JP2003272470A - Membrane switch, key switch using the membrane switch, keyboard provided with key switch, and personal computer provided with keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a membrane switch capable of pressing an upper side membrane sheet stably when switching to stabilize switching operation and to provide a key switch provided with the membrane switch. <P>SOLUTION: In this membrane switch 1 composed of a lower side membrane sheet 2, the upper side membrane sheet 3, and a spacer sheet 4 provided between both sheets 2 and 3, a spring sheet 5 made of a metallic thin plate is arranged on the upper side membrane sheet 3, and a semispherical swelling part 13 is formed by corresponding to an upper part electrode 9 on the spring sheet 5 to press the upper side membrane sheet 3 by a connection part 14 of the swelling part 13 and the spring sheet 5. Moreover, in the key switch, the membrane switch 1 is arranged below a holder member 22 to press down the swelling part 13 by a pressing-down projection 33 when pressing down a key top. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a membrane switch having a so-called three-layer structure composed of an upper membrane sheet, a lower membrane sheet, and a spacer layer provided between both sheets, and particularly when performing switching. A membrane switch capable of stably pressing the upper membrane sheet and thus stabilizing the switching operation, a key switch using the membrane switch, a keyboard equipped with the key switch, and the keyboard. It relates to a personal computer provided.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on the upper surface, an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, and a layer between both upper and lower membrane sheets, There has been proposed a membrane switch having various three-layer structures composed of a spacer sheet that separates the lower electrode and the upper electrode from each other through a switching hole formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode.

In this type of membrane switch, in order to perform a switching operation, the upper electrode portion of the upper membrane sheet is directly pressed from above with a finger and indirectly through other rubber springs, key tops or the like.
As a result, the upper electrode formed on the lower surface of the upper membrane sheet is brought into contact with the lower electrode formed on the upper surface of the lower membrane sheet through the switching holes of the spacer sheet, and a predetermined switching operation is performed.

[0004]

By the way, the membrane switch has a flat laminated sheet structure, and the upper membrane sheet is generally formed flat. When the upper membrane sheet is directly pressed by a finger with such a membrane switch, the pressing portion is formed on the upper surface of the upper membrane sheet so as to be visible by printing or the like, but the finger can always press the proper position of the pressing portion. Therefore, it is difficult to perform stable switching operation.

Further, when the flat upper membrane sheet is indirectly pressed through a so-called rubber spring or key top, which is generally known, the rubber spring or key top has a variation in dimensional accuracy in manufacturing,
Such variation in dimensional accuracy directly affects the pressing characteristic of the membrane switch. Therefore, as long as the dimensional accuracy of the rubber springs and key tops is within the appropriate range, it is possible to press the appropriate position of the pressing portion on the upper sheet via these, but the dimensional accuracy is within the appropriate range. If it comes off, the upper sheet may be pressed with the rubber spring or the key top tilted. In such a case, it becomes difficult to perform a stable switching operation as in the case described above.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and it is possible to press the upper membrane sheet in a stable manner during switching, thereby stabilizing the switching operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a membrane switch that can be achieved, a key switch using the membrane switch, a keyboard equipped with the key switch, and a personal computer equipped with the keyboard.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a membrane switch according to claim 1 has a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on an upper surface and an upper electrode on a lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode. The formed upper membrane sheet, provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, a switching hole is formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the lower electrode via the switching hole. In a membrane switch having a spacer layer for separating the upper electrode, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a hemispherical expansion corresponding to the upper electrode. It is characterized in that a projecting portion is formed.

In the membrane switch according to the first aspect, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a hemispherical bulge portion corresponding to the upper electrode. Therefore, when the bulging part is pressed by a finger, rubber spring, key top, etc. during switching operation, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connecting part with the spring sheet existing around the bulging part, and the upper membrane sheet is pressed. The upper electrode of 1 contacts the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching hole of the spacer layer to perform the switching operation. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between the bulging portion and the spring seat, the pressing position of the bulging portion by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, etc. is a portion other than the central portion of the bulging portion. However, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Here, the spacer layer may be formed between the upper membrane sheet and the lower membrane sheet, and may be composed of an adhesive layer for laminating and adhering both membrane sheets. You may comprise from the spacer sheet formed from the sheet similar to a side membrane sheet.

A membrane switch according to a second aspect of the present invention is the membrane switch according to the first aspect, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the bulging portion. In such a membrane switch, since a pair of slits are formed on both sides of the bulging portion formed on the spring seat, the bulging portion of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is fingered,
Even when a pressing load is applied via a rubber spring, key top, etc., the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat, and the pressing load is prevented from spreading between the bulging portion and the spring seat. It is possible to concentrate on the connecting portion. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch comprising: a key top having a depression projection provided on a lower surface thereof; and a holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening corresponding to the depression projection. A first link member and a second link member that are movably connected and locked to the lower surface of the key top and the holder member and that guide the vertical movement of the key top; and a spring member that biases the key top upward. A lower membrane sheet disposed below the holder member and having a lower electrode formed on an upper surface corresponding to the opening, and an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on a lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, It is provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, and switching holes are formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the lower electrode is connected through the switching holes. A membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the upper electrode from the lower electrode, and the key top is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member, and the upper electrode and the lower electrode are pressed from the opening through a pressing protrusion. Is a key switch that performs a switching operation by contacting with, and a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a hemispherical expansion corresponding to the upper electrode. It is characterized in that a projecting portion is formed.

In the key switch according to the third aspect, the key top is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member, so that the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower part of the lower membrane sheet are pushed from the opening through the pushing protrusion. Regarding the switching operation by contacting the electrodes, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a hemispherical bulge portion corresponding to the upper electrode. Therefore, when the bulging part is pressed by the pressing protrusion of the key top during the switching operation, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connection part with the spring sheet existing around the bulging part, and the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet is Switching operation is performed by contacting the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching holes in the spacer layer. That. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between the bulging portion and the spring sheet, even if the pressing position of the bulging portion by the pressing protrusion of the key top is a portion other than the central portion of the bulging portion, The upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Here, the spacer layer may be formed between an upper membrane sheet and a lower membrane sheet, and may be composed of an adhesive layer for laminating and adhering both membrane sheets. You may comprise from the spacer sheet formed from the sheet similar to a side membrane sheet.

A key switch according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the key switch according to the third aspect, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the bulging portion. In such a key switch, since the pair of slits are formed on both sides of the bulging portion formed on the spring seat in the membrane switch disposed below the holder member, the bulging of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is formed. Even when a pressing load is applied to the key portion via the pressing protrusion of the key top, the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat, and the pressing load is prevented from spreading to the spring portion. It becomes possible to concentrate on the connecting portion with the seat. Therefore,
With a small pressing load, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other to quickly perform the switching operation.

Further, in the membrane switch according to a fifth aspect, a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on an upper surface, an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on a lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, A spacer layer is provided between the side membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, a switching hole is formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and a spacer layer for separating the lower electrode and the upper electrode via the switching hole is provided. In the membrane switch, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper membrane sheet, and a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces are formed on the spring sheet so as to correspond to the upper electrodes. And

In the membrane switch according to claim 5, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces corresponding to the upper electrodes. Therefore, when each elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, etc. during switching operation, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connecting portion between the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, and the upper membrane sheet The upper electrode comes into contact with the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching hole of the spacer layer to perform the switching operation.
At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between each elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, both elastic cut-and-raised pieces are pressed simultaneously by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like. Even when only the elastic cut-and-raised pieces are pressed, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Here, the spacer layer may be formed between an upper membrane sheet and a lower membrane sheet, and may be composed of an adhesive layer for laminating and adhering the both membrane sheets. You may comprise from the spacer sheet formed from the sheet similar to a side membrane sheet.

A membrane switch according to a sixth aspect is the membrane switch according to the fifth aspect, characterized in that a pair of slits are formed on both sides of the elastic cut and raised piece in the spring seat. In such a membrane switch, since a pair of slits are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece formed on the spring sheet, a finger and a rubber spring are attached to each elastic cut-and-raised piece of the spring sheet corresponding to the upper electrode. Even when a pressing load is applied via the key tops, etc., the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat, and the pressing load is connected to the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring seat. It is possible to concentrate on the department. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, a key switch according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises a key top having a depression projection provided on a lower surface thereof, and a holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening formed corresponding to the depression projection. A first link member and a second link member that are movably connected and locked to the lower surface of the key top and the holder member and that guide the vertical movement of the key top; and a spring member that biases the key top upward. A lower membrane sheet disposed below the holder member and having a lower electrode formed on an upper surface corresponding to the opening, and an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on a lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, It is provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, and switching holes are formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the lower electrode is connected through the switching holes. A membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the upper electrode from the lower electrode, and the key top is pressed against the biasing force of the spring member, and the upper electrode and the lower electrode are pressed from the opening through a pressing protrusion. And a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate on the upper membrane sheet, and a pair of elastic switches corresponding to the upper electrodes are provided on the spring sheet. It is characterized in that a raised piece is formed.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the key switch is pressed against the urging force of the spring member, so that the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower part of the lower membrane sheet are pushed from the opening through the pushing protrusion. When performing a switching operation by contacting the electrodes, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is provided on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces corresponding to the upper electrodes. Therefore, when each elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed by the pressing protrusion of the key top during the switching operation, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connecting portion between the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, and the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet becomes the spacer layer. Switching operation is performed by contacting the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching hole of At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between each elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, both of the elastic cut-and-raised pieces are pressed simultaneously by the pressing protrusion of the key top, or one elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed. Even when only one piece is pressed, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be reliably and stably brought into contact with each other. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed. Further, each elastic cut-and-raised piece can be elastically deformed downward even after pressing the elastic cut-and-raised pieces by the pressing projection of the key top to bring the upper electrode and the lower electrode into contact with each other to perform the switching operation. Therefore, it is possible to realize an appropriate overtravel action in the pressing operation of the key top.

Here, the spacer layer may be formed between an upper membrane sheet and a lower membrane sheet, and may be composed of an adhesive layer for laminating and adhering both membrane sheets. You may comprise from the spacer sheet formed from the sheet similar to a side membrane sheet.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the key switch according to the seventh aspect, the spring seat is formed with a pair of slits on both sides of the elastic cut and raised piece. With such a key switch,
Since a pair of slits are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece formed on the spring seat, the elastic cut-and-raised piece of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is pressed through the pressing projection of the key top. Even when a load is applied, it is possible to prevent the pressing load from being distributed over the entire spring seat and concentrate the pressing load on the connecting portion between the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring seat. Become. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, a keyboard according to a ninth aspect is characterized by including at least one key switch according to the third or seventh aspect. Therefore, the above-mentioned claim 3
Alternatively, the same effect as in the case of claim 7 can be obtained.

A personal computer according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a personal computer including a key top having a push-down protrusion provided on a lower surface thereof.
A holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening formed corresponding to the pressing protrusion, and a lower surface of the key top and the holder member are movably connected and locked to guide the vertical movement of the key top. A first link member and a second link member, a spring member that biases the key top upward, and a lower electrode that is disposed below the holder member and has a lower electrode formed on the upper surface corresponding to the opening. Side membrane sheet, an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, and a switching hole provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode. And a membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the lower electrode and the upper electrode from each other through a switching hole,
A key switch for performing a switching operation by bringing the upper electrode and the lower electrode into contact with each other through the pressing protrusion from the opening by pressing the key top against the biasing force of the spring member. A spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the membrane sheet,
The spring seat is provided with a key switch having a hemispherical bulge corresponding to the upper electrode, a keyboard for inputting various data such as characters and symbols, and a display means for displaying characters and symbols. And a control means for displaying characters, symbols and the like on the display means based on input data from the keyboard.

In the personal computer according to the tenth aspect, when various data such as characters and symbols are input from the key switches of the keyboard, the characters and symbols are displayed on the display means under the control of the control means. At this time, since the personal computer according to claim 10 includes the keyboard provided with the key switch according to claim 3, the same effect as that of the case according to claim 3 can be obtained.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments embodying the present invention with respect to a membrane switch according to the present invention, a key switch using the membrane switch, a keyboard equipped with the key switch, and a personal computer equipped with the keyboard Will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the notebook personal computer according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 (A) and 18 (B). FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a laptop personal computer. FIG. 18B is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the laptop personal computer.

In FIG. 18A, a laptop personal computer 101 basically includes a main body 102 having a built-in CPU for performing each arithmetic process, and a display 103 supported by the main body 102 so as to be openable and closable. It consists of This display 103 has a main body 102
It is rotatably supported by the connecting portion 104 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body portion 102. The main body 102 is provided with a keyboard 105 having a plurality of key switches.

Further, in FIG. 18B, the CPU 10
A ROM 107 in which a program for controlling each unit of the personal computer is stored and a RAM 108 for storing various data are connected to 6 via a bus 109. An input / output interface 110 is connected to the CPU 106 via a bus 109,
The input / output interface 110 includes the display 103, the keyboard 105, and a hard disk device 111 in which programs such as document creation and spreadsheet calculation are stored.
Are connected. The CPU 106 is a keyboard 1
Based on the input data from 05, a program such as document creation or spreadsheet is read from the hard disk device 111 and executed, or characters or symbols are displayed on the display 103.

Next, a membrane switch used as a key switch attached to the keyboard 105 of the notebook personal computer 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the membrane switch according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the membrane switch, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the membrane switch.

In FIG. 1, the membrane switch 1 is
Basically, the lower side membrane sheet 2, the upper side membrane sheet 3, the spacer sheet 4 inserted between the lower side membrane sheet 2 and the upper side membrane sheet 3, and the spring sheet 5 laminated on the upper side membrane sheet 3.
It consists of The membrane switch 1 is supported on a support plate 50 as shown in FIG.

The lower membrane sheet 2 is a film sheet made of polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter abbreviated as PET), and the lower switch electrode 7 connected to the circuit pattern 6 is formed on the upper surface thereof. ing. Further, the upper membrane sheet 3 is formed of a PET film sheet like the lower membrane sheet 2, and has a lower surface connected to the circuit pattern 8 so as to correspond to the lower switch electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2. The upper switch electrode 9 is formed.

The circuit pattern 6 and the lower switch electrode 7 on the lower membrane sheet 2 and the circuit pattern 8 and the upper switch electrode 9 on the upper membrane sheet 3 can be formed by a known method.
It may be formed by applying a conductive paint containing carbon particles, silver particles, etc. in a predetermined pattern, or may be formed by etching a copper foil adhered to a PET film sheet in a predetermined pattern.

The spacer sheet 4 is formed of a PET film sheet like the lower membrane sheet 2 and the upper membrane sheet 3, and has switching holes 10 at positions corresponding to the lower switch electrode 7 and the upper switch electrode 9.
Are formed. The switching hole 10 separates the lower switch electrode 7 and the upper switch electrode 9 from each other during the non-switching operation, and when the upper surface of the upper membrane sheet 3 corresponding to the upper switch electrode 9 is pressed during the switching operation. In addition, the upper switch electrode 9 can be moved to contact the lower switch electrode 7.

The spring seat 5 is made of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel and has a large elasticity. The spring seat 5 includes a pair of parallel slits 11.
2, a part of each slit 11 is overlapped on both sides of the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3, as shown in FIG. Further, the switch portion 12 formed between the slits 11 has a hemispherical bulging portion 1
3 is formed, and the bulging portion 13 is integrally connected to the spring seat 5 via the connecting portion 14 around the bulging portion 13.

A pressing load is applied to each slit 11 to the bulging portion 13 formed on the switch portion 12 of the spring seat 5 corresponding to the upper electrode 9 via a finger, a rubber spring, a key top or the like. Even in such a case, the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat 5, and the pressing load is connected to the connecting portion 14 of the bulging portion 13.
Acts to concentrate on. Therefore, even when the pressing load exerted on the bulging portion 13 is small, the pressing load is concentrated on the connecting portion 14 of the bulging portion 13. As a result, the upper surface of the upper electrode 9 is pressed through the connecting portion 14, and the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 are brought into contact with each other, so that a quick switching operation can be performed. It is a thing.

In the membrane switch 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the spring sheet 5 made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet 3, and the spring sheet 5 has a hemispherical shape corresponding to the upper electrode 9. Bulge 1
3 is formed, when the bulging portion 13 is pressed by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top or the like during the switching operation, the upper membrane is connected via the connecting portion 14 with the spring seat 5 existing around the bulging portion 13. The sheet 3 is pressed, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 comes into contact with the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 through the switching hole 10 of the spacer sheet 4, and the switching operation is performed. At this time, the upper membrane sheet 3 has the bulge 1
3 is pressed by the connecting portion 14 between the spring seat 5 and the upper membrane, even if the pressing position of the bulging portion 13 by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like is a portion other than the central portion of the bulging portion 13. The upper electrode 9 of the sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Particularly, the size (diameter) of the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 is made larger than the size (diameter) of the bulging portion 13 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore, as described above. Even when a pressing load by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like is exerted on the bulging portion 13 in a direction inclined to the bulging portion 13, the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 are securely connected via a part of the connecting portion 14. Therefore, stable switching operation can be guaranteed.

The spring seat 5 has a bulge 1
Since a pair of slits 11 are formed on both sides of 3, the pressing load is applied to the bulging portion 13 of the spring seat 5 corresponding to the upper electrode 9 via a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like. Even in such a case, the pressing load can be prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat 5, and the pressing load can be concentrated on the connecting portion 14 between the bulge portion 13 and the spring seat 5. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Next, a key switch using the membrane switch 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. 4 is a perspective view of the key switch with the key top removed, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch, FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the key top, FIG. 7 is a rear view of the key top, and FIG. 8 is a first link. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the member, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second link member.

First, the schematic structure of the key switch will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the key switch 20 basically includes a key top 21, a holder member 22 disposed below the key top 21, and a back surface of the key top 21 and the holder member 22. A first link member 23 and a second link member 24 for guiding the vertical movement of the key top 21, a coil spring 25 for urging the key top 21 upward, a membrane switch 1 arranged below the holder member 22, and The support plate 50 is provided below the membrane switch 1 and supports the entire key switch 20.

Here, the key top 21 is formed of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin, characters and symbols are formed on the upper surface thereof by a known method such as printing, and the back surface thereof is As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of slide locking portions 26 and rotation locking portions 27 are integrally formed. A sliding groove 28 is formed in each sliding locking portion 26, and locking pins 29A and 29B of a first link member 23 described later are slidably locked in the sliding groove 28. It A closed end face 28A is formed in the sliding groove 28. Further, each rotation locking portion 27 is formed with a rotation groove 30 whose lower side is opened, and in this rotation groove 30, locking pins 31A and 31B of a second link member 24 described later are rotated. It is movably locked.

In addition, between the sliding engagement portions 26 and the rotation engagement portions 27 which are present at the four corners on the back surface of the key top 21, a cylindrical shape for exteriorly holding the upper end portion of the coil spring 25 is held. A spring holding portion 32 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is formed. Further, the spring seat 5 in the membrane switch 1 is provided at a substantially central position of the spring holding portion 32.
A push-down protrusion 33 for pushing down the bulging portion 13 of the switch portion 12 is vertically provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the push-down protrusion 33 is formed to be longer than the thickness of the key top 21. Is extended below the lower end surface of the. The push-down protrusion 33 is used for the key top 2 as described later.
When the switch 1 is pressed, the swelling part 13 of the switch part 12 formed on the spring seat 5 of the membrane switch 1 is pressed.

The holder member 22 arranged below the key top 21 is made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin. In the holder member 22, a key station portion 34 is formed for each key switch 1, and the key station portion 34 is formed thinner than the surrounding wall thickness. A corner hole 35 is formed in each of two corners on one side (left side in FIG. 5) of the key station portion 34, and a sliding member is formed so as to overhang upward from a side end of each corner hole 35. The stopper 36 is formed integrally with the holder member 22. Locking pins 37A and 37B of the second link member 24, which will be described later, are slidably locked to the respective sliding lock pieces 36. The sliding engagement piece 36 has a closed end surface 36.
A is formed. Further, corner holes 38 are formed in the two corners on the other side (right side in FIG. 5) of the key station portion 34, and a pair of holding walls 39 are formed in the vicinity of the corner holes 38. . Between each sandwiching wall 39, a locking pin 40A of a first link member 23, which will be described later,
40B is rotatably locked.

A cylindrical spring holding portion 41 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for covering and holding the lower end portion of the coil spring 25 is formed at a substantially central position of the key station portion 34. An opening 42 that penetrates the holder member 22 is formed inside the spring holding portion 41. This opening 42 is the pressing protrusion 3 of the key top 21.
3, the pressing protrusion 33 moves downwards through the opening 42 when the key top 21 is pressed, and the switch portion 12 of the spring seat 5 in the membrane switch 1 is pressed.
The bulging portion 13 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 are pushed down.
To make contact with.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first link member 23 is formed in a substantially "B" shape in plan view, and has a pair of plate-like portions 43A and 43B and both ends of each plate-like portion 43A and 43B. It has connecting parts 44A and 44B which respectively connect the parts.
Further, locking pins 29A and 29B extend outward from the corner of one connecting portion 44A (the left connecting portion in FIG. 8), and the other connecting portion 44B (the right connecting portion in FIG. 8). From the corners of the (connecting portion), locking pins 40A, 4
0B is extended to the outside. Each locking pin 29A, 29
B is slidably locked in the sliding groove 28 in each sliding locking portion 26 of the key top 21, and each locking pin 40
A and 40B are a pair of holding walls 39 and 39 of the holder member 22.
Is rotatably locked to. Furthermore, each plate-shaped portion 43A, 43
Shaft portions 45A and 45B are formed so as to extend from a substantially central portion of B.

The second link member 24 is the first link member 2
As in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 9, it is formed into a substantially “b” shape in a plan view, and connects the pair of plate-shaped portions 46A and 46B and both end portions of the plate-shaped portions 46A and 46B, respectively. It has parts 47A and 47B. Also, one connecting portion 47A
Locking pins 37A and 37B extend outward from the corner of (the left connecting portion in FIG. 9), and from the corner of the other connecting portion 47B (the right connecting portion in FIG. 9). Has locking pins 31A and 31B extending outward. The locking pins 31A, 31B are rotatably locked in the rotary grooves 30 of the rotary locking portions 27 of the key top 21, and the locking pins 37A, 37B slide on the holder member 22. It is slidably locked to the locking piece 36. Further, from the substantially central portion of each plate-shaped portion 46A, 46B, the shaft holes 48A, 48B
Are formed (see FIG. 5), and the respective axial holes 48A, 48B
To the shaft portions 45A and 45B of the first link member 23, respectively.
Is rotatably supported. As a result, the first link member 23 and the second link member 24 are rotatably connected to each other based on the axial support relationship between the shaft portions 45A and 45B and the shaft holes 48A and 48B.

The coil spring 25 has a key top 21.
The spring holding portion 32 formed on the key top 21.
The outer periphery of the spring holding portion 41 formed on the key station portion 34 of the holder member 22 is exteriorly held at the lower end thereof.

The key switch 20 configured as described above
The operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed, and FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is pressed.

When the key top 21 is not depressed, as shown in FIG. 10, the key top 21 is biased upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 25 and is held in the non-depressed position. In the non-depressed position, the locking pins 29A and 29B of the first link member 23, which are locked in the sliding grooves 28 of the sliding locking portions 26 of the key top 21, respectively, are in the sliding grooves 28. Closed end face 28
The locking pins 37A and 37B of the second link member 24, which are in contact with A and are locked to the sliding locking pieces 36 of the holder member 22, are the closed end surfaces of the sliding locking pieces 36, respectively. It is in contact with 36A. As a result, the upward movement of the key top 21 is restricted.

When the key top 21 is pushed down against the urging force of the coil spring 25, the locking pins 29A and 29B of the first link member 23 are slid into the sliding groove 2 of the sliding locking portion 26.
8 gradually slides in the right direction, and the locking pins 40A, 40B rotate counterclockwise in the holding walls 39, 39. At the same time, each locking pin 37 of the second link member 24
A and 37B gradually slide to the right in the sliding locking piece 36, and the locking pins 31A and 31B are positioned in the rotation groove 30 of the rotation locking portion 27 of the key top 21. Rotate clockwise. According to this, the push-down protrusion 33 of the key top 21 also gradually moves downward.

When the key top 21 is further pressed, the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21 is released.
The bulging portion 13 formed in the switch portion 12 of the spring seat 5 in the membrane switch 1 is pushed down through the opening 42 inside the spring holding portion 41 formed in 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressing load applied to the bulging portion 13 via the pressing protrusion 33 is
And the spring sheet 5 are concentrated on the connecting portion 14, and as a result, the upper surface of the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet 3 is pressed by the connecting portion 14, and the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 are The spacer sheet 4 is contacted through the switching hole 10 to perform the switching operation.

When the depression of the key top 21 is released, the operation opposite to the above-described operation is performed based on the urging force of the coil spring 25, and the key top 21 returns to the non-depressed position shown in FIG.

In the key switch 20 described above, in the membrane switch 1 disposed below the holder member 22, the key top 21 is pressed against the urging force of the coil spring 25, so that the pressing projection is made from the opening 42. Three
When the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 are brought into contact with each other via 3 to perform the switching operation, the spring sheet 5 made of a thin metal plate is provided on the upper membrane sheet 3. Since the spring seat 5 is formed with a hemispherical bulging portion 13 corresponding to the upper electrode 9, when the bulging portion 13 is pressed by the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21 during the switching operation, the bulging portion 13 bulges out. The upper membrane sheet 3 via the connecting portion 14 with the spring seat 5 existing around the portion 13
Is pressed, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 comes into contact with the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 through the switching hole 10 of the spacer sheet 4, and a switching operation is performed. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet 3 is pressed by the connecting portion 14 between the bulging portion 13 and the spring seat 5, the pressing position of the bulging portion 13 by the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21 is the central portion of the bulging portion 13. Even in the other portions, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Further, since a pair of slits 11 are formed on both sides of the bulging portion 13 formed on the spring seat 5 in the membrane switch 1 arranged below the holder member 22, it corresponds to the upper electrode 9. Even when a pressing load is applied to the bulging portion 13 of the spring seat 5 via the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21,
The pressing load can be prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat 5, and the pressing load can be concentrated on the connecting portion 14 between the bulging portion 13 and the spring seat 5. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 5 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Next, the membrane switch according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1
2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the membrane switch according to the second embodiment, FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of the membrane switch, and FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of the membrane switch.

In the following, the same elements, members and the like as those in the membrane switch of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals and the membrane switch of the second embodiment will be described. The description will be made focusing on the characteristic configuration, and the description of the same configuration as the membrane switch of the first embodiment will be omitted.

12 to 14, the spring seat 5 forming a part of the membrane switch 1 is made of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel and has a large elasticity. A pair of parallel slits 11 are formed in the spring sheet 5, and a part of each slit 11 is overlapped with both sides of the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 as shown in FIG. . Further, a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 are formed in the switch portion 12 formed between the slits 11 so as to correspond to the upper electrodes of the upper membrane sheet 3. As shown in FIG. 13, each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 is formed by punching out an inverted S-shaped blank portion 16 on the spring seat 5, and then bent obliquely upward from a connecting portion 17 with the spring seat 5. It is formed by In this way, each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 has the connecting portion 1
It is integrally connected to the spring seat 5 via 7.

Since the structure of the membrane switch 1 other than the spring seat 5 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the membrane switch 1 according to the second embodiment, the spring sheet 5 made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet 3, and the spring sheet 5 has a pair of elastic members corresponding to the upper electrodes 9. Cut and raised piece 15
Since each of the elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 is pressed by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like during the switching operation, the upper membrane sheet 3 is connected via the connecting portion 17 between the elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 and the spring seat 5. Is pressed, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 contacts the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 through the switching hole 10 of the spacer sheet 4, and the switching operation is performed. At this time, the upper membrane sheet 3 is pressed by the connecting portion 17 between each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 and the spring sheet 5, so that both elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 are pressed simultaneously by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, or the like. Further, even when only one elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 is pressed, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. . As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

In particular, the size (diameter) of the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 is as shown in FIGS.
7 is larger than the length of the elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 and the connecting portion 17 of each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 exists within the range of each upper electrode 9 and lower electrode 7, and therefore, as described above. Even if a pressing load such as a finger, a rubber spring, or a key top presses both elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 at the same time, or even if only one elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 is pressed, the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 9 7 is reliably contacted via at least one connecting portion 17, and a stable switching operation can be guaranteed.

Since a pair of slits 11 are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 formed on the spring seat 5, each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 of the spring seat 5 corresponding to the upper electrode 9 is formed. On the other hand, even when a pressing load is exerted through a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, etc., the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat 5, and the pressing load is elastically cut and raised. It becomes possible to concentrate on the connecting portion 17 between the piece 15 and the spring seat 5. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Next, FIG. 15 shows a key switch using the membrane switch 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch.

In the key switch 20 using the membrane switch 1 according to the second embodiment, the spring is provided from the opening 42 formed inside the spring holding portion 41 formed at the substantially central position of the key station portion 34. Each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 of the sheet 5 is exposed, and when the key top 21 is pressed, the pressing protrusion 33 moves downward through the opening 42 and presses each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 to press the upper membrane sheet 3 Upper electrode 9 and lower membrane sheet 2
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the lower electrode 7 of the first embodiment is brought into contact with the lower electrode 7, and other configurations are the same as those of the key switch using the membrane switch 1 of the first embodiment.

The key switch 20 configured as described above
The operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. 16 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed, and FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the key switch showing a state where the key top is pressed.

When the key top 21 is not depressed, as shown in FIG. 16, the key top 21 is biased upward by the biasing force of the coil spring 25 and is held in the non-depressed position. In the non-depressed position, the locking pins 29A and 29B of the first link member 23, which are locked in the sliding grooves 28 of the sliding locking portions 26 of the key top 21, respectively, are in the sliding grooves 28. Closed end face 28
The locking pins 37A and 37B of the second link member 24, which are in contact with A and are locked to the sliding locking pieces 36 of the holder member 22, are the closed end surfaces of the sliding locking pieces 36, respectively. It is in contact with 36A. As a result, the upward movement of the key top 21 is restricted.

When the key top 21 is pushed down against the urging force of the coil spring 25, the locking pins 29A and 29B of the first link member 23 are slid into the sliding groove 2 of the sliding locking portion 26.
8 gradually slides in the right direction, and the locking pins 40A, 40B rotate counterclockwise in the holding walls 39, 39. At the same time, each locking pin 37 of the second link member 24
A and 37B gradually slide to the right in the sliding locking piece 36, and the locking pins 31A and 31B are positioned in the rotation groove 30 of the rotation locking portion 27 of the key top 21. Rotate clockwise. According to this, the push-down protrusion 33 of the key top 21 also gradually moves downward.

When the key top 21 is further pressed, the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21 will be
Each of the elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 formed on the switch portion 12 of the spring seat 5 of the membrane switch 1 is pushed down through the opening 42 inside the spring holding portion 41 formed in 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the pressing load exerted on each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 via the pressing protrusion 33 is concentrated on the connecting portion 17 between each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 and the spring seat 5, and as a result, , The upper surface of the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 is pressed by the connecting portion 17, and the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 are brought into contact with each other via the switching holes 10 of the spacer sheet 4,
Switching operation is performed. After performing the switching operation in this way, each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 can be elastically deformed downward, and an appropriate overtravel action can be obtained in the pressing operation of the key top 21.

When the depression of the key top 21 is released, the operation opposite to the above-described operation is performed based on the urging force of the coil spring 25, and the key top 21 returns to the non-depressed position shown in FIG.

In the key switch 20 described above, when the key top 21 is pressed against the biasing force of the coil spring 25, the key switch 21 is pressed from the opening 42 through the pressing protrusion 33 to the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower side. Regarding the switching operation by contacting the lower electrode 7 of the membrane sheet 2, a spring sheet 5 made of a thin metal plate is provided on the upper membrane sheet 3, and the spring sheet 5 corresponds to the upper electrode 9. A pair of elastic cut and raised pieces 1
5 is formed, when each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 is pressed by the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21 during the switching operation, the upper membrane sheet 3 via the connecting portion 17 between the elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 and the spring seat 5. Is pressed, and the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 becomes the spacer sheet 4
The lower membrane sheet 2 through the switching holes 10 of
The lower electrode 7 is brought into contact with the lower electrode 7 to perform the switching operation. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet 3 is pressed by the connecting portion 17 between each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 and the spring sheet 5, the elastic cut-and-raised piece 1 is pressed by the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21.
5 simultaneously, or even when only one elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 is pressed, the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 can be reliably and It can be stably contacted. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed. Further, even after the elastic protrusions 15 are pressed by the pressing protrusions 33 of the key top 21 to bring the upper electrode 9 and the lower electrode 7 into contact with each other to perform the switching operation, the elastic protrusions 15 are moved downward. Since it can be elastically deformed, it is possible to realize an appropriate overtravel action in the pressing operation of the key top 21.

Since a pair of slits 11 are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 formed on the spring seat 5, each elastic cut-and-raised piece 15 of the spring seat 5 corresponding to the upper electrode 9 is formed. On the other hand, even when a pressing load is exerted via the pressing protrusion 33 of the key top 21, the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat 5, and the pressing load is elastically cut and raised. 1
5 and the spring seat 5 can be concentrated on the connecting portion 17. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode 9 of the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower electrode 7 of the lower membrane sheet 2 into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the membrane switch 1 of the first embodiment, the spring seat 5 is formed with the hemispherical bulging portion 13. However, the shape of the bulging portion 13 is a dome shape other than the hemispherical shape. It may be shaped like a dish.

Further, in the membrane switch 1 of the second embodiment, a pair of strip-shaped elastic cut-and-raised pieces 15 are formed on the spring seat 5, but the number is not limited to one.
One or three or more may be formed, and the shape thereof may be variously changed.

Further, in each of the key switches 20, the pressing projection 33 is formed on the lower surface of the key top 21, and the bulging portion 13 and the elastic cut-and-raised piece of the spring seat 5 in the membrane switch 1 are formed through the pressing projection 33. Although it is configured to press 15, it is not limited to this.
A pressing portion may be formed in the link member 23 or the second link member 24, and the pressing portion may press the pressing portion.

Further, in the membrane switch 1 of the first and second embodiments, a PET film sheet similar to both membrane sheets 3 and 2 is provided between the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower membrane sheet 2. The spacer sheet 4 thus formed is inserted, but instead of the spacer sheet 4, the spacer sheet 4 is formed between the upper membrane sheet 3 and the lower membrane sheet 2,
You may comprise from the adhesive layer which laminate-bonds both membrane sheets 3 and 2. At this time, the adhesive layer does not have to be formed on the entire adhesive surface of the upper membrane sheet 3 or the lower membrane sheet 2, and may be formed of dot spacers in which the adhesive layer is dispersed and formed in a dot shape.

[0076]

As described above, in the membrane switch according to claim 1, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is provided on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet has a hemispherical expansion corresponding to the upper electrode. Since the protruding part is formed, if the bulging part is pressed by fingers, rubber springs, key tops, etc. during switching operation, the upper membrane sheet will be pressed through the connection part with the spring seat existing around the bulging part. Then, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet comes into contact with the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching hole of the spacer layer to perform the switching operation. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between the bulging portion and the spring seat, the pressing position of the bulging portion by a finger, a rubber spring, a key top, etc. is a portion other than the central portion of the bulging portion. However, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Further, in the membrane switch according to the second aspect, since the pair of slits are formed on both sides of the bulging portion formed on the spring seat, the bulging portion of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is formed. Even if a pressing load is applied through the fingers, rubber springs, key tops, etc., the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat, and the pressing load is prevented from spreading to the spring and the spring. It becomes possible to concentrate on the connecting portion with the seat. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, in the key switch according to claim 3,
Based on pressing the key top against the urging force of the spring member, about the switching operation by contacting the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet from the opening through the pushing protrusion, A spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet, and a hemispherical bulge corresponding to the upper electrode is formed on the spring sheet. When the bulging portion is pressed, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connecting portion with the spring sheet existing around the bulging portion, and the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the switching hole of the spacer layer to the lower membrane sheet. The switching operation is performed by contacting the lower electrode. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between the bulging portion and the spring sheet, even if the pressing position of the bulging portion by the pressing protrusion of the key top is a portion other than the central portion of the bulging portion, The upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be brought into contact with each other reliably and stably. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Further, in the key switch according to claim 4,
Since the pair of slits are formed on both sides of the bulging portion formed on the spring seat in the membrane switch disposed below the holder member, the key is attached to the bulging portion of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode. Even when a pressing load is applied via the pressing protrusion on the top,
It is possible to prevent the pressing load from being dispersed over the entire spring seat and concentrate the pressing load on the connecting portion between the bulge portion and the spring seat. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, in the membrane switch according to claim 5, a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet is
Since a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces is formed corresponding to the upper electrode, pressing each elastic cut-and-raised piece with a finger, rubber spring, key top, etc. during switching operation connects the elastic cut-and-raised piece to the spring seat. The upper membrane sheet is pressed through the section, and the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet comes into contact with the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet through the switching hole of the spacer layer to perform the switching operation. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between each elastic cut and raised piece and the spring sheet,
Even if both elastic cut-and-raised pieces are pressed simultaneously with a finger, rubber spring, key top, etc., or even if only one elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower membrane sheet It is possible to make reliable and stable contact with the lower electrode of. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed.

Further, in the membrane switch according to the sixth aspect, since the pair of slits are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece formed on the spring seat, each elastic cut-off of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is formed. Even if a pressing load is applied to the raised piece via a finger, rubber spring, key top, etc., the pressing load is prevented from being dispersed over the entire spring seat, and the pressing load is elastic. It is possible to concentrate on the connecting portion between the cut and raised piece and the spring seat. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Further, in the key switch according to claim 7,
Based on pressing the key top against the urging force of the spring member, about the switching operation by contacting the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet from the opening through the pushing protrusion, A spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is arranged on the upper membrane sheet, and a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces are formed on the spring sheet so as to correspond to the upper electrodes. When the elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed, the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the connecting portion between the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, and the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet is pressed through the switching hole of the spacer layer to the lower side of the lower membrane sheet. The switching operation is performed in contact with the electrodes. At this time, since the upper membrane sheet is pressed by the connecting portion between each elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring sheet, both of the elastic cut-and-raised pieces are pressed simultaneously by the pressing protrusion of the key top, or one elastic cut-and-raised piece is pressed. Even when only one piece is pressed, the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet can be reliably and stably brought into contact with each other. As a result, the switching operation can be stably performed. Further, each elastic cut-and-raised piece can be elastically deformed downward even after pressing the elastic cut-and-raised pieces by the pressing projection of the key top to bring the upper electrode and the lower electrode into contact with each other to perform the switching operation. Therefore, it is possible to realize an appropriate overtravel action in the pressing operation of the key top.

Further, in the key switch according to claim 8,
Since a pair of slits are formed on both sides of each elastic cut-and-raised piece formed on the spring seat, the elastic cut-and-raised piece of the spring seat corresponding to the upper electrode is pressed through the pressing projection of the key top. Even when a load is applied, it is possible to prevent the pressing load from being distributed over the entire spring seat and concentrate the pressing load on the connecting portion between the elastic cut-and-raised piece and the spring seat. Become. Therefore, it is possible to bring the upper electrode of the upper membrane sheet and the lower electrode of the lower membrane sheet into contact with each other by a small pressing load to perform a switching operation quickly.

Furthermore, in the keyboard according to claim 9, at least one of the key switches according to claim 3 or 7 is provided.
Since the above is provided, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-mentioned claim 3 or claim 7.

Further, in the personal computer according to the tenth aspect, when various data such as characters and symbols are inputted from the key switches of the keyboard, the characters and symbols are displayed on the display means through the control of the control means, At this time, since the personal computer according to claim 10 includes the keyboard provided with the key switch according to claim 3, the same effect as that of the case according to claim 3 can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a membrane switch according to a first embodiment in an exploded manner.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of a membrane switch.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a membrane switch.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the key switch shown with the key top removed.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a key switch.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a key top.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the key top.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a first link member.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second link member.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed.

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

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded part of the membrane switch according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a part of a membrane switch.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a membrane switch.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a key switch.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the key switch showing a state where the key top is pressed down.

18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the laptop personal computer, FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the laptop personal computer, and FIG. 18B is an electrical structure of the laptop personal computer. It is a block diagram shown.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Membrane switch 2 Lower membrane sheet 3 Upper membrane sheet 4 Spacer sheet 5 spring seats 7 Lower electrode 9 Upper electrode 10 switching holes 11 slits 12 Switch part 13 bulge 14 Connection 15 Elastic cut and raised piece 17 Connection 20 key switch 21 key top 22 Holder member 23 First Link Member 24 Second Link Member 25 coil spring 26 Sliding locking part 27 Rotation locking part 28 Sliding groove 29A locking pin 29B locking pin 30 rotation groove 31A Locking pin 31B Locking pin 32 Spring holder 33 Push-down protrusion 34 Key station section 36 Sliding locking piece 37A locking pin 37B locking pin 39 sandwiching wall 40A locking pin 40B locking pin 41 Spring holder 42 opening 100 notebook personal computer 105 keyboard

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on the upper surface, an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet. And a spacer layer provided between the lower electrode and the upper electrode corresponding to the lower electrode and the spacer layer for separating the lower electrode and the upper electrode via the switching hole. A membrane switch, wherein a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the upper side, and a hemispherical bulging portion is formed on the spring sheet corresponding to the upper electrode. 2. The membrane switch according to claim 1, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the bulging portion. 3. A key top having a depression protrusion on its lower surface, a holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening corresponding to the depression protrusion, a lower surface of the key top and a holder member. A first link member and a second link member that are movably connected and locked to and that guide the vertical movement of the key top; a spring member that biases the key top upward; and a spring member that is disposed below the holder member. And a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on the upper surface corresponding to the opening,
An upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, and provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, and switching holes are formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the lower electrode and the upper electrode from each other via a switching hole, and a protrusion protruding from the opening based on pressing the key top against the urging force of the spring member. A key switch that performs a switching operation by contacting the upper electrode and the lower electrode via a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet includes the upper portion. A key switch having a hemispherical bulge corresponding to the electrode. 4. The key switch according to claim 3, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the bulging portion. 5. A lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on an upper surface, an upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on a lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet. And a spacer layer provided between the lower electrode and the upper electrode corresponding to the lower electrode and the spacer layer for separating the lower electrode and the upper electrode via the switching hole. A membrane switch, in which a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate is disposed on the top, and a pair of elastic cut-and-raised pieces corresponding to the upper electrodes are formed on the spring sheet. 6. The membrane switch according to claim 5, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the elastic cut and raised piece. 7. A key top having a depression protrusion provided on a lower surface thereof, a holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening formed corresponding to the depression protrusion, a lower surface of the key top and a holder member. A first link member and a second link member that are movably connected and locked to and that guide the vertical movement of the key top; a spring member that biases the key top upward; and a spring member that is disposed below the holder member. And a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on the upper surface corresponding to the opening,
An upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, and provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, and switching holes are formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the lower electrode and the upper electrode from each other via a switching hole, and by pressing the key top against the urging force of the spring member, a pressing protrusion from the opening A key switch that performs a switching operation by contacting the upper electrode and the lower electrode via a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet includes the upper portion. A key switch characterized in that a pair of elastic cut and raised pieces are formed corresponding to the electrodes. 8. The membrane switch according to claim 7, wherein the spring seat has a pair of slits formed on both sides of the elastic cut and raised piece. 9. A keyboard comprising at least one key switch according to claim 3 or 7. 10. A key top having a depression protrusion on its lower surface, a holder member disposed below the key top and having an opening corresponding to the depression protrusion, a lower surface of the key top and a holder member. A first link member and a second link member that are movably connected and locked to and that guide the vertical movement of the key top; a spring member that biases the key top upward; and a spring member that is disposed below the holder member. And a lower membrane sheet having a lower electrode formed on the upper surface corresponding to the opening,
An upper membrane sheet having an upper electrode formed on the lower surface corresponding to the lower electrode, and provided between the lower membrane sheet and the upper membrane sheet, and switching holes are formed corresponding to the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A membrane switch having a spacer layer that separates the lower electrode and the upper electrode from each other via a switching hole, and a protrusion protruding from the opening based on pressing the key top against the urging force of the spring member. A key switch that performs a switching operation by contacting the upper electrode and the lower electrode via a spring sheet made of a thin metal plate on the upper membrane sheet, and the spring sheet includes the upper portion. Equipped with a key switch that has a hemispherical bulge corresponding to the electrode, you can enter various data such as characters and symbols. Keyboard and a personal computer to a display means for displaying characters and symbols, characterized in that the characters or symbols on the basis of the input data from the keyboard and control means for displaying on said display means for.