JP3206366B2 - Key switch - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch suitable for use in a keyboard or the like of an input device such as a word processor or a personal computer, and more particularly, to a large key stroke corresponding to a small and thin keyboard. The present invention relates to a key switch which realizes a clear key operation feeling and enables a reliable key input by providing a click feeling at the time of key operation with a simple configuration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as keyboards have become thinner, key tops have become thinner and flatter, while improving the operability of key input and ensuring the reliability of key input.
Large keystrokes are required for key operations. In order to fulfill such demands, various key switches have been conventionally proposed as key switches used for this type of keyboard.

For example, the applicant of the present application has filed Japanese Patent Application No. 3-330.
In the specification and drawings attached to the application No. 160, the following key switch was proposed. That is, in this key switch, the first and second links are mutually rotated at the respective intersections of the first link and the second link, which are arranged in an X-shape in a side view, as vertical movement guide means for the key top. One of the free ends of each of the first link and the second link is rotatably locked to the lower surface of the keytop and the holder member using a guide member that is pivotally supported. And the second
By locking the other of the free ends of the link to the lower surface of the key top and the holder member so as to be slidable in a substantially horizontal direction,
The cap-shaped elastically deformable rubber spring disposed below the intersection of the two links is elastically deformed through the intersection of the guide member that is moved downward based on the pressing operation of the key top. Is configured to perform a switch operation.

In the key switch configured as described above, when the key top is depressed, the free end at the lower end of the first link is only rotatable. The locus at which the intersection of the first link and the second link rotates up and down will be described. At this time, the shape of the rubber spring is generally designed on the assumption that the rubber spring is pressed down along the vertical line through the lower end of the stem formed on the key top, in other words, the upper part of the cap-shaped rubber spring. Surface (top of head)
Are formed on a horizontal plane.

Therefore, when the upper surface of the head of the rubber spring is pressed obliquely downward through the intersection of the first link and the second link, the degree of elastic deformation of the dome portion of the rubber spring (dome) (The degree of buckling deformation of the part) is significantly different between the side closer to the rotation fulcrum of the first link and the side farther from the rotation fulcrum of the first link, which causes variations in key pressing characteristics. Due to this, the switching operation of the switching unit performed via the rubber spring varies. In this case, stable key pressing characteristics cannot be obtained.

Further, when positioning the rubber spring disposed so as to cover the switching portion, the arrangement position of the rubber spring also fluctuates on the basis of the tolerance. Similarly, the switching operation of the switching unit performed via the rubber spring also varies. Further, the rubber spring itself has a certain height, and in this respect, when the rubber spring is used for the key switch, it becomes a hindrance in reducing the thickness of the keyboard.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the applicant of the present application has disclosed in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-255622, a first X-shaped first intersecting arrangement.
A guide member comprising a link and a second link is connected and locked to the lower surface of the keytop and the support base, and a first spring member and a second spring member are attached to either the first link or the second link. By providing the key top, the pressed key top is raised and returned via the elastic force of the first spring member, and the second key top is pressed when the key top is pressed.
A key switch has been proposed in which a switching unit arranged on a support base performs a switching operation via a spring.

According to the key switch, since the first spring member and the second spring member are formed integrally with one of the first link and the second link, the second spring is provided with respect to the switching portion of the support base. Can be accurately positioned to perform the switching operation reliably.
Since no rubber spring is used, desired key pressing characteristics can be obtained without being affected by variations in the arrangement position of the rubber spring, and costs can be reduced by promoting thinning of the key switch. It is.

[0009]

However, in the key switch described in the specification and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 6-255622, the key top is elastically supported by the first spring member and the second key switch is provided with the second spring. The switching operation is performed by a spring member. However, in the configuration of the key switch, there is no means for performing a click function that realizes a clear key operation feeling when operating the key top.

As described above, in the case of a key switch not provided with a click function, a clear key operation feeling cannot be obtained when an operator performs a key operation. It is difficult, and in some cases, there is a problem that key operation errors frequently occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and realizes a large key stroke while miniaturizing and thinning a keyboard without using a rubber spring. It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost key switch capable of performing a reliable key input while realizing a clear key operation feeling by giving a click feeling at the time of key operation with a simple configuration.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a key switch according to the present invention comprises a first locking portion and a
A key top on which a second locking portion is formed;
The fourth locking portion below the first locking portion and the key top
A holder member having a third locking portion formed below the second locking portion ; and a holder member having one end locked to the first locking portion and the other end locked to the third locking portion . One link member and one end
A second link member that is locked to the second locking portion and the other end is locked to the fourth locking portion ;
A guide member for guiding the vertical movement of the key top, a predetermined switching sheet disposed below the holder member and including a switching portion, and extending from one of the first link member or the second link member of the guide member It has a switch operating part at the tip and slides the switch operating part on the switching sheet based on key top operation
And a cantilever spring-shaped spring member for directly operating the switching section, and a support member for supporting the switching sheet.

[0013] Here, in the key switch, before
The spring member is formed of a metal material
Is desirable. Further, it is preferable that the switching section is constituted by a membrane switch.

[0014]

In the key switch according to the present invention having the above-described structure, when the key top is depressed at the time of key operation, the key top is connected to and locked by the first link member and the second link member between the key top and the holder member. The two link members are moved downward while being supported by a guide member arranged in a movable state with respect to each other.

At this time, the first link member and the second link member are operated mutually, and based on this, each first or second
A switch operating portion at the tip of a cantilever spring-shaped spring member formed by extending from one of the link members,
It is slid on the switching sheet supported on the support member.

Further, when the keytop is depressed, the keytop is depressed .
The switch operating part is located at the tip of a cantilever spring-shaped spring member.
Because it is formed at the end,
On the switching sheet while increasing the pressing force
At some point, the switch actuating unit activates a switching unit composed of a membrane switch in the switching sheet. Thereby, a predetermined switching operation is performed via the key switch.

[0017]

The key switch according to the present invention will be described below.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a key switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not depressed, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the holder member when the key top is not depressed and the key top is removed. FIGS. 3 and 3 are explanatory views showing a first link member and a second link member. FIG. 3 (A) is a plan view of the first link member, and FIG. 3 (B) is a side view of the first link member. 3 (C) is a plan view of the second link member, and FIG.
(D) is a side view of the second link member.

In FIG. 1, the key switch 1 is roughly divided into a key top 2, a guide member 3 for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top 2, a holder member 4 to which the guide member 3 is detachably attached, and a holder member 4. It comprises a membrane switch sheet 5 disposed on the lower side, and a support plate 6 on which the membrane switch sheet 5 is placed and which supports the entire key switch 1.

The key top 2 is formed from a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin, and its upper surface (surface) is provided with characters and symbols such as numerals and alphabetical characters by printing and engraving. On the rear surface (lower surface) of the key top 2, a pair of rotation locking portions 7 (only one rotation locking portion 7 is shown in FIG. 1) on the front side (left side in FIG. 1). ) Are formed integrally,
A pair of sliding locking portions 8 are provided on the rear side (right side in FIG. 1).
(Only one sliding locking portion 8 is shown in FIG. 1)
Are integrally formed.

A locking hole 7A whose lower part is opened is formed in each rotation locking portion 7, and a locking shaft 20 formed in a second link member 10 described later is rotatable in this locking hole 7A. Is locked. A sliding groove 8A is formed in each sliding locking portion 8, and a sliding pin 14 of a first link member 9 described later is slidably locked in the sliding groove 8A.

The guide member 3 pivots a first link member 9 and a second link member 10 formed of a synthetic resin such as a glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin such that the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 can cross open and close legs in an X-shape. It is constituted by doing. Here, each of the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

3 (A) and 3 (B), the first link member 9 has a pair of plate-like portions 11, and each plate-like portion 11 is connected via a base 12 so as to be "H" in plan view. It is formed integrally in the shape of a letter. One end of one plate-shaped portion 11 (the upper plate-shaped portion 11 in FIG. 3A) is provided with a locking pin 13, and the other end is provided with a sliding pin 14.
In addition, the other plate-like portion 11 (the plate-like portion 1 shown in FIG.
As described above, the locking pin 13 is provided at one end in 1), and the sliding pin 14 is provided at the other end.

Here, each locking pin 13 is rotatably locked in a locking hole 24A of a rotary locking portion 24 formed in the holder member 4, and each sliding pin 14 is formed in the key top 2. Is slidably locked in the sliding groove 8A of the sliding locking portion 8 thus formed.

A belt-shaped spring member 15 is formed so as to extend from a substantially central position of the base 12 so as to have a cantilevered spring shape.
Is bent at two places as shown in FIG. 1, and a predetermined elastic force is applied. The spring member 15
Through the elastic force, the key top 2 is urged upward together with the guide member 3 to hold the key top 2 at the non-operation position. A cylindrical switch operating portion 16 is provided at the tip of the spring member 15. Here, the switch operation section 16 is placed on the membrane switch sheet 5 and, when the key top 2 is operated, each first
The link member 9 and the second link member 10 slide on the membrane switch sheet 5 based on mutual opening and closing legs. When the switch operating section 16 slides on the membrane switch sheet 5, the switch operating section 1
6 is a membrane switch sheet 5 based on its cylindrical shape.
Slides in line contact with the upper surface of the. Thereby, the sliding resistance generated between the switch operating portion 16 and the membrane switch sheet 5 can be reduced. The switch operating portion 16 may be formed in a shape other than the cylindrical shape, for example, a spherical shape. In this case, the switch operating section 16
Slides while making point contact with the membrane switch sheet 5, thereby further reducing the sliding resistance.

Further, in the first link member 9, a pivot shaft 17 is formed outwardly from a substantially central position of each plate-shaped portion 11, and each pivot shaft 17 is connected to each of the second link members 10. It is rotatably supported in the shaft hole 22. Thereby, as described later, each of the first link members 9 and the second link members 10
Are opened and closed when the key top 2 is operated.

Next, the second link member 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given based on (C) and (D). Second link member 10
Has a pair of plate portions 18, each plate portion 18 having a base 19.
And are integrally formed in a “U” shape in plan view. One end of one plate portion 18 (upper plate portion 18 in FIG. 3C) and the other plate portion 18 (FIG. 3C)
A locking shaft 20 is connected between one end of the middle and lower plate-like portions 18), and the other end of each plate-like portion 18 has
Each is provided with a sliding pin 21. Here, the locking shaft 20 is rotatably locked in a locking hole 7 </ b> A of a rotary locking portion 7 formed in the key top 2, and each of the sliding pins 21 is formed in each of the holder members 4. Sliding groove 25A of sliding locking portion 25
Slidably locked at

A shaft hole 22 is formed at a substantially central position of each plate-like portion 18, and each shaft hole 22 is provided in each plate-like portion 11 of the first ring member 9 as described above. Are pivotally supported.

In each of the first link member 9 and the second link member 10, the distance from the center of each pivot shaft 17 of the first link member 9 to each of the locking pins 13 and the sliding pins 14 is determined. The distance from the center of each shaft hole 22 in the two link member 10 to each locking shaft 20 and sliding pin 21 is set to be equal to each other. According to this configuration, when the key top 2 is depressed, the key top 2 is attached to the holder member 4 based on the fact that the guide member 3 is rotationally displaced about each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9. It can be moved up and down while maintaining a state parallel to the upper surface.

Next, the holder member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The holder member 4 is molded from a synthetic resin such as a glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin, which is different from the molding material of the first and second link members 9 and 10. The reason why the holder member 4 is formed from a material different from the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 is that the locking pin 13 and the second link of the first link member 9 are described later. Since each sliding pin 21 of the member 10 is rotated and slid by the rotation locking portion 24 and the sliding locking portion 25 of the holder member 4, respectively, the resin material of the holder member 4 If the compatibility of the two link members 9 and 10 with the resin material is too good, the rotation and sliding of the locking pins 13 and the sliding pins 21 may not be performed smoothly.

The holder member 4 is provided with a substantially keyhole-shaped switch hole 23 corresponding to the key switch 1, and the membrane switch sheet 5 located below is exposed from the switch hole 23. A pair of rotation locking portions 24 are integrally formed on one side (left side in FIG. 2) of the four corner positions of the holder member 4.
Is provided with a locking hole 24A. Each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is rotatably locked in each locking hole 24A. Further, a pair of sliding locking portions 25 are integrally formed on the other side (right side in FIG. 2) of the four corner positions of the holder member 4, and each sliding locking portion 25 has a sliding groove. 25A are provided. Each sliding pin 21 of the second link member 10 is slidably locked in each sliding groove 25A.

The membrane switch sheet 5 includes an upper electrode sheet on which a predetermined circuit pattern including an upper switch electrode is formed, and a lower side on which a predetermined circuit pattern including a lower switch electrode corresponding to the upper switch electrode is formed. An electrode sheet, and a spacer interposed between each upper electrode sheet and the lower electrode sheet to insulate each electrode sheet from each other and to separate each upper switch electrode from the lower switch electrode via a spacer hole. It has a so-called three-layer membrane switch structure (not shown) composed of sheets. The membrane switch sheet 5 is formed with an insertion hole 5A corresponding to the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15, and the insertion hole 5A has an inclined protrusion 26 (described later) formed on the support plate 6. It is inserted. Further, in the membrane switch sheet 5, the insertion holes 5A
The switching section 27 (see FIG. 2) is arranged in the vicinity of the position. In the switching section 27, the upper switch electrode of the upper electrode sheet and the lower switch electrode of the lower electrode sheet are opposed to each other via a spacer hole of a spacer.

Further, a support plate 6 is provided below the membrane switch sheet 5, and the support plate 6 is formed of a thin metal plate and supports the entire key switch 1. In the support plate 6, the inclined projection 2 is inserted so as to be inserted into the insertion hole 5A of the membrane switch sheet 5.
6 are provided. The inclined protruding portion 26 has an inclined surface 26A gradually inclined upward from the left to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the right side of the inclined surface 26A becomes a substantially vertical wall. Is formed. The switch operating portion 16 formed on the spring member 15 of the first link member 9 is in contact with the inclined surface 26A when the key top 2 is not pressed, as shown in FIG.
When the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are opened apart from each other by pressing down, the switching section 27 is actuated and the switching operation is performed immediately after the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 get over the inclined protrusion 26. Here, the switch operating section 16 moves upward on the inclined surface 26A of the inclined projection 26, and the inclined projection 2
A click action is given to the spring member 15 when the vehicle gets over the wheel 6. Therefore, the operator can feel a clear key operation feeling based on the click action.

Next, the operation of the key switch 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is pressed, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the holder member when the key top is pressed and the key top is removed, and FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a keytop pressing load and a stroke when the keytop is operated.

When the operator depresses the key top 2 from the non-depressed position shown in FIG. 1 during key operation, the guide member 3 is moved downward against the elastic force of the spring member 15. At this time, each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 within the locking hole 24A of the rotary locking portion 24, and each sliding pin 14 is Stop 8
1 is slid rightward in FIG. at the same time,
The locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10 is rotated clockwise in the locking hole 7 </ b> A of the rotation locking part 7, and each of the sliding pins 21 is rotated.
Is slid rightward in the sliding groove 25A of the sliding locking portion 25. Thereby, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state.

The switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 is slid in the right direction in FIG. 1 while contacting the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 5 in the switch hole 23 of the holder member 4, and is gradually inclined. Move upward along the inclined surface 26A.

When the key top 2 is further depressed, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 perform the same operation as described above, and the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 is 26 over the slope 26A, and immediately thereafter, the membrane switch sheet 5
The switching unit 27 is depressed via its elastic force to operate the switching unit 27. Thereby, the switching operation of the key switch 1 is performed. This state is shown in FIG.
And in FIG.

At this time, at the time when the switch operating section 16 has passed over the inclined projection 26, a click action is given to the spring member 5, and the switching operation is performed with the operator feeling a clear key operation feeling. Can be recognized.

Thereafter, when the operator releases the key top 2 from being pressed down, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 perform an operation reverse to the above-described operation via the elastic restoring force of the spring member 15. Do. That is, each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 4 in the locking hole 24A of the rotation locking portion 24, and each sliding pin 14 is 8 is slid leftward in FIG.
At the same time, the locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10 is rotated counterclockwise in the locking hole 7A of the rotation locking portion 7, and each sliding pin 21 is slidable by the sliding locking portion 25. It is slid leftward in the moving groove 25A. Thus, the key top 2 is moved upward while maintaining the horizontal state. With the above operation, the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 is slid in the left direction in FIG. 4 while contacting the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 5 in the switch hole 23 of the holder member 4, and the inclined protrusion is formed. After climbing over 26, it gradually moves downward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 2. As described above, when the switch operating section 16 of the spring member 15 has climbed over the inclined protrusion 26, the switch operating section 16 is separated from the switching section 27.
Is in a switching off state. And
The key top 2 is returned to the original non-pressed position shown in FIG.

Here, the pressing characteristics and the returning characteristics of the key top 2 when operating the key switch 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the pressing stroke (unit: mm) of the key top 2, and the vertical axis represents the pressing load (unit: g) of the key top 2.

On the horizontal axis (pressing stroke), the total pressing stroke is set to 4 mm, and the area C where the pressing stroke is 0 mm to 3 mm is a pre-travel area (the key top 2 is moved from the non-pressed position to the switching on position. Means the stroke necessary to press down, and in this area C, the switching-off state is maintained).
An area D in which the pressing stroke is from 3 mm to 4 mm is an overtravel area (meaning a stroke in which the keytop 2 can be further pressed after switching on, and in this area D, the switching on state is maintained).

On the vertical axis (pressing load), the pressing load in the pre-travel region C is determined by the spring characteristics of the spring member 15 and the inclination of the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. Further, in the pressing load in the overtravel region D, the initial load is determined by the amount of drop from when the spring member 15 gets over the inclined protrusion 26 to when it comes into contact with the switching sheet 5, and the subsequent pressing load is determined by the spring member. It is determined by 15 spring characteristics. The pressing load at the non-pressed position of the key top 2 is 40 g when the key switch 1 is assembled as shown in FIG. Spring member 15 to be preloaded
This is because the spring characteristics are set.

Next, the pressing characteristics and the return characteristics of the key top 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the pressing characteristics when the keytop 2 is pressed will be described. The pressing characteristic of the key top 2 is indicated by a broken line X in FIG.
When the key top 2 is depressed, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are opened apart from each other as described above, and the switch operating portion 1 of the spring member 15 is opened.
6 is gradually moved upward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. Accordingly, in the pre-travel region C, the key top 2 is moved based on the elastic force of the spring member 15.
The pressing load gradually increases. Then, immediately after the switch operating section 16 gets over the inclined projection 26, the switching section 27 is depressed and operated to switch on. This switching-on point is indicated by A in FIG. At this point, the pressing load decreases discontinuously and sharply,
The operator can recognize that the switch is turned on with a click feeling. Thereafter, when the keytop 2 is further depressed, the overtravel area D is entered, and the switch operating section 16 is moved on the switching sheet 5. At this time, the pressing load is gradually increased according to the spring characteristics of the spring member 15.

In the broken line X, the inclination of the straight line in the overtravel region D is smaller than the inclination of the straight line in the pretravel region C. This is because while the pressing load in the pre-travel region C is determined by the spring member 15 and the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26,
The pressing load in the overtravel region D is based on being determined only by the spring characteristics of the spring member 15. Further, after the overtravel region D, the key top 2 can no longer move downward, so that the pressing load becomes infinite.

Next, the return characteristic when the key top 2 is released from being pressed will be described. The return characteristic of the key top is indicated by a broken line Y in FIG. 6, and when the key top 2 is released from being pressed, the first link member 9 and the second link
The link member 10 and the link member 10 are closed with each other based on the elastic force of the spring member 15, and the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 is moved on the switching sheet 5 in the direction of the inclined protrusion 26. Thus, in the overtravel region D, the pressing load of the key top 2 gradually decreases. Then, at a point in time when the switch operation section 16 slightly moves into the pre-travel area C beyond the overtravel area D, the switch operation section 16 is separated from the switching section 27, the operation of the switching section 27 is released, and the switching is turned off. This switching off point is indicated by B in FIG. Immediately after the switching is turned off, the switch operating section 16 is mounted on the inclined surface 26A over the inclined protrusion 26 from the opposite side of the inclined surface 26A. At this point, the pressing load is determined by the spring characteristics of the spring member 15 and the inclined surface 26.
, And increases discontinuously and abruptly. Thereafter, the switch operating section 16 is moved downward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined projection 26, and accordingly, the pressing load gradually decreases and returns to the original state. As a result, the key top 2 is gradually moved upward and returned to the original non-pressed position.

Here, in the key switch 1 of this embodiment,
The switching-on point A is obtained when the pre-travel area C ends, as described above, while the switching-off point B is obtained when the signal slightly exceeds the over-travel area D and enters the pre-travel area C. . in this way,
Since there is a history characteristic (hysteresis) between the depressed characteristic and the return characteristic of the key top 2, chattering that occurs when the key top 2 is depressed and depressed can be efficiently prevented.

Note that the pressing characteristic shown by the broken line X and the return characteristic shown by the broken line Y
The material, shape, etc. of No. 5 are appropriately changed to change the spring characteristics,
By changing the shape of the inclined protruding portion 26, it can be arbitrarily changed. Accordingly, the switching-on point A and the switching-off point B can be arbitrarily set.

As described in detail above, in the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment, the guide member 3 is formed by intersecting the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 so as to be capable of opening and closing legs. The key top 2 is vertically movably supported on the holder member 4 through the first link member 9, and a spring member 15 having a switch operating portion 16 is formed to extend from the first link member 9. By providing the inclined projection 26 on the sliding path of the
When the key top 2 is pressed against the elastic force of the key 5, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are opened in response to the pressing of the key top 2, and the switch operating portion 16 is pressed. The switching part 27 is activated in a switching-on state immediately after the key top 2 is slid on the switching sheet 5 and climbs over the inclined protrusion 26 along the inclined surface 26A.
When the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are closed via the elastic return force of the switch 5, the switch operation unit 16 slides on the switching sheet 5 in the opposite direction to move the inclined protrusion 26. Since it is configured to return to the original non-pressed position after getting over, a clear click action can be obtained when the switch actuating section 16 gets over the inclined projection 26 without using a rubber spring. The key input can be performed reliably while realizing a comfortable key operation feeling.

Further, in the key switch 1 of this embodiment, since no rubber spring is used, there is no restriction due to the thickness of the rubber spring.
It is possible to realize a large key stroke while responding to the miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard. Further, since the spring member 15 having the switch operating portion 16 is formed to extend from the first link member 9 so as to have a cantilever spring shape, the switch operating portion 16 turns on the switching portion 27 when the key top 2 is pressed. After that, the key top 2 can be pressed further. That is, the ON position and the OFF position of the switch operating portion 16 can be freely set within the range of the pressing stroke of the key top 2 by variously changing the bending dimension of the cantilever spring 15.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is not pressed when the key top is removed. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the switching portion of the switching sheet, FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the key switch when the keytop is pressed, and FIG. It is a top view which shows the relationship with a board.

The key switch according to the second embodiment and the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment have basically the same configuration, and the key switch according to the second embodiment is
(1) A switching sheet having a predetermined circuit pattern including a switching section is directly formed on a support plate by printing without using a membrane switch as a switching sheet. (2) A switching section provided on the switching sheet is provided. The key switch 1 according to the first embodiment is different from the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment in that the pressure switch is constituted by a pressure-sensitive conductive element printed and formed with a circuit pattern, and The remaining configuration is the same as that of the key switch 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the same components will be omitted from the description of the first embodiment with reference to the description of the first embodiment, and the description will be made with a focus on only the differences. The same components as those of the key switch 1 of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

First, differences 1 and 2 which are features of the key switch 30 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the inclined projection 2 is provided on the support plate 6.
A predetermined circuit pattern 31 is formed except for a portion 6 and a rotation locking portion 39 and a sliding locking portion 40 described later. Except for the switching part 32, the circuit pattern 31 includes an insulating resist layer 33 formed by applying an insulating paint to the support plate 6, and a signal pattern (printed on the insulating resist layer 33 via a conductive paint). Receiving pattern) 34, an insulating resist layer 35 formed by applying an insulating paint on the signal pattern 34, and a signal pattern (transmitting pattern) formed by applying a conductive paint on the insulating resist device 35
36.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the switching section 32 is formed behind (to the right in FIG. 9) a wall continuous with the inclined surface 26A of the inclined projection 26, and
5, a pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 is formed between the reception-side signal pattern 34 and the transmission-side signal pattern 36. The pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 includes the spring member 1.
5 is not pressed through the switch operating unit 16, the insulating property is maintained to break the short circuit between each of the receiving-side signal patterns 34 and the transmitting-side signal patterns 36, and the pressing is performed through the switch operating unit 16. In some cases, conductivity is exhibited at the pressed portion to short-circuit the reception-side signal patterns 34 and the transmission-side signal patterns 36 mutually. In the switching unit 32, a protective layer 38 is formed on the transmission-side signal pattern 36. This protective layer 3
Reference numeral 8 is for preventing the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 from being peeled or damaged when the switch operating section 16 presses the switching section 32. Since the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 is known, its description is omitted here.

Next, the third difference will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the key switch 30 is not provided with a member corresponding to the holder member 4 in the key switch 1 of the first embodiment, and the support plate 6 formed of a thin metal plate is equivalent to the holder member 4. Function. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, one of the four corner positions of the area where the key switch 30 is provided (one side on the left side in FIG. 8) is integrally formed with a pair of rotation locking portions 39 by punching or the like. Each rotation locking portion 39 is provided with a locking hole 39A. In each locking hole 39A, each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is provided.
Are rotatably locked. Further, on the other side (the right side in FIG. 8) of the four corner positions of the area where the key switch 30 is disposed, a pair of sliding locking portions 40 are integrally formed by punching or the like. The slide locking portion 40 is provided with a slide groove 40A. Each sliding pin 21 of the second link member 10 is slidably locked in each sliding groove 40A.

Next, the operation of the key switch 30 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. When the operator presses the keytop 2 downward from the non-pressed position shown in FIG. 7 during the key operation, the guide member 3 is moved downward against the elastic force of the spring member 15. At this time, each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 7 in the locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39, and each sliding pin 14 is Sliding groove 4 of stop 40
It is slid rightward in FIG. 1 within 0A. At the same time, the locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10 is
A, the sliding pin 21 is rotated clockwise, and each sliding pin 21 is slid rightward in the sliding groove 40A of the sliding locking portion 40.
Thereby, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state.

The switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 contacts the upper surface of the circuit pattern 31 as shown in FIG.
Sliding in the middle right direction, the inclined surface 2 of the inclined projection 26 gradually
Move upward along 6A. When the key top 2 is further depressed, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 perform the same operation as described above, and the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 As soon as the vehicle gets over the inclined surface 26A, the switching section 32 of the circuit pattern 31 is pressed down via the elastic force. As a result, the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 of the switching unit 32 is pressed together with the protective layer 38, and the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 is pressed.
The pressing portion in the section develops conductivity. Therefore, the receiving-side signal pattern 34 and the transmitting-side signal pattern 36 are short-circuited to each other, and the switching unit 32 is turned on. Thereby, the switching operation of the key switch 30 is performed. This state is shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.

At this time, when the switch operating section 16 has passed over the inclined projection 26, the spring member 15
Is given a click action, and the operator can feel a clear key operation feeling and can recognize that the switching operation has been performed.

Thereafter, when the operator releases the key top 2 from being pressed down, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 perform an operation reverse to the above-described operation via the elastic restoring force of the spring member 15. Do. That is, each locking pin 13 of the first link member 9 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 11 in a locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39, and each sliding pin 14 is The sliding member 40 is slid leftward in FIG. At the same time, the locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10 is rotated counterclockwise in the locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39, and each sliding pin 21 is slidable by the sliding locking portion 40. Moving groove 4
It is slid to the left within 0A. Thus, the key top 2 is moved upward while maintaining the horizontal state. With the above operation, the switch operating portion 16 of the spring member 15 contacts the upper surface of the circuit pattern 31 as shown in FIG.
After sliding in the middle left direction and climbing over the inclined protrusion 26 ,
It gradually moves downward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. As described above, when the switch actuating section 16 gets over the inclined protrusion 26, the pressing of the switching section 32 is released, so that the pressed section of the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 returns to the insulated state, and the signal is received based on this. The short-circuit state between the side signal pattern 34 and the transmission-side signal pattern 36 is released, and the switching unit 32 is turned off.
Then, the key top 2 is returned to the original non-pressed position shown in FIG.

In the key switch 31, the pressing characteristics when the key top 2 is pressed and the return characteristics when the key top 2 is released are respectively shown by the broken line in FIG. 6 described with respect to the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment. X,
It has the same characteristics as those indicated by the polygonal line Y.

As described above, in the key switch 30 according to the second embodiment, like the key switch 1 in the first embodiment, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 intersect each other to open and close the legs. The key top 2 is supported on a support plate 6 via a guide member 3 which is rotatably supported so as to be vertically movable.
The spring member 15 having the switch operating portion 16 is formed to extend from the link member 9 and the inclined protruding portion 26 is provided on the sliding path of the switch operating portion 16 by the support plate 6, so that the elastic force of the spring member 15 is increased. When the key top 2 is pressed against the key, the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are opened in response to the key top 2 being pressed, so that the switch operating section 16 Immediately after being slid up and over the inclined protrusion 26 along the inclined surface 26A, the switching unit 32 is operated to be in a switching-on state. When the first link member 9 and the second link member 10 are closed via the switch, the switch operating portion 16 slides on the circuit pattern 31 in the opposite direction. Is configured to return to the original non-pressed position by overcoming the inclined projection 26, so that a clear click action can be obtained when the switch operating section 16 has climbed over the inclined projection 26 without using a rubber spring. As a result, a reliable key input can be performed while realizing a clear key operation feeling.

In the key switch 30 of the present embodiment,
Since no rubber spring is used, there is no restriction due to the thickness of the rubber spring, and therefore, it is possible to realize a large key stroke while responding to miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard.

Further, in the key switch 30, the circuit pattern 31 including the switching portion 32 mainly composed of the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 is directly formed on the support plate 6, and the rotation locking portions 39, Since the sliding locking portion 40 is integrally formed, the switching sheet and the holder member are not required as separate members, thereby greatly reducing the number of components of the key switch 30 and lowering the cost.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed down, and FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a first link member and a second link member. FIG. 14A is a plan view of the first link member, and FIG.
4 (B) is a side view of the first link member, FIG. 14 (C) is a plan view of the second link member, FIG. 14 (D) is a side view of the second link member, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the key switch, and FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is depressed and the key top is removed.

The key switch according to the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the key switch 30 according to the second embodiment, and the key switch according to the third embodiment is
The second embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the configuration of the first link member and the second link member is slightly different, and the shape of the spring member formed to extend from the first link member in a cantilever spring shape is formed in an arc shape. Unlike the key switch 30, the remaining configuration has the same configuration as the key switch 30 of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the same components will be omitted by referring to the description of the first and second embodiments, and the description will be made with a focus on only the respective differences. The key switches 1, 3 of the first and second embodiments are used.
The same components as those in 0 are denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

The difference between the key switch 50 shown in FIG. 1 and the key switch 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The first link member 52 and the second link member 53 constituting the guide member 51 will be described. The guide member 51 is composed of a first link member 52 and a second link member 53 molded from a synthetic resin such as a glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin. Are intersected in an X-shape and pivotally supported so as to be capable of opening and closing legs.
Here, each of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIGS. 14A and 14B, the first link member 52 has a pair of plate portions 54, and each plate portion 54
Are connected via a base 55 to be integrally formed in a “U” shape in plan view. One plate portion 54 (FIG. 14A)
A locking pin 56 is provided at one end of the middle upper plate portion 54).
And a sliding pin 57 is provided at the other end. Further, at one end of the other plate-shaped portion 54 (the plate-shaped portion 54 on the lower side in FIG. 14A), a locking pin 56 is provided as described above, and a sliding pin 57 is provided at the other end. Is provided. Here, each locking pin 56 is rotatably locked in a locking hole 39 </ b> A of a rotary locking portion 39 formed in the support plate 6, and each sliding pin 57 is a slide formed in the key top 2. It is slidably locked in the sliding groove 40A of the dynamic locking portion 40.

A belt-shaped spring member 58 extends in a cantilevered spring shape from a substantially central position of the base portion 55. The spring member 58 is formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. And a predetermined elastic force is applied. The length of the spring member 58 is set larger than that of the spring member 15 in the first and second embodiments, and the spring member 58 is keyed together with the guide member 51 via its elastic force. 2 is urged upward to hold the key top 2 in the non-operation position. At the tip of the spring member 58, a cylindrical switch operating portion 59 is provided. Here, the switch operation part 59 is provided with the circuit pattern 31 formed on the support plate 6.
The first link member 52 and the second link member 53 slide on the circuit pattern 31 based on the fact that the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 open and close each other when the key top 2 is operated, as described later. . When the switch operating portion 59 slides on the circuit pattern 31, the switch operating portion 59 slides while being in line contact with the upper surface of the circuit pattern 31 based on its cylindrical shape. Thereby, the sliding resistance generated between the switch operating portion 59 and the circuit pattern 31 can be reduced. The switch operating portion 59 may be formed in a shape other than the cylindrical shape, for example, a spherical shape. In this case,
The switch operating portion 59 slides while making point contact with the circuit pattern 31, thereby further reducing the sliding resistance.

Further, in the first link member 52, a shaft hole 60 is formed at a substantially central position of each plate portion 54,
In each shaft hole 60, a pivot shaft 65 formed in each plate portion 61 of the second link member 53 is rotatably supported. Thus, as described later, each of the first link members 52 and the second link members 53 are opened and closed with each other when the key top 2 is operated.

Next, the second link member 53 will be described with reference to FIG.
4 (C) and (D). Second link member 5
3 has a pair of plate-shaped portions 61, and each plate-shaped portion 61 has a base 6.
2 and are integrally formed in a “U” shape in plan view. One end of one plate-shaped portion 61 (upper plate 61 in FIG. 14C) and the other plate-shaped portion 61 (FIG. 14C).
(C) A locking shaft 63 is connected to one end of the middle and lower plate-shaped portion 61), and a slide pin 64 is provided at the other end of each plate-shaped portion 61, respectively. Is provided. Here, the locking shaft 63 is rotatably locked in a locking hole 39 </ b> A of a rotary locking portion 39 formed in the key top 2, and each sliding pin 64 is formed on each of the support plates 6. The slide locking portion 40 is slidably locked in the slide groove 40A.

A pivot shaft 65 protruding outward is formed at a substantially central position of each plate-like portion 61.
Each pivot shaft 65 is connected to each plate-like portion 5 of the first link member 52.
The shaft 4 is rotatably supported by the shaft holes 60 provided in the shaft 4. Further, a pressing shaft 66 is connected and formed between the central positions inside the respective plate-shaped portions 61. Such pushing axis 6
6, the first link member 52 and the second link member 52, as shown in FIG.
When the link member 53 is assembled, the first link member 5
2, is placed on a spring member 58 formed on the key top 2, and when the key top 2 is pressed, the arc-shaped portion of the spring member 58 is pressed against its elastic force, and the key top 2 is released. Sometimes, the spring member 58 is urged upward by the elastic force.

In each of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53, the distance from the center of each shaft hole 60 in the first link member 52 to each locking pin 56, sliding pin 57, and the second The distance from the center of each pivot shaft 65 in the link member 53 to each locking shaft 63 and sliding pin 64 is as follows.
Each is set to be equal. According to such a configuration, when the key top 2 is pressed, the key top 2 is attached to the support plate 6 based on the pivotal displacement of the guide member 51 about each locking pin 56 of the first link member 52. It can be moved up and down while maintaining a state parallel to the upper surface.

Next, the operation of the key switch 50 according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described. When the operator presses the key top 2 downward from the non-pressed position shown in FIG. 12 during key operation, the guide member 51 is moved downward against the elastic force of the spring member 58. At this time, each locking pin 63 of the first link member 52 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 12 in the locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39, and each sliding pin 57 is The sliding portion 40A is slid rightward in FIG. At the same time, the locking shaft 63 of the second link member 53 is
, And each sliding pin 64 is slid rightward in the sliding groove 40A of the sliding locking portion 40. Thereby, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state.

Further, the switch operating portion 59 of the spring member 58 contacts the upper surface of the circuit pattern 31 as shown in FIG.
2 and slides to the right, and gradually moves upward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. And key top 2
Is further depressed, the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 perform the same operation as described above, and the switch operating portion 59 of the spring member 58 gets over the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. At the same time, immediately after that, the switching unit 32 of the circuit pattern 31 is pressed down via the elastic force. Thus, similarly to the above (see FIG. 9), the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 of the switching unit 32 is pressed together with the protective layer 38, and the pressed part of the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 exhibits conductivity. Therefore, the receiving side signal pattern 3
4 and the transmission-side signal pattern 36 are short-circuited to each other, and the switching unit 32 is activated.
Thereby, the switching operation of the key switch 30 is performed. This state is shown in FIG. 15 and FIG.

At this time, when the switch operating portion 59 has passed over the inclined protrusion 26, the spring member 59
Is given a click action, and the operator can feel a clear key operation feeling and can recognize that the switching operation has been performed. Thereafter, when the operator releases the key top 2 from being pressed down, the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 perform an operation reverse to the above-described operation via the elastic restoring force of the spring member 58. That is, each locking pin 56 of the first link member 52 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 15 in the locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39.
Each sliding pin 57 is slid leftward in FIG. 15 in the sliding groove 40 </ b> A of the sliding locking portion 40. At the same time, the second link member 5
3 is rotated counterclockwise in the locking hole 39A of the rotation locking portion 39, and each sliding pin 64 is moved leftward in the sliding groove 40A of the sliding locking portion 40. Slid in the direction. Thus, the key top 2 is moved upward while maintaining the horizontal state. In addition, the spring member 58
15 is slid to the left in FIG. 15 while contacting the upper surface of the circuit pattern 31, and
And gradually moves downward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. Thus, the switch operating unit 5
When the switching member 32 is released from being pressed when the occupant 9 passes over the inclined protrusion 26, the pressure-sensitive conductive element 37 is released.
Is returned to the insulated state, and based on this, the short-circuit state between the reception-side signal pattern 34 and the transmission-side signal pattern 36 is released, and the switching unit 32 is turned off. Then, the key top 2 is returned to the original non-pressed position shown in FIG.

As described above, in the key switch 50 according to the third embodiment, the length of the spring member 58 formed in an arc shape from the base 55 of the first link member 52 is set to be large. In addition to the effect obtained by the key switch 30 according to the above, the load applied via the pressing shaft 66 can be dispersed over the entire spring member 58, thereby avoiding the local concentration of the load. As a result, the life of the spring member 58 can be extended.

The spring member 58 is formed in a simple circular arc shape.
Can be easily formed, and the load applied to the spring member 58 can be easily calculated and designed. Further, since the spring member 58 having the switch operating portion 59 is formed to extend from the first link member 52 so as to have a cantilever spring shape, the switch operating portion 59 turns on the switching portion 32 when the keytop 2 is pressed. After that, the key top 2 can be pressed further.
That is, by changing the bending dimension of the cantilever spring 58 in various ways, the ON position and the OFF position of the switch operating portion 59 can be set freely within the range of the pressing stroke of the key top 2.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is not pressed down, and FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the holder member when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing a first link member.
9A is a plan view of the first link member, and FIG. 19B is a side view of the first link member.

The key switch according to the fourth embodiment and the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment have basically the same configuration, and the key switch according to the fourth embodiment has a guide member. From the first link member forming a part of the first
The spring member and the second spring member are formed to extend in a cantilever spring shape, and urge the keytop upward together with the guide member through the elastic force of the first spring member, and through the second spring member. Operating the switching section of the membrane switch sheet
Further, unlike the key switch 1 according to the first embodiment in that a switching portion is formed corresponding to the second spring member, the remaining configuration is the same as that of the key switch 1 of the first embodiment. Have. Therefore, in the following, the same components will be omitted from the description of the first embodiment with reference to the description of the first embodiment, and the description will be made with a focus on only the differences. The same components as those of the key switch 1 of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

The difference which is a feature of the key switch 70 shown in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to FIG.
The first link member 72 and the second link member 10 that constitute the guide member 71 will be described. The guide member 71 is made of a first resin molded from a synthetic resin such as a glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin.
The link member 72 and the second link member 10 are configured so as to intersect in an X-shape and pivotally support the opening and closing legs. Here, the first link member 72 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the second link member 10 is the second link member 1 in the key switch 1 of the first embodiment.
Since it is the same as 0, its description is omitted.

19 (A) and 19 (B), the first link member 72 has a pair of plate-like portions 73.
Are connected via a base 74 to be integrally formed in an “H” shape in plan view. One plate 73 (FIG. 19A)
A locking pin 75 is attached to one end of the middle upper plate portion 73).
And a sliding pin 76 is provided at the other end. A locking pin 75 is provided at one end of the other plate 73 (the lower plate 73 in FIG. 19A), and a sliding pin 76 is provided at the other end. Is provided. Here, each locking pin 75 is rotatably locked in a locking hole 24 </ b> A of a rotary locking portion 24 formed in the holder member 4, and each sliding pin 76 is a slide formed in the key top 2. It is slidably locked in the sliding groove 8A of the dynamic locking portion 8.

A band-shaped first spring member 77 is formed so as to extend from a substantially central position of the base portion 12 so as to have a cantilever spring shape.
As shown in FIG. 17, 7 is bent at two places, and a predetermined elastic force is applied. The first spring member 77 urges the key top 2 upward together with the guide member 71 through its elastic force, and holds the key top 2 at the non-operation position. Such a first spring member 77
Is provided with a cylindrical sliding portion 78 at the end. Here, the sliding portion 78 is placed on the membrane switch sheet 5 and, when the key top 2 is operated, each first
The link member 72 and the second link member 10 slide on the membrane switch sheet 5 based on the mutual opening and closing legs. When the sliding portion 78 slides on the membrane switch sheet 5, the sliding portion 78 slides while being in line contact with the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 5 based on its cylindrical shape. Thereby, the sliding resistance generated between the sliding portion 78 and the membrane switch sheet 5 can be reduced.

Note that the first spring member 77 is
It has the same configuration as the spring member 15 formed on the first link member 9 in the key switch 1 of the embodiment. Further, the sliding portion 78 may be formed in a shape other than the cylindrical shape, for example, a spherical shape. In this case, the sliding portion 78 slides while making point contact with the membrane switch sheet 5, and
Further, the sliding resistance can be reduced.

Further, in the first link member 72, a cantilever spring shape is formed between one plate-like portion 73 (the upper plate-like portion 73 in FIG. 19) and the first spring member 77. Two spring members 79 are formed to extend from the base 74. A switch operating portion 80 is formed at the tip of the second spring member 79. The second
The spring member 79 has a function of causing the switching section 81 formed on the membrane switch sheet 5 to perform a switching operation via the switch operating section 80 when the key top 2 is pressed as described later.

Further, in the first link member 72, a pivot shaft 82 is formed outwardly from a substantially central position of each plate-shaped portion 73, and each pivot shaft 82 is connected to the second link member 10.
Are rotatably supported in the respective shaft holes 22. This allows
As will be described later, the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 are mutually opened and closed legs when the keytop 2 is operated.

In each of the first link member 72 and the second link member 10, the distance from the center of each pivot shaft 82 of the first link member 72 to each of the locking pins 75 and the sliding pins 76 is determined. The distance from the center of each shaft hole 22 in the two link member 10 to each locking shaft 20 and sliding pin 21 is as follows.
Each is set to be equal. According to such a configuration, when the key top 2 is pressed, the key top 2 is attached to the holder member 4 based on the fact that the guide member 71 is rotationally displaced about the respective locking pins 75 of the first link member 72. It can be moved up and down while maintaining a state parallel to the upper surface.

In the membrane switch sheet 5, as described later, the key top 2 is depressed, and the sliding portion 78 of the first spring member 77 is formed on the support plate 6 and is exposed upward from the insertion hole 5A. A switching portion 81 is formed at a position where the switch operating portion 80 of the second spring member 79 faces immediately after the vehicle has passed over the inclined protrusion 26. As a result, the switch operating section 80 is configured to move the sliding section 78 of the first spring member 77 when the key top 2 is pressed.
The switch 81 is turned on immediately after passing over the inclined projection 26.

Further, a flat portion 26B higher than the upper surface of the support plate 6 is formed at a position behind the inclined projection 26 of the support plate 6 (the left position in FIGS. 17 and 18).
The flat portion 26B corresponds to an overtravel region (described later) after the sliding portion 78 has climbed over the inclined protrusion 26.

Next, the operation of the key switch 70 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the key switch when the key top is pressed, FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the holder member when the key top is pressed and the key top is removed, and FIG. 9 is a graph showing a relationship between a keytop pressing load and a stroke when the keytop is operated.

When the operator depresses the key top 2 downward from the non-depressed position shown in FIG. 17 during key operation, the guide member 72 is moved downward against the elastic force of the spring member 77. At this time, each locking pin 75 of the first link member 72 is inserted into the locking hole 24A of the rotation locking portion 24 as shown in FIG.
It is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction, and each sliding pin 76 is slid in the sliding groove 8A of the sliding locking portion 8 rightward in FIG.
At the same time, the locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10 is rotated clockwise in the locking hole 7A of the rotation locking portion 7, and each sliding pin 21 is It is slid rightward in the groove 25A. Thereby, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state.

The sliding portion 78 of the spring member 77
17 is slid rightward in FIG. 17 while contacting the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 5 in the switch hole 23 of the holder member 4, and gradually moves upward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26.

When the keytop 2 is further depressed, the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 perform the same operation as described above, and the sliding portion 78 of the spring member 77 is The vehicle 26 gets over the inclined surface 26A of the vehicle 26 and is dropped and mounted on the horizontal portion 26B. As described above, immediately after the sliding portion 78 gets over the inclined protrusion 26, the switch operating portion 80 of the second spring member 79 is set at a position corresponding to the switching portion 81 of the membrane switch sheet 5, and the switching portion 81 Is
The switch 81 is pressed down by the elastic force of the switch operating unit 80 to operate the switching unit 81 in a switching-on state.
Thus, the switching operation of the key switch 70 is performed. This state is shown in FIGS.

At this time, when the sliding portion 78 of the first spring member 77 gets over the inclined protrusion 26, a click action is given to the first spring member 77, and the operator feels a clear key operation feeling. Thus, it can be recognized that the switching operation has been performed.

Thereafter, when the operator releases the depression of the key top 2, the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 are operated in the opposite manner to the above-described operation via the elastic restoring force of the first spring member 77. Perform the operation. That is, each locking pin 75 of the first link member 72 is engaged with the locking hole 24 of the rotation locking portion 24.
20 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 20, and each sliding pin 76 is slid leftward in FIG. At the same time, the locking shaft 20 of the second link member 10
Is rotated counterclockwise in the locking hole 7A of the rotation locking portion 7, and each sliding pin 21 is connected to the sliding groove 2 of the sliding locking portion 25.
It is slid to the left within 5A. Thus, the key top 2 is moved upward while maintaining the horizontal state. In addition, the sliding portion 78 of the first spring member 77
20 is slid leftward in FIG. 20 while contacting the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 5 in the switch hole 23 of the holder member 4, and gradually climbs over the inclined protrusion 26 and then on the inclined surface 26 A of the inclined protrusion 26. Move down along. As described above, when the sliding portion 78 of the first spring member 77 gets over the inclined protruding portion 26, the switch operating portion 80 of the second spring member 79 is separated from the switching portion 81, whereby the switching portion 81 is switched. It is turned off. The key top 2 is shown in FIG.
7 is returned to the original non-pressed position.

Here, the pressing characteristics and the returning characteristics of the key top 2 when operating the key switch 70 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 22, the horizontal axis represents the depression stroke (unit: mm) of the key top 2, and
The vertical axis represents the pressing load (unit: g) of the key top 2.

On the horizontal axis (pressing stroke), the total pressing stroke is set to 4 mm, and a region E where the pressing stroke is 0 mm to 3 mm is a pre-travel region (when the key top 2 is moved from the non-pressed position to the switching-on position). Means the stroke required to press down to this point, and in this area E, the switching off state is maintained).
An area F in which the pressing stroke is 3 mm to 4 mm is an overtravel area (meaning a stroke in which the key top 2 can be further pressed after switching on, and in this area F, the switching on state is maintained).

On the vertical axis (pressing load), the pressing load in the pre-travel region E is determined by the spring characteristics of the first spring member 77 and the inclination of the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. Further, in the pressing load in the overtravel region F, the initial load is determined by the amount of drop from when the first spring member 77 rides over the inclined protrusion 26 to when the first spring member 77 contacts the membrane switch sheet 5, and the subsequent pressing load. Is determined by the spring characteristics of the first spring member 77 and the second spring member 79. The pressing load at the non-pressed position of the key top 2 is 40 g when the key switch 70 is assembled as shown in FIG. 17 when the elastic force of the first spring member 77 is applied to the key top 2. This is because the spring characteristic of the first spring member 77 is set so as to be preloaded via the first spring member.

Next, referring to FIG.
The press-down characteristic and the return characteristic will be described. First, the pressing characteristics when the keytop 2 is pressed will be described. The pressing characteristic of the key top 2 is indicated by a broken line G in FIG. 22. As the key top 2 is pressed down, the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 are opened apart as described above. The sliding portion 7 of the first spring member 77
8 is gradually moved upward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26. Accordingly, in the pre-travel region E, the pressing load of the keytop 2 gradually increases based on the elastic force of the first spring member 77. Immediately after the sliding portion 78 has climbed over the inclined protrusion 26, the switch operating portion 80 of the second spring member 79 presses down the switching portion 81 to operate, and the switching is turned on. This switching on point is indicated by A in FIG. At this point, the pressing load decreases discontinuously and sharply,
The operator can recognize that the switch is turned on with a click feeling. Thereafter, when the key top 2 is further depressed, the sliding portion 78 is moved on the membrane switch sheet 5 by entering the overtravel area F.
At this time, the pressing load is applied to the first spring member 77 and the second
It is gradually increased according to the spring characteristics of the spring member 79.

In the broken line G, the inclination of the straight line in the overtravel area F is larger than the inclination of the straight line in the pretravel area E. This is because the pressing load in the pre-travel region E is determined by the first spring member 77 and the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protrusion 26, whereas the pressing load in the overtravel region F is determined by the first spring member 77 and the first spring member 77. This is based on being determined by both spring characteristics of the two spring members 79.
Further, after the overtravel area F, the key top 2 can no longer move downward, so that the pressing load becomes infinite.

Next, a description will be given of the return characteristic when the key top 2 is released from being pressed. The return characteristic of the key top is indicated by a broken line H in FIG. 22, and when the key top 2 is released from being depressed, the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 connect the first spring member 77 and the second The legs are closed with each other based on the elastic force of the spring member 79, and the sliding portion 78 of the first spring member 77 is moved on the membrane switch sheet 5 in the direction of the inclined protrusion 26. Thereby, in the overtravel area F,
The pressing load of the key top 2 gradually decreases. Then, at a point in time when it slightly enters the pre-travel area E beyond the over-travel area F, the switch operating section 80 of the second spring member 79 is separated from the switching section 81, the operation of the switching section 81 is released, and the switching is turned off. Become. This switching off point is indicated by B in FIG. Immediately after switching off in this manner, the sliding portion 78 is moved from the opposite side of the inclined surface 26A to the inclined protrusion 26.
And is placed on the inclined surface 26A. At this point, the pressing load increases discontinuously and abruptly based on the spring characteristics of the first spring member 77 and the inclined surface 26.
Thereafter, the sliding portion 78 is moved downward along the inclined surface 26A of the inclined protruding portion 26, and accordingly, the pressing load gradually decreases and returns to the original state. As a result, the key top 2 is gradually moved upward and returned to the original non-pressed position.

Here, in the key switch 70 of the present embodiment, the switching-on point A is obtained when the pre-travel area E ends as described above, while the switching-off point B corresponds to the over-travel area F. It is obtained at a point when it slightly exceeds the pre-travel area E. As described above, since the history characteristic (hysteresis) exists between the press-down characteristic and the return characteristic of the keytop 2, it is possible to effectively prevent chattering that occurs when the keytop 2 is pressed and released. it can.

The pressing characteristics shown by the broken line G and the return characteristics shown by the broken line H are changed by appropriately changing the material and shape of the first spring member 77 and the second spring member 79. By changing the shape of the inclined protrusion 26 or changing the shape of the inclined protrusion 26, it can be arbitrarily changed. Accordingly, the switching-on point A and the switching-off point B can be arbitrarily set.

As described above, in the key switch 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the guide member 71, which intersects the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 and pivotally supports the opening and closing legs, is provided. The key top 2 is supported on the holder member 4 through the first link member 72 via the first link member 72 so as to be vertically movable.
Spring member 77 having switch and switch operating portion 8
The second spring member 79 having the first spring member 77 is formed on the sliding path of the sliding portion 78 by the support plate 6 so as to extend.
When the key top 2 is pressed against the elastic force of the first key member 2, the sliding portion 78 is opened based on the fact that the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 are opened in response to the key top 2 being pressed.
Is slid on the membrane switch sheet 5 and the inclined surface 2
Immediately after climbing over the inclined projection 26 along 6A, the switching section 81 is switched to the ON state via the switch operating section 80 disposed opposite to the switching section 81, and when the keytop 2 is released from being pressed, Based on the fact that the first link member 72 and the second link member 10 are closed by the elastic return force of the first spring member 77, the sliding portion 78 slides on the membrane switch sheet 5 in the opposite direction. Since it is configured to return to the original non-pressed position after getting over the inclined protrusion 26, a clear click action can be obtained when the sliding portion 78 gets over the inclined protrusion 26 without using a rubber spring. As a result, a reliable key input can be performed while realizing a clear key operation feeling.

In the key switch 70 of this embodiment,
Since no rubber spring is used, there is no restriction due to the thickness of the rubber spring, and therefore, it is possible to realize a large key stroke while responding to miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard.

Further, in the key switch 70 of this embodiment,
Since the first link member 72 and the first spring member 77 and the second spring member 79 of the guide member 71 are integrally formed, the switch operating portion 8 of the second spring member 79 is formed.
0 can be accurately and reliably positioned with respect to the switching section 81, and as a result,
, The switching operation can be reliably performed, and the setting of the pressing load of the key top 2 can be easily adjusted. Further, the second link member 72 having the switch operating portion 80 from the first link member 72 to have a cantilever spring shape.
Since the spring member 79 is formed to extend, the key top 2 can be further pressed after the switch operating unit 80 turns on the switching unit 81 when the key top 2 is pressed. That is, the cantilever spring-shaped second spring 7
By variously changing the flexure of No. 9, the ON position and the OFF position of the switch operating section 80 can be set freely within the range of the pressing stroke of the key top 2.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
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 first to fourth embodiments, the spring member (two spring members in the case of the fourth embodiment) is integrally formed from the first link member. May be integrally formed from the second link member. Further, when the spring member is integrally formed from the first link member, the material of the first link member and the material of the spring member may be formed of two different colors from different materials. Further, the first link member may be formed of a resin material and the spring member may be formed of a metal material by insert molding or outsert molding.

In the fourth embodiment, one first and second spring members are formed on the first link member, respectively, but a plurality of first and second spring members are provided. Is also good. In this case, a plurality of switching units may be provided for one key switch.
It may be one. Further, in the key switch of the fourth embodiment, a membrane switch sheet is used.
Similarly to the first to third embodiments, a circuit pattern may be formed on a support plate and a pressure-sensitive conductive element may be used as a switching unit.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the provision of the click action at the time of key input has
This is realized by the inclined protrusion 26 provided above,
Instead of the inclined projection 26, a click action may be realized by forming a concave portion on the support plate 6.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention, a large key stroke can be realized without using a rubber spring while the keyboard can be made smaller and thinner. By providing the key switch, it is possible to provide a low-cost key switch capable of performing a reliable key input while realizing a clear key operation feeling. In particular, a spring member having a switch operating portion is formed to extend from one of the first link member and the second link member so as to have a cantilevered spring shape, and the switch operating portion is switched when the keytop is pressed.
To the switching sheet while sliding on the
Activate the switching section directly while increasing the pressing force
So it is formed into a switching sheet via the switch
The established switching section can be operated reliably.
You. After the switch operating section turns on the switching section, the key top can be further pressed. That is,
By variously changing the bending dimension of the cantilever spring, the ON position and the OFF position of the switch operating portion can be set freely within the range of the key top pressing stroke.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch of a key switch according to a first embodiment when a key top is not pressed down.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the relationship between a guide member and a holder member when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed.

3A and 3B are explanatory views showing a first link member and a second link member. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the first link member, and FIG.
3B is a side view of the first link member, FIG. 3C is a plan view of the second link member, and FIG. 3D is a side view of the second link member.

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

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a relationship between a guide member and a holder member when the key top is depressed and shown with the key top removed.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a relationship between a keytop pressing load and a stroke when the keytop is operated.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top of the key switch according to the second embodiment is not pressed.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a switching section of the switching sheet.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the key switch when the key top is pressed.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is depressed and the key top is removed.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top of the key switch according to the third embodiment is not pressed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a first link member and a second link member, and FIG. 14A is a plan view of the first link member;
FIG. 14B is a side view of the first link member, and FIG.
14 is a plan view of the second link member, and FIG. 14D is a side view of the second link member.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the key switch when a key top is pressed.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a relationship between the guide member and the support plate when the key top is depressed, with the key top removed.

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top of the key switch according to the fourth embodiment is not pressed.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the relationship between the guide member and the holder member when the key top is not pressed down, with the key top removed.

19 is an explanatory view showing a first link member, and FIG.
FIG. 19A is a plan view of a first link member, and FIG.
It is a side view of a link member.

FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the key switch when the key top is pressed.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a relationship between a guide member and a holder member when the key top is depressed and the key top is removed.

FIG. 22 is a graph showing a relationship between a keytop pressing load and a stroke when the keytop is operated.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 30, 50, 70 Key switch 2 Key top 3, 51, 71 Guide member 4 Holder member 5 Membrane switch sheet 6 Support plate 7 Rotation locking part 7A Lock hole 8 Sliding locking part 8A Sliding groove 9 , 52, 72 First link member 10, 53 Second link member 13, 56, 75 Locking pin 14, 57, 76 Sliding pin 15, 58 Spring member 16, 59 Switch operating part 20, 63 Locking shaft 21, 64 Sliding pin 24, 39 Rotation locking part 25, 40 Sliding locking part 26 Inclined projection 26A Inclined surface 27, 32, 81 Switching part 37 Pressure-sensitive conductive element 77 First spring member 78 Sliding part 79 First 2 spring member 80 switch operation part

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A key top having a first locking portion and a second locking portion formed on a back surface, and a key top below the first locking portion of the key top .
To the fourth locking portion and below the second locking portion of the key top
A holder member having a third locking portion formed thereon, one end of which is locked to the first locking portion, and the other end of which has the third locking portion.
A first link member locked to the third locking portion , and one end connected to the second link member;
A second link member locked to the locking portion and the other end locked to the fourth locking portion , arranged in a mutually movable state, and a guide member for guiding up and down movement of the key top; A predetermined switching sheet that is disposed below the holder member and includes a switching unit; and a switch operating unit that is formed to extend from one of the first link member and the second link member of the guide member and that is provided at the tip, Switch operation part based on key top operation
A key switch comprising: a cantilever spring-shaped spring member that slides on a switching sheet to directly operate the switching unit; and a support member that supports the switching sheet. 2. The spring member is formed of a metal material.
2. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein
Switch. 3. The key switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit comprises a membrane switch.