Data processing device with a keyboard having pop-up keys

A keyboard comprising:

• a key;
• a key support mechanism supporting said key for upward and downward movement for switching actuation in an operation condition wherein switching is enabled when in a first position and in a non-operation condition wherein switching is disabled when in a second position;
• a sliding member connected to said key support mechanism so that said sliding member and said key support mechanism move in association between the first position and the second position;
• a holder member formed with an elongated slot of predetermined size;
• a shifting member formed smaller than the elongated slot and disposed in the elongated slot so as to be shiftable in the elongated slot, said shifting member provided in connection with said sliding member so that shifting of said shifting member moves said sliding member between the first position in which said key is operable and the second position in which said key is inoperable;
• and
• an operation member connected to the shifting member, wherein operation of the operation member shifts said shifting member in the elongated slot.

A data processing device comprising:

• a keyboard with a key having a key cap;
• a support shaft provided on one edge of said keyboard;
• a lid provided with a display and pivotable on said support shaft from a closed position, to a predetermined angle, and further to an open position;
• a guide support member supporting and guiding vertical movement of the key cap;
• a holder member to which said guide support member is attached;
• a circuit board slidably disposed beneath said holder member and formed with a predetermined circuit pattern including a fixed electrode at a position corresponding to said guide support;
• a switching member disposed on said circuit board at a position in correspondence with the fixed electrode, said switching member movable with sliding movements of said circuit board between a second position, wherein said switching member is shifted aside from said guide support member, and a first position, wherein said switching member supports said guide support member and depressing the key top lowers said switching member to connect a circuit with the fixed electrode;
• a support member supporting said circuit board;
• follower means in connection with said circuit board so that said follower means and said circuit board slide in association;
• drive means connected with said lid so as to operate in association with pivotal movement of said lid, said drive means driving movement of said follower means only while said lid is between the closed position and the predetermined angle, said drive means engaging said follower means while said lid is between the closed position and the predetermined angle so that when said lid is pivoted open from the closed position to the predetermined angle, said circuit board slides over said support member in a predetermined direction, thereby shifting said switching member from the second position to the first position, said drive means and said follower means falling out of engagement when said lid is pivoted open to or greater than the predetermined angle;
• and
• an urging means connected with said follower means and for maintaining said switching means in the first position when said lid is pivoted open to or greater than the predetermined angle.