JP2002083524A - Key switch device, keyboard with key switch device, and electronic apparatus with keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch device capable of conducting key operation having a good sense of click, freely designing the sense of click, reducing the total cost of the key switch device, without requiring a rubber spring widely used in the key switch device and a complex key top biasing mechanism, and to provide a keyboard with the key switch device, and an electronic apparatus with the keyboard. SOLUTION: A first cam part 24A of a first link member 3 is supported with a cantilever member 32 extended in a cantilever shape from the first link member 3, a second cam part 24B of a second link member 4 constituted with the same member as the first link member 3 is supported with a cantilever member 32 extended in a cantilever shape from the second link member 4, and both cantilever members 32 are biased with torsion springs 32 installed in the link members 3, 4 in the direction where the first cam part 24A of the first cam member 3 comes in contact with the second cam part 24B of the second link member 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch device for performing a switching operation while guiding up and down movement of a key top through a pair of link members, a keyboard provided with the key switch device, and an electronic apparatus provided with the keyboard. Particularly, it is possible to perform key operation with a good click feeling at the time of key top operation, without requiring a rubber spring or a complicated key top biasing mechanism generally used in a key switch device. In addition, a key switch device capable of freely designing a click feeling and thereby reducing the cost of the entire key switch device, a keyboard including the key switch device, and an electronic apparatus including the keyboard It is about.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Along with the miniaturization and thinning of a notebook type personal computer which is a kind of electronic equipment, various devices have been proposed as a key switch device for a keyboard attached thereto. In this type of key switch device, the key top is urged upward to hold the key top at the non-pressed position, and when the key top is pressed, the switching operation is performed by buckling with a click feeling, Rubber springs are commonly used to return the key top to the non-pressed position after switching.

Here, the rubber spring is made of silicon rubber, EPDM rubber, or the like. However, in general, the cost is high, and the work of properly assembling while positioning the rubber spring at a predetermined position in the key switch device is required. It is complicated. Further, when a rubber spring is used, the switching characteristics of the key switch device largely depend on the characteristics of the rubber spring, and therefore, it is difficult to freely change the switching characteristics of the key switch device.

[0004] Under such circumstances, various proposals have been made in recent years to realize a key switch device without using a rubber spring. For example, JP-A-10-172
No. 380 discloses that a pair of first and second links are movably arranged between a hook of a key top and a hook of a base molding degree to guide up and down movement of the key top by each link. A key switch device in which a rubber sheet is stretched between link connecting portions is described.

In such a key switch device, when the key top is not depressed, the circular projection formed on the back surface of the key top is in close contact with the rubber sheet and the key top is held in the non-depressed state. The switch area of the membrane sheet supported on the bottom plate with a click feeling by pressing downward while increasing the tension of the rubber sheet via the circular projection to project the circular projection and the rubber sheet downward from the through hole. Switching.
When the keytop is released from being pressed, the keytop is moved upward by the elastic force of the rubber sheet and returns to the original non-pressed position.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
In the key switch device described in 172380, since a rubber spring is not used, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in designing the key switch device without being affected by the size of the rubber spring.

However, in the key switch device, although a rubber spring generally used is not used, only the rubber spring is replaced with a rubber sheet, and a rubber sheet is indispensable due to the configuration of the key switch device. Therefore, it is still insufficient to reduce the cost of the key switch device as a whole, and the work of extending the rubber sheet between the connecting portions of the pair of nuclear links complicates the assembly work of the key switch device. There is a problem. Further, it is possible to perform a switching operation with a click feeling when the keytop is pressed, but it is extremely difficult to freely design such a click feeling.

A key switch device has also been proposed in which a key top is urged upward through an elastic member made of resin instead of the rubber spring or rubber sheet. The elastic member is cost-effective because it can be integrally formed with the resin member constituting the key switch device, but when used for a long period of time, creep occurs due to the stress repeatedly applied to the elastic member. There is a possibility that a phenomenon occurs and plastic deformation occurs. When the plastic deformation of the elastic member occurs, it is no longer possible to elastically support the vertical movement of the key top, and in some cases, the key top may not function as a key switch device due to breakage or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and does not require a rubber spring or a complicated key top biasing mechanism generally used in a key switch device. A key switch capable of performing key operations with a good click feeling during operation and being able to freely design the click feeling, thereby reducing the cost of the entire key switch device. It is an object to provide a device, a keyboard provided with the key switch device, and an electronic device provided with the keyboard.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a key switch device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a key top, a first link member movably disposed below the key top, and a second key member. A key switch device having a link member and performing switching of a switch unit while guiding up and down movement of a key top via a first link member and a second link member, wherein a first switch member formed on the first link member is provided. Cam part,
The second link member is formed on the second link member and faces the first cam portion.
A cam portion, a first cantilever member supporting the first cam portion and extending in a cantilever form from the first link member, and a second cantilever member supporting the second cam portion and supporting the second cam portion Urging member for elastically urging the first cantilever member in a direction in which the second cantilever member extending in the shape and the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other. And a second biasing member for elastically biasing the second cantilever member in a direction in which the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other.

According to the key switch device of the first aspect, the first cantilever member supporting the first cam portion of the first link member is provided via the first biasing member and the second cam member of the second link member. The second cantilever member for supporting the first cam portion is biased in the direction in which the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut on each other via the second biasing member. The key top is brought into contact with the abutment state between the key top and the second cam portion, and the cooperation of the first urging member and the second urging member for urging the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member, respectively. It is possible to urge upward and hold the key top at the non-pressed position, and to return the key top to the non-pressed position when the key is released. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost by configuring the key switch device without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism.

Further, the first cam portion and the second cam portion are provided with a first cam portion.
By urging the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member via the urging member and the second urging member, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are always in contact with each other. Since the contact position changes, the click feeling generated at the time of key operation can be freely designed by changing the shapes of the first cam portion and the second cam portion as necessary.

Further, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are elastically urged via the first urging member and the second urging member, respectively, thereby supporting the cantilever members. The first cam portion and the second cam portion are made to contact each other, so that the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion and the second cam portion into contact with each other is the first urging member and the second urging member. 2 can be realized by the urging member. Therefore, the first cantilever member and the second
It is not necessary for the cantilever to bear the elastic force. This makes it possible to form each cantilever member from a resin material at low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, creep occurs on each cantilever beam member. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

Further, in the key switch device according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the key switch device according to the first aspect, the first link member and the second link member each include an arrangement portion for disposing the urging member. ing.

As described above, in the key switch device according to the second aspect, since the first link member and the second link member are provided with the arrangement portion for disposing the urging member, the urging member is connected to the first link member. As a result, the key switch device can be made compact as a whole.

The key switch device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the key switch device according to the second aspect, wherein the biasing member faces the first arm portion and the first arm portion that are in contact with the cantilever member. The disposition portion includes a torsion spring having a second arm portion, and has a first holding portion for holding the first arm portion and a second holding portion for holding the second arm portion.

In the key switch device of the third aspect, a torsion spring having a first arm portion and a second arm portion is used as the biasing member, and the first arm portion is connected to the second arm portion via the first holding portion of the arrangement portion. With the simple structure of holding the two arms via the second holding part and holding the first and second arms that mutually exert an urging force in the torsion spring, the urging force generated between the arms is reduced. It is possible to efficiently transmit the light to the cantilever member.

Further, in the key switch device according to a fourth aspect, in the key switch device according to the third aspect, the first holding portion movably holds the first arm portion, and the second holding portion includes the second holding portion.
The arm is fixedly held.

According to the key switch device of the fourth aspect, the first arm portion is movably held by the first holding portion, the second arm portion is fixedly held by the second holding portion, and the torsion spring is used. The generated urging force is transmitted to the cantilever member from the first arm portion abutting on the cantilever member. At this time, the first arm portion is movably held by the first holding portion. Therefore, the first arm portion flexibly moves at the first holding portion in response to the reaction force caused by the contact force generated between the first cam portion and the second cam portion when the keytop is pressed. While the first
The cam portion and the second cam portion can be always in contact.

A key switch device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the key switch device according to the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first link member and the second link member are formed of the same member.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keyboard including at least two or more key switch devices according to the first aspect.

According to the keyboard of the sixth aspect, since the keyboard is provided with the key switch device of the first aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus including a key top, a first link member and a second link member movably disposed below the key top, and the first link member and the second link member. A key switch device that performs switching of a switch unit while guiding up and down movement of a key top via a link member, wherein a first cam unit formed on a first link member and a second cam member formed on a second link member are provided. A second cam portion facing the one cam portion, supporting the first cam portion, supporting a first cantilever member extending in a cantilever shape from the first link member, and supporting the second cam portion; The first cantilever member is elastically moved in the direction in which the second cantilever member extending in a cantilever shape from the second link member and the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other. The direction in which the first biasing member to be biased and the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other A key switch device provided with a second biasing member for elastically biasing the second cantilever member, a keyboard for inputting characters and symbols, and display means for displaying characters and symbols. And control means for displaying characters, symbols, and the like on the display means based on input data from a keyboard.

In the electronic device according to the present invention, when characters, symbols, and the like are input through a key switch device attached to the keyboard, the characters, symbols, and the like are controlled under control of the control means based on the input data from the keyboard. Is displayed on the display means. At this time, the electronic device according to claim 7 includes a keyboard including the key switch device according to claim 1, and thereby, the first cam portion of the first link member is connected to the keyboard, as in the case of claim 1. The supporting first cantilever member is via a first biasing member, and the second cantilever member supporting the second cam portion of the second link member is via a second biasing member. Since the first cam portion and the second cam portion are urged in a direction in which they contact each other, the contact state between the first cam portion and the second cam portion, the first cantilever member, and the second By cooperation of the first urging member and the second urging member for urging the cantilever member, respectively, the key top is urged upward to hold the key top at the non-pressed position, and the key top is released when the key is released. It is possible to return to the pressed position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost by configuring the key switch device without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism.

Further, the first cam portion and the second cam portion correspond to the first cam portion.
By urging the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member via the urging member and the second urging member, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are always in contact with each other. Since the contact position changes, the click feeling generated at the time of key operation can be freely designed by changing the shapes of the first cam portion and the second cam portion as necessary.

Further, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are elastically urged through the first urging member and the second urging member, respectively. The first cam portion and the second cam portion are made to contact each other, so that the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion and the second cam portion into contact with each other is the first urging member and the second urging member. 2 can be realized by the urging member. Therefore, the first cantilever member and the second
It is not necessary for the cantilever to bear the elastic force. This makes it possible to form each cantilever member from a resin material at low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, creep occurs on each cantilever beam member. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a key switch device, a keyboard and an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. First, a notebook personal computer, which is a kind of electronic equipment according to the present embodiment, is shown in FIG.
A description will be given based on (B). 1A and 1B illustrate a notebook personal computer, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the notebook personal computer, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the notebook personal computer.

In FIG. 1A, a notebook personal computer 100 basically includes a main body 102 having a CPU for performing various arithmetic processing, and a display 103 supported by the main body 102 to be openable and closable. It is composed of Here, the display 103 is rotatably supported by the connecting portion 104 of the main body 102, and is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 102. The main body 102 is provided with a keyboard 105 in which a plurality of key switch devices 1 are arranged.

In FIG. 1B, the CPU 101
Are connected via a bus 108 to a ROM 106 storing a program for controlling each unit of the personal computer 100 and a RAM 107 for storing various data. Also, the CPU 101 has a bus 108.
An input / output interface 109 is connected to the input / output interface 109. The input / output interface 109 is connected to the display 103, the keyboard 105, and a hard disk device 110 storing programs such as documents and spreadsheets. The CPU 101 includes a keyboard 105
Based on the input data from, a program such as document creation or spreadsheet is read from the hard disk drive 110 and executed, and characters and symbols are displayed on the display 103.

Next, a schematic configuration of the key switch device according to the first embodiment, which is attached to the keyboard 105 of the notebook personal computer 100, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device.

First, referring to FIG.
The guide member 5 basically includes a key top 2, a pair of first link members 3, and a second link member 4, and guides the vertical movement of the key top 2, and a support plate 6 below the guide member 5. Membrane switch sheet 7 placed on top
(See FIG. 5).

Here, the key top 2 is formed of an ABS resin or the like, and characters such as characters and numerals are formed on the surface thereof by printing or the like. On the back surface of the key top 2, two rotation locking portions 8 are integrally formed corresponding to the first link member 3, and two rotation locking portions 8 are formed corresponding to the second link member 4. The locking portions 9, 9 are formed integrally. Each of the rotation locking portions 8 and 9 has a locking groove 8.
A and 9A are provided. Locking groove 8 of each rotation locking portion 8
A rotatably locks the upper shaft portion 21 (described later) of the first link member 3, and locks grooves 9 </ b> A of each rotation locking portion 9.
Locks the upper shaft portion 21 (described later) of the second link member 4 in a rotatable manner. Furthermore, on the back side of the key top 2,
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a concave portion 50 is provided.
The recess 50 is provided between a first link member 3 and a second
The upper end of the link member 4 is in contact with the first link member 3 and the second link member 2 corresponding to the non-pressed state of the key top 2.
The function of stably positioning the link member 4 is performed.

The guide member 5 is formed by combining the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 with each other.
The second link members 3 and 4 have configurations similar to each other. The detailed configuration of each of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 will be described later.

Further, below the guide member 5, as shown in FIG. 5, a membrane switch sheet 7 mounted on a support plate 6 made of a thin metal plate made of aluminum, iron or the like is provided. . The membrane switch sheet 7 includes a lower film sheet on which a switch circuit pattern including a fixed electrode pattern is formed from a so-called copper foil, a conductive paint, and the like, and an upper film sheet on which a movable electrode pattern is similarly formed on the lower surface. It has a three-layer structure with a film spacer provided with switching holes corresponding to the fixed electrode pattern and the movable electrode pattern therebetween. The configuration of such a membrane switch sheet is publicly known and has the same configuration as that described in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-99148, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Here, on the upper switch sheet, two chip-shaped locking members 1 made of metal, resin or the like are provided.
Numerals 0 are adhesively fixed on both sides of the movable electrode pattern with an adhesive. Each locking member 10 has the same configuration,
An elongated locking groove 10A is formed on both sides of the central adhesive fixing portion 10B. An adhesive fixing portion 10C is provided outside each locking groove 10A. Each locking member 10 is arranged below the side edge of the key top 2, which is off the center of the key top 2.

Each locking groove 10A has a lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 and a lower shaft portion 22 of the second link member 4.
Are slidably locked. Here, as described later, the lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 and the lower shaft portion 22 of the second link member 8 are in the non-pressed state of the key top 2 as described later.
Abuts on the key top 2 to regulate the key top 2 to the non-pressed position.

In each locking member 10, a wall member 31 is formed integrally with an inner edge near each locking groove 10A. As shown in FIG. 2, each wall member 31 has an axis regulating surface 31A that curves outward. The regulating protrusion 30 formed on the plate-like body 18 of the two-link member 4 is always in contact. The locking member 1
0 and the wall member 31 are the support plate 6 made of a thin metal plate.
It is also possible to form integrally with the support plate 6 by performing punching and pressing.

The structure in which the locking members 10 are bonded and fixed to the upper surface of the upper film sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7 is the same as the structure described in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 11-32608. For the detailed description, reference is made to the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 11-32608, and the description is omitted here.

Next, the detailed configuration of the two first link members 3 and the second link member 4 constituting the guide member 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 have slightly different configurations. FIG. 3 is a plan view and a side view of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.

2 and 3, the first link member 3
Are formed so as to extend inward from one end of the plate-like body 18 at a position near the base of the connection part 19 and a pair of plate-like bodies 18, 18, a connecting part 19 connecting the plate-like bodies 18. The extended portion 20 is formed integrally from a polyacetal resin or the like. An upper shaft portion 21 is located near one end (upper end in FIG. 2 and right end in FIG. 3) of each plate-like body 18.
Extend outwardly, and each plate-like body 18
On the other end side (the lower end in FIG. 2 and the left end in FIG. 3), a lower shaft portion 22 extends outward. Each of the upper shaft portions 21 is rotatably locked in the locking groove 8A of the rotation locking portion 8 of the key top 2 described above.
Is slidably locked in a locking groove 10A of a locking member 10 adhesively fixed to the surface of the upper film sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7.

A first cam portion 24A is formed integrally with the outer end of the extension portion 20. As shown in the side view of FIG. 3, a cam surface 25A is formed below the first cam portion 24A. A cam vertex 27A exists at a boundary between the cam surface 25A and a surface continuous with the cam surface 25A. Here, the cam surface 25A corresponds to the non-pressed position of the key top 2, as is apparent from FIG. still,
Although not shown in the side view of FIG. 3, the first cam portion 24A
2, a cam recess 27B is provided adjacent to the cam vertex 27A (see a side view of the second link member 4 in FIG. 3). In this regard, the configuration of the first cam portion 24A has the same configuration as the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4 described below.

In each plate 18, the upper shaft 2
A gear tooth portion 28 is provided on the end side (the right end side in FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to 1. One or two gear teeth 28
It has two gear teeth 28A. Incidentally, in the side view of FIG. 3, the gear teeth portion 28 of the plate-like body 18 on one side has two teeth.
One gear tooth 28A is formed, and one gear tooth 28A is formed in the gear tooth portion 28 of the plate-shaped body 18 on the other side. The gear teeth 28 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are meshed with each other, and when the key top 2 is moved up and down, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are moved. And act synchronously.

Further, from the inner wall of one of the plate-like members 18 (the lower plate-like member 18 in FIG. 3), a resin elastic piece 23 extending substantially to the center of the distance between the plate-like members 18 is integrally formed. The switch pressing portion 2 is provided at the lower end of the resin elastic piece 23.
6 are provided. As described later, the switch pressing portion 26 of the resin elastic piece 23 elastically presses the movable electrode pattern on the upper switch sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7 from above when the key top 2 is pressed, and the lower film sheet is pressed. The switching operation is performed with the fixed electrode pattern.

Further, from the side surface of each plate-like body 18 of the first link member 3, a regulating projection 30 is formed to extend outward. As described above, the regulation protrusion 30
Shaft regulating surface 31A of wall member 31 formed on locking member 10
Is always in contact with

Next, the structure of the second link member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the torsion spring. The same members as those in the first link member 3 will be described with the same numbers.

In each of these figures, the second link member 4
Is a pair of plate-like members 18, 18, a connecting portion 19 that connects the plate-like members 18, and one end of one plate-like member 18 (FIG. 3).
The cantilever member 32 is formed integrally from a polyacetal resin or the like to extend in a cantilever shape inward from the middle, lower plate-like body 18 (left end portion). At a position near one end (upper end in FIG. 2, left end in FIG. 3) of each plate-like body 18, an upper shaft portion 21 is extended outwardly. 18 (FIG. 2)
, The lower shaft portion 22 extends outwardly (at the lower end, at the right end in FIG. 3). Each upper shaft portion 21 is rotatably locked in the locking groove 9A of the rotation locking portion 9 of the key top 2, and each lower shaft portion 22 is connected to the upper film of the membrane switch sheet 7. It is slidably locked in the locking groove 10A of the locking member 10 adhesively fixed to the surface of the sheet.

A second cam portion 24B is formed integrally with the outer end of the cantilever member 32. 2nd cam part 2
4B, as shown in the side view of FIG.
5A are formed. The cam surface 25A and the cam surface 2
A cam recess 27B at which a cam vertex 27A of the first link member 3 is rotatably abutted exists at a boundary portion with a surface continuous with 5A. Here, the cam surface 25A corresponds to the non-pressed position of the key top 2 in cooperation with the cam surface 25A of the first link member 3, as is apparent from FIG. Although not shown in the side view of FIG. 3, a cam vertex 27A is provided in the second cam portion 24B adjacent to the cam recess 27B (see the side view of the first link member 3 in FIG. 3). ). In this respect, the configuration of the second cam portion 24B has the same configuration as the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 described above.

In each plate 18, the upper shaft 2
A gear tooth portion 28 is provided on the end side (left end side in FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to 1. One or two gear teeth 28
It has two gear teeth 28A. Incidentally, in the side view of FIG. 3, the gear tooth portion 28 of the plate-like body 18 on one side is
One gear tooth 28A is formed, and two gear teeth 28A are formed on the gear tooth portion 28 of the plate-shaped body 18 on the other side.

Further, from the side surface of each plate-like body 18 of the first link member 3, a regulating protrusion 30 is formed extending outward. As described above, the regulation protrusion 30
Shaft regulating surface 31A of wall member 31 formed on locking member 10
Is always in contact with

A region surrounded by the connecting portion 19, each plate 18 and the cantilever member 32 is a spring disposing portion 34 for disposing the torsion spring 33 shown in FIG.
Is configured. Here, the torsion spring 33 has a coil portion 33C between the first arm portion 33A and the second arm portion 33B as shown in FIG. Elastically biases. Then, in the spring arrangement portion 34, the first holding portion 36 having the U-shaped wall portion 35 (see FIG. 2) formed on the inner wall surface of the one plate-shaped body 18, and the connecting portion 19 cantilever member. A second holding portion 38 having three fixing pieces 37 formed opposite to the fixing pieces 32, and two fixing pieces 39 formed on the inner surface of the cantilever member 32 so as to face each of the fixing pieces 37. Third holding unit 40
Are provided.

Here, the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36 is connected to the first arm portion 33 of the torsion spring 33 in the U-shaped groove.
The end of A is movably held. Each fixing piece 37 of the second holding part 38 fixedly holds the second arm part 33B. Third
Each fixing piece 39 of the holding section 40 fixedly holds the first arm 33A.

In this configuration, as described later, when the key top 2 is pressed, a pressing force based on the pressing is applied to the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 which are in contact with each other. It acts on the second cam portion 24B of the link member 4. At this time, the extension portion 20 of the first link member 3 is not elastically deformed, and the first cam portion 24A remains held at that position, but the cantilever member 32 is deformed, so that the second cam portion 24A is deformed. 24B is a torsion spring 33
3 to the right in FIG. In this state,
The first arm 33 </ b> A of the torsion spring 33 is fixedly held via each fixing piece 39 of the third holding section 40, and the second arm 33 </ b> B is fixed via each fixing piece 37 of the second holding section 38. Since the end portion of the first arm portion 33A is fixedly held and can move within the U-shaped groove of the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36 in response to the deformation of the cantilever member 32, When the second cam portion 24B moves to the right based on the deformation of the cantilever member 32, the end of the first arm portion 33A moves within the U-shaped groove of the wall portion 35 to cope with the movement. in this way,
The torsion spring 33 is connected to the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24A.
The cantilever member 32 is constantly urged in the direction in which it comes into contact with the cam portion 24B. Therefore, the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B into contact with each other may be generated by the torsion spring 33, and it is not necessary for the cantilever member 32 to bear the elastic force. Absent. As a result,
Since the cantilever member 32 can be formed from a resin material at low cost and relatively flexibly, the cantilever member 3 can be formed even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time.
2, there is almost no risk of creep, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

Next, the operation of the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a series of operations from the non-pressed state of the key top 2 to the switching operation by pressing the key top 2, focusing on the movement of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4. FIG.

In FIG. 5, first, in a non-pressed state where the key top 2 is not pressed, the key top 2 is
It is held at the non-pressed position as shown in FIG. In this state, the cam surface 25A of the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 2 of the second link member 4
The cam surfaces 25A in 4B are in a contact state in which they contact each other, and in such a contact state, the urging force of the torsion spring 33 acts in a direction in which the cam surfaces 25A contact each other. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5A, the lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the wall portion 10D of the locking groove 10A in the locking member 17, and the second link Similarly, the lower shaft portion 22 of the member 4
The key top 2 is stably held at the non-pressed position by contacting the inner wall surface of the wall portion 10D of the locking groove 10A at 0. Further, in the contact state where the respective cam surfaces 25A are in contact, the biasing force of the torsion spring 33 acts in the direction in which the respective cam surfaces 25A contact each other. The key top 2 does not move in the horizontal direction, thereby preventing the key top 2 from rattling. At this time, the regulating protrusions 30 formed on each plate-like body 18 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are attached to the shaft regulating surface 31A of the wall member 31.
Is abutted on the upper side.

When the key top 2 starts to be pressed, the upper shaft portion 21 of the first link member 3 rotates clockwise in the locking groove 8A of the rotation locking portion 8 according to the pressing of the key top 2. At the same time, the upper shaft portion 21 of the second link member 4 rotates counterclockwise in the locking groove 9A of the rotation locking portion 9.
At the same time, the lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 is
0 in the locking groove 10A, and
The lower shaft portion 22 of the link member 4 is provided with the locking groove 1 of the locking member 10.
Slide to the right within 0A. At this time, each regulating protrusion 30
Is guided while abutting along the curved surface of the shaft regulating surface 31A of the wall member 31. Therefore, the regulating protrusion 30 and the wall member 3
The horizontal movement of the key top 2 can be regulated based on the cooperative action with the first shaft regulating surface 31A. Also, the cam surface 25 of the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3
A and the cam surface 25 of the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4
A gradually moves away from A, and the cam vertex 27A of the first cam portion 24A and the cam recess 27B of the second cam portion 24B come into contact with each other. This state is shown in FIG.

At this time, the cam apex 27A and the cam recess 27
B and B have a mutual positioning action, so that they do not deviate from each other at all.
4A and 24B can be completely synchronized.

When the key top 2 is further depressed, FIG.
The state shown in FIG. Then, the switch pressing portion 26 formed on the resin elastic piece 23 of the first link member 3 presses the upper film sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7. Thereby, the movable electrode pattern formed on the lower surface of the upper film sheet comes into contact with the fixed electrode pattern of the lower film sheet via the switching hole of the film spacer, and a predetermined switching operation is performed. At this time, the lower shaft portions 22 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 contact the wall surface opposite to the wall portion 10D in the locking groove 10A as shown in FIG. Touched.

Further, the resin elastic piece 23 is elastically deformed when the key top 2 is further depressed from the state shown in FIG. Thus, the so-called overtravel of the key top 2 can be realized.

When the key top 2 is released after the switching operation is performed as described above, the key top 2 is connected to the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.
By the interaction between the second cam portion 24B and the urging force of the torsion spring 33, the above-described operation is performed, and the operation returns to the non-pressed position shown in FIG.

The operation of the torsion spring 33 during the key-top pressing operation will be described. First, in the non-pressed position of the key-top 2 shown in FIG. The cantilever member 32 is constantly urged in a direction in which the portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B come into contact with each other, and the cams in the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B are urged by the torsion spring 33. The surfaces 25A contact each other to hold the key top 2 in the non-pressed position. At this time, the first arm 33A of the torsion spring 33 is in contact with the end (closed portion) of the U-shaped groove of the wall 35 as shown in FIG.

When key top 2 is pressed,
The pressing force based on the pressing acts on the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4 which are in contact with each other. At this time, the extension portion 20 of the first link member 3 is not elastically deformed.
Although the cam portion 24A remains held at that position, the second cam portion 24B moves rightward in FIG. 3 against the biasing force of the torsion spring 33 because the cantilever member 32 is deformed. In this state, the first arm 33A of the torsion spring 33 is fixedly held via the fixing pieces 39 of the third holding part 40, and the second arm 33B is fixed to the fixing pieces of the second holding part 38. 37 and is fixedly held through
The end of the first arm 33 </ b> A moves to the open side of the U-shaped groove of the wall 35 of the first holding part 36 in response to the deformation of the cantilever member 32.

When the depression of the key top 2 is released, the first arm 33A of the torsion spring 33 moves from the open side of the wall 35 to the end of the U-shaped groove based on its elastic force,
Finally, it abuts and locks on the end of the U-shaped groove.

As described in detail above, in the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment, the second link member 4
The cam portion 24B is supported by a cantilever member 32 extending in a cantilever shape from the second link member 4, and the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B of the first link member 3 are supported.
Since the cantilever member 32 is configured to be biased by the torsion spring 33 in a direction in which
The key top is formed by the contact state between the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4 and the cooperation of the torsion spring 33 for urging the cantilever member 32. 2 can be urged upward and held at the non-pressed position, and the keytop 2 can be returned to the non-pressed position when the press is released. Therefore, it is possible to configure the key switch device 1 without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism, and to reduce the cost.

The first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24
B is constantly abutted by biasing the cantilever member 32 via the torsion spring 33,
Since the contact position changes according to the vertical movement of the key top 2, by changing the shapes of the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B as necessary, the click feeling generated at the time of key operation can be freely adjusted. It becomes possible to design.

The second cam portion 24B supported by the cantilever member 32 is brought into contact with the first cam portion 24A by elastically urging the cantilever member 32 via the torsion spring 33. As a result, the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B into contact with each other may be expressed by the torsion spring 33.
Therefore, it is not necessary to make the cantilever member 32 bear the elastic force. This makes it possible to form the cantilever member 32 from a resin material at a low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period, the cantilever member 32 is creeped. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

Since the second link member 4 is provided with the spring arranging portion 34 for arranging the torsion spring 33, the torsion spring 33 can be integrated into the second link member 4 as a result. In addition, it is possible to reduce the size of the key switch device 1 as a whole.

Further, the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24
A torsion spring 33 having a first arm portion 33A and a second arm portion 33B is used as an urging member for bringing the first arm portion 33A into contact with the first arm portion 33A. , The second arm portion 33B is held via the fixing piece 37 of the second holding portion 38, and the first arm portion 33A which mutually exerts a biasing force in the torsion spring 33 is provided.
And the simple structure that holds the second arm 33B, the urging force generated between the arms 33A and 33B can be efficiently transmitted to the cantilever member 32.

The first arm portion 33A is movably held by a U-shaped groove in the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36, and the second arm portion 33B is held by each fixing piece 37 of the second holding portion 38. The urging force generated by the torsion spring 33 is fixedly held, and is transmitted to the cantilever member 32 from the first arm portion 33 </ b> A abutting on the cantilever member 32. At this time, the first arm portion 33A is movably held by the U-shaped groove of the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36, so that the first arm portion 33A holds the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion when the key top 2 is pressed. The first holding portion 36 flexibly moves in response to the reaction force caused by the contact force generated between the first holding portion 36B and the first holding portion 36B.
The cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B can always be in contact with each other.

Further, the restricting projections 30 protruding from the side surfaces of the plate-like members 18 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 and the inner side near the locking grooves 10A of the locking member 10 are formed. Curved shaft regulating surface 3 integrally formed at side edge
Since the wall member 31 having 1A is provided, the movement of the key top in the horizontal direction can be regulated based on the cooperation between the regulating protrusion 30 and the shaft regulating surface 31A of the wall member 31.
Further, for regulating the horizontal movement of the key top 2 during pressing, there is no need for a relatively large guide wall or positioning member at all. Therefore, by adopting a simple configuration, Costs can be reduced.

Next, a key switch device according to a second embodiment attached to the keyboard 105 of the notebook personal computer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.
It will be described based on. Here, the key switch device according to the second embodiment differs from the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 have different configurations, and the torsion spring 33 is arranged only on the second link member 4. However, in the key switch device of the second embodiment, the first link member and the second link member have the same configuration, and a torsion spring is arranged on each link member. In other words, in the second embodiment, the two second link members 4 in the key switch device of the first embodiment are used as a pair of link members constituting a guide member for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top. Will be.

The remaining structure of the key switch device according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment.
The members and the like will be described with the same reference numerals, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted. 6 to 8, the configurations of the regulating protrusion 30 and the wall member 31 are not shown for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view and a side view of the first link member and the second link member. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically a series of operation | movement leading to performing a switching operation by pressing down focusing on the movement of a 1st link member and a 2nd link member.

In these figures, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 constituting the guide member 5 of the key top 2 have the same configuration. The first link member 3 and the second link member 4 include a pair of plate members 18, 18, a connecting portion 19 connecting the plate members 18, and one plate member 1.
8, a cantilever member 32 extending inward from the one end (the left end of the lower plate-like body 18 in FIG. 7) into a cantilever shape is integrally formed of polyacetal resin or the like. It consists of. In the vicinity of one end side (upper end in FIG. 6, left end in FIG. 7) of each plate-like body 18, an upper shaft portion 21 is provided.
Extend outwardly, and each plate-like body 18
On the other end side (lower end in FIG. 6, right end in FIG. 7), a lower shaft portion 22 extends outward. Each upper shaft portion 21 is rotatably locked in the locking groove 9 </ b> A of the rotation locking portion 9 of the key top 2, and each lower shaft portion 22.
Is slidably locked in a locking groove 10A of a locking member 10 adhesively fixed to the surface of the upper film sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7.

A second cam portion 24B is integrally formed at the outer end of the cantilever member 32. 2nd cam part 2
4B, as shown in the side view of FIG.
5A are formed. The cam surface 25A and the cam surface 2
A cam recess 27B at which a cam vertex 27A of the first link member 3 is rotatably abutted exists at a boundary portion with a surface continuous with 5A. Here, the cam surface 25A corresponds to the non-pressed position of the keytop 2 in cooperation with the cam surface 25A of the first link member 3, as is apparent from FIG.

In each of the plate-like members 18, the upper shaft 2
A gear tooth portion 28 is provided on the end side (left end side in FIGS. 6 and 7) with respect to 1. One or two gear teeth 28
It has two gear teeth 28A. Incidentally, in the side view of FIG. 7, the gear teeth 28 of the plate-like body 18 on one side
One gear tooth 28A is formed, and two gear teeth 28A are formed on the gear tooth portion 28 of the plate-shaped body 18 on the other side.

Further, from the side surface of each plate-like body 18 of the first link member 3, a regulating protrusion 30 is formed extending outward. As described above, the regulation protrusion 30
Shaft regulating surface 31A of wall member 31 formed on locking member 10
Is always in contact with

An elastic resin piece 23 is formed integrally from a substantially central portion of the connecting portion 19, and a switch pressing portion 26 is provided at a lower end of the elastic resin piece 23. As described later, the switch pressing portion 26 of the resin elastic piece 23 elastically presses the movable electrode pattern on the upper switch sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7 from above when the key top 2 is pressed, and the lower film sheet is pressed. The switching operation is performed with the fixed electrode pattern. The switching operation is performed by the switch pressing portion 26 of one of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.
Can be performed via In this case, the switch section of the membrane switch sheet 7 is designed to correspond to the switch pressing section 26 that performs the switching operation.

Further, a region surrounded by the connecting portion 19, each plate-like body 18 and the cantilever member 32 is a spring disposing portion 34 for disposing the torsion spring 33 shown in FIG.
Is configured. As shown in FIG. 4, the torsion spring 33 has a coil portion 33C between the first arm portion 33A and the second arm portion 33B, and moves the cantilever member 32 toward the left side in FIG. Elastically biases. Then, in the spring arrangement portion 34, the first holding portion 36 having the U-shaped wall portion 35 (see FIG. 6) formed on the inner wall surface of the one plate-like body 18, and the connecting portion 19 cantilever member. A second holding portion 38 having three fixing pieces 37 formed opposite to the fixing pieces 32, and two fixing pieces 39 formed on the inner surface of the cantilever member 32 so as to face each of the fixing pieces 37. Third holding unit 40
Are provided.

Here, the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36 is connected to the first arm portion 33 of the torsion spring 33 in the U-shaped groove.
The end of A is movably held. Each fixing piece 37 of the second holding part 38 fixedly holds the second arm part 33B. Third
Each fixing piece 39 of the holding section 40 fixedly holds the first arm 33A.

In this configuration, as described later, when the key top 2 is pressed, a pressing force based on the pressing is applied to the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 which are in contact with each other. It acts on the second cam portion 24B of the link member. At this time, since the cantilever member 32 of the first link member 3 is deformed, the first cam portion 24A moves to the left in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the torsion spring 33, and at the same time, the second link member 4 In this case, the cantilever member 32 is deformed, so that the cam portion 24B moves rightward in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the torsion spring 32. In this state, in each of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4,
The first arm 33 </ b> A of the torsion spring 33 is fixedly held via each fixing piece 39 of the third holding section 40, and the second arm 33 </ b> B is fixed via each fixing piece 37 of the second holding section 38. Since the end portion of the first arm portion 33A is fixedly held and can move within the U-shaped groove of the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36 in response to the deformation of the cantilever member 32, When the second cam portion 24B moves to the right based on the deformation of the cantilever member 32, the end of the first arm portion 33A is
This is supported by moving in the groove.

As described above, the torsion spring 33 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4
Each cantilever member 32 is constantly urged in the direction in which the cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B abut. Therefore, the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B into contact with each other may be generated by the respective torsion springs 33, and it is necessary to cause the cantilever member 32 to bear the elastic force. There is no. As a result, the cantilever member 32 can be formed from a resin material at a low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, creeping of the cantilever member 32 occurs. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

Next, the operation of the key switch device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a series of operations from a non-pressed state of the key top 2 to a pressing operation of the key top 2 to perform a switching operation, focusing on movements of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4. FIG.

In FIG. 8, first, in a non-pressed state where the key top 2 is not pressed, the key top 2 is
It is held at the non-pressed position as shown in FIG. In this state, the cam surface 25A of the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 2 of the second link member 4
The cam surfaces 25A in 4B are in contact with each other, and the torsion springs 33 arranged on the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 in such contact state.
Is acting in a direction in which the cam surfaces 25A come into contact with each other. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8A, the lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 abuts on the inner wall surface of the wall portion 10D of the locking groove 10A of the locking member 10, and the second link Similarly, the lower shaft portion 22 of the member 4 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the wall portion 10D of the locking groove 10A of the locking member 10, whereby the key top 2 is stably held at the non-pressed position. ing.

In the contact state where each cam surface 25A is in contact, the urging force of each torsion spring 33 in the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 is applied in the direction in which each cam surface 25A comes into contact with each other. Since the key top 2 is operated, the key top 2 held at the non-pressed position does not move in the horizontal direction, thereby preventing the key top 2 from rattling. At this time, the regulating protrusions 30 formed on the respective plate-like bodies 18 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are in contact with the upper side of the shaft regulating surface 31A of the wall member 31.

When the keytop 2 is pressed down, the upper shaft 21 of the first link member 3 rotates clockwise in the locking groove 8A of the rotation locking portion 8 in accordance with the pressing of the keytop 2. At the same time, the upper shaft portion 21 of the second link member 4 rotates counterclockwise in the locking groove 9A of the rotation locking portion 9.
At the same time, the lower shaft portion 22 of the first link member 3 is
0 in the locking groove 10A, and
The lower shaft portion 22 of the link member 4 is provided with the locking groove 1 of the locking member 10.
Slide to the right within 0A. At this time, each regulating protrusion 30
Is guided while abutting along the curved surface of the shaft regulating surface 31A of the wall member 31. Therefore, the regulating protrusion 30 and the wall member 3
The horizontal movement of the key top 2 can be regulated based on the cooperative action with the first shaft regulating surface 31A. Also, the cam surface 25 of the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3
A and the cam surface 25 of the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4
A gradually moves away from A, and the cam vertex 27A of the first cam portion 24A and the cam recess 27B of the second cam portion 24B come into contact with each other. This state is shown in FIG.

At this time, the cam apex 27A and the cam recess 27
B and B have a mutual positioning action, so that they do not deviate from each other at all.
4A and 24B can be completely synchronized.

Further, when the key top 2 is depressed, a state shown in FIG. And the first link member 3
The switch pressing portion 26 formed on the resin elastic piece 23 of
The upper film sheet of the membrane switch sheet 7 is pressed. Thereby, the movable electrode pattern formed on the lower surface of the upper film sheet comes into contact with the fixed electrode pattern of the lower film sheet via the switching hole of the film spacer, and a predetermined switching operation is performed. At this time, the lower shaft portions 22 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 abut against the wall surface opposite to the wall portion 10D in the locking groove 10A, as shown in FIG. 8C. Touched.

Each of the resin elastic pieces 23 is elastically deformed when the key top 2 is further depressed from the state shown in FIG. 8 (C).
, The so-called overtravel of the key top 2 can be realized.

When the key top 2 is released after the switching operation is performed as described above, the key top 2 is connected to the first cam portion 24 A of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.
Of the second cam portion 24B and the cooperation of the urging forces of the respective torsion springs 33, the reverse operation to the above-described operation is performed, and the operation returns to the non-pressed position shown in FIG. .

The operation of the torsion spring 33 during the operation of pressing the key top will be described. First, in the non-pressed position of the key top 2 shown in FIG. The cantilever member 32 is constantly urged in a direction in which the cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B come into contact with each other, and each of the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B is biased based on the urging force of the torsion spring 33. The cam surfaces 25A contact each other to hold the key top 2 at the non-pressed position. At this time, the first arm 33A of the torsion spring 33 is in contact with the end (closed portion) of the U-shaped groove of the wall 35 as shown in FIG.

When the key top 2 is pressed,
The pressing force based on the pressing acts on the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 and the second cam portion 24B of the second link member 4 which are in contact with each other. At this time, since the cantilever member 32 is deformed in the first link member 3, the first cam portion 24A moves to the left in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the torsion spring 33, and at the same time, the second link member 4 In this case, the cantilever member 32 is deformed.
Move rightward in FIG. 6 against the urging force of the torsion spring 32. In this state, in each of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4, the first arm portion 33A of the torsion spring 33 is fixedly held via each fixing piece 39 of the third holding portion 40, and The two-arm portion 33B is fixedly held via each fixing piece 37 of the second holding portion 38, and the end of the first arm portion 33A corresponds to the deformation of the cantilever member 32. 36 moves to the open side of the U-shaped groove of the wall 35.

When the key top 2 is released, the first arm 33A of the torsion spring 33 moves from the open side of the wall 35 to the end of the U-shaped groove based on the elastic force thereof.
Finally, it abuts and locks on the end of the U-shaped groove.

As described in detail above, in the key switch device 1 according to the second embodiment, the cantilever member 32 supporting the first cam portion 24A of the first link member 3 is connected to the torsion spring 33 via the torsion spring 33. Further, the cantilever members 32 supporting the second cam portions 24B of the second link members 4 are respectively connected to the first cam portions 24 via torsion springs 33.
A and the second cam portion 24B are urged in a direction in which the first and second cam portions 24B and 24B contact each other.
The key top 2 is urged upward to hold the key top 2 at the non-pressed position, and is released from the pressed state, by the contact state with the key B and the cooperation of the respective torsion springs 33 which urge the respective cantilever members 32 respectively. At times, the key top 2 can be returned to the non-pressed position. Therefore, it is possible to configure the key switch device 1 without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism, and to reduce the cost.

The first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24
B is always in contact with each other by urging each cantilever part member 32 via the torsion spring 33, and the contact position changes in accordance with the vertical movement of the key top 2, so that First cam portion 24A and second cam portion 24B
By changing the shape of the key as needed, it is possible to freely design a click feeling generated at the time of key operation.

Further, the respective cantilever members 32 are elastically urged through the torsion springs 33 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4, respectively.
Since the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B supported by each cantilever member 32 are in contact with each other, the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B are in contact with each other. The elastic force to be applied may be generated by each of the torsion springs 33, and therefore it is not necessary for each cantilever member 32 to bear the elastic force. Thus, each cantilever member 3
2 can be formed from a resin material at a low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, there is almost no risk of creep occurring in each of the cantilevered beam members 32. Thus, it is possible to guarantee a stable switch operation for a long time.

Further, since the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are provided with the spring disposing portion 34 for disposing the torsion spring 33, the torsion spring 33 is connected to the first link member 3 and the second link member. 4
The key switch device 1 can be made compact as a result.

The first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24
A torsion spring 33 having a first arm portion 33A and a second arm portion 33B is used as an urging member for bringing the first arm portion 33A into contact with the first arm portion 33A and the wall member 35 of the first holding portion 36 of the spring arrangement portion 34. , The second arm portion 33B is held via the fixing piece 37 of the second holding portion 38, and the first arm portion 33 that mutually exerts a biasing force in the torsion spring 33 is provided.
With the simple configuration that holds A and the second arm 33B, it is possible to efficiently transmit the urging force generated between the arms 33A and 33B to the cantilever member 32.

Further, the first arm portion 33A is movably held by the U-shaped groove in the wall portion 35 of the first holding portion 36, and the second arm portion 33B is fixed by the fixing piece 37 of the second holding portion 38. The biasing force generated by the torsion spring 33 is transmitted to the cantilever member 32 from the first arm portion 33A abutting on the cantilever member 32. At this time, the first arm portion 33A Are movably held by the first holding portion 36, so that the first arm portion 33 is pressed when the key top 2 is pressed.
A is the first holding portion 36 corresponding to the reaction force caused by the contact force generated between the first cam portion 24A and the second cam portion 24B.
The first cam portion 24A and the second
It is possible to always contact the cam portion 24B.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the present invention is applied to a notebook personal computer. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an electronic device having a key switch device such as a typewriter or a word processor. Nor.

In each of the above embodiments, the movement of the key top 2 in the horizontal direction during pressing is restricted.
Although the movement restricting mechanism is provided between the locking member 10 and each of the link members 3 and 4, the movement restricting mechanism may be provided between the keytop 2 and each of the link members 3 and 4. Good.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the upper shaft 21 of the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 is rotatably locked on the back surface of the key top 2 and the lower shaft 22 is locked. Although the movement restricting mechanism of the present invention is embodied in the key switch device 1 which is impulsively locked in the locking groove 10A of the member 10, the key switch device in which these locking relationships are opposite to each other. Can be realized similarly.

Further, according to the present invention, the first link member 3 and the second
A guide member 5 in which the link member 4 and the link member 4 are pivotally supported in an X-shape.
Can be similarly realized.

[0103]

As described above, in the key switch device according to the first aspect, the first cantilever member supporting the first cam portion of the first link member is connected to the first cantilever member via the first urging member. 2
The second cantilever member supporting the second cam portion of the link member is urged via the second urging member in a direction in which the first cam portion and the second cam portion are in contact with each other. From
The key top is pushed upward by the contact state of the first cam portion and the second cam portion and the cooperation of the first and second urging members for urging the first and second cantilever members, respectively. It is possible to forcefully hold the key top at the non-pressed position, and to return the key top to the non-pressed position when the press is released. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost by configuring the key switch device without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism.

Further, the first cam portion and the second cam portion correspond to the first cam portion.
By urging the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member via the urging member and the second urging member, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are always in contact with each other. Since the contact position changes, the click feeling generated at the time of key operation can be freely designed by changing the shapes of the first cam portion and the second cam portion as necessary.

Further, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are elastically urged via the first urging member and the second urging member, respectively, so that the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are supported by the respective cantilever members. The first cam portion and the second cam portion are made to contact each other, so that the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion and the second cam portion into contact with each other is the first urging member and the second urging member. 2 can be realized by the urging member. Therefore, the first cantilever member and the second
It is not necessary for the cantilever to bear the elastic force. This makes it possible to form each cantilever member from a resin material at low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, creep occurs on each cantilever beam member. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

Further, in the key switch device according to the second aspect, since the first link member and the second link member are provided with the arrangement portion for disposing the urging member, the urging member is connected to the first link member. In addition, the key switch device can be integrally incorporated into the second link member, and as a result, the entire key switch device can be reduced in size.

In the key switch device according to the third aspect, a torsion spring having a first arm portion and a second arm portion is used as the biasing member, and the first arm portion is connected via the first holding portion of the arrangement portion. And hold the second arm portion via the second holding portion,
With the simple structure that holds the first arm and the second arm that mutually exert the biasing force in the torsion spring, the biasing force generated between the arms can be efficiently transmitted to the cantilever member. Become.

Further, in the key switch device according to the fourth aspect, the first arm portion is movably held by the first holding portion, and the second arm portion is held by the second holding portion.
The holding portion holds the second arm portion fixedly, and the biasing force generated by the torsion spring is transmitted from the first arm portion abutting on the cantilever member to the cantilever member. The first arm portion is movably held by the first holding portion, so that the first arm portion generates a contact force generated between the first cam portion and the second cam portion when the keytop is pressed. The first cam portion and the second cam portion can be constantly in contact with each other while being flexibly moved by the first holding portion in response to the reaction force caused by the above.

The keyboard according to the sixth aspect is provided with the key switch device according to the first aspect, so that the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

Further, the electronic device according to the seventh aspect is provided with a keyboard having the key switch device according to the first aspect, whereby the first link member of the first link member is provided, as in the first aspect. The first cantilever member supporting the cam portion is via a first urging member, and the second cantilever member supporting the second cam portion of the second link member is via a second urging member. Since the first cam portion and the second cam portion are urged in a direction in which they contact each other, the contact state between the first cam portion and the second cam portion, and the first cantilever member And a first urging member and a second urging member for urging the second cantilever member, respectively, to urge the key top upward to hold the key top at the non-pressed position, and to release the key when the press is released. The top can be returned to the non-pressed position. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost by configuring the key switch device without using a rubber spring or a complicated urging mechanism.

Further, the first cam portion and the second cam portion correspond to the first
By urging the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member via the urging member and the second urging member, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are always in contact with each other. Since the contact position changes, the click feeling generated at the time of key operation can be freely designed by changing the shapes of the first cam portion and the second cam portion as necessary.

Further, the first cantilever member and the second cantilever member are elastically urged via the first urging member and the second urging member, respectively, so that each cantilever member is supported. The first cam portion and the second cam portion are made to contact each other, so that the elastic force for bringing the first cam portion and the second cam portion into contact with each other is the first urging member and the second urging member. 2 can be realized by the urging member. Therefore, the first cantilever member and the second
It is not necessary for the cantilever to bear the elastic force. This makes it possible to form each cantilever member from a resin material at low cost and relatively flexibly, so that even when a switch operation is performed for a long period of time, creep occurs on each cantilever beam member. There is almost no risk of occurrence, and stable switch operation can be guaranteed for a long period of time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1A and 1B show a personal computer, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a notebook personal computer, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a notebook personal computer.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view and a side view of a first link member and a second link member.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the torsion spring.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a series of operations from a non-pressed state of the keytop to a pressing operation of the keytop to perform a switching operation, focusing on movements of a first link member and a second link member. .

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a key switch device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view and a side view of a first link member and a second link member.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a series of operations from a non-pressed state of the keytop to a pressing operation of the keytop to perform a switching operation, focusing on movements of a first link member and a second link member. .

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key switch device 2 Key top 3 1st link member 4 2nd link member 5 Guide member 6 Support plate 7 Membrane switch sheet 8, 9 Rotation lock part 10 Lock member 10A Lock groove 10B, C adhesive fixing part 17D Wall portion 21 Upper shaft portion 22 Lower shaft portion 24A First cam portion 24B Second cam portion 32 Cantilever member 33 Torsion spring 33A First arm portion 33B Second arm portion 34 Spring arrangement portion 35 Wall portion 36 First holding Part 37 fixing piece 38 second holding part 39 fixing piece 40 third holding part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B020 DD02 5G006 AA01 AB01 AB21 AZ01 BA01 BA09 BB01 CB01 CB04 CD04 CD06 CD07 DB03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A key top, a first link member and a second link member movably arranged below the key top, wherein the key top is vertically moved through the first link member and the second link member. A key switch device that performs switching of a switch unit while guiding movement, wherein a first cam unit formed on the first link member and a second cam member formed on the second link member oppose the first cam unit. A second cam portion; a first cantilever member supporting the first cam portion and extending in a cantilever shape from the first link member; and a second link member supporting the second cam portion. A second cantilever member extending in a cantilever shape from the first member, and the first cantilever member is elastically biased in a direction in which the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other. The first biasing member, and the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other And a second biasing member for elastically biasing the second cantilever member in the direction. 2. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the first link member and the second link member each include an arrangement portion for disposing the urging member. 3. The urging member includes a torsion spring having a first arm portion abutting on the cantilever member and a second arm portion facing the first arm portion. The key switch device according to claim 2, further comprising a first holding unit that holds the arm unit and a second holding unit that holds the second arm unit. 4. The key switch device according to claim 3, wherein the first holding portion movably holds the first arm portion, and the second holding portion fixedly holds the second arm portion. . 5. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the first link member and the second link member are formed of the same member. 6. A keyboard provided with at least two or more key switch devices according to claim 1. 7. A key top, and a first link member and a second link member movably arranged below the key top, and the key top is vertically moved via the first link member and the second link member. A key switch device that performs switching of a switch unit while guiding movement, wherein a first cam unit formed on the first link member and a second cam member formed on the second link member oppose the first cam unit. A second cam portion; a first cantilever member supporting the first cam portion and extending in a cantilever shape from the first link member; and a second link member supporting the second cam portion. A second cantilever member extending in a cantilever shape from the first member, and the first cantilever member is elastically biased in a direction in which the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other. The first biasing member, and the first cam portion and the second cam portion abut against each other A key switch device provided with a second urging member for elastically urging the second cantilever member in the direction, and a keyboard for inputting characters, symbols, etc., and displaying characters, symbols, etc. An electronic apparatus comprising: a display unit; and a control unit that displays characters, symbols, and the like on the display unit based on input data from the keyboard.