A FOLDING KEYBOARD WITH SLIDING SEGMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

摘要

An expandable keyboard (10) which folds to minimize size during transport or storage, and can be converted to substantially twice its folded length for use. Its operating mechanism supports a large number of electrical interconnections between the hinged wing section or sections and the central platform, and provides for straight-line engagement as well as environmental and ESD protection of the mating electrical connectors. It includes a central keyboard assembly (14) and a first assembly (16) comprising a first segment (18) and a first wing (20). The central keyboard assembly (14) includes one or more keys (28) and a platform (30). The first wing (20) is pivotally connected along one side to one side of the platform (30) about a first axis and is pivotable to a closed position where the first wing (20) rests substantially on the platform (30) and to an open position where the first wing (20) provides an extension of the platform (30). The expandable keyboard (10) may also include a second assembly (22) comprising a second segment (24) and a second wing (26) pivotally connected along one side of the platform (30), about a second axis, which operates in the same manner as the first wing (20).