JP2001236163A - Multi-contact switch, keyboard using the same and computer using the keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable both the disabled and a healthy person to share a keyboard. SOLUTION: This multi-contact switch 10 is provided with the touch sensor 1 of a key top, an intermediate sensor 3 coming into contact at an intermediate position, a fixed sensor 5 coming into contact at the bottom, a pressure application adjusting part 2 adjusting the pressurizing force of a key at the position of the sensor 3, and a stroke adjusting part 4 adjusting the position of the sensor 5 on the bottom to change strokes of a key in order to function respective multiple contacts in accordance with the physical conditions of a key user. Because an output controlling part 6 which selects and outputs the contact senses of the respective sensors 1, 3 and 5 receiving an on signal on a prescribed condition can also be provided, an inputting person with a weak muscle can set the output of the sensor 1, the visually handicapped can set the counting of the sensor 3 or an inputting person with a strong touch can set the output of the sensor 5 of the longest stroke with reinforced pressure, and the part 6 counts the senses of the sensors and ascertains an output. A keyboard can be formed by arranging plurality of multi-contact switches 10 in plane.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-contact switch having an operation component which is linearly movable only in one direction and which is switched on by a push operation and turned off by a release of the push operation, and a multi-contact switch of this multi-contact switch. A keyboard formed by arranging a plurality of keyboards on one surface, and a computer using the keyboard, and more particularly, a structure that enables appropriate setting according to each of a plurality of usage conditions so that the keyboard can be shared by both a healthy person and a disabled person. And control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-contact switch of this type includes a switch having a plurality of independent contact circuits and switching on simultaneously by an interlocking operation, or a switch having a means for generating a predetermined delay. Some are suitable for operation with a human body part other than the hand, for example, a foot. But,
The conventional multi-contact switch is intended for a healthy person as a user, and there is no common switch suitable for a wide variety of disabled persons such as eyes, fingers, and hands.

[0003]

In the conventional multi-contact switch described above, various types of disabled persons and healthy persons, such as those who have weak muscle strength for key input, those whose hand movements are not smooth, and those who cannot use their hands due to severe disabilities, are disclosed. There is a problem that it cannot be shared by all persons including both.

[0004] The reason is that the multi-contacts are configured so that they can form independent circuits, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced for healthy persons despite the different key design conditions depending on the type of physical disability. Because they do.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem and to make each of the multiple contacts function according to the physical condition of the user of the key to form a single circuit, so that both the physically and physically handicapped can be used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-contact switch which can be appropriately set according to each of a plurality of use conditions so as to be commonly used, a keyboard using the same, and a computer using the keyboard.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A multi-contact switch according to the present invention is a multi-contact switch having an operating component which is linearly movable in only one direction and which is turned on by a pushing operation, and which has at least a difference in pushing stroke. Has a plurality of sensors including a touch sensor provided on the surface of the key top and detecting contact with the human body and a fixed sensor detecting pressing down to the bottom of the key, and outputs detection information of each of the plurality of sensors as an ON signal. Is what you do.

[0007] One specific multi-contact switch includes a key button composed of a key top and a key shaft which moves linearly by a pressing operation, and a human body covering at least a part of the key top surface to be pressed. A touch sensor that detects an ON signal by touching the unit, an intermediate sensor that detects a contact by detecting a contact with a predetermined shortest stroke by operating the key button, and a longest stroke using the bottom of the key button as a fixed sensor electrode And a fixed sensor that detects an ON signal by contacting the fixed sensor electrode with a gap that can be obtained.

The multi-contact switch according to this configuration has three contact switches of a touch sensor, an intermediate sensor, and a fixed sensor, and gives different conditions to the sensors as predetermined conditions and selects one of them. be able to. For example, a key input is possible even for a person with weak muscular strength when set to output an ON signal only for the touch sensor, and a key is input by a blind touch when set to output an ON signal only for the fixed sensor. This is effective for a person who needs a click feeling by pressing down the key from the state where the fingertip is in contact with the bottom. Therefore, this multi-contact switch can be used by both physically handicapped persons and healthy persons.

For this reason, the key button is maintained at a predetermined position, and the pressing force is adjusted by operating the key button. It is desirable to provide a pressure adjusting unit that performs the adjustment. Further, the pressurizing adjustment section has a pressing member having a spherical or cylindrical shape that comes into contact with the key shaft, a leaf spring that elastically holds the pressing member from both sides in the moving direction of the key shaft, An end of the leaf spring opposite to the pressing member is fixed to press the pressing member, and is moved substantially perpendicularly to the moving direction of the key shaft to change the pressing force of the leaf spring on the pressing member. And a spring support. Still further, it is desirable to have a stroke adjusting unit for adjusting the gap width of the fixed sensor at least one of manual operation and computer-controlled operation.

With such a configuration, for example, when the pressing force at the time of operating the key button is set to be strong and the stroke is set to be long, an input shock is generated when the key button is pressed by the mouse stick held in the mouth and the input is performed. Not only is it absorbed to reduce the burden on the input user, but also damage to the key buttons can be avoided.

In the above-described configuration, a combination of functions is set in advance for a plurality of sensors, and when detection information of the sensors is obtained by a pushing operation, one of the combinations of functions is matched. An output control unit that outputs one switch-on signal only in such a case may be provided.

Further, the output control section counts the input of the ON signals obtained from the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor, respectively, up to a predetermined set number, and outputs each as one ON signal. A count comparing circuit, and an output determining circuit that selects an on signal output from each of the count comparing circuits against a predetermined condition, selects and outputs the signal as one switch-on signal, and includes at least one of the set number and the predetermined condition. It is desirable to set one manually and / or by computer control.

[0013] In addition, the output control section is configured to select an ON signal obtained by each of the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor by comparing it with a predetermined condition, and to select the ON signal by the reception selection circuit. An output determination circuit for outputting as one switch-on signal by a predetermined number of inputs of the ON signal, wherein at least one of the above-mentioned predetermined condition, a predetermined time interval, and the number of inputs is manually and computer-controlled. It can be set by at least one.

With such a configuration, for example, when the pressing force of the key button is weakened and the stroke is set long, the ON signal of the fixed sensor is output once or the ON signal of the intermediate sensor is output three times. It can be regarded as the input of the ON signal and output to the outside by one switch-on signal.

Further, the keyboard according to the present invention can exhibit the above-mentioned functions by forming a plurality of the above-mentioned multi-contact switches on one surface. In such a keyboard, it is desirable that an adjustment item common to each of the plurality of multi-contact switches be set at one location for each adjustment item by manual and / or computer control.

When the multi-contact switch arranged on the keyboard has a built-in output control unit, the determination of the key value of the computer to which the keyboard is connected may be the same as in the prior art. On the other hand, when the multi-contact switch outputs ON signals from a plurality of sensors, it is necessary to incorporate a means for determining a key value into a keyboard or a computer connected to the keyboard.

[0017]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view (A) illustrating the structure of the multi-contact switch according to the present invention, in which one side is removed to show one form thereof, and an AA sectional view (B) in the side view (A). . Hereinafter, in the drawings for describing the structure, only the main structure according to the present invention is shown, and illustration of electrical wiring of multiple contacts formed by sensors and control portions of each adjustment unit is omitted.

The multi-contact switch shown in FIG. 1 includes operation components that are switched on by operation and switched off by release of the pushing operation, including a touch sensor 1, a pressure adjustment unit 2, an intermediate sensor 3, and a stroke adjustment unit. 4, and fixed sensor 5, key top 11, key shaft 12, intermediate sensor electrode 13, fixed sensor electrode 14, and housing 1
5 is shown. Further, a pressing force adjusting spring 21, a pressing spring 22, a spring support 23, and a spring position adjusting screw 24 are illustrated as components of the pressure adjusting unit 2.
As the intermediate sensor 3, an intermediate sensor electrode 13 serving as one electrode and a pressing member 20 having a surface of a conductor serving as the other electrode are shown.

First, an outline of the structure will be described.

A key shaft 12 whose center axis is aligned with the lower surface of a key top 11 having a touch sensor 1 on the top surface in a linearly movable pushing direction is fixed. The key shaft 12 is further formed in a cylindrical shape in the pushing direction into a truncated conical shape having the lower surface of the key top 11 as a bottom surface. 13 and a fixed sensor electrode 1 on the top of the cylindrical shape facing the bottom of the key.
Four. In addition, a housing 15 is provided on the bottom surface of the key top 11 to form a peripheral surface of a component of the pressure adjusting unit 2 and a bottom surface of the key.

A pair of cylindrical pressing members 20 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the key shaft 12 at the joint between the frusto-conical shape and the cylindrical shape of the key shaft 12. On the outer portion of each pressing member 20, a pressing force adjusting spring 21, which is a component of the pressing adjusting unit 2, which determines the rest position of the key top 11 and the pressing force of the key top 11, respectively.
A presser spring 22, a spring support 23, and a spring position adjusting screw 24 are provided. Also, the spring position adjusting screw 24
Is attached to the side surface of the housing 15 and two pressing members 20
The pressing force adjusting spring 21 presses the pressing member 20 by moving and fixing the position of the spring position adjusting screw 24 in a direction perpendicular to these central axes on a plane including the central axis of
Further, the pressing force of the presser spring 22 can be changed and set.

Accordingly, in each pressing member 20, the rest position of the key top 11 and the pressing force of the key top 11 are respectively adjusted by the pressing force adjusting springs 21 and the pressing springs 22 for pressing the bottom surface and the upper surface, respectively, with respect to the user's condition. Can be determined appropriately. That is, when the spring support portion 23 is pushed in the direction of the pressing member 20 by the spring position adjusting screw 24, the pressing force adjusting spring 21 and the pressing spring 22 each press the pressing member 20 with a short length. Is more firmly held down. Therefore, the pressing force required to press the key top 11 increases.

Further, by covering a predetermined surface with a conductor, the contact between the pressing member 20 and the intermediate sensor electrode 13 can function as the intermediate sensor 3. Accordingly, when the key top 11 is pressed down, the intermediate sensor electrode 13 comes into contact with the pressing member 20 to obtain an ON signal. This stroke is set as short as approximately 1 mm.

On the other hand, the fixed sensor 5 is provided with a maximum gap of approximately 4 mm from the fixed sensor electrode 14 provided at the tip of the key shaft 12.
Generates an ON signal when it comes into contact with the fixed sensor 5. The set position of the fixed sensor 5 is adjusted within a range of approximately 2 mm by the stroke adjustment unit 4 fixed to the housing 15. Such stroke adjustment not only prevents the user from breaking the key, especially for a user who hits the key intensely, and also absorbs the input shock when inputting using a mouse stick. Burden is reduced.

The dimensions described here are for use in a keyboard, which is an input device of a computer, and are determined at the time of manufacture according to the size of the multi-contact switch. For example, some multi-contact switches according to the present invention are relatively large, such that they are operated using feet instead of fingers. Therefore, these dimensions are not limited to the values described above.

Next, a stroke adjusting unit 4 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

The stroke adjusting section 4 has a bottom surface and a side surface respectively parallel to the bottom surface and the side surface of the housing 15, and moves on the bottom surface to fix the fixed sensor 5 at a predetermined position. Fixed sensor 5 along side
And a fixed sensor position adjuster 32 for moving the sensor to a predetermined position. The fixed sensor stopper 31 has a ladder-like groove on the opposing surface, and can be fixed by inserting both ends of the fixed sensor 5 into this groove.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the fixed sensor stoppers 31 are widened to separate the fixed sensors 5 from each other so that the fixed sensors 5 are fixed in FIG. After being released, the fixed sensor position adjuster 32 is moved in the pushing direction and stopped at a desired position, and then the fixed sensor stopper 31 is moved in the direction of the center axis to form a ladder-like shape as shown in FIG. The fixed sensor 5 is inserted into the gap and fixed.

In the case of this structure, in order to stop a strong impact from the fixed sensor electrode, the size of the fixed sensor 5 can be reduced, and the interval between the fixed sensor stoppers 31 can be narrowed. However, it is difficult to finely adjust the position of the grain because the width of the ladder is appropriately required.

Next, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 1, a stroke adjusting unit 4A will be described as another embodiment different from the stroke adjusting unit 4 in FIG.

The stroke adjusting section 4A has a bottom surface and a side surface parallel to the bottom surface and the side surface of the housing 15, and moves on the bottom surface to fix the fixed sensor 5 at a predetermined position. A fixed sensor position adjuster 42 for moving the fixed sensor 5 to a predetermined position along the side surface;
A fixed sensor holding spring 43 for attracting the fixed sensor 5 to the fixed sensor position adjuster 42 is provided.

The fixed sensor stopper 41 has a symmetrical step on the opposing surface, and both ends of the fixed sensor 5 are put on this step as shown in FIG. 3 (A). The fixed sensor 5 is fixed by being pulled in the bottom direction by the fixed sensor position adjusting tool 42 using the fixed sensor holding spring 43. In the case of the position adjustment, the fixed sensor 5 is disengaged from the fixed sensor stopper 41 by moving the fixed sensor position adjuster 42 to the fixed sensor 5 side.
As shown in (B), the fixed sensor stopper 41 can be moved outward. Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the fixed sensor stopper 41 is moved to a predetermined position so that the fixed sensor 5 can be set at a predetermined position. Next, the fixed sensor position adjuster 42 uses the fixed sensor holding spring 43 to pull and fix the fixed sensor 5 in the bottom direction.

According to this structure, the fixed sensor 5 requires a larger area as compared with the case of FIG. 2, so that it is weaker against a strong impact than the structure shown in FIG. It becomes possible.

In either of FIGS. 2 and 3, even if a key input person who has a hand movement that is not flexible, such as a cerebral palsy or a childhood palsy, is strongly pressed,
In addition, even if a key operator who has a severe obstacle due to cervical spine injury inputs using a mouse stick, the key is strong enough not to break the key.

Next, an example of the function when the multi-contact switch 10 is used will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the multi-contact switch 10 of the present invention. The illustrated multi-contact switch 10 includes a touch sensor 1, a pressure adjusting unit 2, an intermediate sensor 3, a stroke adjusting unit 4, and a fixed sensor 5. Further, an output control unit 6 that outputs an ON signal, which is a detection signal of each of the sensors 1, 3, and 5, as one switch-on signal can be provided. The output control unit 6 is built in, for example, a multi-contact switch,
It may be built in a keyboard provided with a multi-contact switch, or mounted on a computer connected to a keyboard provided with a multi-contact switch.

The touch sensor 1 is provided on a portion of the surface of the key top 11 where a finger contacts. The touch sensor 1 senses that a human body such as a finger has touched and sends an ON signal to the output control unit 6.

The pressure adjusting section 2 presses the pressing member 20 in contact with the key shaft 12 with an elastic body, a pressing force adjusting spring 21 and a pressing spring 22 by a leaf spring in the example of FIG.
By moving the position of the elastic body with the spring position adjusting screw 24, the strength of the pushing force by the key shaft 12 is adjusted. In this example, a continuous fine adjustment of the pressing force is made possible by using a leaf spring and a screw, but it is also possible to use a simple and stepwise adjustment or other means by complicated computer control.

The intermediate sensor 3 detects the small movement of the key shaft 12 by coming into contact with the intermediate sensor electrode 13 which moves when the key shaft 12 is pushed, and makes the surface of the pressing member 20 function as a contact sensor. it can. Therefore, an ON signal from the intermediate sensor 3 is transmitted to the output control unit 6 by a slight pressing operation of the key shaft 12, for example, 1 mm.

The stroke adjusting section 4 is a fixed sensor electrode 1
The position of the fixed sensor 5 is adjusted and set on the bottom surface facing 4,
The distance that the key shaft 12 that is pushed in moves can be adjusted, for example, between 2 mm and 4 mm. The fixed sensor 5 stops the fixed sensor electrode 14 at the tip of the key shaft 12 at the position set by the stroke adjustment unit 4. When the fixed sensor 5 comes into contact with the fixed sensor electrode 14, an ON signal is sent to the output control unit 6.

The output control unit 6 receives an ON signal generated when it is detected from the touch sensor 1, the intermediate sensor 3, and the fixed sensor 5, and the signal of the sensor set as a counting target is reduced to a preset number. Based on this, the switch-on signal of the multi-contact switch 10 is used. For example, the set number "zero"
Ignores the ON signal of the sensor, and if the set number is "1", the first ON signal can be immediately output as the switch-on signal.

Next, the setting conditions of the multi-contact switch will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is an application diagram showing one embodiment of setting conditions for the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor. That is, the setting condition A is, for example, a setting for weak muscle strength / muscle protection, the setting condition B is, for example, a setting for a user of a mouse stick for weak touch / cervical vertebra injury, and the setting condition C is, for example, a setting for blind weak touch / visual impairment, a setting condition. D corresponds to a setting for a blind strong touch, for example, and a setting condition E corresponds to a setting for a disabled person such as a strong touch / cerebral palsy. Here, one embodiment is illustrated, but the contents of the setting also differ depending on the individual key input person, and it goes without saying that setting conditions other than those in FIG. 5 can be formed.

In FIG. 5, the symbol "x" is for ignoring the sensing (ON state) of the sensor, and "O"
The number in the symbol is used to count the sensing (ON state) of the sensor and make it an ON signal of this key. In the symbol “記号”, the key is turned on immediately upon detection (on state) of the sensor.

The sensors include not only a contact sensor due to pressing but also a sensor which detects an electromagnetic change due to a touch of a fingertip, for example. In such a case, it takes time until the sensor senses, for example, the intermediate sensor may sense before the touch sensor senses.

As described above, in the intermediate sensor, the pressure applied to the key can be changed by the function of the pressure adjusting section. In the example of FIG. 1, the adjustment can be made continuously, but in FIG. 5, for simple explanation, the adjustment is shown in two stages of weak and strong.

Since the sensing of the intermediate sensor works in a short stroke, it will be disabled together with the touch sensor for a blind touch input person with strong fingers.

As described above, the sensing position of the fixed sensor can be adjusted by the stroke adjusting unit. For example, as shown, the adjustment will be between 2 and 4 millimeters. Therefore, a short stroke seems to be effective for a key input person who wants to push the key to the fixed sensor at the bottom to obtain a click feeling.

Therefore, a setting condition A suitable for weak muscle strength and muscle protection will be applied to a person who has weak muscle strength, for example, a person who inputs a key of muscular dystrophy. In this condition,
A switch-on signal can be obtained simply by touching the touch sensor on the keytop. Even a healthy person who inputs for a long time can reduce muscle pain by enabling the touch sensor. But,
For example, it cannot be enabled for a person who always touches any key such as a blind touch input person.

Next, under the setting condition B in which the light sensor is sensed even if it is lightly pressed, but not sensed only by touching, the intermediate sensor is set to a weak pressing force and the pressing of about 1 mm is determined as a normal input. This condition is appropriate for an input person using a mouse stick for cervical spine injury. That is, when inputting with a mouse stick held in the mouth, the light input of the input sensor is absorbed by the light elasticity of the spring applied to the intermediate sensor, so that the burden on the input person is reduced and the tooth stick is not stimulated by the mouse stick.

Next, a key input person having visual impairment
It is necessary to ignore the touch sensor because it is a blind touch. In addition, an intermediate stroke will be selected and set in order to quickly obtain a click feeling colliding with the fixed sensor at the bottom when the key is pressed. Therefore, it seems that the setting condition C is appropriate.

In a blind touch of a healthy person, when the intermediate sensor operates at a shallow position with a short push, the intermediate sensor must be ignored. In addition, it may be necessary to set the pressing force at the intermediate sensor position to an intermediate level or a higher level, for example, to obtain a sufficient click feeling. Therefore, it seems that the setting condition D is appropriate.

In addition, a key input person having a hand movement that is not supple, for example, a cerebral palsy or a pediatric palsy, has many malfunctions of the touch sensor, and the setting conditions are set so that the fixed sensor at the bottom of the key functions. E will be set. Furthermore, to make the intermediate sensor stronger and to not judge a push of about 1 mm as a legitimate input,
The number of times of sensing by the intermediate sensor will be set to be large.

The above-described setting is only a guide, and it goes without saying that the condition setting should be made more appropriate for each input user. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the combination conditions described above.

The conditions for setting the multi-contact switches are premised on manual semi-fixed setting. When arranged on a keyboard, all the multi-contact switches are collectively controlled externally, for example, by computer control. It may be driven and set.

As described above, the adjustment setting of the pressure adjustment unit and the stroke adjustment unit, the selection setting of the count sensor and the immediate effect sensor of the reception selection circuit, and the count value and the timer time limit value of the output determination circuit can be manually set. In addition,
While being connected to a computer to output a setting state such as adjustment, adjustment and setting can be performed by computer control. For example, mechanical adjustments such as a pressure adjustment unit and a stroke adjustment unit can be realized by incorporating and driving a micromotor. The setting for the logic circuit configuration such as the output control unit can be performed by a predetermined program control.

In the above description, the multi-contact switch is shown and described as outputting only one switch-on signal. However, in the case of a large switch, a plurality of switches to be sent to separate circuits by providing a plurality of the above-described configurations are provided. An ON signal can also be obtained.

Further, it is possible to control the switch board by arranging a plurality of the above-mentioned multi-contact switches and using the respective switch-on signals for respective purposes.

A keyboard using a multi-contact switch having the above-described structure as a key button and a computer connected to the keyboard to detect and confirm the key value of the multi-contact switch will be described in the first embodiment. Second Embodiment A keyboard using a multi-contact switch as a key button that incorporates an output control unit and outputs one switch-on signal and a computer connected to the keyboard in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the multi-contact switch used for the key button of the third embodiment is further described in the fourth and fifth embodiments.
Then, each is explained.

Embodiment 1 Next, referring to FIG.
A keyboard 110 using the multi-contact switch 10 described above with reference to FIG. 4 as a key button 100 and a computer 120 connecting the keyboard 110 will be described.

First, the keyboard 110 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The keyboard 110 has a key button 1
00, a keyboard panel 111, a horizontal adjustment axis 11
2. It has a vertical drive shaft 113, a micromotor 114, a state setting unit 115, a key information detection unit 116, an encoding unit 117, and a computer IF (interface) unit 118. Only the encoding unit 117 may be the same as a conventional keyboard.

The keyboard panel 111 is provided with a horizontal adjustment shaft 112 and a vertical drive shaft 113 connected to the pressure adjustment unit and the stroke adjustment unit of the key button 100, respectively. 114 driven. Micro motor 11
4 is controlled by the state setting unit 115, and determines the adjustment values of the pressure adjustment unit and the stroke adjustment unit of the key button 110.

In the key button 100, in the case of the mechanism in the pressure adjusting section shown in FIG. 1, a spring position adjusting screw (2 in FIG.
4) is connected to one horizontal adjustment shaft 112 in combination with a gear, and a vertical drive shaft 113 is commonly connected to a plurality of the horizontal adjustment shafts 112 in combination with a gear. The shaft 113 is directly connected to the micromotor 114.

With such a configuration, the micromotor 114
Drives the vertical drive shaft 113, the horizontal adjustment shaft 112 of each row is operated via the vertical drive shaft 113, and the spring position adjustment screws are simultaneously operated and adjusted for all the key buttons 100.

The state setting section 115 is connected to the computer 120 via the computer IF section 118 on the one hand, and grasps the setting state of the key buttons 100 on the keyboard 110 on the other hand. That is, the status setting unit 115 notifies the setting status of the key buttons 100 on the keyboard 110 at the request of the computer 120, so that the computer 120 can display the setting status on the connected display 130 on the screen.

On the other hand, the state setting section 115 sets various states on the keyboard 110 in response to a request from the computer 120. For example, by operating the key buttons 100 based on a predetermined setting order from the keyboard 110 or operating one specific button, the computer 120 activates a program for setting the switching conditions of the keyboard 110. From computer 120, a predetermined procedure, for example, E
After two SC (escape) codes are continuously transmitted, data such as setting conditions are transmitted, and finally, two ESC codes are continuously transmitted again, whereby data can be transmitted to the state setting unit 115 of the keyboard 110.

In the setting, it is desirable that the rough setting conditions as shown in FIG. 5 can be set by a simple key button operation, and then the detailed adjustment and setting change are executed. Such a change of the setting is possible at any time while the keyboard 110 is connected to the computer 120. Even when the keyboard 110 is disconnected from the computer 120, the adjustment at the time of reconnection can be made unnecessary by storing the final settings.

The key information detecting section 116
0 has three matrix switches corresponding to the outputs of the three sensors,
It is assumed that the key value for each sensor is extracted and serially output to the encoding unit 117 as key information including the sensor type and the key value. Therefore, the encoding unit 117
Will process data approximately three times that of conventional processing data. The key information sent from the encoding unit 117 is output to the keyboard output detection unit 140 of the computer 120.
The key value of the key button 100 operated by the key operation is determined.

Next, the keyboard output detection unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG.

As shown in the figure, the keyboard output detection section 140 is composed of a key information analysis recording section 141, a touch sensor detection section 142, an intermediate sensor detection section 143, a fixed sensor detection section 144, a timer 145, and an output determination section 146. It is configured.

The key information analysis recording section 141 serially receives the key information of the key button 100 operated by the keyboard 110 from the encoding section 117 of the keyboard 110,
The key value and the sensor type are analyzed from the received key information. The key information analysis recording unit 141 has a recording area for the key value included in the received key information, and records the currently received key value and the previously received key value.

Each of the touch sensor detecting section 142, the intermediate sensor detecting section 143, and the fixed sensor detecting section 144 has its set value set in advance by a numerical value. The number of times of reception of key information for each sensor type is compared with each other, and when they match, the output determination unit 146 is notified. If the key information received continuously has a key value different from the previous one,
In the case of a time limit reached by 45, all conditions are returned to the initial state. It is assumed that the timer 145 starts measurement from the time when a continuous key value is first received. The above set value of each sensor is indicated by “×”, which is shown in FIG.
The set value “0” is applied to the sensor of the symbol, and the set value “1” is applied to the sensor of the symbol “◎” which is an immediate effect signal at the first ON operation.

The output determining section 146 is provided with the sensor detecting section 14.
The computer 120 recognizes the key value at the time of receiving the notification of the comparison match from any one of 2, 143, and 144 as the determined key value.

Next, the main operation procedure of the keyboard output detection unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the key information analysis recording unit 141 receives key information from the keyboard 110 (step S10).
The key value is detected in 1) and recorded in the current key value recording area (step S102).

When the key information is received first, since the previous key value is not recorded (YES in step S103), the key information analysis recording unit 141 immediately activates the timer 145 to start time measurement (step S103). S104), and at the same time, identifies the sensor type from the received key information (step S105).
Then, the acceptance of the key information is notified to the sensor inspection unit corresponding to the identified sensor type.

For example, when the identified sensor type is a touch sensor, the touch sensor inspection unit 142 receives a notification and
The count value is advanced from “0” to “1” (step S106), and compared with a predetermined set value (step S107). The same applies to other sensor types.

If the sensor has the symbol “◎” as an immediate effect signal, the set value “1” has been set.
107 is “YES”, and the current key value is output to the output determination unit 146 (procedure S108). Output determination unit 14
6 outputs the received key value, and then clears all the key values recorded in the key information analysis recording unit 141, the time measurement value of the timer 145, and the count value of the touch sensor inspection unit 142 (step S109). The keyboard output detector 140 is returned to the initial state.

If the step S107 is "NO" and the count value does not match the set value, the process returns to the step S101 and repeats the procedure unless the time limit of the timer 145 is reached (NO in the step S110). Since the set value “0” is set for the sensor with “x” sign that ignores the operation,
Unless there is an ON output of the key value from another sensor detection unit, the procedure S110 becomes “YES”, and the process proceeds to the above procedure S109.

On the other hand, if the above step S103 is "NO" and there is a record of the previous key value, the process proceeds to step S111 for comparing the current key value with the previous key value.

If the step S111 is "YES" and the key values match, the sensor type is identified and notified.
Proceeding to 105, the procedure of adding the count value of the corresponding sensor detection unit and comparing it with a preset set value is repeated.

On the other hand, if the step S111 is "NO" and the key values do not match, the previous key value, the time measurement value, and the count value are cleared (step S112), and the current key value is stored in the recording area of the previous key value. After the value is recorded (step S113), the timer is started to start time measurement, and the above step S104 is started.
Proceed to.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 9 shows that the function of the keyboard output detection section 140 for determining the key value built in the computer 120 in FIG. Are built in the keyboard 150 as the key value detection unit 151. Therefore, the output of the keyboard 150 is not the key information but the key value determined by the key value detection unit 151. Other components of the keyboard 150 can be the same as those in FIG. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

[Embodiment 3] Next, referring to FIG.
A keyboard 210 using a multi-contact switch incorporating the output control unit 6 for the key button 200 and a computer 220 connecting the keyboard 210 will be described.

The multi-contact switch 200 shown in FIG.
The touch sensor 1, the pressure adjusting unit 2, the intermediate sensor 3, the stroke adjusting unit 4, and the fixed sensor 5 of the multi-contact switch shown in FIG.

First, the illustrated keyboard 210 will be described. The keyboard 210 has key buttons 200
In addition, a keyboard panel 211, a horizontal adjustment axis 212, a vertical drive axis 213, a micromotor 214, a state setting unit 21
5, a key value detection unit 216, an encoding unit 217, and a computer IF (interface) unit 218. Key value detection section 216 and encoding section 217
However, it may be the same as a conventional keyboard.

The keyboard panel 211 is provided with a horizontal adjustment shaft 212 and a vertical drive shaft 213 connected to the pressure adjustment unit and the stroke adjustment unit of the key button 200, respectively. 214. Micro motor 21
4 is controlled by the state setting unit 215, and determines the adjustment values of the pressure adjustment unit and the stroke adjustment unit of the key button 210.

In the key button 200, in the case of the mechanism in the pressure adjusting section shown in FIG. 1, a spring position adjusting screw (2 in FIG.
4) is connected to one horizontal adjustment shaft 212 in combination with a gear, and a vertical drive shaft 213 is commonly connected to a plurality of the horizontal adjustment shafts 212 in combination with a gear. The shaft 213 is directly connected to the micromotor 214.

With such a configuration, the micromotor 214
Drives the vertical drive shaft 213, the horizontal adjustment shaft 212 of each row is operated via the vertical drive shaft 213, and the spring position adjustment screws are simultaneously operated and adjusted for all the key buttons 200.

The state setting section 215 is connected to the computer 220 via the computer IF section 218 on the one hand, and grasps the setting state of the key buttons 200 on the keyboard 210 on the other hand. That is, since the state setting unit 215 notifies the setting status of the key buttons 200 on the keyboard 210 at the request of the computer 220, the computer 220 can display the setting status on the connected display 230 on the screen.

On the other hand, the state setting section 215 sets various states on the keyboard 210 in response to a request from the computer 220. For example, an operation of the key buttons 200 based on a predetermined setting order from the keyboard 210 or an operation of one specific button causes the computer 220 to start a program for setting the switching conditions of the keyboard 210. From computer 220, a predetermined procedure, e.g.
After two SC (escape) codes are continuously transmitted, data such as setting conditions are transmitted, and finally two ESC codes are continuously transmitted again, whereby data can be transmitted to the state setting unit 215 of the keyboard 210.

In the setting, first, it is desirable that rough setting conditions as shown in FIG. 5 can be set by simple key button operation, and then detailed adjustment and setting change are executed. Such a change in the setting is possible at any time while the keyboard 210 is connected to the computer 220. Even when the keyboard 210 is disconnected from the computer 220, the adjustment at the time of reconnection can be made unnecessary by storing the final settings.

The state setting unit 215 sets in advance the setting values contained in each key button 200 under the control of the computer 220 in addition to the functions described with reference to FIG.

The key value detection unit 216 detects the output of each key button 200 operated by a key as key value information via one matrix switch, as in the conventional case.
It is assumed that the data is serially output to the encoding unit 217.
Therefore, the encoding unit 217 performs the same processing as the conventional processing. That is, since the data transmitted from the encoding unit 217 is the same key value information as the conventional one, the computer 220 transmits the operation information of the key button 200 except for the condition related to the state setting of the keyboard 210 by the same function as the conventional one. Is fine.

Embodiment 4 Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described with reference to a multi-contact switch 201 used for the key button 200 in FIG.

The multi-contact switch 201 shown in FIG.
The output control unit 61 is further built in the touch sensor 1, the pressure adjustment unit 2, the intermediate sensor 3, the stroke adjustment unit 4, and the fixed sensor 5 of the multi-contact switch shown in FIG. The output control section 61 has a count comparison circuit 71 and an output determination circuit 81.

In the illustrated multi-contact switch 201, the output control section 61 includes three count comparison circuits 71 and one output determination circuit 81 provided for each sensor. The counting and comparing circuit 71 receives and counts on signals of the touch sensor 1, the intermediate sensor 3, and the fixed sensor 5, and outputs a notification of a result of comparison with a preset value. If the values match, the output determination circuit 8
A switch-on signal serving as key value information on the keyboard is output to the outside via 1. The output determination circuit 81 selects the output of the count comparison circuit 71 and outputs it to the outside.

Next, the operation procedure of the output control unit 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation procedure in the output control unit 61.

First, when an ON signal is received from each of the sensors, for example, the touch sensor 1 (step S201), if the time limit of the timer is not being measured (step S202 is NO), time measurement is started (step S203). At the same time, in the count comparison circuit 71, the count value of the counter for the touch sensor is advanced by one (step S204), and then compared with a predetermined set value (step S205).

In the case where this sensor has the symbol “◎” as an immediate effect signal, the set value “1” has been set. Therefore, upon receiving the first sensor ON, the procedure S205 proceeds to “YE”.
S ”, the ON signal of the touch sensor 1 is output to the output determination circuit 81 (step S206). The same applies to other sensors.

The output determination circuit 81 outputs the received ON signal to the outside as a switch-on signal serving as key value information after receiving the ON signal from any of the count comparison circuits 71 corresponding to the sensors (step S207). Then, the time measurement value of the timer and the count value of the total count comparison circuit 71 are cleared (step S208), and the output control unit 61 is returned to the initial state.

If the step S205 is "NO" and the count value does not match the set value, the process returns to the step S201 as long as the time limit of the timer has not been reached (NO in the step S211). "YES", and the procedure is repeated by skipping the procedure S203. Since the set value “0” is set for the sensor with the “x” symbol for which the operation is ignored, the procedure is repeated as long as there is no ON output from the count comparison circuit 71 of another sensor, and the procedure S21 is performed.
1 is "YES", and the routine proceeds to the above step S208.

[Embodiment 5] Next, referring to FIG.
A multi-contact switch having a built-in output control unit 6 is different from that of the fourth embodiment in that
A description will be given of the multi-contact switch 202 used in the above.

The multi-contact switch 202 shown in FIG.
The output control unit 62 is further built in the touch sensor 1, the pressure adjustment unit 2, the intermediate sensor 3, the stroke adjustment unit 4, and the fixed sensor 5 of the multi-contact switch shown in FIG. The output control section 62 has a reception selection circuit 72 and an output determination circuit 82.

The multi-contact switch 202 is the same as the multi-contact switch according to the fourth embodiment, except that the counting and comparing circuit provided for each sensor is shared by one. Therefore,
Counting can be set for only one of the three sensors.

Here, the sensor designated by the symbol “O” having a numeral shown in FIG. 5 is a counting signal as a counting sensor, and the sensor designated by the symbol “◎” is an immediate sensor as an immediate sensor. In FIG. 13, it is assumed that the data is output from the reception selection circuit 72 to the output determination circuit 82. It is assumed that the output switch-on signal is key value information for specifying a key value for each of the multiple contact switches 200 in the keyboard 210 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the reception selection circuit 72 in FIG. 13, “invalid” is set when “×” is specified for each of the touch sensor 1, the intermediate sensor 3, and the fixed sensor 5, and “◎” is set. When the symbol is designated as "", "immediate effect" is set. When the symbol is designated as "O", nothing is set in the reception selection circuit 72, and the output decision circuit is set for the output count signal. It is assumed that a “count value” is set at 82.

The reception selection circuit 72 receives an ON signal generated when the sensor senses each of the touch sensor 1, the intermediate sensor 3, and the fixed sensor 5, and the ON signal of the sensor set as the counting target is used as a counting signal. The output is sent to the output determination circuit 82. Further, the ON signal of the sensor set as the immediate output target is sent to the output determination circuit 82 as an immediate effect signal. Further, upon receiving the count signal, the timer of the output determination circuit 82 is started to start time measurement.

Output determination circuit 82 counts the count signal received from reception selection circuit 72, and sends a switch-on signal serving as key value information when the count signal matches a preset value. In the case of an immediate effect signal, a switch-on signal is immediately transmitted. When the timer activated by the output determination circuit 82 clears the count value and the time measurement value of the timer when a relatively short time period arrives, the ON signal information received from the sensor by pressing the key is canceled, and the output determination circuit 82 Are in a state of waiting for an ON signal from each sensor which is an initial state. The time limit value of the timer can be adjusted together with the count value of the ON signal received from the count sensor.

Next, the operation procedure of the output control unit 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 and FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of an operation procedure in each of the reception selection circuit 72 and FIG.

The reception selection circuit 72 receives an ON signal from each of the touch sensor 1, the intermediate sensor 3, and the fixed sensor 5 (step S301) and determines whether or not there is an invalid setting (step S302). Step S302
Is "YES" and the setting is invalid, the process returns to step S301 and waits for the reception of the next ON signal.

If the above step S302 is "NO" and the setting is not invalid, it is determined whether or not immediate setting is made (step S30).
3) is done. Under the condition that the immediate effect is set to “YES” in step S303, the ON signal is output to the output determination circuit 82 as the immediate effect signal (step S304), while the step S303 is performed.
Is set to the counting sensor under the condition of "NO", the ON signal is output to the output determination circuit 82 as a counting signal (step S311).

When the output determination circuit 82 receives the immediate effect signal (YES in step S322) in a state where the count signal is not received (NO in step S321), it immediately outputs a switch-on signal serving as key value information. After (procedure S323), the time measurement value and the count value of the timer are cleared (procedure S324), and the process returns to the initial state.

When the counting signal is received in step S321 of "YES", the time counting is not being performed due to the first counting signal (if step S331 is NO), the time counting of the timer is started (step S332). Then, the count value is advanced by one (step S333), and the count value is compared with the set value (step S334).
I do.

Since the normal set value is a large numerical value,
Step S334 is "NO", and unless the time limit value of the timer is reached (NO in step S335), the process returns to step S321 of waiting for the next signal, and the procedure is repeated.

If the step S331 is "YES" and the time measurement is being performed, the procedure skips the step S332 and proceeds to the step S33.
Proceed to 3. If the above step S334 is "YES" and the count value matches the set value, the process proceeds to the above step S323 for outputting a switch-on signal. In addition, the above-described step S 335 is “Y
When the time limit is reached in "ES", the process returns to the initial state and proceeds to the above step S324.

In the above description, in the basic structure of the multi-contact switch with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, three types of sensors, the configuration of functions, and the size of elements are illustrated and described in detail. The shape is not limited to three, and the adjusting mechanism may have any shape as long as it satisfies the above function. Similarly,
Changes such as separation and merging of functional blocks or replacement of procedures before and after in the control section are free as long as the above functions are satisfied. Therefore, the above description does not limit the invention.

[0118]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a multi-contact switch formed in one circuit by making each of the multi-contacts function according to the physical condition of the user of the key and a keyboard using the same. Can be.

That is, a touch sensor that can obtain an ON signal only by touching, an intermediate sensor that detects contact at an intermediate position where an ON signal can be obtained with the shortest stroke, and a position fixed to the bottom where an ON signal can be obtained with a longest stroke A switch-on signal corresponding to the degree of pushing can be obtained by selecting and taking out these ON signals by providing three sensors of a fixed sensor that senses contact with the sensor.

Further, by adjusting the pressing force for pressing down the key at the position of the intermediate sensor at the position of the intermediate sensor, it is possible to perform key operation without imposing a load on muscle strength. Furthermore, the stroke adjustment unit can adjust the stroke length,
By increasing the pressing force and setting the stroke to the longest, even if there is a pressing operation with a strong pressing force of the key top, the shock is relieved, so the damage of the key can be prevented and the shock to the input person is also reduced, and the mouse stick For the user, the deformation of the tooth arrangement can be prevented, which is beneficial for health.

Furthermore, since the ON signal can be detected by counting the instantaneous contact of the touch sensor and the intermediate sensor and sensing a predetermined number of times within a short time, a reliable operation can be performed even by a handicapped person whose hand movement is not smooth. You can expect.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that both the handicapped person and the healthy person can share it.
Since this enables mass production, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and sales expansion can be expected through low-priced sales.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view (A) illustrating the configuration of an embodiment of a multi-contact switch according to the present invention, and a sectional view (A) of FIG.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a detailed form of a stroke adjustment unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a detailed form of a stroke adjusting unit different from FIG. 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the multi-contact switch of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a setting application diagram showing one form of adjustment and setting conditions in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of a keyboard and a computer using the multi-contact switch shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

7 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of a keyboard output detection unit of the computer shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of a main procedure of a keyboard output detection unit in FIG. 7;

9 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a keyboard incorporating the keyboard output detection unit in FIG. 6 as a key value detection unit.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of a keyboard and a computer using a multi-contact switch different from FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the multi-contact switch used in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing one form of a main procedure of the output control unit in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of a multi-contact switch different from each of FIGS. 1 and 11;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing one form of a main procedure of a reception selection circuit in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing one form of the latter half of the main procedure of the output determination circuit in FIG. 13;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Touch sensor 2 Pressure adjustment part 3 Intermediate sensor 4, 4A Stroke adjustment part 5 Fixed sensor 10, 201, 202 Multi-contact switch 11 Key top 12 Key shaft 13 Intermediate sensor electrode 14 Fixed sensor electrode 15 Housing 20 Pressing member 21 Push Pressure adjusting spring 22 Pressing spring 23 Spring support 24 Spring position adjusting screw 31, 41 Fixed sensor stopper 32, 42 Fixed sensor position adjusting tool 43 Fixed sensor holding spring 61, 62 Output control unit 71 Count comparison circuit 72 Reception selection circuit 81 , 82 Output determination circuit 100, 200 Key button 110, 150, 210 Keyboard 111, 211 Keyboard panel 112, 212 Horizontal adjustment axis 113, 213 Vertical drive axis 114, 214 Micromotor 115, 215 State setting section 116 Key information detection section 117 , 21 Encoding section 118, 218 Computer IF section 120, 220 Computer 130, 230 Display 140 Keyboard output detection section 141 Key information analysis recording section 142 Touch sensor detection section 143 Intermediate sensor detection section 144 Fixed sensor detection section 145 Timer 146 Output determination section 151 , 216 key value detection unit 240 keyboard IF unit

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A multi-contact switch having an operation component which is linearly movable in only one direction and is turned on by a pushing operation, wherein a contact of a human body provided on at least a key top surface having a difference in pushing stroke is detected. A multi-contact switch, comprising: a plurality of sensors including a touch sensor to be pressed and a fixed sensor for detecting pressing down to the bottom of a key, and outputting detection information of each of the plurality of sensors as an ON signal. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a counting function for each of the ON signals of the plurality of sensors, and turning on one switch only when a predetermined count setting value is obtained. A multi-contact switch comprising an output control unit for outputting a signal. 3. A multi-contact switch having an operation component which is linearly movable in only one direction and is turned on by a push operation, wherein a key button comprising a key top and a key shaft which moves linearly by a push operation; A touch sensor that covers at least a part of the key top surface to be pressed and detects an ON signal by touching a part of a human body, and detects an ON signal by sensing a contact with a predetermined shortest stroke by operating the key button. And a fixed sensor for detecting an ON signal by contacting the fixed sensor electrode with a gap capable of obtaining a longest stroke by using the bottom of the key button as a fixed sensor electrode. 4. The pressing force according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic component that maintains said key button at a predetermined position and varies a pressing force when operating said key button. A multi-contact switch comprising a pressure adjusting unit for adjusting the pressure. 5. The pressure adjusting unit according to claim 4,
A pressing member having one of a spherical shape and a cylindrical shape that comes into contact with the key shaft, a leaf spring that elastically holds the pressing member from both sides in the moving direction of the key shaft, and the pressing member in the leaf spring. A spring support that presses the pressing member by fixing an opposite end thereof and moves substantially perpendicularly to a moving direction of the key shaft to change a pressing force of the leaf spring on the pressing member. A multi-contact switch characterized by the following. 6. The multi-contact switch according to claim 3, further comprising a stroke adjusting section for adjusting at least one of manual and computer control of the gap width of the fixed sensor. 7. The fixed sensor according to claim 6, wherein the fixed sensor has a flat plate shape having a surface perpendicular to a moving direction of the fixed sensor electrode, and the stroke adjustment unit is to be set in a moving direction of the fixed sensor electrode. A fixed sensor position adjuster that adjusts the position of the fixed sensor to a gap width, and a fixed sensor stopper having a surface shaped by at least one of a plurality of grooves and a ladder that sandwiches and fixes the fixed sensor from at least opposite side surfaces. A multi-contact switch, wherein the multi-contact switch is adjusted by at least one of manual operation and computer-controlled operation. 8. The fixed sensor according to claim 6, wherein the fixed sensor has a flat plate shape having a surface perpendicular to a moving direction of the fixed sensor electrode, and the stroke adjusting unit controls the fixed sensor in a moving direction of the fixed sensor electrode. A fixed sensor position adjuster for holding the fixed sensor electrode in the opposite direction, and a plurality of step-shaped surfaces for storing at least both opposed end surfaces of the fixed sensor and determining the position of the fixed sensor; A fixed sensor stopper that moves perpendicular to the moving direction of the fixed sensor and arranges and fixes the end face of the fixed sensor at a desired position, and adjusts at least one of manual operation and computer-controlled operation. switch. 9. The multi-contact switch according to claim 3, further comprising selecting at least one of ON signals obtained from each of the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor. A multi-contact switch, comprising: an output control unit that forms one switch-on signal and outputs the signal to the outside. 10. The output control unit according to claim 9, wherein the output control unit counts the input of the ON signal obtained in each of the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor up to a predetermined set number, and counts one signal for each. A count comparison circuit that outputs as an ON signal; and an output determination circuit that selects an ON signal output from each of the count comparison circuits against predetermined conditions and selects and outputs the switch signal as one switch-on signal. Characterized in that at least one of the conditions is set by at least one of manual operation and computer control. 11. The reception selection circuit according to claim 9, wherein the output control unit selects an ON signal obtained by the touch sensor, the intermediate sensor, and the fixed sensor by comparing it with a predetermined condition. And an output determination circuit that counts the input of the ON signal selected in the step up to a predetermined number set separately and outputs it as one switch-on signal, wherein at least one of the predetermined condition, the predetermined time interval, and the set number described above is provided. A multi-contact switch characterized in that one is set manually and / or by computer control. 12. A multi-contact switch according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a plurality of the multi-contact switches are arrayed and formed as a key button on one surface, and detection information of each sensor of the multi-contact switch is output as a switch-on signal. Keyboard. 13. A multi-contact switch according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the multi-contact switches are arranged on one surface as key buttons, and the detection information of each sensor of the multi-contact switch is provided. A keyboard which outputs as a switch-on signal. 14. The keyboard according to claim 12, wherein a matrix switch for outputting an ON signal is provided for each sensor of the same type of each multi-contact switch. 15. The method according to claim 2 or claim 9, wherein
A keyboard, wherein a plurality of the multi-contact switches described in any one of 1 to 1 are arranged on one surface as key buttons. 16. The keyboard according to claim 12, further comprising: an adjustment item common to each of the plurality of multi-contact switches, a manual item and a computer item for each adjustment item. A keyboard set by at least one of controls. 17. The multi-contact switch according to claim 12, wherein a sensor type of the multi-contact switch detected as a switch-on signal and a key value indicating a position of the multi-contact switch are set. Received from
A keyboard, comprising: a key value detection unit that determines a received key value based on a count value of an ON signal predetermined for each sensor type. 18. A computer connected to a keyboard according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the keyboard indicates a sensor type of the multi-contact switch detected as a switch-on signal and a position of the multi-contact switch. The computer transmits key information including a key value, and the computer receives the key information by connecting to the keyboard, receives the key information included in the key information, and counts the received key value included in the key information as a count value of a predetermined ON signal for each sensor type A computer comprising a keyboard output detection unit for determining based on the keyboard output.