JP2003115233A - Key switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch device for holding a key top at an operating position when key operation is carried out, and holding the key top at a non- operating position lower than the operating position when carried, whereby the device is further thinned and lightened to enhance portability. SOLUTION: When a slide plate 32 is moved, a leaf spring 31 integrally formed with the slide plate 32 is gradually detached from the base portion 14 of a first link member 7, a first link member 7 and a second link member 8 of a guide support member 3 urged upwardly by the elastic force of the leaf spring 31 are mutually folded through a pivot 9 and a pivot supporting hole 19, and the height of the key top 2 is gradually lowered. When the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 is completely detached from the leaf spring 31, the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are completely folded and mounted on a circuit board 6. At the same time, the height of the key top 2 becomes lowest in a state of no elastic force applied.

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, and more particularly to a key switch device suitable for use in a thin keyboard attached to a notebook word processor, a notebook personal computer or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Notebook type word processors and the like have been remarkably popularized in recent years because they have excellent portability such that they can be carried and operated anywhere. Also,
Various attempts have been made to further improve the portability of such word processors.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-298000, a leaf spring sheet is integrally formed with a return spring for elastically supporting a key top and a contact pressing spring for pressing a contact of a membrane switch to perform switching. A keyboard device attached to a notebook word processor or the like in which the height of the key top is variable by arranging a slide mechanism that slides in conjunction with opening and closing of the key top, and a key switch base that supports the key top so that it can move up and down. There has been proposed a keyboard device attached to a notebook type word processor or the like in which the height of the key top is variable by providing a moving mechanism that allows the key to move in the vertical direction.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-69831 discloses that
When a key is operated, the key top, which is supported so that it can move up and down on the keyboard frame, is elastically urged through the abutment part of the leaf spring to hold it in the key operation position, while when it is carried, it slides on the keyboard frame. By sliding the movable fulcrum member which is arranged so as to be disengaged from the groove of the leaf spring, the bias of the keytop by the abutting portion of the leaf spring is released and the height of the keytop is lowered. The key switch structure attached to a possible book type personal computer is described.

Further, as described in the specification and drawings attached to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-190991, two link members for guiding and supporting the key top in a vertically movable manner are rotatably supported with respect to each other. A holder member on which a guide support member and a mounting portion for mounting the guide support member are formed, and a switching member and a switching member, which are arranged below the guide support member and perform a switching operation in accordance with the vertical movement of the key top, are mounted. Describes the key switch structure attached to a book-type personal computer, etc., which is composed of a circuit board and uses the circuit board as a slide member, and the key top can be raised when the keyboard is used and the key top can be lowered when not used Has been done.

The keyboard and key switch structure described in each of the above publications and patent applications are
By lowering the height of the key top, portability is improved.

[0007]

However, the keyboards and the like described in the above-mentioned respective publications can improve the portability by changing the height of the key top between the time of key operation and the time of carrying the key. Also in the key switch, a key support member is used to support the key top so as to be vertically movable. For example, in the key switch of a keyboard described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-298000, the key top is supported by a key stem portion formed on a switch housing or a key switch base so as to be movable up and down. In the key switch structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-69831, a key top is supported so as to be vertically movable via a silo (corresponding to a key stem portion) formed in a keyboard frame.

As described above, in the structure in which the key top is supported through the key stem portion of the key supporting member, it is generally difficult to make the key switch thin when the key is operated. For example, whether or not the key switch can be made thinner depends largely on the length of the stem that guides the sliding movement of the key top, and in order to make the key switch thinner, the length of the stem must be constant. It cannot be longer than that. On the other hand, in order to maintain good operability of the key top, it is necessary to secure a stroke amount of the key top above a certain level. Therefore, if the stroke of the key top is made longer while the key switch is made thinner, the length of the stem cannot be increased beyond a certain length, and the sliding length of the stem becomes insufficient. When the key top is pressed, the key top is twisted with the stem, and the key top cannot be operated smoothly.

Various proposals have heretofore been made in order to solve such problems. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-329443
In JP-A-5-290673 and JP-A-5-290673, a key top is guided and supported through a holding member that supports two link members so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and such a holding member is provided in a housing without a stem portion. A push button switch and a key switch device configured by being directly attached to a holder member are described. In this type of switch, since the stem part is not formed in the housing or holder member to which the holding member of the key top is attached, there is no restriction based on the length of the stem part, and therefore the overall thickness of the switch can be reduced. Is possible.

By the way, in order to improve the portability as described above, when the switches described in the above-mentioned JP-A-5-342943 and JP-A-5-290673 are used in a notebook type word processor or the like. It is desirable to dispose a mechanism for further lowering the height of the key top when carrying it. However, the above-mentioned JP-A-5-298000
The slide mechanism of the leaf spring sheet described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-99831 and the slide mechanism of the movable fulcrum member described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-69831 are devised by paying attention to the structure of each key switch. A holding member composed of two link members guides and supports the vertical movement of the key top.
It cannot be directly applied to the switches described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 342943 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-290673. As described above, in the switch in which the holding member including the two link members guides and supports the vertical movement of the key top, it is proposed to further lower the height of the key top when carrying the switch to improve portability. Japanese Patent Application 6-19
No. 0991.

However, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-298000, a key switch base that moves up and down by a slide operation of a slide bar to change the total height and stroke amount of a keyboard is also disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-698.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 31-31, as in the case where a keyboard frame having a keytop mounting hole for slidably engaging a guide column provided on the back surface of the keytop has a physical thickness, the Japanese Patent Application No. No. 6-190991 also has a holding member formed of two link members because the holder member having the mounting portion for mounting the guide supporting member for guiding the key top so as to be vertically movable has a physical thickness. In the current situation, there is no attempt to further lower the height of the key top when carrying the switch for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top to further improve portability.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a key switch for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of a key top by means of a guide support member composed of two link members, which is capable of performing key operation. By holding the key top in the operating position when performing, and by locking the key top in the non-operating position lower than the operating position when carrying, further thinning can be achieved and the key operability can be kept high and light. An object is to provide a key switch device that can improve portability.

[0013]

In order to achieve this object, a key switch device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a key top and a first locking portion arranged on the back side of the key top. A second locking part, a support plate disposed below the first locking part and the second locking part and having a third locking part and a fourth locking part, and mounted on the support plate. Circuit board including a switching pattern provided corresponding to the key top, a first link member held by the first locking part and the fourth locking part, a second locking part and a third locking part. A guide support member, which comprises a second link member held by the stopper, both link members are rotatably arranged with respect to each other, and the key top and the support plate are connected to each other to guide the vertical movement of the key top; It is arranged on the circuit board and performs switching operation according to the vertical movement of the key top. A slide member having a rib portion, and the slide member includes a first link member and a first link member in the guide support member when the key top is supported by the spring portion and the support of the key top by the spring portion is released. The second link member is configured to be slidable together with the spring portion between the non-operating position of the key top where the leg is opened.

According to the above construction, when the key top is pushed when the key operation of the key top is performed, the two link members of the guide support member are rotatably supported with respect to each other as the key top is pushed. Therefore, the two link members are opened to each other and guide the key top downward. The switching operation is performed by the spring portion of the slide member in response to the downward movement of the key top. When the pressing of the key top is released, the two link members perform an operation opposite to the above operation between the key top and the support plate, the key top is urged upward, and the two link members are mutually displaced. The legs are closed and the original position is restored.

Further, when the key switch device is carried, when the slide member is slid, the support of the key top is released from the operating position where the key top is supported by the spring portion, so that the guide support member is moved to the first position. The 1st link member and the 2nd link member move to the non-operating position where the legs are opened, and as a result, the height of the key top is lowered, and portability is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch device, a key top, a first locking portion and a second locking portion arranged on the back surface side of the key top, the first locking portion and the first locking portion. Two
It includes a support plate disposed below the locking portion and having a third locking portion and a fourth locking portion, and a switching pattern formed on the surface of the supporting plate and corresponding to the key top. A circuit pattern, a slide member mounted on the upper surface of the support plate on the side where the circuit pattern is formed, a first link member held by the first locking portion and the fourth locking portion, and a second engaging member. It is composed of a second link member held by the stop portion and the third locking portion, both link members are rotatably arranged with respect to each other, and the key top and the support plate are connected to each other, thereby vertically moving the key top. A guide support member for guiding and a switching member provided on the slide member corresponding to the switching pattern and performing a switching operation corresponding to the vertical movement of the key top are provided. Between the operating position in which the first link member and the second link member in the guide supporting member are in the open state by releasing the support of the key top by the switching member. It is configured to slide with.

According to the above construction, when the key top is pushed when the key operation of the key top is performed, the two link members of the guide support member are supported so as to be rotatable relative to each other as the key top is pushed. Therefore, the two link members are opened to each other and guide the key top downward. The switching operation is performed via the switching member mounted on the slide member in response to the downward movement of the key top. When the depression of the key top is released, the two link members perform an operation opposite to the above operation between the key top and the support plate, and the key top is urged upward by the elastic force of the switching member. The two link members are closed to each other and returned to their original positions.

Further, when the key switch device is carried, when the slide member provided with the switching member is slid, the supporting of the key top by the switching member is released from the operating position where the key top is supported by the switching member. The first link member and the second link member of the guide support member move to the non-operating position where the legs are in the open state, and as a result, the height of the key top is lowered and portability is improved.

Further, in the key switch device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the support plate has a key top mounting portion having a pair of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion, the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion. A plurality of stoppers are set on a straight line with the same direction of arrangement, and the slide member is configured to be slidable along the direction of arrangement, so that the sliding operation can be realized with a simple configuration. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the key switch, the slide member includes a third locking portion and a fourth locking portion provided on the support plate.
The locking portion has a slide hole that extends along the direction in which the locking portion is inserted, and at the time of sliding the slide member, at least one of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion slides on the inner wall of the slide hole. By so doing, the slide of the slide member is guided, so that the slide member can be surely slid without providing a dedicated member for guiding the slide of the slide member or performing special processing. Can be made.

Further, in the key switch device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the third switch part and the fourth lock part provided at the lower ends of the first link member and the second link member and provided on the support plate are engaged. Since the slide member is arranged between the pin to be stopped and the support plate, it is possible to prevent the slide member from being lifted up without adding a new component.

Further, in the key switch device according to the sixth aspect, since the slide member is integrally formed with the switching member, the slide member and the switching member can be simplified and easily formed. When an elastomer is used as the material of the slide member and the switching member, it is possible to prevent the slide member itself from stretching when the slide member is slid.

Further, in the key switch device according to the seventh aspect, instead of the switching member, a leaf spring integrally formed with the slide member performs a switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the key top, The slide member is
Since the operating position where the key top is supported by the leaf spring and the support for the key top by the switching member are released, the first link member and the second link member in the guide supporting member are released.
Since the link member is configured to be slidable together with the leaf spring between the non-operating position of the key top where the leg is opened, it is possible to realize the transition from the operating position of the key top to the non-operating position with a simple configuration. .

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the key switch device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the key switch device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
1 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position, FIG. 2 is a plan view of one link member, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other link member, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring in the operating position.

In FIG. 1, the key switch device 1 basically comprises a key top 2, a guide support member 3 for guiding the vertical movement of the key top 2 while maintaining the horizontal state of the key top 2, and a support plate for holding the guide support member 3. 4, a rubber spring 5 is fixed below the guide support member 3, and a circuit board 6 placed above the support plate 4.

The key top 2 is formed of ABS resin or the like, and characters, symbols or the like for identifying the key top 2 are printed on the upper surface thereof. Further, the key top 2 is provided with a pivot shaft 9 provided on the first link member 7 for rotatably supporting the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 constituting the guide support member 3 with respect to each other. A perpendicular line L passing through (described later) is divided into a sliding side portion 2A (left side portion in FIG. 1) and a rotation side portion 2B (right side portion in FIG. 1), and a length A of the sliding side portion 2A is It is set to be longer than the length B of the turning side portion 2B.

A pair of long groove-shaped first locking portions 10 (only one of the first locking portions 10 is shown in FIG. 1) is formed on the back surface of the sliding side portion 2A of the key top 2. As will be described later, each first locking portion 10 holds each first sliding pin 11 formed on the first link member 7 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction. A pair of circular hole-shaped second locking portions 12 (one of the second locking portions 1 in FIG. 1 is provided on the back surface of the rotation side portion 2B.
2 is shown), and each second locking portion 12 is formed.
Holds the second locking pin 13 formed on the second link member 8 rotatably, as will be described later.

The guide support member 3 is constructed by supporting the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Here, each of the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

First, the structure of the first link member 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The first link member 7 is molded from polyacetal resin or the like and has a substantially “H” shape in plan view. The first link member 7 includes a base portion 14 and a pair of plate portions 15 formed on both sides of the base portion 14.
The first sliding pin 11 is provided outward at one end (the left end in FIG. 2) of the plate, and the first locking pin 16 is provided at the other end (the right end in FIG. 2) of each plate portion 15. It is provided in the direction. As described above, the first sliding pin 11 is slidably held by the first locking portion 10 formed on the sliding side portion 2A of the key top 2, and each first locking pin 16 will be described later. Thus, the fourth locking portion 17 formed on the support plate 4 is rotatably held. A pivot shaft 9 is provided so as to project outward from a substantially central position of each plate portion 15. Each of these pivot shafts 9 is pivotally supported in a pivot hole 19 formed in each plate portion 18 of the second link member 8 described later.

Next, the structure of the second link member 8 will be described with reference to FIG. Like the first link member 7, the second link member 8 is molded from polyacetal resin or the like, and has a substantially U-shape in plan view. The second link member 8 includes a base portion 20 and a pair of plate portions 18 formed on both sides of the base portion 20, and the second sliding pin 21 is attached to one end (left end in FIG. 3) of each plate portion 18. It is installed in the direction,
The second locking pin 13 is provided between the other ends (right ends in FIG. 3) of the plate portions 18. Each second sliding pin 21
As will be described later, the third locking portion 22 formed on the support plate 4
The second locking pin 13 is slidably retained by the second locking pin 13 formed on the pivot side portion 2B of the key top 2 as described above.
It is rotatably held by the locking portion 12. Also,
A pivot hole 19 is bored from a substantially central position of each plate portion 18, and each pivot shaft 9 projecting from each plate portion 15 of the first link member 7 is provided in each pivot hole 19. Is rotatably supported.

As described above, the guide support member 3 has the first
The pivot shaft 9 of the link member 7 is connected to the pivot hole 1 of the second link member 8.
The first link member 7 and the second link member 8 can be opened and closed with respect to each other. Further, the distance from the center of the pivot shaft 9 in the first link member 7 to the center of the first sliding pin 11 and the first locking pin 16 and the distance from the center of the pivot hole 19 in the second link member 8 to the second position. The four distances to the center of the locking pin 13 and the center of the second sliding pin 21 are set to be equal to each other.

Next, the support plate 4 in the key switch device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The support plate 4 is
It is formed of metal such as aluminum and is provided for each key switch device 1. Therefore, when the key switch device 1 according to the present embodiment is used for a keyboard provided with a plurality of key switch devices, the support plate 4 corresponds to each key switch device 1 provided on the keyboard. One member is integrally formed over the whole.

A pair of third locking portions 22 are formed on the support plate 4 at the left corner position in FIG. 4, and each third locking portion 22 is attached to each first locking portion 10 of the key top 2. The second sliding pins 21 of the second link member 8 are slidably held so as to face each other and have a long groove shape. Further, a pair of fourth locking portions 17 are formed at the right corner position in FIG. 4 on the support plate 4, and each fourth locking portion 17 faces the second locking portion 12 of the key top 2 and is circular. It is formed in a hole shape and rotatably holds the first locking pin 16 of the first link member 7. The third locking portion and the fourth locking portion are provided in parallel in the same direction.

Next, the circuit board 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. The circuit board 6 has a first flexible circuit board 6A on which a predetermined circuit pattern is formed on the lower side of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and a predetermined circuit pattern on the upper side of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. It is composed of a second flexible circuit board 6C, and a spacer 6B having a hole in the switching circuit portion for preventing the switching circuit portions of the first flexible circuit board 6A and the second flexible circuit board 6C from contacting each other in an unused state. The lower surface of the circuit board 6 is supported on the support plate 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit board 6 includes a third locking portion 22 and a fourth locking portion 17 of the support plate 4.
A slide hole 25 extending in the parallel direction is formed. Then, the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17
By sliding at least one of them on the inner wall of the slide hole 25, the slide of the circuit board 6 is guided.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, on the circuit board 6, the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are provided at a lower position corresponding to a portion where the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are axially supported with respect to each other. The rubber spring 5 is fixed. The rubber spring 5 is made of an elastic rubber material such as silicon rubber or EPDM, and has a conical dome portion 5A and a dome portion 5A.
And an edge portion 5B formed around (see FIG. 4). The base portion 14 of the first link member 7 is placed on the top of the dome portion 5A. Thereby, the first link member 7
The guide support member 3 including the second link member 8 and the second link member 8 is elastically supported via the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5. This rubber spring 5 is a circuit board 6
Since the circuit board 6 is fixed to the upper side, the circuit board 6 is slid along with the circuit board 6 according to the sliding operation. This point will be described later.

Also, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5
Corresponding to, the first flexible circuit board 6A of the circuit board 6 is provided with the first switching electrode 23, and the second flexible circuit board 6C is provided with the second switching electrode 24 via the spacer 6B. When 2 is pressed, the first switching electrode 23 and the second switching electrode 24 are short-circuited via the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 to perform the switching operation.

Next, an elastomer spring is used in place of the rubber spring 5, an elastomer is used in place of the first flexible circuit board 6A and the spacer 6B of the circuit board 6, and this is used as a slide member to integrally form the elastomer spring. The case of using the prepared one will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a plan view in which the elastomer spring and the slide hole are integrally formed in the elastomer sliding member. As the configuration of the key switch device 1, the second flexible circuit board 6C of the circuit board 6 is fixed on the support plate 4, and the second flexible circuit board 6C has a pair of fixed contact patterns (not shown). Has been formed. On the second flexible circuit board 6C, the elastomer sliding member 27 uses both or one of the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17 of the support plate 4 as a slide guide and through the slide hole 25. It is mounted so that it can slide. A movable electrode (not shown) is formed on the elastomer spring 26 so as to correspond to the pair of fixed contact patterns of the second flexible circuit board 6C.

Further, the second link member 8 of the guide support member 3
Each second sliding pin 21 is locked to the third locking portion 22 of the support plate 4, and each first locking pin 16 of the first link member 7 is locked.
Is snapped into the fourth locking portion 17 of the support plate 4. Then, the key top 2 is arranged above the guide support member 3, and each first sliding pin 11 of the first link member 7 is inside the first locking portion 10 formed on the sliding side portion 2A of the key top 2. The second locking pin 13 of the second link member 8 is snapped into the second locking portion 12 formed on the rotation side portion 2B of the key top 2 while being locked. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce frictional resistance by reducing the number of parts and sliding different materials.

Next, a method of assembling the key switch device 1 having the above-described structure will be described.

First, the pivot shaft 9 of the first link member 7 is moved to the second
The guide support member 3 is assembled by being rotatably supported in the pivot hole 19 of the link member 8. Next, on the support plate 4, in the slide hole 25 of the circuit board 6, the third locking portion 22 of the indicator plate 4 is provided.
The circuit board 6 is placed so that the fourth locking portion 17 and the second link member 8 of the guide support member 3 are assembled.
The sliding pin 21 is locked to the third locking portion 22 of the support plate 4, and each first locking pin 16 of the first link member 7 is locked to the support plate 4.
It snaps in in the 4th locking part 17 of. This allows
The guide support member 3 is held by the support plate 4. At this point, the circuit board 6 is slidably arranged on the support plate 4 without coming off.

After holding the guide support member 3 on the support plate 4 as described above, the key top 2 is arranged above the guide support member 3 and each first sliding pin 11 of the first link member 7 is arranged.
Is locked in the first locking portion 10 formed on the sliding side portion 2A of the key top 2, and the second link member 8
The locking pin 13 is snapped into the second locking portion 12 formed on the rotation side portion 2B of the key top 2. Thereby, the key switch device 1 is assembled. Incidentally, when the key switch device 1 is assembled as described above, the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 has the rubber spring 5
Since it is placed on the dome portion 5A of the key top 2, the key top 2 is urged upward together with the guide support member 3 through the elastic force of the rubber spring 5 and held in the non-depressed position shown in FIG. There is. At this time, the circuit board 6 is sliding rightward in FIG.

Next, the switching operation of the key switch device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed. At this time, the circuit board 6 is sliding to the right of the arrow in FIG.

When the key top 2 is pushed down from the state shown in FIG. 1, each first sliding pin 11 of the first link member 7 in the guide support member 3 slides leftward in the first locking portion 10. At the same time, the first locking pin 16 is rotated counterclockwise in the fourth locking portion 17. At the same time, the second locking pin 13 of the second link member 8 of the guide support member 3 is set to the second
The second sliding pin 21 is slid leftward in the third locking portion 22 while being rotated clockwise in the locking portion 12. At this time, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state regardless of the pressed position of the key top 2 by the cooperation action of each of the first link member 7 and the second link member 8.

With the downward movement of the key top 2, the first
The base portion 14 of the link member 7 gradually pushes down the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5, and when the pushing force exceeds a certain limit, the dome portion 5A buckles with a click feeling. Due to the buckling of the rubber spring 5, the dome portion 5
As shown in FIG. 5, A presses the first switching electrode 23 of the first flexible circuit board 6A of the circuit board 6 via the spacer 6B and short-circuits the second switching electrode 24 of the second flexible circuit board 6C. Is turned on,
As a result, the on-switching operation is performed.

When the depression of the key top 2 is released,
The base portion 14 of the first link member 7 is biased upward by the elastic force (returning force) of the rubber spring 5. At this time,
Each first sliding pin 11 of the first link member 7 has the first locking portion 1
While being slid to the right in 0, the first locking pin 16 is rotated clockwise in the fourth locking portion 17. At the same time, the second locking pin 13 of the second link member 8 of the guide support member 3 is rotated counterclockwise in the second locking portion 12, and the second sliding pin 21 is moved to the third engagement position. It is slid to the right in the stop 22.

Along with this, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 gradually returns to the original state, and in this process, the first switching electrode 23 is separated from the second switching electrode 24. At this point, it is turned off and off-switching operation is performed. Then, the key top 2 returns to the original non-depressed state shown in FIG. 1 via the elastic force of the rubber spring 5. At this time, the key top 2 is moved upward while maintaining the horizontal state by the cooperation action of each of the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 as in the case of the pressing.

Next, in order to reduce the height of the key top 2 in order to improve the portability of the key switch device 1 having the above-described structure, the circuit board 6 is attached to each of the first link member 7 and the second link member 2.
The operation of sliding the link member 8 in the leg opening direction will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring in the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring, and FIG. 6 shows the key top in the non-operating position after sliding the rubber spring. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view schematically showing the state of the key switch device.
Shown in. Before the sliding operation of the circuit board 6, the support plate 4 is
The rubber spring 5 is assumed to be in the state shown in FIGS.

First, the circuit board 6 is moved in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4 (to the left of the arrow in FIG. 1) and slid to the full extent in direction C. When the circuit board 6 is slid, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 is gradually separated from the base portion 14 of the first link member 7, and the base portion 14 is removed.
When it comes into contact with the conical wall portion A, the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 of the guide support member 3, which are urged upward by the elastic force of the rubber spring 5, are pivotally supported. The shaft 9 and the pivot hole 19 are folded together.

Along with this, the height of the key top 2 gradually decreases from the state shown in FIG. Then, the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 has the rubber spring 5
When the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are completely disengaged from the dome portion 5A, the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 are completely folded and placed on the circuit board 6, as shown in FIG. The height of the key top 2 is the lowest as shown in FIG. 7 because it is in a state of not receiving the elastic force from the rubber spring 5.

Further, when the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 is completely removed from the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5, the rubber spring 5 is completely stored below the sliding side portion 2A of the key top 2. There is. Thus, when sliding the rubber spring 5 together with the circuit board 6 to the non-operating position of the key top 2, the rubber spring 5 is slid toward the sliding side portion 2A which is set longer than the rotation side portion 2B. Since it is stored below the sliding side portion 2A, it is surely prevented that the rubber spring 5 is stored in a deformed state by abutting on the key top 2, and the characteristics of the rubber spring 5 can be maintained for a long time. Can be maintained across. Further, the rubber spring 5 has no contact other than the contact with the guide support member 3, and can be slid smoothly.

When using the key switch device 1 to return the key top 2 to the operating position,
The operation opposite to the above is performed, the circuit board 6 is moved in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4 (to the right of the arrow in FIG. 1), and is slid to the full extent in direction D. When the circuit board 6 is slid, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 gradually sinks under the base portion 14 of the first link member 7, and eventually the base portion 14 is placed on the top of the dome portion 5A. .
As a result, the folded first link member 7 and second link member 8 return to their original state, and the height of the key top 2 gradually increases accordingly, and the original state shown in FIG. Return to the operating position of. When the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 goes under the first link member 7 as described above, a chamfered portion is formed around the upper end edge of the dome portion 5A, and at the end of the base portion 14. It is preferable that the chamfered portions are formed so that the chamfered portions cooperate with each other so that the chamfered portions smoothly slide and guide upward.

As is clear from the above description in detail, according to the key switch device 1 of the first embodiment,
The key top 2 is provided via a guide support member 3 that rotatably supports the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 with respect to each other.
Is a key switch device 1 configured to vertically move on a support plate 4, without providing a dedicated holder member or the like for locking the first link member 7 and the second link member 8, The third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17 are provided on the support plate 4 so as to lock the link members 7 and 8, and the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 in the guide support member 3 is also provided. The circuit board 6 on which the rubber springs 5 for mounting is fixed is mounted on the support plate 4 in the opening / closing leg direction of the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 between the operating position and the non-operating position of the key top 2. It is configured to be slidable, and when carrying, the circuit board 6 is slid to a non-operating position to move the rubber spring 5 to a non-operating position where the rubber spring 5 is disengaged from the guide supporting member 3.
Of the first link member 7 and the second link member 8 can be folded to lower the height of the key top 2, and the switch device 1 can be easily made thinner. it can.

Further, the circuit board 6 is configured to slide along the parallel direction of the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17, and the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion thereof. Since at least one of 17 is also used as a guide at the time of sliding, it is possible to realize the sliding operation with a simple structure without providing a component dedicated to the guide.

Next, the configuration of the key switch device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring in the operating position before sliding the rubber spring. 1 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed down.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring at the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring, and FIG. 12 is shown in FIG. 12 at the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view schematically showing the state of the key switch device. In this embodiment, the second flexible circuit board 6C and the spacer 6B of the circuit board 6 in the first embodiment are formed on the support plate 4 by printing, and further the first flexible circuit board 6A is a slide member. The key switch device 1 is characterized in that it has a simple structure. The other structure is the same as that of the key switch device 1 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, the same members and the like as those of the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted by referring to the above description. Only explained.

In FIG. 9, in the printed circuit portion 28C of the circuit pattern portion 28, a pair of fixed contact patterns 30 corresponding to each key switch device 1 are formed by printing on the support plate 4 (the support plate 4 is made of metal. In the case of the above, it is printed after being subjected to an insulation treatment), and further, the printing spacer 28 so that the pair of fixed contact patterns 30 is exposed thereon.
B is printed. A slide member 28A with a movable electrode having a movable electrode 29 corresponding to the pair of fixed contact patterns 30 is slidable on the printed circuit portion 28C of the support plate 4 and the printed spacer 28B. It is placed in a simple state. With such a configuration, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost of parts and man-hours can be reduced.

For the printing spacer 28B, a thermosetting resin or an acrylic UV-curing resin having a low frictional resistance is used for sliding with the slide member 28A with a movable electrode. As a result, frictional resistance can be reduced, and the slide member 28A with a movable electrode can be smoothly slid.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the slide member 28A with a movable electrode is appropriately adjusted by each first locking pin 16 of the first link member 7 and each second sliding pin 21 of the second link member 8. Since it is pressed by the pressure, it is possible to reliably prevent the slide member 28A with a movable electrode from rising.

As is clear from the above description, according to the key switch device 1 of the second embodiment,
In addition to the effect similar to that of the first embodiment, the printed circuit portion 28C having the fixed contact pattern 30 and the printed spacer 28B are printed on the support plate 4, and the movable electrode is provided on the slide member 28A. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, which leads to cost reduction.

Further, the slide member 28A is configured to slide along the parallel direction of the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17, and the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion thereof. Since at least one of 17 is also used as a guide at the time of sliding, it is possible to realize the sliding operation with a simple structure without providing a component dedicated to the guide.

Next, a key switch device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position, and FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state in which the key top is pressed. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view schematically showing the state of the key switch device in the operating position.

In this embodiment, the circuit board 6 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the leaf spring 3 is provided on the first flexible circuit board 6A.
1 has a slide plate 32 integrally formed thereon, and the guide support member 3 is elastically supported by the plate spring 31 instead of the rubber spring 5 in the first embodiment. Is. As a result, the step of attaching the rubber spring 5 to the first flexible circuit board 6A of the circuit board 6 can be omitted, and further, by manufacturing the slide member 32 with a leaf spring by press working, the cost can be reduced. Become. In addition, the circuit board 6 in FIG.
The switching operation part 33 is formed by printing the piezoelectric element 34 on the support plate 4, as shown in FIG.

Next, in order to reduce the height of the key top 2 in order to improve the portability of the key switch device 1 configured as described above, the slide plate 32 is attached to each of the first link members 7 ,.
The operation of sliding the second link member 8 in the leg opening direction will be described with reference to FIG. The slide plate 3
Before the sliding operation of FIG.
It shall be in the state shown in FIG.

First, when the slide plate 32 is moved leftward in FIG. 14, the plate spring 31 integrally formed with the slide plate 32 is gradually disengaged from the base portion 14 of the first link member 7, and the plate spring 31 is removed. The first link member 7 and the second link member 7 of the guide support member 3 that are urged upward by the elastic force of
The link member 8 is mutually folded via its pivot shaft 9 and pivot hole 19. Along with this, the height of the key top 2 gradually decreases from the state shown in FIG. Then, the base portion 14 of the first link member 7 has the leaf spring 3
When the first link member 7 and the second link member 7 are completely separated from each other,
As shown in FIG. 16, the link member 8 is completely folded and placed on the circuit board 6, and at the same time, the height of the key top 2 is in a state in which the elastic force from the leaf spring 31 is not received at all. Therefore, it becomes the lowest as shown in FIG.

When using the key switch device 1 to return the key top 2 to the operating position,
When the slide plate 32 is moved in the right direction of the arrow in FIG. 16 by performing the operation opposite to the above, the leaf spring 31 integrally formed with the slide plate 32 gradually slides under the base portion 14 of the first link member 7. Then, the base 14 eventually becomes the leaf spring 3.
It will be placed on top of 1. As a result, the folded first link members 7 and second link members 8 are restored to their original state, and along with this, the height of the key top 2 gradually increases and the original state shown in FIG. Return to the operating position of.

As in the case of the second embodiment, in the case where the printed circuit portion 28C and the printed spacer 28B are printed on the support plate 4 and the movable electrode is provided on the slide member 28A, the movable electrode is provided on the slide member 28A. Instead of providing the rubber spring 5, it can be realized by integrally forming the plate spring 31.

As is clear from the above description in detail, according to the key switch device 1 of the third embodiment,
In addition to the effects similar to those of the first and second embodiments, the step of attaching the rubber spring 5 to the circuit board 6 or the slide member 28A can be omitted.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the support plate 4 is formed by pressing a metal plate such as aluminum, but it may be formed by molding a resin having rigidity.

The circuit board 6 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or the like, or is made of a printed circuit pattern on a metal plate and a PET film, but is made of paper-phenol, glass epoxy resin or the like. Alternatively, a circuit pattern may be formed on the substrate, and a rubber spring having a movable electrode may be fixed on the formed pair of fixed contact patterns.

Further, in the first embodiment, the circuit board 6 is composed of three polyethylene terephthalates (PET).
Although it is composed of film etc. and slides 3 sheets together,
Only the flexible circuit board 6A or the first flexible circuit board 6A and the spacer 6B may be slid.

The circuit board 6 is composed of three polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and the like.
A slide member may be formed by forming all the circuit patterns on one PET film, and fixing a rubber spring provided with a movable electrode on the pair of fixed contact patterns formed. Similarly, all the circuit patterns are formed on one PET film, fixed on the support plate 4, and the movable electrode is provided on the pair of fixed contact patterns formed on this PET film. The slide member may be formed by fixing the rubber spring on another PET film having a hole under the movable electrode of the rubber spring so that the rubber spring is provided. As described above, when the key switch device 1 is configured, the polyethylene terephthalate (P
The number of ET) films and the circuit configuration can be changed according to circumstances.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the rubber spring 5 is pushed down by the base portion 14 of the first link member 7, but the rubber spring 5 is pushed directly under the key top 2. Even if it is, the same effect can be obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, the first
The distance from the center of the pivot shaft 9 in the link member 7 to the centers of the first sliding pin 11 and the first locking pin 16 and the center of the pivot hole 19 in the second link member 8 to the second locking pin 13 And the distance to the center of the second sliding pin 21 are set to be equal to each other. However, when the swinging motion of the key top 2 is used, even if the respective distances are changed. Good.

Further, the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 22 of the support plate 4 are
The locking portion 17 may be formed integrally with the support plate 4,
It may be formed as a separate part.

In each of the above embodiments, the third
The case where all the locking portions 22 and the fourth locking portions 17 are arranged in the same direction and on the same straight line has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion Four
A part of the locking portion may be arranged on a straight line deviated from the straight line. In addition, a part of the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17 are oriented in different directions, for example, another third locking portion 22.
It may be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the fourth locking portion 17. In these cases, it is necessary to change the shape and size of the slide hole 25 according to the arrangement state of the third locking portion 22 and the fourth locking portion 17.

[0079]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the key switch device of the first aspect of the present invention, the key top and the first locking portion arranged on the back side of the key top. A second locking part, a support plate disposed below the first locking part and the second locking part and having a third locking part and a fourth locking part, and mounted on the support plate. Circuit board including a switching pattern provided corresponding to the key top, a first link member held by the first locking part and the fourth locking part, a second locking part and a third locking part. A guide support member, which comprises a second link member held by the stopper, both link members are rotatably arranged with respect to each other, and the key top and the support plate are connected to each other to guide the vertical movement of the key top; It is arranged on the circuit board and performs switching operation according to the vertical movement of the key top. A slide member having a rib portion, and the slide member includes a first link member and a first link member in the guide support member when the key top is supported by the spring portion and the support of the key top by the spring portion is released. The second link member is configured to be slidable together with the spring portion between the non-operating position of the key top where the leg is opened.

According to this structure, since the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion for locking the two link members constituting the guide support member are integrally formed with the support plate, the two links are formed. After removing the dedicated holder member for locking the member and making it a simple and light structure, when the key switch device is carried, sliding the slide member causes the key top to be supported by the spring portion from the operating position. When the support of the key top by the spring portion is released, the first link member and the second link member of the guide support member move to the non-operating position where the leg is opened, and as a result, the height of the key top becomes low. Therefore, the portability is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch device, a key top, a first locking portion and a second locking portion arranged on the back surface side of the key top, the first locking portion and the second locking portion. Two
It includes a support plate disposed below the locking portion and having a third locking portion and a fourth locking portion, and a switching pattern formed on the surface of the supporting plate and corresponding to the key top. A circuit pattern, a slide member mounted on the upper surface of the support plate on the side where the circuit pattern is formed, a first link member held by the first locking portion and the fourth locking portion, and a second engaging member. It is composed of a second link member held by the stop portion and the third locking portion, both link members are rotatably arranged with respect to each other, and the key top and the support plate are connected to each other, thereby vertically moving the key top. A guide support member for guiding and a switching member provided on the slide member corresponding to the switching pattern and performing a switching operation corresponding to the vertical movement of the key top are provided. Between the operating position in which the first link member and the second link member in the guide supporting member are in the open state by releasing the support of the key top by the switching member. It is configured to slide with.

According to this structure, since the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion for locking the two link members forming the guide support member are integrally formed with the support plate, the two links are formed. The key holder is supported by the switching member when the sliding member provided with the switching member is slid when the key switch device is carried while the holder member dedicated for locking the member is eliminated and the structure is simple and light. From the operating position to the non-operating position in which the first link member and the second link member of the guide support member are in the open state when the support of the key top by the switching member is released. Height is reduced and portability is improved.

Further, the key switch device according to claim 3 is
On the support plate, a plurality of keytop mounting portions having a pair of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion are set on a straight line with the same direction of arrangement of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion. Since the slide members are configured to be slidable along the arrangement direction, the sliding operation can be realized with a simple structure.

Further, in the key switch according to the fourth aspect, the slide member includes the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion provided on the support plate.
The locking portion has a slide hole that extends along the direction in which the locking portion is inserted, and at the time of sliding the circuit board, at least one of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion slides on the inner wall of the slide hole. By so doing, the slide of the circuit board is guided, so that the slide member can be surely slid without providing a dedicated member for guiding the slide of the slide member or performing special processing. Can be made.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the key switch device, the third and fourth locking portions provided at the lower ends of the first link member and the second link member and provided on the support plate are engaged. Since the slide member is arranged between the pin to be stopped and the support plate, it is possible to prevent the slide member from being lifted up without adding a new component.

Further, in the key switch device according to the sixth aspect, since the slide member is integrally formed with the switching member, the slide member and the switching member can be simplified and easily formed. When an elastomer is used as the material of the slide member and the switching member, it is possible to prevent the slide member itself from stretching when the slide member is slid.

According to the key switch device of the present invention, instead of the switching member, a leaf spring integrally formed with the slide member performs a switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the key top. The slide member is
When the operating position in which the key top is supported by the leaf spring and the support of the key top by the switching member are released, the first link member and the second link member of the guide supporting member are opened. Since it is slidable together with the leaf spring with respect to the non-operating position, it is possible to realize the shift of the key top from the operating position to the non-operating position with a simple structure.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch device with a key top in an operating position.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one link member.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other link member.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring in the operating position before sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring at the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state of the key switch device in the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 8 is a plan view in which an elastomer spring and a slide hole are integrally formed in the elastomer sliding member.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring in the operating position before sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed down.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the support plate and the rubber spring at the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state of the key switch device in the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state of the key switch device in the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the leaf spring.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view in which a switching operation portion of a circuit board is formed by printing a piezoelectric element on a support plate.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 key switch device 2 key tops 3 guide members 4 Support plate 5 Rubber spring 6 circuit board 6A First flexible circuit board 6B spacer 6C 2nd flexible circuit board 7 First link member 8 Second link member 9 pivots 10 First locking part 12 Second locking part 16 First locking pin 17 Fourth locking part 19 pivot hole 21 Second sliding pin 22 Third locking part 23 First switching electrode 24 Second switching electrode 25 slide hole 26 Elastomer spring 27 Elastomer sliding member 28 Circuit pattern part 28A Slide member with movable electrode 28B printing spacer 28C printed circuit part 29 Movable electrode 30 pairs of fixed contact patterns 31 leaf spring 32 Slide member with leaf spring

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5G006 AA01 AA02 AA07 AB25 AC01                       AC03 AC05 AC07 AZ01 BA01                       BA09 BB02 BB03 BC01 BC04                       BC06 BC09 CB01 CD02 DD02                       DD11 DD12 FB06 FB14 FB24                       FB31 FD05 JA01

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A key top, and a first locking portion and a second locking portion arranged on the back side of the key top.
A support plate provided with a locking portion, a first locking portion and a second locking portion below the third locking portion and a fourth locking portion, and a supporting plate mounted on the supporting plate; A circuit board including a switching pattern provided corresponding to the key top, a first link member held by the first locking portion and the fourth locking portion, the second locking portion and the A second link member held by a third locking portion, both link members are rotatably arranged with respect to each other, and the key top and the support plate are connected to guide the vertical movement of the key top. And a slide member that is disposed on the circuit board and has a spring portion that performs a switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the key top. The operating position where the top is supported and the spring When the support of the key top is released, the first link member and the second link member of the guide support member are configured to be slidable together with the spring portion between the non-operating position of the key top in which the leg is opened. A key switch device characterized in that 2. A key top, and a first locking portion and a second locking portion arranged on the back side of the key top.
A locking plate, a support plate disposed below the first locking part and the second locking part and having a third locking part and a fourth locking part, and formed on the surface of the supporting plate. A circuit pattern including a switching pattern provided corresponding to the key top, a slide member mounted on the upper surface of the support plate on the side where the circuit pattern is formed, the first locking portion, and A first link member held by the fourth locking portion and a second link member held by the second locking portion and the third locking portion, and both link members are rotatable with respect to each other. And a guide support member that guides the vertical movement of the key top by connecting the key top and the support plate, and is provided on the slide member corresponding to the switching pattern, and Switch for vertical movement A switching member that performs an operation, wherein the slide member has a first operating position in which the key top is supported by the switching member and a first position in the guide supporting member when the support of the key top is released by the switching member. A key switch device, wherein the link member and the second link member are configured to be slidable together with the switching member between a non-operating position where the link member and the second link member are in the open state. 3. The key plate mounting portion having a pair of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion is arranged on the support plate in the same direction in which the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion are arranged. 3. The key switch device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of them are set on a straight line, and the slide members are configured to be slidable along the direction in which they are arranged. 4. The slide member has a slide hole through which a third locking portion and a fourth locking portion provided on the support plate are inserted, and extends along the direction of the arrangement, When sliding, the slide of the slide member is guided by sliding at least one of the third locking portion and the fourth locking portion on the inner wall of the slide hole. The key switch device according to claim 3, wherein the key switch device is a key switch device. 5. A pin provided on the lower ends of the first link member and the second link member and locked by a third locking portion and a fourth locking portion provided on the support plate, and the support plate. The key switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the slide member is arranged between the key switch device and the slide member. 6. The key switch device according to claim 2, wherein the slide member is integrally formed with the switching member. 7. Instead of the switching member, the leaf spring integrally formed with the slide member is configured to perform a switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the key top. A keytop in which the first link member and the second link member of the guide support member are opened by releasing the support position of the keytop by the leaf spring and the support of the keytop by the switching member. The key switch device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the key switch device is configured to be slidable together with the leaf spring together with the non-operating position.