JP2002109990A - Key switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch device which can manipulate a key top with a superb operability as well as secure a space under the key top for arranging various electronic components such as LED's by arranging biasing members for basing the key top upward outside each link member. SOLUTION: The device is so constructed that an insertion-through hole 8B each formed at a thick part 8A of a rubber elastic body is inserted between each shaft member 6 at both sides of a shaft body 17 of a second link member 4 constituting a guide support member 5 of a key top 2 and each shaft member 7 at both sides of a shaft member 14 of a first link member 3, and the key top 2 is biased upward through the two rubber elastic bodies 8 hooked between the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is used for a keyboard attached to a notebook personal computer, a word processor or the like, and a key for guiding the vertical movement of a key top via a guide support member composed of a pair of link members. Regarding the switch device, in particular, by arranging an urging member for urging the key top upward outside each link member, a space is secured below the key top so that various electronic components such as LEDs can be moved below the key top. The present invention relates to a key switch device that can be arranged in a key top and can operate a key top with good operability.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various key switch devices have been proposed as key switch devices for keyboard devices attached to notebook personal computers, word processors and the like. In this type of key switch device, along with the progress of thinning and miniaturization of notebook personal computers and the like, it is inevitably required to be thin and small, and at the same time, in terms of key operability. Even enough keystrokes are required.

In order to achieve such a demand, a conventional key switch device guides the vertical movement of a key top via a guide support member composed of a pair of link members, and reverses the key top between the link members below the key top. A configuration in which a cup-shaped rubber spring is arranged is widely used. In this key switch device, a reverse cup-shaped rubber spring disposed below the key top is pressed and buckled based on a pressing operation of the key top, and a membrane switch disposed below the rubber spring is operated. The switching operation is performed by short-circuiting the movable contact fixed to the inner upper wall of the rubber spring with the fixed contact formed on the circuit board.

However, in the above-mentioned conventional key switch device, the key top is urged upward, and
A rubber spring is required as an elastic body that mediates the switching operation. Here, various types of rubber springs are commercially available, but there are naturally restrictions in reducing the thickness and size of the key switch device, for example, when reducing the key pitch and designing the key stroke. .

In order to solve this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Japanese Patent No. 172380 discloses that a key mechanism including a pair of link members is interposed between a key top and a base mold placed on a membrane sheet to guide up and down movement of the key top, and that each key member has a lower portion. A key switch is described in which an elastic member made of a rubber sheet is suspended across the center of the key switch between the sides.

In such a key switch, when the key top is not depressed, a circular projection formed on the lower surface of the key top is urged upward via an elastic body to be held at the non-depressed position, and when the key top is depressed, By pressing down against the urging force of the elastic body with the circular projection, the switch section of the membrane sheet is operated through the projection formed on the lower surface of the elastic body to perform a switching operation.

The key switch described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-172380 does not use a rubber spring, so that there is no restriction when reducing the key pitch or designing the key stroke. Free design can be performed in response to the reduction in thickness and size of the switch device.

[0008]

However, in the key switch described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-172380, an elastic body made of a rubber sheet is suspended between the lower sides of a pair of link members. Since such an elastic body is disposed so as to cross the central portion of the key switch, it is not possible to effectively utilize a space formed below the keytop due to the presence of the elastic body. Thus, for example, it is basically impossible to arrange an electronic component such as an LED below the keytop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems. By disposing an urging member for urging the key top upward outside each link member, the key top can be disposed below the key top. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key switch device capable of arranging various electronic components such as LEDs below a key top while securing a space, and operating the key top with good operability. I do.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch device comprising: a key top provided with a plurality of upper locking portions on a lower surface; A support plate provided with a lower locking portion,
An upper end portion is locked to the upper locking portion and a lower end portion has a pair of link members locked to the lower locking portion,
A guide support member for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top, between a side portion at a lower end portion of the one link member and a side portion at a lower end portion of the other link member, or at an upper end portion of the one link member. Between the side portion and the side portion at the upper end portion of the other link member, an urging member which is formed of a rubber elastic body mounted and urges the key top upward to hold the key top at a non-pressed position, A switching member for performing a switching operation in response to the keytop pressing operation.

In the key switch device according to the present invention, the urging member for urging the key top upward includes a side portion at a lower end portion of one of the link members constituting the guide support member of the key top and the other link member. Between the side at the lower end, or between the side at the upper end of the one link member and the side at the upper end of the other link member,
Since the mounted rubber elastic body is used, the urging member can be arranged outside each link member. Thus, the urging member does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and the space can be effectively used. Thus, for example, LE
Electronic components such as D can be arranged in the space below the key top, and can flexibly correspond to various key switch devices.

The key switch device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the key switch device according to the first aspect, wherein a pressing projection formed on a lower surface of the key top, a fixed contact portion formed on the support plate, and the rubber. A conductive portion provided on the elastic body, wherein the conductive portion and the fixed contact portion are electrically connected by elastically deforming the conductive portion via a pressing projection when the key top is pressed. In the key switch device according to claim 2, a conductive portion is formed on the rubber elastic body, and when the key top is pressed, the conductive portion of the rubber elastic body is elastically deformed via a pressing projection formed on the lower surface thereof. It is configured such that the connection is made conductive with the fixed contact portion on the support plate, so that the switching operation can also be performed outside each link member. Therefore, the member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and it is easier to effectively use such space.

The key switch device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the key switch device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the rubber elastic body is formed between both side portions at a lower end portion of one link member and the other link member. A pair is mounted between the lower end and both sides. In the key switch device according to the third aspect, since a pair of rubber elastic bodies are mounted on both sides at the lower end of each link member, the key switches are attached to both sides of each link member with good balance via the pair of rubber elastic bodies. It will be possible to gain momentum. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the twisting or the like from occurring in each link member and smoothly perform the key top pressing operation.

Further, a key switch device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a key top having a plurality of upper locking portions provided on a lower surface, and a plurality of lower locking portions disposed below the key top. A guide that has a support plate and a pair of link members whose upper end is locked to the upper locking portion and whose lower end is locked to the lower locking portion, and guides and supports the vertical movement of the key top. A support member and an annular rubber elastic body that contacts and surrounds a lower end or an upper end of each link member to apply an urging force, and urges the key top upward to hold the key top at a non-pressed position. And a switching member that performs a switching operation in response to a pressing operation of the keytop.

In the key switch device according to the fourth aspect, the urging member for urging the key top upward may surround a lower end or an upper end of a pair of link members constituting a guide support member of the key top. Since the ring-shaped rubber elastic body which applies the urging force by contact is used, the urging member can be arranged outside each link member. Thus, the urging member does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and the space can be effectively used. Thus, for example, L
An electronic component such as an ED can be arranged in a space below the key top, and can flexibly correspond to various key switch devices.

The key switch device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the key switch device according to the fourth aspect, wherein a pressing projection formed on a lower surface of the key top, a fixed contact portion formed on the support plate, and the annular shape. A conductive portion provided on the rubber elastic body, and when the key top is pressed, the conductive portion is elastically deformed via a pressing projection to conduct the conductive portion and the fixed contact portion. . In the key switch device according to the fifth aspect, a conductive portion is formed on an annular rubber elastic body disposed outside each link member, and when the key top is pressed, the rubber elastic body is formed via a pressing projection formed on the lower surface thereof. Since the conductive portion is elastically deformed to conduct the conductive portion and the fixed contact portion on the support plate,
The switching operation can also be performed outside each link member. Therefore, the member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and it is easier to effectively use such space.

Further, in the key switch device according to a sixth aspect, in the key switch device according to the fifth aspect, the conductive portion is provided at at least two positions having a symmetrical relationship in the annular rubber elastic body. And In the key switch device according to the sixth aspect, since the conductive portion is provided at at least two positions having a symmetrical relationship in the annular rubber elastic body, when the rubber elastic body is incorporated into the key switch device, the direction of the rubber elastic body is changed. Can be incorporated without special consideration, whereby the key switch device can be easily assembled.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a key switch device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment embodying the present invention with reference to the drawings. First, a notebook personal computer provided with a key switch device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 illustrates a notebook personal computer, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the notebook personal computer,
FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the notebook personal computer.

In FIG. 1A, a notebook personal computer 100 basically has a C that performs various operations.
It comprises a main body 102 containing a PU, and a lid 111 which is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 102 and has a display 103 disposed inside. Here, the lid 111 is rotatably supported by the connecting portion 104 of the main body 102, and is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 102. The main body 102 is provided with a keyboard 105 in which a plurality of key switch devices 1 are arranged.

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

Next, a schematic configuration of the key switch device according to the first embodiment attached to the keyboard 105 of the notebook personal computer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the key switch device according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 2 and FIG.
The guide member 5 is basically composed of a key top 2, a pair of first link members 3, and a second link member 4, and guides the vertical movement of the key top 2, and the lower end of the first link member 3 in the guide member 5. Rubber elastic bodies 8, 8 as urging members mounted between shaft members 7, 7 formed on both sides of the second link member 4 and shaft members 6, 6 formed on both sides of the lower end of the second link member 4. ,
And a support plate 9 that supports the entire key switch device 1.

Here, the key top 2 is formed of an ABS resin or the like, and characters such as characters and numerals are formed on the surface thereof by printing or the like. On the back surface of the key top 2, two rotation locking portions 10 and 10 are integrally formed corresponding to the first link member 3, and two rotation locking portions 10 and 10 are formed corresponding to the second link member 4. The locking portions 11, 11 are formed integrally. A locking groove 1 is provided in each of the rotation locking portions 10 and 10.
0A is provided, and each sliding engagement portion 11 is provided with a sliding groove 11A. The locking groove 10A of each rotation locking part 10 rotatably locks the shaft members 12, 12 formed on both sides of the upper end of the first link member 3, and the sliding locking parts 11 The sliding groove 11A locks the shaft members 13 formed on both sides of the upper end of the second link member 4 so as to be slidable. Further, a pressing projection 2A is formed from a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the key top 2 on a side portion (left side portion in FIGS. 2 and 3) on the back surface of the key top 2. The pressing protrusion 2A presses a conductive portion 8C provided on the rubber elastic body 8 described later to elastically deform.

The guide member 5 is formed by combining the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 with each other. The first link member 3 is integrally formed so as to connect a shaft body 14 having the shaft members 7 integrally and a shaft body 15 having the shaft members 12 integrally via two connecting members 16, 16. And has a rectangular shape in plan view. A support shaft is formed at the center of each connecting member 16. The second link member 4 has basically the same configuration as the first link member 3, and includes a shaft body 17 integrally having the shaft members 6 and each shaft member 1.
The shaft member 18 integrally formed with the shaft 3 is integrally formed so as to be connected via two connecting members 19, and has a rectangular shape in plan view. Each connecting member 19 is formed with an insertion hole through which the support shaft on which the connecting member 16 of the first link member 3 is formed is inserted. Then, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are assembled in an intersecting manner by inserting the support shafts formed with the connecting members 16, 16 into the insertion holes formed in the connecting member 19, and the guide member 5 is formed. Is configured.

The structure of the guide member 5 assembled from the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 is known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Below the guide member 5, a support plate 9 made of a thin metal plate or a resin plate made of aluminum, iron, or the like is arranged. The support plate 9 is integrally formed with two cut-and-raised pieces 20 corresponding to the key switch 1 by performing a cut-and-raise process. Here, the cutting and raising of each cutting and raising piece 20 corresponding to the key switch device 1 is performed by first cutting two portions of the support plate 9 into a U-shape to form a cutting piece, and thereafter, forming the cutting piece. This is performed by bending a part upward.

Each of the cut-and-raised pieces 20 has the same configuration, and each of the cut-and-raised pieces 20 has a rotating hole 21 and a sliding hole 22 formed therein. Each shaft member 6 of the second link member 4 is rotatably locked in each rotation hole 21.
, Each shaft member 7 of the first link member 3 is slidably locked.

In the support plate 9, a pair of fixed electrodes 23, 23 for switching and a pair of fixed electrodes 23 are provided near one of the cut and raised pieces 20 (left cut and raised piece 20 in FIG. 2). A predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) connected to the electrode 23 is formed by printing with a conductive paint or the like. In order to print and form the fixed electrodes 23 and 23 and the circuit pattern, first, an insulating material is applied to the upper surface of the support plate 9 to form an insulating film, and then the fixed electrode 2 is formed using a conductive paint.
3, 23 and a circuit pattern are formed by printing.

As shown in FIG. 3, each shaft member 6, 6 of the second link member 4 is locked in a turning hole 21 formed in each cut-and-raised piece 20, and the first link member 3 Each shaft member 7
Is locked in a slide hole 22 formed in each cut-and-raised piece 20, but is moved outward from the end of each shaft member 6, 6 protruding outward from the rotation hole 21 and the slide hole 23. A rubber elastic body 8 made of silicon rubber or the like is mounted between the protruding shaft members 7 and the ends of the shaft members 7. Here, since the rubber elastic body 8 is mounted between the protruding ends of the shaft members 6 and 6 and the protruding ends of the shaft members 7, the shaft members 6 and 7 are mutually connected. The first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are urged in the direction in which the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are closed with each other based on the elastic force of the rubber elastic body 8. The top 2 is biased upward and held at the non-pressed position.

In the rubber elastic body 8, a thick portion 8A is formed on the side where the shaft members 6 and 7 are inserted, and an insertion hole into which the shaft members 6 and 7 are inserted is formed in the thick portion 8A. 8B are formed. The thick portion 8A prevents the rubber elastic body 8 from being deformed around the insertion hole 8B even when the shaft members 6, 7 are inserted into the insertion hole 8B. Also,
At a substantially central portion of the rubber elastic body 8, a conductive portion 8C is provided. When the key top 2 is pressed, the conductive portion 8C is pressed via the pressing protrusion 2A and is elastically deformed.
3, 23 are short-circuited to conduct. The conductive portion 8C may be integrally formed by two-color molding when the rubber elastic body 8 is formed, or conductive rubber may be fixed by an adhesive or the like. Further, the conductive portion 8C is provided so as to protrude outward from the rubber elastic body 8, but is not limited thereto.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), it may be provided integrally with the rubber elastic body 8, or as shown in FIG. 5 (B), at the side end of the thick portion 8A. In these cases, the formation position of the pressing projection 2A formed on the back surface of the key top 2 needs to correspond to the formation position of the conductive portion 8C.

In the support plate 9, each cut and raised piece 20
The LED component 24 is disposed between the two. In the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the rubber elastic body 8 that urges the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 is connected to the first link member 3 and the second link member 4. The first link member 3 is arranged on both sides.
And by forming the second link member 4 in a square shape,
It is possible to secure a space below the keytop 2, whereby the LED components 24 can be arranged between the cut and raised pieces 20. LED components 24
Lights when the keytop 2 is pressed to perform a switching operation.

Here, a schematic configuration of the LED component 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the LED section 24. In the LED component 24 shown in FIG.
A molded body 27 molded with a transparent resin is fixed to a fixing member 28 so that the lead 26 of the D element 25 is exposed, and a conductive rubber 29 forming a wall of the fixing member 28 is fixed.
The lead 26 and the conductive rubber 29 are electrically connected to each other. The lower surface of the conductive rubber 29 is
Is connected in contact with the connection part of the circuit pattern formed in the first pattern. An upper part of the mold body 27 is provided with a light diffusing member 30 made of transparent silicon rubber and diffusing light emitted from the LED.

To fix the LED component 24 to the support plate 9, a UV adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the fixing member 28 other than the lower surface of the conductive rubber 29, and pressure is applied to the connection between the lower surface of the conductive rubber 29 and the circuit pattern. The UV adhesive is cured in a state where the UV adhesive is in contact. Thereby, the leads 26 of the LED element 25
The LED component 24 can be firmly fixed to the support plate 9 in a state where the conductive rubber 29 that is electrically connected to the circuit pattern and the connection portion of the circuit pattern are electrically connected.

Next, the operation of the key switch device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the key switch device 1 schematically showing a state in which the key top 2 is depressed and a switching operation is performed by pressing the key top 2, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the keytop 2 is slightly pressed, and FIG. 4C shows a state in which the keytop 2 is pressed until a switching operation is performed.

Referring to FIG. 4A, when the key top 2 is not pressed down, the key 2 mounted between the respective shaft members 6 of the second link member 4 and the respective shaft members 7 of the first link member 3. The first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are urged through the two rubber elastic bodies 8 in a direction in which the legs are closed with each other, that is, in a direction in which the key top 2 is moved upward. Thereafter, when the key top 2 is pressed, the first link member 3 and the second
The link members 4 gradually open their legs against the elastic force of each rubber elastic body 8. At this time, each shaft member 6 of the second link member 4 rotates within the rotation hole 21 of the cut-and-raised piece 20,
Each shaft member 13 slides in the sliding groove 11A of the sliding locking portion 11 of the key top 2. At the same time, each shaft member 7 of the first link member 3 slides through the sliding hole 22 of the cut-and-raised piece 20,
Each shaft member 12 rotates in the rotation groove 10 </ b> A of the rotation locking portion 10 of the key top 2. This state is shown in FIG. 4B, and each rubber elastic body 8 is in a slightly expanded state.

When the key top 2 is further depressed, the above-described operation is continuously performed with the depression of the key top 2, and the depressed protrusion 2A of the key top 2 is pressed by the rubber elastic body 8.
Is pressed and elastically deformed. Thus, the pressing projection 2A of the key top 2 is connected to the conductive portion 8C of the rubber elastic body 8.
When pressing, the conductive portion 8C acts as a cushioning material for the pressing protrusion 2A, and can absorb the impact of the pressing protrusion 2A. Further, since the rubber elastic body 8 and the support plate 9 come into close contact with each other when the key is pressed, the key operation noise can be reduced as compared with the conventional cup-shaped rubber spring. As described above, when the conductive portion 8C is elastically deformed, the conductive portion 8C short-circuits the fixed electrodes 23 formed on the support plate 9 to make them conductive. As a result, a predetermined switching operation is performed, and the LED component 24
The middle LED element 25 is turned on. This state is shown in FIG.
It is shown in (C).

When the key top 2 is released from being depressed, the key top 2 is urged upward based on the elastic force of each rubber elastic body 8 to perform the above-described operation and return to the original non-pressed position. Return.

As described above in detail, in the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the shaft members 6 on both sides of the shaft 17 of the second link member 4 constituting the guide support member 5 of the key top 2 is connected to the first and second shaft members. The first link member 3 and the second link are inserted through the through holes 8B formed in the thick portion 8A of the rubber elastic body 8 between the shaft members 7 on both sides of the shaft member 14 of the one link member 3 respectively. Since the key top 2 is configured to be urged upward through the two rubber elastic members 8 mounted between the first elastic member 8 and the first elastic member 8, the first elastic member 8 and the second elastic member 4 are connected to each other. It can be arranged outside.
As a result, each rubber elastic body 8 does not affect the space formed below the key top 2, and such a space can be effectively utilized. This allows
Electronic components such as the LED component 24 can be arranged in the space below the key top 2, and can flexibly correspond to various key switch devices.

Further, the conductive portion 8C is provided on the rubber elastic body 8 mounted between the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 as described above, and is formed on the lower surface when the key top 2 is pressed. The conductive portion 8 of the rubber elastic body 8 via the pressed projection 2A
Since the C is elastically deformed to conduct the fixed contacts 23 on the support plate 9 via the conductive portion C, the switching operation can be performed outside the link members 3 and 4. It becomes possible. Therefore, each member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop 2, and it is easier to effectively use such space.

Further, as described above, the rubber elastic members 8 are mounted on both sides between the first link member 3 and the second link member 4, respectively. It is possible to urge the first link member and the second link member 4 on both sides thereof with good balance via the elastic body 8. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the first link member and the second link member 4 from being twisted or the like, and to smoothly perform the pressing operation of the key top 2.
If the occurrence of the twist is not a problem, the rubber elastic body 8 does not need to be provided on both sides of the first and second link members 3 and 4, but can be provided on only one of them.

Next, a key switch device according to a second embodiment applied to the keyboard 105 of the notebook personal computer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device according to the second embodiment. The key switch device according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the key switch device 1 according to the first embodiment. The key elastic member according to the first embodiment is arranged such that the rubber elastic body is disposed so as to surround and contact the lower end portions of the first link member and the second link member to apply an urging force to the first link member and the second link member. Switch device 1
It is just different. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the key switch device of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same members as those used in the key switch device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Will be described.

In FIG. 7, the key switch device 1 according to the second embodiment basically includes a key top 2 and a pair of first
Key top 2 consisting of link member 3 and second link member 4
The guide member 5 that guides the vertical movement of the shaft member 14, the shaft member 14 formed at the lower end of the first link member 3 in the guide member 5, and the shaft member 17 formed at the lower end of the second link member 4. The key switch device 1 includes a ring-shaped rubber elastic body 30 that is arranged in contact with and applies an urging force, and a support plate 9 that supports the entire key switch device 1.

Here, the key top 2 is formed from ABS resin or the like, and characters such as characters and numerals are formed on the surface thereof by printing or the like. Further, a pressing projection 2A is formed on the back surface of the key top 2. The pressing protrusion 2A presses and elastically deforms a conductive portion 30A provided on a rubber elastic body 30 described later. The rest of the configuration of the key top 2 is the same as the key top of the key switch device 1 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 7, illustration of the two rotation locking portions and the two sliding locking portions is omitted.

The guide member 5 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, and the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are combined with each other. The first link member 3 is integrally formed so as to connect the shaft body 14 integrally having the shaft members 7 and the shaft members 12 via two connecting members 16, 16. It has a character-like shape. A support shaft is formed at the center of each connecting member 16. The second link member 4 has basically the same configuration as the first link member 3, and includes a shaft body 17 integrally having the respective shaft members 6 and a shaft body 18 integrally including the respective shaft members 13.
Are integrally formed so as to be connected via two connecting members 19, and have a U-shape in plan view. Each connecting member 19 is formed with an insertion hole through which the support shaft on which the connecting member 16 of the first link member 3 is formed is inserted.
Then, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 are assembled in an intersecting manner by inserting the support shafts formed with the connecting members 16, 16 into the insertion holes formed in the connecting member 19, and the guide member 5 is formed. Is configured.

Further, the rubber elastic body 30 is formed of a rubber material such as silicon rubber, and is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the rubber elastic body 30, the conductive portions 30A are provided at two locations having a symmetrical relationship.
If the conductive portions 30A are formed at two symmetrical positions as described above, the restriction on the mounting direction when the rubber elastic body 30 is built into the key switch device 1 is reduced, and the rubber elastic body 3
The key switch device can be easily assembled by easily incorporating the key switch device. The rubber elastic body 30 is arranged so that each conductive portion 30A corresponds to the above-described pressing protrusion 2A of the key top 2. The method of arranging the rubber elastic body 30 will be described later.

Below the guide member 5, a support plate 9 made of a thin metal plate made of aluminum, iron or the like is arranged. The support plate 9 is integrally formed with two cut-and-raised pieces 20 corresponding to the key switch 1 by performing a cut-and-raise process. Here, the cutting and raising processing of each of the cutting and raising pieces 20 corresponding to the key switch device 1 is as follows.
This is performed by cutting two portions of the support plate 9 into a U-shape to form a cut piece, and thereafter bending a part of the cut piece upward.

Each cut-and-raised piece 20 has the same configuration, and each of the cut-and-raised pieces 20 is formed with a rotating hole 21 and a sliding groove 22. Each shaft member 6 of the second link member 4 is rotatably locked in each rotation hole 21.
, Each shaft member 7 of the first link member 3 is slidably locked. In the vicinity of the rotation hole 21, a step 31 is formed in each cut-and-raised piece 20. A part of the rubber elastic body 30 provided with the conductive portion 30 </ b> A is arranged in the step portion 31.

On the support plate 9, each cut and raised piece 20
A pair of fixed electrodes 23 and 23 for switching and a predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) connected to each fixed electrode 23 are printed and formed by a conductive paint or the like at a substantially central position therebetween. ing. In order to print and form the fixed electrodes 23 and 23 and the circuit pattern, first, an insulating material is applied to the upper surface of the support plate 9 to form an insulating film, and then the fixed electrodes 23 and 23 and the circuit pattern are Print and form.

Here, a method of arranging the rubber elastic body 30 will be described. As described above, the shaft members 6 and 6 in the shaft body 17 of the second link member 4 are locked in the rotating holes 21 formed in the cut and raised pieces 20, and the shaft body 14 of the first link member 3. Are locked in the sliding grooves 22 formed in the cut-and-raised pieces 20, respectively. Shaft 17 of second link member 4 locked in groove 22, first link member 3
Are arranged in contact with each other so as to surround the shaft body 14. In particular,
One portion (the right portion in FIG. 7) of the rubber elastic body 30 provided with the conductive portion 30 </ b> A is a shaft 17 of the second link member 4.
7 is arranged on the step 31 of each cut-and-raised piece 20 so as to come into contact with the other portion (FIG. 7).
The middle left portion) is disposed so as to contact the shaft 14 of the first link member 3. Further, the portions connecting the respective portions having the conductive portions 30 </ b> A are arranged along the respective cut-and-raised pieces 20. In this state, the conductive portion 30 </ b> A is disposed over the pair of fixed electrodes 23, 23, and the elastic force of the rubber elastic body 30 is exerted on the shaft 14 of the first link member 3. The elastic force of the rubber elastic body 30 acts to urge the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 in a direction in which the legs are closed, and holds the key top 2 at the upper non-pressed position.

The conductive portion 30A is integrally formed by two-color molding when the rubber elastic body 30 is molded. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the conductive portion 30A may be formed so as to protrude outward. In this case, the conductive rubber may be fixed with an adhesive or the like, or may be integrally formed. At this time, the formation position of the pressing protrusion 2A formed on the back surface of the key top 2 needs to correspond to the formation position of the conductive portion 8C.

Also in the key switch device 1 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, an LED is provided between the cut and raised pieces 20 on the support plate 9.
Parts (not shown in FIG. 7) can be arranged. As described above, the rubber elastic body 30 for urging the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 is connected to the first link member 3 and the second link member 4.
The first link member 3 is formed in a U-shape and the second link member 4 is formed in a U-shape, so that a space is secured below the keytop 2 by being arranged around the link member 4. It is possible to make each cut and raised piece 20
LED components can be arranged between them.

Next, the operation of the key switch device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the key switch device 1 schematically showing a state in which the key top 2 is depressed and a switching operation is performed by pressing the key top 2, and FIG. FIG. 9B shows a state in which the keytop 2 is pressed until the switching operation is performed.

In FIG. 9A, when the key top 2 is not pressed down, the key top 2 is arranged on the step 31 of each cut-and-raised piece 20 so as to contact the shaft 17 of the second link member 4. The first link member 3 is connected to the shaft member 14 of the first link member 3 via a rubber elastic body 30 arranged so as to be in contact therewith.
The second link member 4 is biased in a direction in which the legs are closed with each other, that is, in a direction in which the key top 2 is moved upward. At this time, the rubber elastic body 30 formed in an annular shape is supported by the steps 31 of the pair of cut-and-raised pieces 20 at positions on both sides of the conductive portion 30A.
Are supported at positions away from the fixed electrodes 23, 23 above. Thereafter, when the keytop 2 is pressed down, the first link member 3 and the second link member 4 gradually open their legs against the elastic force of the rubber elastic body 30. At this time, each shaft member 6 of the second link member 4 rotates within the turning hole 21 of the cut-and-raised piece 20, and each shaft member 13 slides on the sliding locking portion 11 of the key top 2. Sliding in the groove 11A. At the same time, the first
Each shaft member 7 of the link member 3 is provided with a sliding groove 22
, Each shaft member 12 rotates in the rotation groove 10 </ b> A of the rotation locking portion 10 of the key top 2. At this time,
Since the shaft body 14 of the first link member 3 performs the action of expanding the rubber elastic body 30, the rubber elastic body 30 is in a slightly expanded state.

When the key top 2 is further depressed, the above-described operation is continuously performed with the depression of the key top 2, and the depressed protrusion 2A of the key top 2 is
The 0 conductive portion 30A is pressed and elastically deformed. When the pressing protrusion 2A of the key top 2 presses the conductive portion 30A of the rubber elastic body 30 in this manner, the conductive portion 30A
A acts as a cushioning material for A, and can absorb the impact of the pressing projection 2A. Also, when key top 2 is pressed,
Since the rubber elastic body 30 and the support plate 9 are in close contact with each other, the key operation sound can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment. As described above, when the conductive portion 30A is elastically deformed, the conductive portion 30A short-circuits the fixed electrodes 23 formed on the support plate 9 to conduct. Thereby, a predetermined switching operation is performed. This state is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9B,
For simplicity, illustration of the cut-and-raised piece 20 in the sliding groove 2 is omitted. If the lower surface of the rubber elastic body 30 comes into frictional contact with the upper surface of the support plate 9 near the sliding groove, and the friction prevents the key top 2 from being pressed, the rubber elastic body 30 is locked to the shaft member 7. A low-friction coating (slip layer) may be provided in the area where the portion moves (the upper surface area of the support plate 9). Alternatively, instead of providing the slip layer, a rib is projected from both ends of the shaft member 17 in a direction orthogonal to the shaft, and the locking portion of the rubber elastic body 30 is placed on the rib to make the upper surface of the support plate 9 Contact can also be avoided. When the key top 2 is released, the key top 2
Is urged upward based on the elastic force of the rubber elastic body 30 to perform an operation reverse to the above-described operation and return to the original non-pressed position.

As described in detail above, in the key switch device 1 according to the second embodiment, an annular rubber elastic body 30 is used as an urging member for urging the key top 2 upward. Part of the shaft 1 of the second link member
7 and the other portion of the rubber elastic body 30 is arranged so as to be in contact with the shaft 14 of the first link member 3 so that the rubber The biasing force of the elastic body 30 is applied to the first link member 3 and the second link member 3.
Since the rubber elastic body 30 is configured to act on the link member 4, the rubber elastic body 30 can be arranged outside each of the link members 3 and 4. As a result, the rubber elastic body 30 does not affect the space formed below the key top 2, and such space can be effectively used. Therefore, an electronic component such as an LED component can be arranged in a space below the keytop, so that it is possible to flexibly cope with various key switch devices.

A conductive portion 30A is formed on an annular rubber elastic body 30 disposed outside the first link member 3 and the second link member 4, and when the keytop 2 is pressed, the conductive portion 30A is formed on the lower surface thereof. Since the conductive portion 30A of the rubber elastic body 30 is elastically deformed via the projection 2A to conduct the conductive portion 30A and the fixed contacts 23 on the support plate 9, the switching operation is performed on each link. This can be done outside the members 3,4. Therefore, the member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop 2, and it is easier to effectively use such space.

Further, the conductive portion 30A is formed of an annular rubber elastic body 3.
Since the rubber elastic body 30 is provided at at least two positions having a symmetrical relationship at 0, it is possible to incorporate the rubber elastic body 30 into the key switch device 1 without particularly considering the directionality of the rubber elastic body 30, Thus, the key switch device 1 can be easily assembled.

The first and second embodiments do not limit the gist of the present invention, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. . For example, in the above embodiment, the rubber elastic body is provided on the lower end side of the link member, but it may be provided on the upper end side.

[0059]

As described above, in the key switch device according to the first aspect, as the urging member for urging the key top upward, the side at the lower end portion of one of the link members constituting the guide support member of the key top. Rubber elastic body mounted between a portion and a side portion at a lower end portion of the other link member, or between a side portion at an upper end portion of the one link member and a side portion at an upper end portion of the other link member. Is used, it is possible to dispose the urging member outside each link member. Thus, the biasing member does not affect the space formed below the keytop,
Such a space can be effectively utilized. Therefore, for example, an electronic component such as an LED can be arranged in a space below the keytop, and it is possible to flexibly cope with various key switch devices.

Further, in the key switch device according to the second aspect, a conductive portion is formed on the rubber elastic body, and when the key top is pressed, the conductive portion of the rubber elastic body is pressed via a pressing projection formed on the lower surface thereof. Since it is configured to conduct elastically and electrically connect the conductive part and the fixed contact part on the support plate,
The switching operation can also be performed outside each link member. Therefore, the member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and it is easier to effectively use such space.

Further, in the key switch device according to the third aspect, since a pair of rubber elastic bodies are mounted on both sides at the lower end of each link member, each link member is interposed via the pair of rubber elastic bodies. Can be urged in good balance on both sides. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the twisting or the like from occurring in each link member and smoothly perform the key top pressing operation.

Further, in the key switch device of the fourth aspect,
As an urging member for urging the key top upward, an annular rubber elastic body that contacts and energizes a lower end or an upper end of a pair of link members constituting a guide support member of the key top is used. Since it is used, the urging member can be arranged outside each link member. Thus, the urging member does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and the space can be effectively used. Thus, for example, LED
Such electronic components can be arranged in a space below the keytop, and can flexibly correspond to various key switch devices.

Further, in the key switch device according to the fifth aspect, the conductive portion is formed on the annular rubber elastic body disposed outside each link member, and when the key top is pressed, the pressing protrusion formed on the lower surface thereof. Since the conductive part of the rubber elastic body is elastically deformed via the conductive part and the conductive part and the fixed contact part on the support plate are electrically connected, the switching operation can be performed outside each link member Becomes Therefore,
The member that performs the switching operation does not affect the space formed below the keytop, and it becomes easier to effectively use such space.

Further, in the key switch device according to the sixth aspect, since the conductive portion is provided at at least two positions having a symmetrical relationship in the annular rubber elastic body, when the rubber elastic body is incorporated into the key switch device. It becomes possible to incorporate the rubber elastic body without giving special consideration to the directionality thereof, so that the key switch device can be easily assembled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the key switch device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the key switch device 1 schematically showing a state in which a key top is pressed and a switching operation is performed by pressing the key top.
4A shows a state where the keytop is not pressed, FIG. 4B shows a state where the keytop is slightly pressed, and FIG. 4C shows a state where the keytop is pressed until the switching operation is performed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another example of a rubber elastic body.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an LED unit.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a key switch device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing another example of the annular rubber elastic body.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the key switch device, schematically illustrating a state in which the switching operation is performed by pressing the key top from the non-pressed state of the key top, and FIG.
Indicates a non-pressed state of the keytop, and FIG. 9B illustrates a state in which the keytop is pressed until the switching operation is performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key switch device 2 Key top 2A Depression projection 3 1st link member 4 2nd link member 5 Guide member 6 Shaft member 7 Shaft member 8 Rubber elastic body 8C Conductive part 9 Support plate 10 Rotation locking part 11 Sliding locking Part 12 Shaft member 13 Shaft member 14 Shaft 17 Shaft 20 Cut and raised piece 21 Rotating hole 22 Sliding hole 23 Fixed electrode 24 LED component 30 Ring rubber elastic body 31 Stepped portion 100 Notebook personal computer 111 Lid

Claims (6)

[Claims] A key top provided with a plurality of upper locking portions on a lower surface thereof; a support plate provided below the key top and provided with a plurality of lower locking portions; It has a pair of link members that are locked to the stopper and the lower end is locked to the lower locking portion,
A guide support member for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top, between a side portion at a lower end portion of the one link member and a side portion at a lower end portion of the other link member, or at an upper end portion of the one link member; Between the side portion and the side portion at the upper end portion of the other link member, an urging member which is formed of a rubber elastic body mounted and urges the key top upward to hold the key top at a non-pressed position, A key switch device, comprising: a switching member that performs a switching operation in response to a pressing operation of the key top. 2. A pressing projection formed on a lower surface of the key top, a fixed contact portion formed on the support plate, and a conductive portion provided on the rubber elastic body, and when the key top is pressed. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive portion and the fixed contact portion are electrically connected to each other by elastically deforming the conductive portion via a pressing protrusion. 3. A pair of the rubber elastic bodies is mounted between both side portions at a lower end portion of one link member and both side portions at a lower end portion of the other link member. Or the key switch device according to claim 2. 4. A key top provided with a plurality of upper locking portions on a lower surface thereof; a support plate disposed below the key top and provided with a plurality of lower locking portions; It has a pair of link members that are locked to the stopper and the lower end is locked to the lower locking portion,
A guide support member for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top; and a ring-shaped rubber elastic body that contacts and surrounds the lower end or the upper end of each of the link members to apply a biasing force. A key switch device comprising: an urging member that urges the key top to be held at a non-pressed position; and a switching member that performs a switching operation in response to the key top depressing operation. 5. A key press comprising: a pressing projection formed on a lower surface of a key top; a fixed contact portion formed on the support plate; and a conductive portion provided on the annular rubber elastic body. 5. The key switch device according to claim 4, wherein the conductive portion and the fixed contact portion are electrically connected to each other by elastically deforming the conductive portion via the pressing protrusion when the key is pressed. 6. The key switch device according to claim 5, wherein the conductive portion is provided at at least two positions having a symmetrical relationship in the annular rubber elastic body.