JP3295072B2 - Key switch device - 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 device, and more particularly to a key switch device suitable for use in a thin keyboard attached to a notebook type word processor, a notebook type personal computer or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a key switch device used for this kind of keyboard, a key top integrally having a key stem is inserted into a holder portion formed on a holder plate to guide and support the key top, and is provided below the key stem. A key switch device provided with a switching member is generally used. In such a key switch device, a switching operation is performed by pressing a switching member by a lower portion of the key stem while slidingly guiding the vertical movement of the key stem via a holder portion.

A key switch device using a large key top such as a space key and a return key includes:
In order to prevent the keytop from being depressed in a tilted state when the keytop is depressed, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-62017 is disclosed.
JP-A-64-7441 and U.S. Pat.
A key switch device described in Japanese Patent No. 433,225 is known.

The key switch device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-62017 supports a key top with two scissor-shaped members intersecting in a scissor shape.
The switching member is arranged at a position away from the center of the keytop. When the key top is pressed, a plurality of pins formed at the end of each scissor-like member are horizontally slid and guided, and the key stem provided on the back surface of the key top is moved up and down via the holder. The switching member is depressed by the key stem while the sliding member is being guided.

The key switch device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 64-7441 has the same basic configuration as the key switch device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-62017. The feature is that the key top can be easily attached and detached.

US Pat. No. 4,433,225 discloses a key switch device provided with an L-shaped key top. This key switch device has a scissor-like member in which the center of the arm is connected by a shaft. Such scissors have first, second, third and fourth ends, the first and second ends of which are horizontally oriented within the traveled portion of the L-shaped keytop. It is slidable. However, since the key switch portion is located at a place different from the scissor-like member, the key switch portion alone cannot be realized as a key switch device, and a key stem and many other components are required, which complicates the structure.

The key switch device described in each of these publications maintains a horizontal state of the key top even when a large key such as a space key or a return key is pressed or any part of the key top is pressed. The vertical movement can be guided. As described above, in each of the above-described key switch devices, the key stem for pushing the switching member is vertically slid through the holder portion, and the switching member is pushed by the key stem.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. Hei 2-5236 discloses a key switch device which does not include a key stem and a holder which are slidably guided in a vertical direction. This key switch device includes two rectangular frames, and the two frames intersect in an X-shape to serve as a key top guide support member. A projection projecting downward is provided at the center of the lower surface of the keytop, and the projection is configured to press a rubber spring as a switching member. Also in this key switch device, similarly to the above-described key switch device, even if any part of the key top is pressed, the key top can be lowered while keeping the key top horizontal without tilting the key top.

[0009]

However, in recent years, as word processors and personal computers have become smaller and thinner, keyboards attached to them have also been made smaller and thinner. On the other hand, large keystrokes are required to improve the operability of key input and ensure the reliability of key input. Under such circumstances, there is a problem that a sufficient key stroke cannot be obtained with the above-described commonly used key switch device.

In a commonly used key switch device, if an attempt is made to reduce the thickness of the keyboard, the portion of the key stem slidably guided by the holder portion is reduced, and the key top is tilted due to this. Torsion occurs between the key stem and the holder. Conversely, there is a dilemma in that if the portion where the key stem is slid and guided by the holder portion is enlarged to prevent this, the key stroke is reduced.

When the key top is depressed when the key top is depressed, a sliding noise is generated, which significantly impairs the operability of the key. In addition, the twist generated between the key stem and the holder is unlikely to occur when the center of the key top is constantly pressed, because the key stem is pressed vertically. Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of such twisting, it is conceivable to reduce the key operation area so that the center of the key top is always pressed, but also in this case, the operability of the key is significantly impaired. There is no difference from the above.

Further, the key switch devices described in the above publications do not particularly aim at reducing the thickness of the keyboard. For example, in the key switch device described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-5236, the distances (lengths) from the crossing portions to the respective ends are all equal in the X-shaped crossed frames. When the key top is pressed, the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the frame contact (collide with) during the lowering operation of the key top, and the key stroke is restricted. I will. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the key switch device while securing the key stroke.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and eliminates the need for a configuration in which a key stem is slid up and down by a holder portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key switch device which can be maintained large, has good operability of key input with a simple configuration, and enables reliable key input.

[0014]

To achieve the above object, according to the solution to ## key switch device according to claim 1, and key Toppu, while being disposed below the key top, a plurality
A holder member engaging portion is formed of, exchange the X-shape in a side view
And it is made movable at the intersection
To the key tops or to the respective locking portions of the holder member.
Having a locking end, the first guiding support the vertical movement of the key Toppu
A link member and a second link member, a rubber spring for urging the key Toppu upward, is formed in the holder member,
Part of the rubber spring is stored and arranged within the thickness of the holder member.
While holding the upper end of the rubber spring.
Key hole with an arrangement hole protruding from the upper surface of the
A pitch system, the length and the holder member from the engagement end of the first link member Ru locked to Holder member to the intersection
From the locking end of the second link member locked to the
Length, and it is formed to a length and different length to the engaging end or et intersection of the second link member Ru locked in key Toppu.

Further, the key switch device according to claim 2, wherein, in the key switch according to claim 1, wherein the key
-From the locking end of the second link member locked to the top
The length up to the crossing part is the second
Formed longer than the length from the locking end of the link member to the intersection
To with a length of up engagement end or al crossover portion of the second link member Ru locked in its holder, Holder member locked by the locking end or al crossover of the first link member The length to the part is formed to be equal.

Further, the key switch device according to the third aspect is the same as the key switch device according to the first or second aspect.
In this case, the first link member and the second link member
Shaft formed on link member and formed on the other link member
The shaft holes are rotatably supported by each other.

[0017]

According to the key switch device of the present invention having the above configuration , when the key top is not pressed down, the key top is not pressed.
It is urged upward by a rubber spring and is held upward. When the keytop is pressed from such a state, the keytop descends against the urging force of the rubber spring . With the downward movement of the key top, with the engaging end of the first link member and the second link member is their respective to rotation or sliding, to guide the downward movement of the key top,
The switching operation is performed by pressing the rubber spring . On the other hand, when the pressing of the keytop is released, the keytop is urged upward by the rubber spring , and the first link member and the second link are urged by the urging force .
It is pushed upward while being supported by the member , and returns to the original position.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention; 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the key switch device, in the figure, the key top 1 is molded from a synthetic resin such as ABS resin, letters of the alphabet or the like is formed by printing or the like on the upper surface thereof. Further, from the back surface of the key top 1, a rotation locking portion 2 and a sliding locking portion 3 are provided downward and integrally with the key top 1 main body.

The first locking pins 13 and 14 formed at one end of one of the first link members 7 of two link members 7 and 8 to be described later are rotatably mounted on the rotation locking portion 2. A locking hole 4 for locking is formed, and the sliding locking portion 3 has
A locking groove 5 for locking the second locking pins 23 and 24 formed at one end of the other second link member 8 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction.
Are formed.

A guide support member 6 for guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top 1 is provided below the key top 1, and the guide support member 6 includes two link members 7 and 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first link member 7 is formed by integrally forming two base ends 10 and 11 at both ends of a base 9. A shaft 12 extends from one side surface of the central portion of the base 9, and the shaft 12 is supported by a shaft hole 20 formed in the other second link member 8 described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first locking pins 13 and 14 and the second locking pins 15 and 16 of the first link member 7 are provided.
Are arranged so as to be aligned on a straight line with the axis 12 as a center, and the distances from the axis 12 are equal. Further, the first locking pins 21 and 22 and the second locking pin 23 of the second link member 8,
Reference numerals 24 are arranged in a straight line with the shaft hole 20 as a center, and the distances from the shaft hole 20 are equal.

The two link members 7, 8 are bent so as to protrude upward at the positions of the lower base ends 11, 18 when the shaft 12 and the shaft hole 20 are rotatably connected. I have. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, since it is configured to have a large space below the shaft support portion A,
A rubber spring 31 having a substantially trapezoidal shape in a side view, which will be described later, can be efficiently stored under the shaft support A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the thickness of the distal ends of the upper base ends 10 and 19 of both link members 7 and 8 is reduced. For this reason, even when the key top 1 is pressed, the upper base ends 10, 19 and the lower base ends 11, 18 of the link members 7, 8 may come into contact with each other during the pressing of the key top 1. Absent. Therefore, the key top 1 is configured such that the pressing operation is not hindered in the middle and a key stroke can be sufficiently secured.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first link member 7 has first locking pins 13 and 14 extending from the side surfaces of both end extending portions 10A of the upper base end portion 10. The first locking pins 13 and 14 are the rotation locking portions 2 of the key top 1 described above.
Is rotatably locked in a locking hole 4 formed in the hole. Further, the lower base end portion 11 is formed in a U-shape in plan view, and the same second locking pins 15 and 16 as described above are extended from the side surfaces of the U-shaped both end extending portions 11A. . The second locking pins 15 and 16 are slidably locked by sliding locking portions 26 formed on a holder member 25 described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second link member 8 is formed by integrally forming two upper and lower base ends 18 and 19 at both ends of a base 17. A shaft hole 20 is formed in the center of the base 17, and the first hole is formed in the shaft hole 20 as described above.
The shaft 12 provided on the base 9 of the link member 7 is inserted. Further, the lower base end portion 18 is formed in a U-shape in plan view, and the first locking pin 21,
22 is extended. The first locking pins 21 and 22 are rotatably locked to a rotation locking portion 27 formed on a holder member 25 described later.

Further, second locking pins 23, 24 similar to the above are extended from both end extending portions 19A of the upper base end portion 19. The second locking pins 23, 24 are connected to the key top 1 described above. Are slidably locked in locking grooves 5 formed in the sliding locking portion 3.

As described above, the guide support member 6 allows the shaft 12 formed on the base 9 of the first link member 7 to pass through the shaft hole 20 formed on the base 17 of the other second link member 8. The two link members 7 and 8 are
It is possible to rotate relative to each other via a shaft support A composed of the shaft hole 2 and the shaft hole 20.

Next, a holder member 25 is disposed below the guide support member 6, and a second engagement member extending from the lower base end 11 of the first link member 7 on the holder member 25. Sliding locking portions 26 for locking the first locking pins 21 and 22 extending from the lower base end portion 18 of the locking pins 15 and 16 and the second link member 8, respectively; 27 are provided.

The sliding locking portion 26 is formed integrally with the holder member 25 in a convex shape and is provided with an elongated locking groove 28. The locking groove 28 is provided with the first link member 7. The second locking pins 15, 16 are slidably locked in the horizontal direction. Similarly to the sliding locking portion 26, the rotation locking portion 27 is formed integrally with the holder member 25 in a convex shape and has a locking hole 29 provided therein. The first locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8 are rotatably locked.

In the above configuration, the pivot locking portion 2 and the holder member 25 are formed on the back surface of the key top 1 existing on the left side in FIG. 1 with respect to the perpendicular L passing through the center of the shaft support A. The rotation locking portion 27 has the first
The locking holes 4 and the locking holes 29 for rotatably locking the locking pins 13, 14, 21 and 22 are provided. Further, the sliding engagement portion 26 formed on the sliding locking part 3 and the holder member 25 formed on the back surface of the key top 1 present the right side in FIG. 1 of the perpendicular L, respectively second
The locking groove 5 and the locking groove 28 for locking the locking pins 23, 24 and 15, 16 slidably in the horizontal direction are provided.

Below the holder member 25, a flexible circuit board 30 on which a predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) including a switch electrode is formed, and an inverted cup-shaped rubber is provided at a position corresponding to the switch electrode. A spring 31 is mounted. The rubber spring 31 has a well-known movable electrode inside, and a shaft supporting portion A that supports the two link members 7 and 8 so as to be rotatable with each other is opposed to a central portion of the upper surface thereof. Be placed.

[0033] More thereto, the shaft support A is moved downward in association with the depression of the key top 1, the shaft support A depresses the rubber spring 31, when the depression amount exceeds a certain limit, the rubber spring 31 is The switch electrode is short-circuited by the movable electrode in the rubber spring 31 by buckling.

Further, a switch support plate 32 is provided below the flexible circuit board 30, and the switch support plate 32 is a guide support member that supports the flexible circuit boards 30, the rubber springs 31, and the key tops 1 described above. Supports 6.

Next, the operation of the key switch device having the above configuration will be described. When the key top 1 is pressed down, the first locking pins 13 and 14 of the first link member 7 are moved in the locking holes 4 of the rotation locking portion 2 as the key top 1 moves downward . with pivots counterclockwise in 1, the second locking pin 23 is horizontally in the locking groove 5 of Suridogakari stop portion 3 of the second link member 8 slides on the (right direction in FIG. 1) Move. At the same time, the first locking pins 21 and 22 of the second link member 8 rotate clockwise in the locking holes 29 of the rotation locking portion 27 of the holder member 25, and the second locking pin 15, 16 slides in the horizontal direction in the locking groove 28 of Suridogakari stop portion 26 (right direction in FIG. 1).

[0036] As a result, the link member 7 and the link member 8
Are moved downward and gradually depress the rubber spring 31, and when the amount of depression exceeds a certain limit, the rubber spring 31 is buckled. Thereby, the movable electrode in the rubber spring 31 short-circuits the switch electrode on the flexible circuit board 30, and a predetermined switching operation is performed.

When the key top 1 is released from being depressed, the shaft supports A of the link members 7 and 8 are pushed upward by the elastic restoring force of the rubber spring 31. Accordingly, the first locking pin 13,14,21,22, the second locking pin 15, 16, 23 and 24及beauty performs operations of opposite described above, this result, the key top 1 It returns to its original position.

Here, the first locking pins 13, 14, 21,
The key top 22 is not moved in the horizontal direction and only rotates in the locking holes 4 and 29 , respectively.
Is not moved in the horizontal direction and does not collide with an adjacent key, and is moved up and down while maintaining the horizontal state of the key surface of the key top 1.

[0039] La bar spring 31 is a side view substantially trapezoidal, as described above, the angle of the sides due to the length and height of the length and the lower base of the upper base is dependent on the desired key touch . The height of the trapezoid, that is, the height of the rubber spring, is determined according to the keystroke, and a higher one is preferred. However, in view of the thickness of the entire device, it is obvious that this rubber spring cannot be so large.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a large space can be taken below the shaft support A by bending both link members 7 and 8 as described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, both link members are substantially straight when viewed from the side, as disclosed in JP-A-60-62017 or JP-A-64-2017.
It is possible to obtain a thinner and larger keystroke as compared with a device in which the configuration of the present invention is applied to the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7441.

Further, as described above, the thickness of the distal ends of the upper base ends 10, 19 of both link members 7, 8 is reduced in side view, so that the key stroke operation is not hindered in the middle. Sufficient stroke can be secured.

As described in detail above, in the key switch device according to the present embodiment, the shaft support portion A that supports the two link members 7 and 8 mutually is disposed at a position corresponding to the rubber spring 31 and the key switch device is provided. The rubber spring 31 is depressed via the shaft support A. Therefore, a configuration in which the key stem is guided by the key holder portion unlike the conventional key switch device can be completely eliminated, and a key switch device that does not require a special configuration for pressing the rubber spring 31 can be realized.

[0043] More this, it is possible to increase the keystrokes corresponding to the thickness of the keyboard, thus with a key operability is obtained reliably perform good keystrokes using the key tops 1 of the simple structure And a low cost key switch device can be provided. In particular, in the key switch device according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the key stem is guided by the key holder portion can be completely eliminated, so that the key stem and the key holder portion can be moved between the key stem and the key holder portion when the key is pressed as in the conventional key switch device. No sliding noise occurs, and there is no need to reduce the key operation area so as to press down the center of the key.

Further, in the key switch device according to the present embodiment, each first locking pin 13 locked in the locking hole 4 of the rotation locking portion 2 and the locking hole 29 of the rotation locking portion 27 is provided. , 14, 21,
Reference numeral 22 indicates that when the key top 1 is depressed, it only rotates in the locking holes 4 and 29 without moving in the horizontal direction.
The key top 1 is not moved in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a key switch device which has good key operability and can perform key input reliably without colliding between adjacent keys.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the link member 7 in this embodiment,
8 can of course obtain the same effect by the same kind of members combined in a pantograph shape. Further, in the present embodiment, the rubber spring 31 is pressed by the shaft supporting portions A of the link members 7 and 8, but the rubber spring 31 is pressed by the link members 7 and 8 or another member provided on the key top 1. Of course, the same effect can be obtained.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the key switch. The key switch 101 includes a key top 102 and a second key switch.
Supporting a link member 104 and the guide support member 103 and the first link member 105 is arranged in a side view scissor shape, the cap-shaped rubber spring 106 is pressed by the guide support member 103, a draft in the support member 103 A switching member 129 (FIGS. 12 and 1) is provided in a holder member 107 made of a synthetic resin for mounting, and a mounting hole 107A of the holder member 107.
3), the flexible circuit board 109 is stretched on the lower surface of the holder member 107, and the reinforcing plate 110 is stretched on the lower surface side.

As shown in FIGS . 4 , 12, and 13 , the rubber spring 106 is connected to the flexible circuit board 109.
13 (FIG. 13)
So as to cover the upper reference), to penetrate the holder member 107
The fitting hole 107A is inserted into the mounting hole 107A . La bar spring 106 is constituted by an electrically insulating silicone rubber or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene), etc., extending a thick head 106A of the plan view a substantially disc-shaped, downwardly from the periphery of the head portion截head cone-shaped dome portion
When are integrally molded downwardly open shaped cap comprising a flange portion of the thick extending substantially horizontally radially outward on the outer periphery of the dome portion. When pressing of the key top 102, the lower surface of the head portion 106A of the second link member 104 and the rubber spring 106 is pressed by the pressing portion of the first link member 105, contact with the contact portion of the switching portion 129 A movable contact portion 130 made of conductive rubber having conductivity for electrically turning on and off both switching portions is fixed. The entire rubber spring 106 may be formed to have conductivity by dispersing and filling conductive particles such as carbon black in silicone rubber.

The key top 102 formed of a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin is provided with characters such as numerals and letters on the upper surface (surface) by engraving or printing. On the lower surface of the key top 102, second locking pins 111A, 111 of an upper base end portion 119 of a second link member 104 described later.
A longitudinally groove-shaped sliding locking portion 116 for locking the key B slidably in the front-rear direction of the key top 102 in a substantially horizontal direction.
And a front and rear integrally provided with a hole-shaped rotation locking portion 115 for locking the first locking pins 113A and 113B of the upper base end portion 123 of the first link member 105 so as to be rotatable only. A pair of left and right long locking members 117 are integrally formed or protruded by bonding with an adhesive or the like (see FIG. 6).

[0050] FIG. 7 (A), (B) and with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the second link member 104 and the first link member 105 made of a synthetic resin such as glass-fiber reinforced synthetic resin fully described I do. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the second link member 104, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the first link member 105. The second link member 104 includes a base 118 and upper and lower base ends 1.
19 and 120, which are integrally formed into a substantially H shape in plan view. A support hole 121 is provided on a side surface of the base 118.
Are laterally provided, and the side surfaces of the arm portions 120A and 120B extending from both left and right ends of the lower base end portion 120 are respectively provided with first surfaces.
The locking pins 112A and 112B are protruded sideways, and the second locking pins 111A and 111B are protruded sideways on the side surface of the upper base end portion 119.

The first link member 105 is also formed integrally with the base 122 and the upper and lower bases 123 and 124 into a substantially H-shape in plan view. A pivot shaft 125 protrudes laterally from one side surface of the base 122, and the pivot shaft 125 is
It is rotatably fitted into the support hole 121 of the link member 104. Lower base end portion 124 of first link member 105
The second locking pins 114A and 114B are respectively laterally protruded from the side surfaces of the arm portions 124A and 124B extending from both left and right ends of the arm.
13A and 113B protrude sideways.

In this embodiment, a side view (FIG. 4,Figure5,Figure
8,Figure9,Figure10,Figure14) In the second link member
104 of the first locking pins 112A, 112B and the support holes 12
The first and second locking pins 111A and 111B are located on a straight line.
And support holes from the first locking pins 112A and 112B.
Distance to 121 and whether the second locking pin 111A, 111B
And the distance from the support hole 121 to the support hole 121 are equal.
It is. Also, the first locking pin 11 of the first link member 105
3A, 113B, pivot 125 and second locking pin 114
A, 114B are located on a straight line and the first locking pin
The distance from 113A, 113B to the pivot 125 and the second
Distance from locking pins 114A, 114B to pivot 125
The distance is set to be equal. This configuration
Then, as described later, the lower base end of the second link member 104
120Of the first locking pins 112A and 112B
When the guide support member 103 is rotated and displaced,
The cap 102 is parallel to the upper surface of the holder member 107.
Can be moved up and down while maintaining the position.

The base 118 of the second link member 104
On the lower surface of the base 122 of the first link member 105, downwardly convex polygon-shaped pressing portions 131 and 132 are formed, respectively. The pressing portions 131 and 132 press the upper surface of the head 106A of the rubber spring 106. Will be.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10, the second
The pressing portion 131 of the link member 104 and the pressing portion 132 of the first link member 105
The two flat portions 131A and 131B and the flat portions 132A and 13 are connected by being bent at an obtuse angle at a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the lower surface 22.
2B. Then, the positional relationship between the flat portions 131A and 131B and the support holes 121 and the flat portions 132A and 132B,
Same as the positional relationship of the pivot shaft 125 (however, left-right reversed)
It has become.

[0055] FIGS. 12 and 13 are views showing a part of the synthetic resin of the holder member 107, such as a glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin, one said the holder member 107, caps shaped rubber spring 106 The lower flange 106C that forms the part
A substantially rectangular mounting hole 107A that is housed and arranged and that can be inserted so as not to be displaced is formed, and a pair of left and right rotation locking portions 127 and front and rear longitudinal grooves are formed on the left and right side edges of the mounting hole 107A. The sliding engagement portion 128 is formed in
7, 128 are integrally injection- molded so as to open downward. And, for this rotation locking portion 127,
The first locking pins 112A and 112B of the lower base end portion 120 of the second link member 104 are rotatably fitted from below, and the first link member 105 is inserted into the sliding locking portion 128.
The second locking pins 114A, 11 of the lower base end portion 124 in FIG.
4B is inserted from the lower side so as to slide back and forth, and a flexible circuit board 109 is stretched and fixed to the lower surface of the holder member 107.

As shown in FIG. 11, the horizontal movement of the key top 102 in FIG.
4 and the second locking pin 111A of the first link member 105,
The left and right movements of 111B, 114A and 114B correspond to the sliding engagement portions 11 of the key top 102 and the holder member 107.
6, 128, or
First of the second link member 104 and the first link member 105
The left and right movements of the locking pins 113A, 113B, 112A, 112B correspond to the key top 102 and the holder member 107.
It is suppressed by being locked by the side surfaces of the rotation locking portions 115 and 127 of the first embodiment. Therefore, since the position of the key top 102 does not move in the left-right direction in FIG. 11, even when the key top 102 is pressed, it does not collide with an adjacent key. Also, in this way, both links 1
The movement of the support shaft 125 from the support hole 121 is prevented because the movement of the support shafts 04 and 105 in the left-right direction in FIG. 11 is suppressed.

Next, the structure of the guide support member 103 is illustrated in FIG. FIG. 17A illustrates FIG. The second link member 104 and the first link member 105 are pivotally supported at a pivot C by a pivot shaft 125. Here, the first
First locking pins 113A, 113B of link member 105
Distance R1 from (end P in FIG. 17A) to pivot support C
And the first locking pins 112A, 1
The distance R2 from 12B (the end S in FIG. 17A) to the shaft support C and the second locking pin 114 of the first link member 105
A, 114B (the end T in FIG. 17A) and the distance R3 from the shaft support C are configured to be equal. End P
The shaft support C and the end T are configured to be on a straight line. The ends P and S are indicated by arrows X in FIG.
It is a rotatable point that does not slide in the direction, and the end P is configured to be a point on a perpendicular to the end S in a side view (FIG. 17A). Therefore, even when the key top 102 is pressed and moves up and down, the position of the key top 102 does not move in the direction of the arrow X, and an accurate key stroke is secured (FIG. 17 (C) X line description). ).

Further, in addition to the above configuration, each end P,
Distances R1, R2, R3 from Q, S, T to the shaft support C,
R4 are all equal, and the end Q, the shaft support C and the end S
Is configured to be a point on a straight line, the key top 102 can keep a horizontal state at all times during the vertical movement accompanying the key press (described in the H row in FIG. 17C).

By the way, as shown in FIG. 18, the distance R4 from the end Q to the shaft support C is made longer than the distances R1, R2, R3 from the other ends P, S, T to the shaft support C. The key top 102 can be configured to be inclined. Also in this configuration, even when the key top 102 is pressed and vertically moved, the position of the key top 102 does not move in the arrow X direction, and an accurate key stroke is secured.

Further, according to this configuration, the key top 10
The inclination angle of 2 can be arbitrarily determined by changing the distance from the end Q to the shaft support C. For this reason, the second
By changing the distance from the end portion Q of the link member 104 to the shaft supporting portion C, it becomes easy to give a different inclination angle to the key top 102 for each row in a curved keyboard or the like.

The distance R4 from the end Q to the shaft support C
Are the distances R1, R from the other ends P, S, T to the shaft support C.
2. Even if it is shorter than R3, the key top 10
Of course, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which 2 is inclined.

[0062]

FIG. 17B illustrates FIG. With reference to this figure, it will be described that the key top 102 does not move in the directions of the arrow Y and the arrow R in FIG. 17B.

First locking pin 1 of both links 104 and 105
The movement in the direction of arrow Y of 12A, 112B, 113A, 113B is locked by the side surfaces of the rotation locking portions 115, 127 of the key top 102 and the holder member 107, or the second engagement of the links 104, 105. Stop pin 111A,
The movement of the key top 102 and the holder member 107 by the sliding movement of the key top 102 and the holder member 107
6 and 128, the key top 1
Movement in the Y direction of arrow 02 is suppressed (FIG. 17C, Y).
Line). Therefore, even when the key top 102 is pressed and moves up and down, the position of the key top 102 does not move in the arrow Y direction, and an accurate key stroke is secured (FIG. 17 (C) shows the Y line). ).

Each locking pin 111A, 111B, 1
12A, 112B, 113A, 113B, 114A, 1
The movement of the key top 102 in the direction of the arrow R is suppressed by locking the 14B by the locking portions 115, 116, 127, and 128 (described in the R row in FIG. 17C).

With this configuration, when the keytop 102 is pressed, the second link member 104 rotates downward (clockwise in FIG. 4) around the rotation locking portion 127 of the holder member 107, while The first link member 105 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 4 about the pivot shaft 125. Then, when the key top 102 starts to be pressed, the flat portion 131 </ b> A on the lower surface of the base 118 near the lower base end 120 of the second link member 104 and the position near the lower base end 124 of the first link member 105. And the flat portion 132A on the lower surface of the base 122 of the rubber spring 1
06 of the upper surface of the head 106A, the rubber spring 1 contacts the pressing regions 133 and 134 indicated by oblique lines in FIG.
06 is pressed.

When the pressing amount of the key top 102 increases,
Between the flat portions 131A, 131B and 132A, 132
The area near the corner between B is in contact with the upper surface of the head 106A of the soft rubber spring.

Further, when the pressing amount of the key top 102 increases, the upper base end portion 119 of the second link member 104 is increased.
12 and the flat portion 132B of the first link member 105 that is closer to the upper base end 123 abuts against the upper surface of the head 106A of the rubber spring 106 and presses it . Regions 133 and 13
Reference numeral 4 denotes a vertically inverted position (the area 133 is an area in the lower right half of the head 106A, and the area 134 is an area in the upper left half of the head 106A).

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the base 21 of the first link 204 is
8, the pressing portion 231 formed on the lower surface is formed by connecting three flat portions in a convex polygonal shape having a ridge line substantially parallel to the axis of the support hole 221. Also forms a pressing portion 232 having a similar multi-plane. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the pressing area 233 of the first link 204 and the pressing area 234 of the second link 205 at the start of pressing the keytop 102 are different from the head 10 of the rubber spring.
Although the lower half and the upper half of the upper surface of the 6A are located far apart from each other in the left and right directions, as the amount of pressing of the keytop 102 increases, both pressing areas 233 and 234 approach the center from the left and right ends (FIG. 15 (B)), and further divides toward left and right ends (see FIG. 15 (C)).

In this manner, the pressing portions 231 and 23 of the first link 204 and the second link 205
By forming 2 into a downward convex convex polygon plane,
The period during which the upper surface of the rubber spring head 106A is pressed by the corners of each flat portion is shortened, and the key operation feeling, especially the tactile (ON before the electrical contact ON when the keytop is pressed) is turned on.
The tactile sensation, in which the key operation resistance sometimes fluctuates rapidly, becomes good, and the key input operation can be stabilized.

[0071] Further, according to the pressing input operation of the key top 102, the pressing (abutting) area for head and part 106A upper surface symmetrically moved toward the opposite sides, at any time during Sutoroku keytop 102 , will be able substantially uniformly pressed in substantially symmetrical force to (right and left in FIG. 15) <br/> vertically in FIG. 12 the head 106A of the rubber spring 106, the periphery of the cap buckling deformation of the rubber spring 106 Can be generated almost simultaneously.

Note that a substrate such as a membrane switch circuit board may be used instead of the flexible circuit board 109 on which the switching section 129 is formed. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the corners are formed between the flat portions, but the flat portions may be connected with a gentle curved surface.

FIG. 16 shows the relationship between the load and the stroke when the key top is pressed. FIG. 16 (B)
Is a graph showing data of a conventional key switch device. According to this, it can be seen that when the operator presses the end portion of the key top, as compared to the case where the operator presses the center of the key top, the load applied to the operator is larger and unstable. .

FIG. 16A is a graph showing data of the key switch device of the present invention. According to this, it is understood that the load applied to the operator is almost uniform even when the operator presses any part of the key top,. This means that the key switch device of the present invention
This is to always give the operator a constant feeling for every key operation of the operator, and indicates that the operator can perform a smooth key input.

[0075]

As described in the foregoing, according to the key switch device of the present invention, in X-shape in a side view cross to the disposed a <br/> first link member and the second link member by using the structure for guiding and supporting vertical movement of the key top, and unnecessary structure to slide guided vertically by the holder of the key stem
It can be, therefore, while maintaining the size of the keystroke, there is an effect that the keyboard can be made thinner.

The first link locked by the holder member
The length from the locking end of the member to the intersection and the holder
Length from the locking end of the second link member to be stopped to the intersection
The locking end of the second link member locked to the key top
Formed to a length different from the length from
When the key top is depressed, it is possible to avoid contact between the upper locking end portion and the lower locking end portion of each link member. It is possible to eliminate a decrease in stroke . Accordingly, it is possible to further reduce the thickness of the keyboard while maintaining the size of the keystrokes .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch device according to a first embodiment .

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one link member of the first embodiment .

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other link member of the first embodiment .

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a key switch device according to a second embodiment .

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a pressed state of a key top according to a second embodiment .

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the key top.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a first link according to a second embodiment ,
(B) is a plan view of a second link of the second embodiment .

8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a rubber spring and a mounting hole.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mounting hole portion of the holder member.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing a pressing portion of a first link according to a third embodiment .

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are operation explanatory diagrams showing a change in a pressing area as the pressing amount increases from the start of pressing the keytop in the third embodiment .

16A is a graph showing the relationship between the load and the keystroke amount of the key switch device according to the present invention when the key is pressed, and FIG. 16B is a graph showing the load and the keystroke when the key is pressed in the conventional key switch device. It is a graph which shows the relationship of quantity.

17A is a diagram illustrating FIG. 4, and FIG.
FIG. 12 illustrates FIG. 12, and FIG. 12C is a table showing conditions for preventing the key top from moving in the direction of the arrow when the key is pressed.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key top 2, 27 Rotation locking part 3, 26 Sliding locking part 4, 29 Locking hole 5, 28 Locking groove 6 Guide support member 7 First link member 8 Second link member12 axes  13, 14, 21, 22 First locking pinN 1 5, 16, 23, 24 Second locking pinN 20 shaft hole  25 Holder member 30 Flexible circuit baseBoard 3 1 Rubber puddingThe  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Key switch 102 Key top 103 Guide support member 104 2nd link member 105 1st link member 106 Rubber puddingThe 1 07 Holder member107A mounting hole  109 Flexible circuit boardBoard 1 12A, 112B, 113A, 113B
N 1 11A, 111B, 114A, 114B
N 115 Rotation locking part 116 Sliding lock 121, 221 support holes 125 pivot 127 Rotation locking part 128 Sliding lock 129 SwitchingDepartment

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-11-73844 (JP, A) JP-A-11-203975 (JP, A) JP-A-8-171835 (JP, A) JP-A-10-334760 (JP, A) JP-A-11-339586 (JP, A) JP-A-11-111101 (JP, A) JP-A-5-342943 (JP, A) JP-A-60-62017 (JP, A) JP-A-60-2017 64-7441 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model 2-5236 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13/14

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] (1)Ki-And the key top and below it,Multiple clerks
A holder member formed with a stop,It is arranged in an X-shape when viewed from the side, and can be moved at the intersection
Of the key top or holder member
It has a locking end locked to each locking part, ー Top and bottom
Guide and support movementFirst link member and second link member
And urging the key top upwardRubber spring, The rubber member is formed on the holder member and has a thickness within the thickness of the holder member.
-A part of the spring is stored and the rubber
-Make the upper end of the spring project from the upper surface of the holder
Placement holes A key switch device comprising: Whether the end of the first link member is locked by the holder member
To the crossing portion and the second
2 Determine the length from the locking end of the link
-From the locking end of the second link member locked to the top Crossover
Characterized in that it is formed to a length different from the length to the part
Key switch device. (2)Second link locked to the key top
The length from the locking end of the member to the intersection is
From the locking end of the second link member locked to the member to the intersection.
And longer than the length at  Locked to the holder memberSecondIs the locking end of the link member
FriendshipThe length to the fork and, EThe second member locked to the rudder member
1Is the locking end of the link memberFriendshipEqual length to fork
The Keith according to claim 1, wherein the Keith is formed in a length.
Switch device. 3. The first link member and the second link member.
Is the shaft formed on one link member and the other link
With the shaft hole formed in the member, it is rotatably supported
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
Key switch device.