JP2001236853A - Key switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch which is capable of being formed thinner. SOLUTION: The key switch is composed of constituents which include a key top 1, multiple side wall portions 2a, 2b, 2c with the base side connected to the outer round of the key top portion 1 turnable about it, as well as with the end supported to the support portion 6 as to slidably move horizontally, a spring means 8 to drive the key top portion 1 upwardly and a switch element 7 operating to switch along the elevating motion of the key top portion 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch used for, for example, a keyboard input device, and more particularly to a key switch suitable for thinning.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of key switches for use in a keyboard input device have been proposed. One of the common ones is one in which a pantograph mechanism is arranged below a key top. This key switch allows the key top to be lowered in a horizontal state without tilting even when the operator presses near the end of the key top with a finger, or when the key top is released from the key top. In order to ascend in a horizontal state, that is, to translate the key tops up and down, a pantograph mechanism is arranged below each key top.

[0003]

However, this key switch has a limit in reducing the thickness of the switch because a pantograph mechanism having a complicated structure is arranged below the key top. As a result, it becomes an obstacle in making the keyboard input device thinner.

An object of the present invention is to provide a key switch which can solve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, can be made thinner, and has a simple structure.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a first means of the present invention comprises a key top portion, a base end side of which is rotatably connected to an outer peripheral portion of the key top portion, and a free end. A plurality of side walls, the sides of which are slidably supported by a support portion such as a shaft support portion in a horizontal direction, elastic means such as a click rubber for urging the key top portion to the ascending position side, and the key top portion And a switching element, such as a membrane switch, for performing a switching operation in accordance with the elevating operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the key top portion and the plurality of side wall portions are integrally formed, and the thin portion which can be bent near a boundary portion between the key top portion and the side wall portion. Are formed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the side wall portion is connected in at least three directions on the outer periphery of the key top portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the support portion is formed in a frame shape, and a part (for example, a shaft portion) of a free end of the side wall portion slides in the frame shape support portion. It is characterized by being inserted as possible.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the elastic means is made of an elastic body having a click function, such as a click rubber, and is elastically deformable between the key top portion and the switch element. Is characterized by being interposed in

[0010] By configuring as the first means, a pantograph mechanism having a complicated structure as in the prior art is not required, so that the key switch can be thinned, and the key switch can be simple and inexpensive. Can be provided.

When the key top portion and the plurality of side walls are integrally formed as in the second means, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling work can be improved.

If the side wall portions are connected in at least three directions on the outer periphery of the key top portion as in the third means, the key top portion does not tilt, and the key top portion moves up and down while maintaining a horizontal state. Can be.

If the supporting portion is formed in a frame shape as in the fourth means, and a part of the free end of the side wall portion is slidably inserted into the frame-shaped supporting portion, the key top portion is inclined. The key top portion can be moved up and down while the horizontal state is maintained.

If the elastic means is made of an elastic body having a click function as in the fifth means and is interposed between the key top portion and the switch element so as to be elastically deformable, a click feeling at the time of key operation is provided. Given, and the key top part can be stably supported.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 6 are views for explaining the key switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view before the key switch is pressed, FIG. 2 is a side view before the key switch is pressed, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view when the key switch is pressed, FIG. 4 is a side view when the key switch is pressed, FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a click rubber used for the key switch, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a membrane switch used for the key switch. .

In the key switch according to the present embodiment, the base end sides of the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c are rotatable on three or four sides (three sides in the present embodiment) of the square key top portion 1. Are linked. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the key top portion 1 and the side wall portions 2a, 2b, 2c are integrally injection-molded with a highly flexible synthetic resin, and the key top portion 1 and the side wall portions 2a, 2b are formed. , 2c are formed near the boundaries between the thin portions 3 which can be bent. The boundary between the side wall 2a and the side wall 2b and the boundary between the side wall 2b and the side wall 2c are apart from each other.

A shaft 4 projects from the free end of each of the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c, and is inserted and supported in a frame-shaped shaft support 6 formed on a base 5 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction. I have. As shown in FIG. 2, a membrane switch 7 is disposed on the base 5, and a click rubber 8 is interposed between the membrane switch 7 and the key top unit 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the membrane switch 7 has a flexible upper sheet 10 having an upper electrode 9 on the lower surface and a lower sheet 12 having a lower electrode 11 on the upper surface.
The upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 11 are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween to form a switch unit, and each switch unit includes a pressing unit 14 provided on the click rubber 8. Is located below.

As shown in FIG. 1, an inverted bowl-shaped click rubber 8 whose bowl is turned upside down is interposed between the key top portion 1 and the membrane switch 7 in a slightly compressed state. 1 is lifted to the ascending position, whereby the side walls 2a, 2b, and 2c are in an obliquely standing state, and the shaft 4 of each side wall 2a, 2b, and 2c is
Is in contact with one end. In this state, the pressing portion 14 of the click rubber 8 is separated from the switch portions (upper electrode 9 and lower electrode 11) of the membrane switch 7, and the switch is in an off state.

When the operator depresses the key top unit 1,
When the side walls 2a, 2b, and 2c open in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, the shafts 4 of the side walls 2a, 2b, and 2c slide within the shaft support 6, and the key-top 1 is lowered by a predetermined amount. The click rubber 8 pressed by the key top portion 1 buckles, the pressing portion 14 presses and bends the upper sheet 10 of the membrane switch 7, and the upper electrode 9 contacts the lower electrode 11 to be turned on.

When the pressing force against the key top portion 1 is removed in this switch-on state, the buckled click rubber 8 returns to its original shape due to the restoring force, so that the upper electrode 9 separates from the lower electrode 11 and is switched off. And the key top portion 1 is pushed up to the initial ascending position, whereby the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c rise obliquely.

When the end of the key top portion 1 is pressed as shown in the X portion of FIG.
The side opposite to the portion (the side connected to the side wall portion 2c) is inclined upward, but the shaft portion 4 of the side wall portions 2b and 2c and the shaft support portion 6 cooperate to make the opposite side to the X portion. Since the upward movement is restricted, the key top portion 1 is translated downward while keeping the horizontal state without tilting.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a modified example of the click rubber 8 and the membrane switch 7. In this example, a conductive portion 15 is provided on the pressing portion 14 of the click rubber 8, and a first electrode 16 and a second electrode 17 are formed below the conductive portion 15 on the insulating sheet 18 so as to be separated from each other. When the click rubber 8 is pressed, the conductive portion 15 is connected to the first electrode 16 and the second electrode 1.
7 and is turned on.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view before the key switch is depressed. FIG. 9 is an integrally formed product of the key top portion 1 and the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c. FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, when the key top portion 1 and the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c are integrally formed by injection molding with a highly flexible synthetic resin, as shown in FIG.
b, 2c are formed close to each other, and the side wall portions 2a,
Each shaft portion 4 is inserted into the shaft support portion 6 while slightly expanding 2b and 2c. Therefore, the key top portion 1 and the side wall portions 2a, 2b, 2c can maintain the switch-off state shown in FIG. 8 by the restoring force of the molded product, and the click rubber 8 becomes unnecessary. A pressing projection 19 is provided on the lower surface of the key top section 1, and when the key top section 1 is pressed down, the switching section of the membrane switch 7 is pressed by the pressing projection 19.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view before a key switch is depressed.
1 is a side view before pressing, and FIG. 12 is a side view when pressing.

In the case of this embodiment, the key top 1 and the side walls 2a, 2b, 2c are rotatably connected by a shaft 20. A leaf spring 22 is interposed between at least one of the side walls 2a, 2b and 2c (one of the side walls 2b in the present embodiment) and the stopper 21, and elastically urges the side wall 2b in the direction of the arrow. The switch-off state shown in FIG. 11 is maintained by this urging force.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a fourth embodiment, in which a shaft 20 connecting the key top portion 1 and the side wall portion 2a and a shaft 20 connecting the key top portion 1 and the side wall portion 2c are provided with a coil spring 23.
13 is held by the spring force of the coil spring 23.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a fifth embodiment, in which a key top portion 1 having a substantially triangular planar shape is used, and side walls 2a, 2b, 2c are rotatable by a shaft 20 at corners thereof. Are linked.

FIG. 15 shows a sixth embodiment in which a key top 1 having a substantially circular planar shape is used, and side walls 2a, 2b, 2c are turned around a shaft 20 at equal intervals around its outer periphery. It is movably connected.

FIGS. 16 to 20 are views showing a seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a plan view before a key switch is depressed.
7 is a side view before pressing, FIG. 18 is a plan view when one key switch is pressed, FIG. 19 is a side view at that time, and FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a simultaneous pressing preventing function.

In the case of this embodiment, two key switches are arranged in parallel, and a frame-shaped shared shaft support 2 is provided between the two key switches.
The shaft portion 4 of the side wall portion 2c of one key switch and the side wall portion 2 of the other key switch are provided on the shared shaft support portion 24.
The shaft portions 4a are slidably inserted side by side.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the shared shaft support 2
In FIG. 4, when the key switches are off (the key top portion 1 is in the ascending position) and the two shaft portions 4 and 4 are farthest apart from each other, the interval is L. Assuming that the moving distance (stroke) of the shaft portion 4 until the state is changed to S, if L ≧ 2S, when two adjacent key switches are simultaneously pressed, both key switches are turned on, and a signal is output. Cause the above trouble.

When one key switch is depressed, the key switch is turned on. When two key switches are depressed simultaneously, neither key switch is turned on. S <L <
2S. FIG. 20B shows a state in which the key switches are turned off (the key top portion 1 is in the raised position) and the two shaft portions 4 and 4 are farthest apart in the shared shaft support portion 24. I have. FIG. 3C shows a state in which one key switch is depressed and the switch is turned on. FIG. 4D shows a state in which both key switches are simultaneously pressed, the two shaft portions 4 and 4 interfere with each other in the shared shaft support portion 24, and neither key switch is turned on.

FIGS. 16 to 19 show the key switch using the click rubber 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, FIGS. 15 can be applied to the case where the key switches shown in FIG. In this example, two key switches are juxtaposed, but the present invention is also applicable to a case where three or more key switches are juxtaposed.

Key top 1 and side walls 2a, 2b, 2c
Is separate, the key top portion 1 and / or the side wall portions 2a, 2b, 2c can be made of a metal plate.

[0037]

The present invention according to claim 1 (first means)
Has a configuration as described above, and eliminates the need for a pantograph mechanism having a complicated structure as in the related art, thereby providing a key switch that can be made thinner, has a simple structure, and is inexpensive. Can be.

When the key top portion and the plurality of side wall portions are integrally formed as in the present invention (second means), the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling work can be improved.

If the side walls are connected in at least three directions on the outer periphery of the key top as in the third aspect of the present invention (third means), the key top can be maintained in a horizontal state without tilting. The key top can be moved up and down while holding the key.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the support portion is formed in a frame shape, and a part of the free end of the side wall portion is slidably inserted into the frame shape support portion. By doing so, the key-top portion can be moved up and down while keeping the horizontal state without tilting.

If the elastic means is an elastic body having a click function and is interposed between the key top portion and the switch element so as to be elastically deformable as in the present invention (fifth means) of the present invention, It has features such as providing a click feeling at the time of key operation and stably supporting the key top portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view before a key switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention is pressed.

FIG. 2 is a side view before the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 3 is a plan view when the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 4 is a side view when the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a click rubber used for the key switch.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a membrane switch used for the key switch.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing a modified example of the click rubber and the membrane switch.

FIG. 8 is a side view before a key switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention is pressed.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an integrally molded product of a key top portion and each side wall portion used for the key switch.

FIG. 10 is a plan view before pressing a key switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view before the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 12 is a side view when the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 13 is a side view before a key switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is pressed.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a key switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a key switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view before a key switch is pressed according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view before the key switch is pressed.

FIG. 18 is a plan view when one key switch is pressed.

FIG. 19 is a side view when one key switch is pressed.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a simultaneous depression prevention function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key top part 2a, 2b, 2c Side wall part 3 Thin part 4 Shaft part 5 Base 6 Shaft support part 7 Membrane switch 8 Click rubber 9 Upper electrode 10 Upper sheet 11 Lower electrode 12 Lower sheet 13 Spacer 14 Pressing part 15 Conducting part 16 1st electrode 17 2nd electrode 18 Insulation sheet 19 Pressing projection 20 Shaft 21 Stopper 22 Leaf spring 23 Coil spring 24 Shared shaft support

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A key top portion, a plurality of side walls having a base end side rotatably connected to an outer peripheral portion of the key top portion, and a free end side supported by a support portion so as to be slidable in a horizontal direction; A key switch comprising: elastic means for urging a key top portion toward an ascending position; and a switch element for performing a switching operation in accordance with the elevating operation of the key top portion. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the key top portion and the plurality of side wall portions are integrally formed, and a bendable thin portion is formed near a boundary between the key top portion and the side wall portion. Key switch to feature. 3. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein the side wall portions are connected in at least three directions on an outer periphery of the key top portion. 4. The key according to claim 1, wherein said support portion is formed in a frame shape, and a part of a free end of said side wall portion is slidably inserted into said frame shape support portion. switch. 5. The key according to claim 1, wherein said elastic means is formed of an elastic body having a click function, and is interposed elastically deformable between said key top portion and a switch element. switch.