JP3392830B2 - Key switch device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a word processor,
-Keyboards, which are input devices for personal computers, etc.
Related to the structure of the key switch device used for
You. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a key switch device of this kind
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 59-33250.
Stem protruding downward from the bottom of the keytop
Into the stem guide formed on the holder member.
And configured to guide and support the key top so that it can move up and down
It was common to do. However, in such a configuration, the key top
Trying to lengthen the vertical stroke of the stem guide
When the vertical length of the part is shortened, the vertical sliding length with the stem
Insufficient, twisting occurs when pressing the key top,
Touch is not smooth, therefore, on the stem guide
The lower length must be longer, and the keyboard must be thinner.
There was an inconvenience that it could not be achieved. In order to solve this problem, the present applicant has previously
And the specification attached to the application of Japanese Patent Application No. 3-330160.
And in the drawing, the guide means of the vertical movement of the key top,
A first link and a second link that are arranged crosswise in an X shape in side view;
And the two links are rotatably connected at the halfway intersection.
One of the free ends of the first link and the second link
To the key top lower surface and the holder member in a rotatable manner.
While the other free end is the key top underside and the holder member.
Slidably lock the rubber spring head
A configuration in which the link is pressed at the lower surface near the intersection is proposed. [0005] By the way, this kind of key
-The size of the operation surface of the key top on the board,
The size of the flat area of the key top depends on the type of input and
There are several types considering the frequency, usability, etc.
, A plurality of large and small key tops are arranged. Was
For example, the most frequently used hiragana, katakana,
Key tops for numbers are generally square in plan view.
Always medium size, use space key, tab key, etc.
Is a rectangular key top with a large horizontal aspect ratio,
For typical function keys, medium-sized keys
Horizontal key tops that are approximately half the size of the top
A key unit key). these
Of the various key tops, especially the space key and the tab key
For key switches using long key tops
If the key top is too long,
Depending on the lower position, the key top may move up and down while tilted
There is a possibility that it will end up. For example, press the end of the space key
The space key moves up and down
In other words, there is a possibility that trouble may occur in the switching operation. However, the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
In the key switch described in the specification and drawings of No. 0,
In case of the above character key or half unit key
For example, by the guide means consisting of the first link and the second link
Guide the vertical movement while holding the key top in a parallel state.
It is possible to use long keys such as space key and tab key.
In the case of the key top, only the first link and the second link
Let's guide the vertical movement while keeping the key top parallel
It was difficult to do. In addition, long keys such as the space key and the tab key
To guide the vertical movement of the key-shape, a metal bar
Via a posture bar such as a space bar
Up-and-down motion guidance is generally performed, but as described above.
A guide means comprising two first links and a second link is used.
When using the first link and the second link respectively
It is necessary to lock and slide the key top and holder member.
How to arrange the posture holding lever etc.
Is an important issue. That is, the arrangement of the posture holding lever
When moving the key top up and down,
1st link, 2nd link and posture holding lever interfere with each other
Key input operation cannot be performed properly.
There is a possibility that it will be. Further, from the posture holding lever and the two links,
Up and down movement of a long key top using a guide means
When guiding the
It is necessary to lock or slide the lower part on the holder member.
There is, however, conventionally a locking part for locking the posture holding lever.
And a locking portion for locking the link are integrally formed on the holder member.
There is no key switch. Here, when operating a long key top,
To maintain good operability, the posture holding lever
Rotation or sliding of the posture holding lever at the locking portion for locking
Movement and the rotation of each link in the locking part for link locking.
Movement or sliding must be performed simultaneously and smoothly.
No. At this time, the locking part and the link for locking the posture holding lever
When the locking part for locking is not formed integrally with the holder member
In order to make sure that the positioning relationship between
Is difficult, and therefore, as described above,
And it is difficult to achieve the operation of each link at the same time.
Become. As a result, the operability of the long key top decreases.
There is a problem. The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems.
It is a plan that consists of a pair of link members.
Long key top via internal member and posture holding lever
When supporting the
Can get big keystrokes
Also, do not increase the key top arrangement interval more than necessary.
The keyboard operation area by reducing the keyboard operation area.
It is possible to reduce the impact on each link member.
And smooth movement of the posture holding lever at the same time.
Maintain good operability of long key tops as possible
To provide a key switch device capable of switching
And [0011] [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] To achieve the above object
In addition, the key switch device according to the present invention has a long
And a holder member disposed below the keytop
When inserted between the key top and the holder member,
Both are a pair of link members movably arranged with respect to each other
A guide member for guiding the vertical movement of the key top,
The key top deforms elastically as the key top moves up and down,
A spring member for biasing the
The key top is locked to the bottom of the
Is provided at a position deviated from the guide member in the area of
A posture holding lever having a hand shaft and, To the holder member
Part of the spring member formed within the thickness of the holder member
And the upper end of the spring member
An arrangement hole that protrudes from the upper surface of theThe figure
The axial direction of the shaft portion of the force holding lever is the same as the link member.
In the same direction as the sliding direction when the key top is pressed.
The holder member is provided with the links
A link locking portion for locking a lower portion of the member and the posture holding lever
-The lever locking part that locks the lower part of the
Is what it is. [0012] The key switch according to claim 1 having the above configuration.
In the switch device, when a long key top is pressed,
Guide member and attitude holding lever consisting of a pair of link members
The key top is guided downward through. At this time,
The switching member is elastically deformed and the switching operation is performed.
You. At this time, the axis of the longitudinal shaft portion of the posture holding lever
The direction is the sliding when the key top of the link member is pressed.
Since it is arranged to be in the same direction as the direction, it is long
When the key-shaped key is pressed, the pair of link members
Along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the shaft part of the holding lever
The legs will be open to each other, which results in a pair of links
The lower part of the member goes outside beyond the width of the key top
This can be reliably prevented. In other words, the key
Even if the width of the top is narrow, the length of the link
It is possible to obtain a large keystroke by lengthening
As well as extending the key top arrangement intervals more than necessary
Keyboard with reduced keyboard operation area without having to
Can be made compact. Also, a pair of links
Ensure that the lower part of the member interferes with the posture holding lever
Can be prevented. Therefore, a long key top
While holding with a pair of link members with a posture holding lever
It can always be operated smoothly and properly. Further,Place a hole in the placement hole formed in the holder
Place the spring member, and part of the spring member
Stored within the thickness of the member and above the spring member
The end is protruded from the upper surface of the holder member.
So, while maintaining a large key top stroke,
Key switch device by effectively utilizing the thickness of the holder member
Reduce the overall height and make the key switch device thinner
be able to. Also,Retain the lower part of each link member.
Lever that locks the lower part of the posture holding lever with the link locking part
Since the stopper is formed integrally with the holder member,
The mutual positional relationship between the locking part and the lever locking part
Setting, which allows each link
Position holding level at the lower part of the link member and the lever locking part
The movement of the lower part of the bar is smooth at the same time. Follow
To maintain good operability of the long key top
So that the key top is parallel regardless of the pressed position of the key top
Up and down input operations can be performed while maintaining the state. Then, when the keytop is stopped being depressed,
The key top is pushed upward by the urging force of the pulling member.
Raised and returned to its original position. [0015] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
A description will be given with reference to FIGS. Figures 1-3 show many on the keyboard
Key switch of one of the arranged half unit keys
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a horizontally long key top.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view, and FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
The sectional views are respectively shown. 1 and in FIG.
The left side is the front side (operator side) of the keyboard. The key switch 1 is, as shown in FIG.
-Top 2 and first link 4 and second link 5 viewed from the side
A guide member 3 arranged in an X-shape and pressed by the guide member 3
Cap-shaped rubber spring 6 and guide member 3
A holder member 7 made of synthetic resin for supporting the
The switching portions 29, 29 (FIG.
5) on the lower surface of the holder member 7 so that the
Flexible printed circuit board 9 and reinforcement on its lower surface
And a plate 10. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
The switching unit 6 (electrical connection) on the printed circuit board 9
(Points) 29, 29 (see FIG. 5)
The member 7 is inserted and arranged in the arrangement hole 7a. In this state
In addition, the rubber spring 6 is printed as shown in FIG.
It is placed on the substrate 9, and thereby,
The lower part of the ring 6 is housed within the thickness of the holder member 7.
And be placed below corresponding to the thickness of the holder member 7.
It becomes possible. Therefore, the stroke amount of key top 2
While maintaining a large value, and using the thickness of the holder member 7 effectively.
Can be used to reduce the overall height of the key switch 1
Thus, the thickness of the key switch 1 can be reduced. It should be noted that, as described above, it is arranged in the arrangement hole 7a.
In this state, the upper end of the rubber spring 6 is clear from FIG.
The guide member is exposed from the upper surface of the holder member 7.
3 is in contact with the pressing portion 26. Here, the guide member
3 is pressed against the upper end of the rubber spring 6.
However, a pressing portion is formed from the key top 2 and
A configuration in which the pressing portion abuts on the upper end of the rubber spring 6
It may be. The rubber spring 6 of the present invention is electrically insulated.
Silicone rubber or EPDM (ethylene propylene
Diene methylene) etc.
Thick head and frusto-conical cone extending downward from around the head
-Shaped dome portion and radially outwardly substantially horizontally around the outer periphery of the dome portion
Downward opening cap consisting of a thick collar that extends
Into a single piece. When the keytop is pressed, the first link
At the pressing portion 26 on the lower surface of the connection intersection between the fourth link 5 and the second link 5
On the lower surface of the head of the rubber spring 6 to be pressed,
Both switches are brought into contact with the contact portions of
Conductivity for electrically turning on and off the
The movable contact portion 30 made of conductive rubber is fixed. What
Contact the whole rubber spring 6 with silicone rubber
Conductive particles such as Bon Black
It may be formed so as to be provided. A key molded of a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin.
-Top 2 has a number, alphabet, etc. on its upper surface (front surface).
Is attached by engraving or printing. Quito
The top 2 has left and right operation surfaces as shown in FIG.
On the lower surface of the first link 4 described later on the upper free end side
Of the key top 2 in a substantially horizontal direction.
Left and right lengths to lock slidably along the left and right longitudinal direction
In the hand groove-shaped sliding locking portions 16, 16 and the second link 5
The upper free end pin portions 13a, 13b are rotatable only.
The hole-shaped rotation locking portions 15, 15 for stopping
A pair of left and right longitudinally provided locking members 17, 17 are integrated
It is formed by being formed or adhered by an adhesive or the like. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b),
First link made of synthetic resin such as glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin
4 and the second link 5 will be described in detail. FIG.
FIG. 4B is a plan view of one link 4, and FIG.
FIG. The first link 4 has a base 18 and an upper and lower free end 1.
9 and 20 to form a substantially H-shape in plan view.
A support hole 21 is formed in the side of the base 18 sideways.
Arm 20 extending from both ends of the lower free end 20
The pin portions 12a and 12b are provided on the outer surfaces of
The upper free end 19 has a pin 11
a, 11b are protruded sideways. The second link 5 also has a base 22 and an upper and lower free end 2.
3 and 24 to form a substantially H-shape integrally in plan view
You. A pivot shaft 25 projects laterally from one side of the base 22.
And the support shaft 25 is provided with a support hole in the first link 4.
21 is rotatably fitted. Shimozu on the second link 5
Arms 24a, 24b extending from both ends of free end 24
The pins 14a and 14b project sideways on the outer surface of
And pins 13a, 13b on the side surface of the upper free end 23.
Is protruded sideways. And assembled as described below
Of the pivot shaft 25 of the first link 4 and the second link 5
So that the line direction is orthogonal to the left-right longitudinal direction of the key top 2
Be placed. In this embodiment, when viewed from the side, the first
Pin portions above and below the center line of the support hole 21 in the link 4
Distance to the center line of 11a and 12a and the second link
5 from the center line of the pivot shaft 25
It is formed so that the distances to a are equal to each other.
With this configuration, as described later, the first link 4
A plan centering on the pin portions 12a and 12b on the lower free end side
When the inner member 3 is rotationally displaced, the key top 2 is
It can move up and down in parallel with the upper surface of the rudder member 7.
Wear. Although not shown, the first link 4
The lower surfaces of the base 18 and the base 22 of the second link 5
Each of the pressing portions of the convex polygonal shape is formed,
Press the upper surface of the head of the rubber spring 6 with
Is also good. FIG. 5 shows a synthetic resin made of glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin or the like.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a part of a resin holder member 7;
The holder member 7 has a planar shape. The holder member 7 has
The cap-shaped rubber spring 6 has a flange at the lower end that is not positioned.
A substantially rectangular arrangement hole 7a that can be
A pair of rotation locking portions 27 are provided at both front and rear edges of the arrangement hole 7a.
And the front and rear longitudinal groove-shaped sliding locking portions 28
27 and 28 are integrally formed by injection so that they open downward.
Have been. In this case, the rotation locking portion 27 has a downward U-shape.
The left and right longitudinal U in the locking groove 27a and the sliding locking portion 28
The letter-shaped locking groove 28 is
Form one mold so that it opens in the line direction.
Die removal after injection molding of synthetic resin is extremely easy
become. Next, the key switch configured as described above
Will be described. First, both links 4
5 at the position of the pivot shaft 25 and the support hole 21 in an X shape in side view.
Assembling, then the upper pin portions 11 of both links 4,5
a, 11b, 13a, 13b at key top 2
The dynamic locking portions 15 and 15 and the sliding locking portions 16 and 16
And the distance between the free lower ends 20, 24 of the links 4, 6
Are narrowed, and the pin portions 12a, 12b, 14a,
14b comes out from the arrangement hole 7a to the back side of the holder member 7.
Insert Then, lower free end 2 of both links 4 and 5
The distance between 0 and 24 is increased, and the rotation locking portions 27 and 27
Are pin portions 12a on the lower end side of the first link 4,
12b is inserted from below, and
The pin portions 14a, 14 on the lower end side of the second link 5
b so that it slides back and forth from below,
If the printed circuit board 9 is stretched and fixed to the lower surface of the member 7,
4 and 5 do not fall off from the holder member 7. At this time, the pin portions 11a, 11b and 14
a, 14b and the shape of the sliding locking portions 16, 28 are as follows:
The first link 4 and the second link 5 move in the horizontal direction in FIG.
2 of the pin portions 11a and 14a.
Is determined so as not to hinder sliding in the left-right direction at
Specifically, in this embodiment, the tip of each pin corresponds to
To slide almost in contact with the outer side surface of the sliding
ing. For this reason, the pivot shaft 25 is
The escape is prevented. With this configuration, when the key top 2 is pressed down
The center of the rotation locking portion 27 of the holder member 7
The first link 4 rotates downward (clockwise rotation in FIG. 2).
On the other hand, the second link 5 is centered on the pivot shaft 25.
2 in FIG. Then, both links
At the pressing portion 26 in the vicinity of the cross connection portions 4 and 5,
The head of the ring 6 is pressed downward, and the movable contact on the lower surface is pressed.
30 contacts switching parts 29, 29 and switches
Work. As in this embodiment, the first link 4 and the second link
The pivot axis of the pivot shaft 25 of the cross connection with the link 5 is horizontally long.
-When placed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the top 2, the key
The pair of links 4 and 5 along the longitudinal direction of the top 2
Can be arranged so that their longitudinal directions are along. Exchange
In other words, a pair of links 4 and 5 having a narrow width but a long length are arranged.
To obtain the required keystroke of the required size.
And the adjacent half unit key
It is possible to prevent the top space from being unnecessarily widened,
If the operation area of the keyboard can be reduced and made compact
This has the effect. As another embodiment, the second link 5
While a large diameter head is formed at the tip of the pivot shaft 25, the first phosphorus
C that is opened downward on the lower surface of the base 18 of the base 4
Forming a U-shaped holder (both not shown),
To fit the support shaft 25 from the direction crossing the axis
More, the pair of links 4 and 5 come off after being assembled in an X-shape.
Prevention and lateral displacement (expansion of the interval between links 4 and 5)
May be realized. FIGS. 6 and 7 show tab keys and the like.
The key top 2 'having a horizontally long operation surface
No matter where you press, the key top 2 'is parallel
This device is used to move up and down in the shape of a key.
A flat surface having a longitudinal shaft portion 31a along the horizontal direction on the surface.
A posture maintaining lever 31 having a substantially U-shape in a plan view is mounted. That
In this case, the longitudinal shaft portion 31a is projected on the upper surface of the holder member 7.
To a pair of upwardly forked bifurcated engagement locking members 32, 32
It is a movable and detachable metal rod
The support portions 31b, 31b at both ends of the bar 31 are attached to the key top 2 '.
Slidably engages with sliding engagement pieces 33 provided on the lower surface.
You. Further, the shaft portion 31a of the posture holding lever 31
Axial direction is each link when key top 2 'is pressed
Same direction as 4 and 5 sliding directions (left and right direction in FIG. 6)
Are located in Therefore, when the key top 2 'is pressed
The pair of links 4 and 5 are
Legs are mutually opened along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the shaft portion 31a.
As a result, the pair of links 4 and 5
Parts 14a, 14b extend beyond the width of key top 2 '
Can be reliably prevented. At this time, the posture holding lever 31 is
As shown in the figure, the area of the key top 2 ′ in plan view
Within the pair of first link 4 and second link 5
, The first link 4 and the second link 5
There is no problem in operation. The fitting and locking members 32, 32
Through the hole drilled in the rudder member 7
Or may be formed integrally with the holder member 7. With this configuration, the key top 2 '
Even if the end of the operation surface is pressed, the key top 2 'is parallel
It will move up and down like a letter. The first resource in this embodiment
Shape of link 4, second link 5, and rubber spring 6
The shape, structure, and arrangement are substantially the same as those in each of the above embodiments.
Since they are the same, detailed description is omitted. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the posture holding laser.
The longitudinal shaft 31a of the bar 31 is attached to the lower surface of the key top 2 '.
The lever 31 is supported at both ends only by pivoting freely.
b is formed on the holder member 7 to slidably lock
This is an embodiment of the sliding engagement portion 34, and is provided in the holder member 7.
Support projections 36 and holding portions on both surface side edges of the
37 are integrally provided. With this configuration
And the posture inserted between the support projection 36 and the holding portion 37.
The support portion 31b of the holding lever 31 slides while rotating.
Can be Reference numeral 38 indicates the horizontal direction of the support portion 31b.
This is a stopper for preventing the direction from coming off. The holder member 7 has the above-mentioned rotation locking portion.
27, sliding locking part 28 and sliding locking part 34 are integrally formed
The rotation locking portion 27 and the sliding locking portion 2
8 and the relative position of the sliding engagement part 34 are accurately set in advance
It is possible to do. Thereby, the rotation locking portion 27
Pin portions 12a and 12b of the first link 4 in the sliding lock
The pin portions 14a, 14b of the second link 5 in the portion 28;
And the posture holding lever 31 in the sliding engagement portion 34
The respective operations of the support portion 31b are simultaneously performed smoothly.
be able to. Therefore, the operability of the long key top
It can be maintained well. In each of the above embodiments, the switch
Instead of the flexible printed circuit board 9 forming the
A substrate such as a membrane switch circuit board may be used,
Also applicable to capacitive keyboards. [0040] As described in detail above, the key according to the present invention
According to the switch device, the key top in the link member
And the longitudinal direction of the posture holding lever.
It is arranged so that the axial direction of the shaft part is the same direction
When the long key top is pressed, a pair of link parts
The material is placed in the axial direction (long
(The hand direction).
The lower part of the pair of link members exceeds the width of the key top
It can be reliably prevented from going out.
In other words, when the width of the key top is narrow,
Also increase the length of the link member to obtain a large stroke
And the key-top spacing
Reduce the keyboard operation area without expanding more than necessary
To make the keyboard compact. In addition, a pair of
The lower part of the link member interferes with the posture holding lever.
It can be prevented indeed, therefore, a long key top
Always circular while holding with the link member and the posture holding lever
It can be operated smoothly and properly. Further,Place a hole in the placement hole formed in the holder
Place the spring member, and part of the spring member
Stored within the thickness of the member and above the spring member
The end is protruded from the upper surface of the holder member.
So, while maintaining a large key top stroke,
Key switch device by effectively utilizing the thickness of the holder member
Reduce the overall height and make the key switch device thinner
be able to. Also,Retain the lower part of each link member.
Lever that locks the lower part of the posture holding lever with the link locking part
Since the stopper is formed integrally with the holder member,
The mutual positional relationship between the locking part and the lever locking part
Is set, and thereby each link in the link locking portion is set.
Of the posture holding lever at the lower part of the member and at the lever lock
The operation of the lower part is performed smoothly at the same time. Therefore, long
With the operability of the key-top in good shape maintained,
-Keep the key top parallel regardless of the pressed position of the top.
Up and down input operation is possible while holding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of a key switch. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the key switch. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2; 4A is a plan view of a first link, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of a second link. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arrangement hole of a holder member. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a long key top. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the locking portion of the posture holding lever. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. [Description of Signs] 1 Key switch 2, 2 'Key top 3 Guide member 4 First link 5 Second link 6 Rubber spring 7 Holder member 7a Arrangement hole 9 Printed circuit board 10 Reinforcement plates 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b Pin portion 13a , 13b, 14a, 14b Pin portions 15, 27 Rotation locking portions 16, 28 Sliding locking portions 18, 22 Base 21 Support hole 25 Pivot shaft 31 Position holding lever 31a Shaft portion 31b Support portion 32 Stop member 33 Sliding locking piece 34 Sliding locking section 35 Hole 36 Supporting projection 37 Holding section 38 Stopper section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-62017 (JP, A) JP-A-1-179331 (JP, U) JP-A-2-5236 (JP, U) JP-A 63-2017 194427 (JP, U) Jiko 3-32016 (JP, Y2) US Patent 4,433,225 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13/14

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] An elongated key top, a holder member disposed below the key top, and a key member interposed between the key top and the holder member. A pair of link members arranged movably with respect to each other, a guide member for guiding the vertical movement of the key top, and elastically deforming with the vertical movement of the key top to urge the key top upward. a spring member, with the top is engaged to the lower surface of the key top, is provided at a position deviated from the guide member in the area of the plan view of the key top, and the attitude holding lever having a shaft portion of the longitudinal, the Formed on the holder member, the sp
A part of the ring member is stored and
Arrangement hole for projecting the upper end of the member from the upper surface of the holder member
With the door, the axial direction of the shaft portion in the posture holding lever, the link member is arranged such that the sliding direction in the same direction during the key top depressing in, said holder member, said each link member A key switch device, wherein a link locking portion for locking a lower portion and a lever locking portion for locking a lower portion of the posture holding lever are integrally formed.