U.S. patent application number 12/057582 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for collapsible keyboard.
This patent application is currently assigned to DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.. Invention is credited to Chien-Shih Hsu.
Application Number | 20080173529 12/057582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35059431 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080173529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hsu; Chien-Shih |
July 24, 2008 |
COLLAPSIBLE KEYBOARD
Abstract
A collapsible keyboard comprises a first key assembly, a second
key assembly rotatably connected to the first key assembly and a
third key assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly.
The first key assembly is located between the second and third key
assemblies when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode,
and the first key assembly, the second and third key assemblies are
substantially located on the same level when the collapsible
keyboard is in an operating mode.
Inventors: |
Hsu; Chien-Shih; (Taipel,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINTERO LAW OFFICE, PC
2210 MAIN STREET, SUITE 200
SANTA MONICA
CA
90405
US
|
Assignee: |
DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
TAOYUAN
TW
|
Family ID: |
35059431 |
Appl. No.: |
12/057582 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11091838 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
7375295 |
|
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12057582 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
200/5A |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2223/052 20130101;
H01H 13/86 20130101; G06F 3/0221 20130101; H01H 2223/05
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
200/5.A |
International
Class: |
H01H 13/04 20060101
H01H013/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2004 |
TW |
TW93109866 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A collapsible keyboard, comprising: a first key assembly
comprising a first protrusion and a first recess; and a second key
assembly rotatably connected to the first key assembly and
comprising a second protrusion and a second recess; when the
collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode, the first key
assembly and the second key assembly are substantially located on
the same level, and the first protrusion is fitted in the second
recess and the second protrusion is fitted in the first recess.
23. A collapsible keyboard, comprising: a second key assembly; a
third key assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly;
a linkage respectively pivoted to the second and third key
assemblies; a first side plate pivoted to the second key assembly;
and a second side plate respectively pivoted to the third key
assembly and the first side plate.
24. The collapsible keyboard as claimed in claim 23, wherein the
second key assembly comprises a third shaft pivoted to an end of
the linkage and a fourth shaft pivoted to the first side plate.
25. The collapsible keyboard as claimed in claim 23, wherein the
third key assembly comprises a fifth shaft pivoted to an end of the
linkage and a sixth shaft pivoted to the second side plate.
26. The collapsible keyboard as claimed in claim 23, wherein the
first side plate and the second side plate are substantially
parallel when the collapsible keyboard is in the operating mode,
and the second side plate is enclosed by the third key assembly and
the first side plate.
27. The collapsible keyboard as claimed in claim 23, wherein the
first side plate is substantially perpendicular to the second side
plate when the collapsible keyboard is in the collapsed mode.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The invention relates to a keyboard, and in particular to a
collapsible keyboard.
[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional bi-fold
keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 comprises a left key part 12, a right
key part 14, a shaft 16 and a bracket 18 connected to the left key
part 12. The left key part 12 is pivoted to the right key part 14
via the shaft 16. When the left key part 12 and the right key part
14 are folded together via the shaft 16 into a received mode, the
size of the folded keyboard 10 is only reduced by half.
[0003] The bracket 18 connected to the left key part 12 (or the
right key part 14) serves as a support for a portable electronic
device (not shown), e.g. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
Typically, the electronic device supported by the bracket 18 must
be moved to a central region 18' of the keyboard 10 to be viewable.
It is not easy, however, to position the bracket 18 on the center
of the unfolded keyboard 10.
[0004] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of a conventional quad-fold
collapsible keyboard 20. The keyboard 20, comprising a first part
22a, a second part 22b, a third part 22c and a third part 22d can
be folded by the method depicted in FIG. 1B. The folded keyboard 20
is very thick. Several keys 24 between the second part 22b and the
third part 22c are, however, outwardly projected and easily damaged
when the keyboard 20 is folded. Thus, a space key 24 of the
keyboard 20 must be divided into two sections to respectively
locate on the second part 22b and the third part 22c. This results
in inferior user sensitivity when operating the keyboard 20.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention provides a collapsible keyboard with a thin
profile that can be conveniently carried and stored. A collapsible
keyboard comprises a first key assembly, a second key assembly
rotatably connected to the first key assembly, and a third key
assembly rotatably connected to the second key assembly. The first
key assembly is located between the second and third key assemblies
when in a collapsed mode. The first, second and third key
assemblies are substantially located on the same level when in an
operating mode.
[0006] In the preferred embodiments, the first key assembly is on
the left side of the second key assembly. When the collapsible
keyboard is in the collapsed mode, the keys of the first key
assembly face the keys of the second key assembly, and the first
hook is engaged with the first connecting portion for positioning
the first key assembly when in the collapsed mode.
[0007] The first key assembly comprises a first protrusion and a
first recess and the second key assembly comprises a second
protrusion and a second recess. When the collapsible keyboard is in
an operating mode, the first key assembly and the second key
assembly are substantially located on the same level, wherein the
first protrusion is fitted in the second recess and the second
protrusion is fitted in the first recess, to prevent mutual
movement between the first key assembly and the second key
assembly.
[0008] The collapsible keyboard of the invention further comprises
a connecting part connecting to the first key assembly and the
second key assembly. The connecting part comprises a first rotation
shaft pivoted to the first key assembly and a second shaft pivoted
to the second key assembly and spaced apart from the first rotation
shaft. Further, the connecting part comprises a second hook and the
third key assembly comprises a second connecting portion. The
second hook is engaged with the second connecting portion for
positioning the third key assembly when in the collapsed mode.
[0009] In the preferred embodiments, the collapsible keyboard of
the invention further comprises a linkage respectively pivoted to
the second and third key assemblies, a first side plate pivoted to
the second key assembly and a second side plate respectively
pivoted to the third key assembly and the first side plate.
[0010] The second key assembly comprises a third shaft pivoted to
an end of the linkage and a fourth shaft pivoted to the first side
plate. The third key assembly comprises a fifth shaft pivoted to an
end of the linkage and a sixth shaft pivoted to the second side
plate. The second key assembly, the third key assembly, the
linkage, the first side plate and the second side plate function as
a five-linkage mechanism.
[0011] When the collapsible keyboard is in the operating mode, the
third shaft and the fourth shaft are respectively located on
different levels, and the fifth shaft and the sixth shaft are
respectively located on different levels, and the first side plate
and the second side plate are substantially parallel, and the
second side plate is enclosed by the third key assembly and the
first side plate. When in the collapsed mode, the first side plate
is substantially perpendicular to the second side plate
[0012] In the preferred embodiments, the first key assembly
comprises a first edge irregularly formed by the first keys and the
second key assembly comprises a second edge irregularly formed by
the second keys and complementary to the second edge, wherein the
first keys of the first edge alternately correspond to the second
keys of the second edge. The second key assembly comprises a third
edge irregularly formed by the second keys and the third key
assembly comprises a fourth edge irregularly formed by the third
keys and complementary to the third edge, wherein the keys of the
third edge alternately correspond to the third keys of the fourth
edge.
[0013] An embodiment of a collapsible keyboard comprises a first
key assembly, a second key assembly rotatably connected to the
first key assembly, and a third key assembly rotatably connected to
the second key assembly. The width of the first key assembly is
less than the width of the third key assembly, and the first key
assembly is located between the second and third key assemblies
when the collapsible keyboard is in a collapsed mode.
[0014] Another collapsible keyboard of the invention comprises a
first key assembly comprising a first protrusion and a first recess
and a second key assembly rotatably connected to the first key
assembly and comprising a second protrusion and a second recess.
When the collapsible keyboard is in an operating mode, the first
key assembly and the second key assembly are substantially located
on the same level, and the first protrusion is fitted in the second
recess and the second protrusion is fitted in the first recess.
[0015] The tri-fold collapsible keyboard of the invention is much
thinner and simpler to operate than the prior quad-fold keyboard
and easier to carry and store. The keyboard is collapsed by folding
the left and right key assemblies, i.e., the first and third key
assemblies, to the center assembly, i.e., the second key assembly,
to prevent dust accumulation and prevent damage to the keys.
[0016] Further, the width of the first key assembly is less than
that of the third key assembly. Thus, the space key can be located
in the center of the keyboard, i.e., the second key assembly of the
keyboard, eliminating the need for division of the space key into
two sections located on different key assemblies, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with
references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional collapsible
keyboard.
[0019] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of a conventional
collapsible keyboard.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a collapsible keyboard of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a top view of the collapsible keyboard of the
invention in an operating mode.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a side view of the collapsible keyboard of the
invention in the operating mode.
[0023] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the collapsible keyboard
along line (a-a') of FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the collapsible keyboard of
the invention in a collapsed mode.
[0025] FIG. 5B is a top view of a first and a second housing of
FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a region (b) of FIG. 5A.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the collapsible keyboard of
the invention in another collapsed mode.
[0028] FIG. 6B is an enlarged sectional view of a region (c) of
FIG. 6A.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible keyboard of
the invention in a collapsed mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a collapsible keyboard of the
invention and FIG. 4A is a top view of the collapsible keyboard in
an operating mode. The collapsible keyboard 100 is a tri-fold
keyboard, comprising a first key assembly 30, a second key assembly
40 rotatably connected to the left side of the first key assembly
30, and a third key assembly 50 rotatably connected to the right
side of the second key assembly 40.
[0031] The first key assembly 30 comprises a first housing 32 and a
plurality of first keys 34 disposed on the first housing 32. The
second key assembly 40 comprises a second housing 41 and a
plurality of second keys 42 disposed on the housing 41. The third
key assembly 50 comprises a third housing 52 and a plurality of
third keys 54 disposed on the housing 52.
[0032] The first key assembly 30 comprises a first edge E1
irregularly formed by the first keys 34. The second key assembly 40
further comprises a second edge E2 irregularly formed by the second
keys 42 and complementary to the second edge E2. The first keys 34
of the first edge E1 alternately correspond to the second keys 42
of the second edge E2. In FIG. 4A, the keyboard 100 is deployed as
a standard keyboard.
[0033] In FIG. 3, the keyboard 100 further comprises a connecting
part 60, a first side plate 70, a second side plate 80 and a
linkage 90.
[0034] The connecting part 60 connected to the first key assembly
30. The second key assembly 40 comprises a first rotation shaft 62
pivoted to the first key assembly 30 and a second shaft 64 pivoted
to the second key assembly 40 spaced apart from the first rotation
shaft 62. The first and second rotation shafts 62 and 64 of the
connecting part 60 are respectively pivoted to a through hole 37 of
the first housing 32 and a through hole 44 of the second housing
41. Thus, the first key assembly 30 is movable with respect to the
second key assembly 40.
[0035] The second key assembly 40 comprises a third shaft 48
pivoted to a through hole 92 located at an end of the linkage 90
and a fourth shaft 49 pivoted to the first side plate 70. The third
key assembly 50 comprises a fifth shaft 57 pivoted to a through
hole 94 located at another end of the linkage 90 and a sixth shaft
58. Both ends of the second side plate 80 are respectively pivoted
to the first side plate 70 and the sixth shaft 58 of the third key
assembly 50. The second key assembly 40, the third key assembly 50,
the linkage 90, the first side plate 70 and the second side plate
80 comprise a five-linkage mechanism for rotating the third key
assembly 50 with respect to the second key assembly 40.
[0036] FIG. 4B is a side view of the keyboard 100 of FIG. 4A. When
the unfolded keyboard 100 is in the operating mode on a table (not
shown), the left and right sides of the keyboard 100, the
connecting part 60 and the first side plate 70 are four supports,
and the first key assembly 30, the second key assembly 40 and the
third key assembly 50 are substantially located on a horizontal
level.
[0037] FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the collapsible keyboard
along line a-a' of FIG. 4A. When the keyboard 100 is unfolded, the
third and fourth shafts 48 and 49 of the second housing 41 are
respectively located independently, and the fifth and sixth shafts
57 and 58 of the third housing 52 are respectively located at an
individual level. The linkage 90 is horizontally connected to the
third and fifth shafts 48 and 57, and the first and second side
plates 70 and 80 are parallel. The second side plate 80, enclosed
by the third key assembly 50 and the first side plate 70, is
located at the bottom of the keyboard 100. The second housing 41 is
a flange extending from fourth shaft 49 rightward to the third
housing 52 horizontally stabilizing the third key assembly 50.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A, FIG. 5A is a perspective view
of the keyboard 100 in a collapsed mode. In conventional
collapsible keyboards, it can be found that most function keys are
located on the right side of the keyboard while the "F", "J" and
space keys are closer to the left side. Thus, the space key must be
divided into two sections and located on different key assemblies,
respectively. In this embodiment, the first key assembly 30 located
on the left side of the keyboard 100 is thinner than the third key
assembly 50, to accommodate the "F" key in the second key assembly
40. By folding the first key assembly 30 located on the left side
of the keyboard 100 toward the second key assembly 40 located in
the center of the keyboard 100, the first keys 34 of the first key
assembly 30 face the second keys 42 of the second key assembly 40,
and the first connecting portion 43 in FIG. 4A of the second key
assembly 40 can be locked by the first hook 36 of the first key
assembly 30, and thus the first key assembly 30 can be securely
fixed.
[0039] In FIG. 5B, the first housing 32 of the first key assembly
30 comprises a first protrusion 38 and a first recess 39, and the
second key assembly 40 comprises a second protrusion 45 and a
second recess 46. When the collapsible keyboard 100 is in the
operating mode, the first protrusion 38 is engaged with the second
recess 46 and the second protrusion 45 is engaged with the first
recess 39. Due to the first protrusion 38 and the second protrusion
45 being alternately arranged, collision of the "D" key protruding
from the first key assembly 30 with the second housing 41 can be
prevented when the first key assembly 30 is rotated with respect to
the second key assembly 40, i.e., the first and second key
assemblies 30 and 40 are mutually moved. Even if the keyboard 100
is in the operating mode, the first and second key assemblies 30
and 40 can be substantially kept at the same level and
stabilized.
[0040] FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of a region b of FIG. 5A. In
FIGS. 5A and 5C, the fifth shaft 57 is spaced from the edge of the
third housing 52 by a suitable distance, thus an edge of the second
housing 41 contacting the third housing 52 functions as a point of
rotation. Based on the previously described five-linkage mechanism,
in the process of lifting the second and third keys 42 and 54
projected from the second and third key assemblies 40 and 50, the
second and third keys 42 and 54 can be prevented from colliding
with the second housing 41 or the third housing 52.
[0041] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the collapsible keyboard of
the invention in another collapsed mode. Referring also to FIG. 5A,
when the first key assembly 30 overlaps the second key assembly 40
and the third key assembly 50 then overlaps the back side of the
first key assembly 30. The second connecting portion 56 (in FIG.
5A) of the third key assembly 50 can be locked by the second hook
66 of the connecting part 60, and thus the third key assembly 50
can be securely fixed. In the collapsed mode depicted in FIG. 7,
the folded first key assembly 30 is located between the second and
third key assemblies 40 and 50, and the first keys 34 of the first
key assembly 30 and the third keys 54 of the third key assembly 50
face the second keys 42 of the second key assembly 40.
[0042] FIG. 6B is an enlarged sectional view of a region c of FIG.
6A. The linkage 90 has a length substantially equal to the
thickness of the keyboard 100. When the keyboard 100 is in the
collapsed mode, the first side plate 70 is perpendicular to the
second side plate 80, to hide the clearances between the first,
second and third key assemblies 30, 40 and 50. Further, the keys
can be protected form damage and accumulation of dust through the
clearances by the first and second side plates 70 and 80.
[0043] The design of the first hook 36 and the first connecting
portion 43 can be exchanged, as can the design of the second hook
66 and the second connecting portion 56, for securely fixing the
first key assembly 30 and the third key assembly 50 together.
[0044] Except that the keyboard 100 is much thinner than the
conventional collapsible keyboard, the only difference is that the
collapsed keyboard 100 can be conveniently carried and stored. In
particular, the keyboard 100 is collapsed by centrally folding its
left and right key assemblies, i.e., the first and third key
assemblies 30 and 50, to the center assembly, i.e., the second key
assembly 40, to prevent dust accumulation and protect the keys from
damage.
[0045] In FIG. 4A, due to the first key assembly 30 being more
narrow than the third key assembly 50, the "F", "J" keys and the
space key 47 can be placed on the center of the keyboard 100, i.e.,
the second key assembly 40 of the keyboard 100, and the "F", "J"
keys are substantially symmetrical with respect to the center of
the space key 47. When operating the keyboard 100, a user's thumbs
can be symmetrically positioned on the space key 47, and the left
index finger can be positioned on the "F" key, and the right index
finger can put on the "J" key, eliminating the need to divide the
space key 47 into two sections located on different key assemblies,
respectively.
[0046] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited thereto, but, on the contrary, is intended to
accommodate various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *