[0074] The rubber dome 28A has a gap G between the contact portion 28a and the keycap 24. Thus, in addition to the gap between the pressing portion 28b and the conductive pad 32, the rubber dome 28A also has a gap G between it and the keycap 24. For this reason, the keyboard device 14 equipped with the rubber dome 28A is less likely to cause electrical contact between the keycap 24 and the contact portion 28a, even if the keycap 24 is lightly pressed unintentionally. As a result, the rubber dome 28A can more reliably prevent the key 22a from being touched unintentionally.

[0075] Figure 9 is a schematic, enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device 14 equipped with a rubber dome 28B according to the second configuration example. The rubber dome 28B shown in Figure 9 has a configuration in which the hole 28f is substantially filled with conductive material 40, compared to the rubber dome 28A shown in Figures 8A and 8B. In the rubber dome 28B, the contact portion 28a is exposed on the upper surface (Z1 side) of the bottom plate 28e. Therefore, even with the rubber dome 28B, when the keycap 24 is pressed, the convex portion 24d of the keycap 24 comes into contact with the contact portion 28a, and they become electrically connected.

[0076] Figure 10 is a schematic, enlarged side cross-sectional view of a part of a keyboard device 14 equipped with a rubber dome 28C according to the third configuration example. The rubber dome 28C shown in Figure 10 lacks the protrusion 24d of the keycap 24, compared to the rubber dome 28B shown in Figure 9. Also, the conductive material 40 is arranged to penetrate the bottom plate 28e, and the contact portion 28a is above (on the Z1 side) the upper surface (Z1 side) of the bottom plate 28e. Therefore, even with the rubber dome 28C, when the keycap 24 is pressed, the back surface 24b of the keycap 24 comes into contact with the contact portion 28a, and they become electrically conductive.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Information Equipment Systems 12 Information equipment 14 Keyboard device 16A First enclosure 16B Second cabinet 18 Touchscreen 22-inch on-screen keyboard 22A~22C,22a Key 24 keycaps 24d convex part 26. Scissor mechanism 28, 28A~28C Rubber dome 28a Contact part 28b Pressing part 28c leg 28f hole 30 Support Plate 30c through hole 32 conductive pads 34 Bottom sheet 34c opening

Claims

1. A keyboard device for inputting to an on-screen keyboard that displays multiple keys on a capacitive touchscreen, Multiple conductive keycaps, A scissor mechanism is provided directly beneath each keycap, which supports the keycap so that it can move up and down. Each keycap has a through-hole directly beneath it, and an insulating support plate supports each scissor mechanism from the top side, A rubber dome is provided between each keycap and the support plate, having a conductive contact portion that contacts the keycap, and a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed. Multiple conductive pads are provided on the lower surface of the support plate so as to cover each through-hole while being insulated from adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is capable of electrical communication with each key of the on-screen keyboard, A keyboard device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. A keyboard device according to claim 1, The sheet-like member is provided on the lower surface side of the support plate and has the plurality of conductive pads sandwiched between it and the lower surface of the support plate, The sheet-like member is configured such that the conductive pads are insulated from each other, while allowing electrical conductivity between each conductive pad and each key of the on-screen keyboard. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

3. A keyboard device according to claim 2, The sheet-like member is an insulating resin sheet formed to a thickness that allows electrical conductivity between each conductive pad and each key of the screen keyboard. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

4. A keyboard device according to claim 2, The aforementioned sheet-like member has insulating properties and has openings at positions that overlap with each conductive pad. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

5. A keyboard device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The conductive pad is a metal foil fixed to the sheet-like member. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

6. Information equipment system, An information device having a capacitive touchscreen capable of displaying an on-screen keyboard composed of multiple keys, A keyboard device placed on the touchscreen and used for inputting to the on-screen keyboard, Equipped with, The keyboard device is Multiple conductive keycaps, A scissor mechanism is provided directly beneath each keycap, which supports the keycap so that it can move up and down. Each keycap has a through-hole directly beneath it, and an insulating support plate supports each scissor mechanism from the top side, A rubber dome is provided between each keycap and the support plate, having a conductive contact portion that contacts the keycap, and a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed. Multiple conductive pads are provided on the lower surface of the support plate so as to cover each through-hole while being insulated from adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is capable of electrical communication with each key of the on-screen keyboard, has An information equipment system characterized by the following features.

7. The information equipment system according to claim 6, The size of the conductive pad is the same as or less than the size of the key. An information equipment system characterized by the following features.

8. An information equipment system according to claim 6 or 7, The sheet-like member is provided on the lower surface side of the support plate and has the plurality of conductive pads sandwiched between it and the lower surface of the support plate, The sheet-like member is configured such that the conductive pads are insulated from each other, while allowing electrical conductivity between each conductive pad and each key of the on-screen keyboard. An information equipment system characterized by the following features.

9. A keyboard device for inputting to an on-screen keyboard that displays multiple keys on a capacitive touchscreen, Multiple conductive keycaps, A scissor mechanism is provided directly beneath each keycap, which supports the keycap so that it can move up and down. Each keycap has a through-hole directly beneath it, and an insulating support plate supports each scissor mechanism from the top side, A plurality of rubber domes having a conductive contact portion that can contact the keycap, a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed, and legs that stand upright on the upper surface side of the support plate, wherein the contact portion and the pressing portion are made of a conductive material, and the legs are made of a non-conductive rubber material, Multiple conductive pads are provided on the lower surface of the support plate so as to cover each through-hole while being insulated from adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is capable of electrical communication with each key of the on-screen keyboard, A keyboard device characterized by comprising the following features.

10. A keyboard device according to claim 9, The conductive material forming the contact portion and the pressing portion is a rubber material to which a conductive filler has been added. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

11. A keyboard device according to claim 9 or 10, When the keycap is not pressed, the contact portion is separated from the keycap. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

12. A keyboard device according to claim 11, The back surface of the keycap is provided with a protrusion that contacts the contact area when the keycap is pressed. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

13. A keyboard device according to claim 12, The rubber dome has a hole located directly below the protrusion, The protrusion contacts the contact portion through the hole when the keycap is pressed. A keyboard device characterized by the following features.

14. Information equipment system, An information device having a capacitive touchscreen capable of displaying an on-screen keyboard composed of multiple keys, A keyboard device placed on the touchscreen and used for inputting to the on-screen keyboard, Equipped with, The keyboard device is Multiple conductive keycaps, A scissor mechanism is provided directly beneath each keycap, which supports the keycap so that it can move up and down. Each keycap has a through-hole directly beneath it, and an insulating support plate supports each scissor mechanism from the top side, A plurality of rubber domes having a conductive contact portion that can contact the keycap, a conductive pressing portion that is electrically connected to the contact portion and passes through the through hole when the keycap is pressed, and legs that stand upright on the upper surface side of the support plate, wherein the contact portion and the pressing portion are made of a conductive material, and the legs are made of a non-conductive rubber material, Multiple conductive pads are provided on the lower surface of the support plate so as to cover each through-hole while being insulated from adjacent ones, and each conductive pad is capable of electrical communication with each key of the on-screen keyboard, has An information equipment system characterized by the following features.

15. The information equipment system according to claim 14, The conductive material forming the contact portion and the pressing portion is a rubber material to which a conductive filler has been added. An information equipment system characterized by the following features.

Images