JP3392836B2 - 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 especially note-type word processors and notebook-type personal computers.
Used for a thin keyboard attached to a computer
The present invention relates to a key switch device suitable for use. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally used for this kind of keyboard
As a key switch device, it has a key stem integrally
Insert the keytop into the holder formed on the holder plate.
Guides, and a switch below the key stem.
A key switch device with a switching member is commonly used.
Have been. Such a key switch device is a key stem device.
The vertical movement is slid and guided via the holder, and
Switch by pressing the switching member
The work is done. In addition, large keys such as a space key and a return key are used.
As a key switch device using a model key top,
When the key top is pressed, the key top is tilted
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-62017 to prevent pressing
And U.S. Pat. No. 4,4,464.
No. 33,225 discloses a key switch device.
Are known. [0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-62017 discloses
Key switch devices do not cross each other
The key top is supported by two scissors like
At a distance from the center of the key top
The members are arranged. And when the keytop is pressed
, A plurality of pins formed at the end of each scissor member
Slide guide horizontally and on the back of the key top
Slide the key stem up and down through the holder part
Press the switching member with the key stem while
It is intended to be down. [0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 64-7441 describes
The key switch device is disclosed in JP-A-60-62017.
Same basic configuration as the described key switch device
The key top is attached to and detached from the scissor-like member.
The feature is that it is easy. In US Pat. No. 4,433,225,
Discloses a key switch device with an L-shaped key top
Is done. In this key switch device, the center of the arm is
Has scissor-like members joined by a. Such
The scissor-like member has first, second, third, and fourth ends.
The first and second ends of the L-shaped key top
It is slidable horizontally in the stretched portion. Only
And the key switch part is different from the scissor-like member
Because it is located in, only this as a key switch device
Doesn't work, requires key stem and many other parts
And the structure becomes complicated. The key described in each of these publications and the specification
-The switch device is a large key such as a space key.
Pressing any part of the key top
It can guide the vertical movement while maintaining the horizontal state
is there. As described above, the key switch device described above
In this case, the key for pressing the switching member
While sliding the stem up and down through the holder,
The common point is that the switching member is pressed with the key stem.
I have. On the other hand, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 2-5236 discloses
Is a key stem and holder that are slid up and down
A key switch device having no unit is described. this
The key switch device has two rectangular frames, and
Cross the two frames in an X-shape to support the key top
Material. Protrude downward at the center of the lower surface of the key top.
Protruding projection is provided, and the projection causes switching
It is configured to press the rubber spring which is a member
ing. Also in this key switch device, the key
-Press any part of the key top as with a switch device
Key top without tilting the key top.
Can be lowered while keeping the pump horizontal. [0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the key switch device described in the gazette, attached to each gazette
As can be seen from the drawing, each end of the scissors
The legs of each pin and each rectangular frame formed on the
-Water on the back of the member and key top and the top of the substrate
It is slidingly guided in the flat direction.
Sliding guide formed on the top surface of the board with pins and legs on the side
Nothing is provided for positioning in the part
Absent. Therefore, when the key member and key top are not pressed,
Therefore, the scissors and the rectangular frame are not positioned.
There is a possibility that it will move unnecessarily in the horizontal direction
Things. In particular, when the key member and the key top are not pressed down
Unnecessary movement of the scissors and the rectangular frame
The key operability is poor from the point of view.
Insufficient lower part allows the switching member to operate reliably
There is a problem that there may be
Was. In recent years, word processors and personal computers
As computers become smaller and thinner,
The keyboard attached to is also becoming smaller and thinner
coming. On the other hand, improving the operability of key input
Both have large strokes to ensure the reliability of key input
Is required. However, in each of the above publications and the specification,
The described keyswitch device is especially thin for the keyboard
It is not oriented. That is, JP-A-60-6201
No. 7, JP-A-64-7441 and U.S. Pat.
Key switch described in the specification of 4,433,225
The device is a key stem structure that has existed conventionally,
The height of the key is pressed to press the switching member.
Depending on the length of the member, the key height should be reduced
It is difficult to mold. In addition,
The key switch device described in Japanese Patent No.
To fold up and down two rectangular frames crossed
Even so, each leg of the two rectangular frames overlaps
No, the key tops cannot be folded together
Stroke lower limit cannot be lowered, resulting in
Therefore, the key switch device cannot be made thinner.
No. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems.
This is done when the key top is not pressed.
To prevent the key member from rising
In short, it prevents horizontal movement and has good key operability.
Good and reliable switching operation
Is possible, andEffective use of holder member thickness
WhileThin key switch deviceCan be realizedPossible
It is an object to provide a simple key switch device. [0014] [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] To achieve this object
The key switch device according to claim 1 is provided under the key top.
Key top by connecting and locking to the surface and the holder member below it
A guide support member for guiding and supporting the vertical movement ofQuito
Located below the top and biases the key top upward,Ki
-Perform switching operation in accordance with the vertical movement of the topUrging
ElementAnd the guide support member includes a first link member and a second link member.
The link members are arranged movably with respect to each other, and the first
The free ends of the link member and the second link member are
A key switch device connected and locked to the lower surface and holder member
So,A support plate for supporting the biasing member,Shaped on holder member
Is formed,The lower part is opened facing the support plate,
Sliding on the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member
And a sliding locking portion for locking the sliding locking portion.
When the key top is not pressed, the first link member or the second
The upper free end of the key top comes into contact with the lower free end of the link member.
And a regulation department to regulateI gotThings. [0015] The key switch according to claim 1 having the above configuration.
According to the device, when the keytop is not pressed,
The first link member or the second link portion constituting the inner support member
The lower free end of the material has a sliding engagement portion formed on the holder member.
And slidably engaged with
It is in contact with the established regulatory department. Thus, the first resource
The lower free end of the link member or the second link member
Key top
The rising position is regulated, and the guide support member is unnecessarily horizontal.
Can be prevented. This
Key operability of the key switch device is improved.
Switching operation can be performed reliably.
It is. As described above, through the restricting portion of the sliding locking portion,
The keytop whose up position is regulated is pressed
Then, with that press,Against the urging force of the urging member,Ki
The top is guided downward through the guide support member. Or
According to the pressing of the key top,By biasing memberSwitch
A ching operation is performed. [0017] On the other hand, if the keytop is released from being pressed,Attached
Due to the biasing force of the biasing member, the key topFirst link member
And second link memberByIt returns to the original non-pressed position
You. [0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments embodying the present invention.
This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. From FIG. 1 to FIG. 3
1 shows a first configuration of FIG. Figure 1 shows the key switch device
It is a front view, in which the key top 1 is made of ABS resin.
Molded from a synthetic resin such as
Characters such as alphabets are formed by printing or the like. Further, from the back surface of the key top 1, a rotation
The stop part 2 and the sliding locking part 3 are key top 1
It is provided integrally with the main body. The rotation locking portion 2 has two links to be described later.
One of the link members 7 of the members 7 and 8 is formed at one end thereof.
Locking the first locking pins 13 and 14 that have been rotatably locked
A hole 4 is formed, and the sliding engagement portion 3 has the other end.
A second locking pin 23 formed at one end of the link member 8,
24 is formed so as to slidably lock the slide 24 in the horizontal direction.
Have been. Below the key top 1, the key top 1
A guide support member 6 for guiding and supporting the vertical movement is provided.
The guide support member 6 has two link members 7, 8
It is composed of As shown in FIG. 2, one link member 7 is
In addition, two base ends 10 and 11 are integrally formed at both ends of the base 9.
It is made up. From one side of the central part of the base 9
The shaft 12 is extended, and the shaft 12 is the other
Is supported by a shaft hole 20 formed in the link member 8. Note that, as shown in FIG.
The first locking pins 13 and 14 and the second locking pins 15 and 16 are
12 on a straight line and the distance from the axis 12
It is configured so that the separation is equal. Also, the link member 8
The first locking pins 21 and 22 and the second locking pins 23 and 24
It is arranged in a straight line around the shaft hole 20 and the shaft hole 20
These distances are configured to be equal. The two link members 7, 8 are connected to a shaft.
In a state where the shaft hole 12 and the shaft hole 20 are rotatably connected,
It is bent so as to be convex upward at the positions of the base ends 11 and 18.
ing. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Is configured to have a large space underneath
Then, a rubber spring 31 having a substantially trapezoidal shape in a side view described later is effective.
It can be efficiently stored under the shaft support A. Further, as shown in FIG.
Then, in the side view, each base end 10, 11 is a base
9 and a link portion.
In the material 8, in the side view, each base end portion 18 and 19 is
It is formed to be thinner than the base 17. others
Therefore, when the key top 1 is pressed, both link members
The upper base ends 10 and 19 and the lower base ends 11 and 18 are keyed.
-There is no contact with the top 1 during the pressing.
Therefore, the key top 1 is prevented from being pressed down halfway.
Key strokes can be secured
Is configured. Further, as shown in FIG.
Is the first from the side surface of the extended end portion 10A of the upper base end portion 10.
Locking pins 13 and 14 are extended, and this first locking pin 13 is provided.
The keys 13 and 14 are formed in the rotation locking portion 2 of the key top 1.
And is rotatably locked in the locking hole 4. here
On the other hand, the upper base end portion 10 including both end extending portions 10A is
It is formed wider than the pins 13 and 14, and the first locking
It has greater rigidity than the pins 13 and 14. In addition,
The end portion 11 is formed in a U-shape in plan view, and has a U-shape.
A second locking pin similar to that described above is viewed from the side surface of the both end extension portions 11A.
15 and 16 are extended. Such second locking pin 1
Reference numerals 5 and 16 denote sliding members formed on a holder member 25 described later.
The stopper 26 is slidably locked to the stopper 26. Further, as shown in FIG.
In addition, two upper and lower base ends 18 and 19 are attached to both ends of the base 17.
It is formed on the body. An axis is located at the center of the base 17
A hole 20 is formed, and the shaft hole 20 is provided with a link as described above.
The shaft 12 provided on the base 9 of the locking member 7 is inserted therethrough. Ma
Further, the lower base end portion 18 is formed in a U-shape in plan view,
The first locking pins 21 and 22 are formed from the two-sided extending portions 18 </ b> A.
It has been extended. The first locking pins 21 and 22 will be described later.
Pivotable on a rotation locking portion 27 formed on a holder member 25
Noh is locked. Further, from both end extending portions 19A of the upper base end portion 19,
The second locking pins 23 and 24 are extended as described above.
The second locking pins 23 and 24 are
Slidable in the locking groove 5 formed in the sliding locking portion 3 of the step 1.
It is locked. Here, the two-sided extension 19A is included.
The upper base end 19 is wider than each of the first locking pins 21 and 22.
And is larger than the first locking pins 21 and 22.
It has great rigidity. As described above, the guide support member 6 has one side.
The shaft 12 formed on the base 9 of the link member 7 of the
Through the shaft hole 20 formed in the base 17 of the link member 8.
The two link members 7 and 8 are connected to the shaft 12 and the shaft.
It is mutually rotatable via the shaft support A formed by the hole 20.
You. Next, a holder section is provided below the guide support member 6.
A material 25 is provided, and on the holder member 25,
Second locking pin extending from lower base end 11 of link member 7
15 and 16 and extending to the lower base end portion 18 of the link member 8
To lock the first locking pins 21 and 22 respectively.
Are provided with a sliding locking portion 26 and a rotation locking portion 27.
You. The sliding engagement portion 26 has a convex shape from the holder member 25.
And an elongated hole-shaped locking groove 28
The locking groove 28 has the second
The locking pins 15, 16 are slidably locked in the horizontal direction.
I have. Further, the rotation locking portion 27 is similar to the sliding locking portion 26.
It is integrally formed in a convex shape from the holder member 25 and
A stop hole 29 is provided.
The first locking pins 21 and 22 of the member 8 are rotatably locked.
ing. [0033] In the above configuration, the center of the shaft support A is passed.
Key located on the left side in FIG. 1 with respect to vertical line L
Rotation locking part 2 and holder part formed on the back surface of top 1
Each of the rotation locking portions 27 formed on the material 25 has a first
Lockably lock the locking pins 13, 14, 21 and 22
Locking hole 4 and locking hole 29 are provided.
You. Also, a key existing on the right side of the perpendicular L in FIG.
Sliding locking portion 3 and holder portion formed on the back surface of top 1
Each of the sliding engagement portions 26 formed on the material 25 has a second
Lock pins 23, 24 and 15, 16 can be slid horizontally
The locking groove 5 and the locking groove 28 are provided to lock the function.
Will be. A switch electrode is provided below the holder member 25.
On which a predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) including
A flexible circuit board 30 is provided, and the
In the corresponding position, an inverted cup-shaped
A bar spring 31 is mounted. This rubber sp
The ring 31 has a well-known movable electrode inside.
The two link members described above are provided at the center of the upper surface.
Axial support portions A that axially rotatably support 7, 8 mutually opposingly arranged
Is done. Thus, when the key top 1 is pressed,
When the shaft support A moves downward, the shaft support A
Is pressed, and when the pressed amount exceeds a certain limit,
Rubber spring 31 is crushed, rubber spring 3
The switch electrode is short-circuited by the movable electrode in 1. Further, below the flexible circuit board 30,
A switch support plate 32 is provided, and the switch
The support plate 32 is provided on each of the flexible circuit boards 30,
Guide supporting the bar spring 31 and the key top 1
The holding member 6 is supported. Subsequently, a key switch having the above configuration
The operation of the device will be described. Press key top 1 down
When the key top 1 is lowered, the key top 1 moves
The first locking pins 13 and 14 of the link member 7
It rotates counterclockwise in the locking hole 4 and
The second locking pins 23 and 24 of the material 8 are locking grooves of the sliding locking portion 3.
5 slides horizontally (rightward in FIG. 1). This
At the same time, the first locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8
Inside the locking hole 29 of the rotation locking portion 27 in the holder member 25
To rotate in the clockwise direction, and the second engagement of the link member 7.
The stop pins 15 and 16 are provided with water in the locking groove 28 of the sliding locking portion 26.
It slides in a flat direction (right direction in FIG. 1). As a result, the link members 7 and 8 are
The supporting shaft A moves downward and
Is gradually depressed, and the depressed amount is limited to a certain amount.
When the temperature is exceeded, the rubber spring 31 is buckled.
As a result, the movable electrode in the rubber spring 31 flexes.
Short-circuit the switch electrode on the kibble circuit board 30 and
A switching operation is performed. When the key top 1 is released from being pressed, both links are released.
The shaft support A of the locking members 7 and 8 is elastic of the rubber spring 31.
It is pushed upward by the restoring force. Accordingly, the first
Locking pins 13, 14, 21, 22 and second locking pin 1
5, 16, 23, and 24 perform operations opposite to those described above.
As a result, the key top 1 is returned to the original position. Here, the first locking pins 13, 14, 21,
22 are not moved in the horizontal direction, but are locked
Since it only rotates in the holes 4 and 29, the key top 1
Are not moved horizontally, so the adjacent keys
No collision, horizontal of key surface of key top 1
It is moved up and down while maintaining the state. The rubber spring 31 is provided as described above.
A trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side.
The angle of the side due to the height and height of the key touch
Is determined according to And the height of this trapezoid
The height of the rubber spring depends on the keystroke
Decided, higher is preferred. However, the thickness of the entire device
In view of this, this rubber spring is so big
It's obvious that you can't. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above,
By bending both link members 7 and 8 in
A large space can be taken under A. Therefore, the book
In the embodiment, both link members are substantially linear in side view.
JP-A-60-62017 or JP-A-64-2017
No. 7441, the configuration of the present invention is applied to the device.
It is thinner and has a larger key
Work. Further, as described above, the link member 7
In the side view of FIG.
And is formed in a thin shape.
In the side view, each of the base ends 18 and 19 is the base 1
Because it is formed in a thin shape compared to 7, the key top
Even when 1 is pressed, the upper base ends of both link members 7, 8
Parts 10 and 19 and lower base ends 11 and 18 are
Without touching each other on the way down,
The top 1 is not hindered during the pressing operation,
Keystroke can be sufficiently secured. As described in detail above, the key according to this embodiment is
-The switch device connects the two link members 7 and 8 to each other.
The shaft supporting portion A for supporting the shaft is positioned at a position corresponding to the rubber spring 31.
And a rubber via the shaft support A.
The spring 31 is depressed. Therefore, the conventional
The key stem is attached to the key holder like a key switch device.
It is possible to completely eliminate the need for a configuration for guiding
Requires a special configuration to depress spring 31
Key switch device can be realized. Thus, the keyboard can be made thinner.
Keystrokes can be increased
The operability is good, key input can be performed reliably, and
Low cost Keith using key top 1 with simple structure
A switch device can be provided. In particular, in this embodiment,
In such a key switch device, the key stem is attached to the key holder.
Can be completely unnecessary
When a key is depressed like a conventional key switch device,
-No sliding noise occurs between the stem and the key holder.
Key operation area and reduce the key operation area.
There is no need to press the center of the
Things. In the key switch device according to the present embodiment,
Are locking holes 4 of the rotation locking portion 2 and locking of the rotation locking portion 27.
Each of the first locking pins 13, 14, 21 locked in the hole 29,
22 moves in the horizontal direction even when the key top 1 is pressed
It only rotates within the locking holes 4 and 29 without any
The key top 1 is not moved in the horizontal direction. Follow
Without colliding between adjacent keys.
Keys that provide good key operability and ensure key input
A switch device can be provided. Further, when assembling the key switch device,
Then, the first locking pins 13 and 14 of the link member 7 are
When locking to the rotation locking portion 2 of the loop 1 and a link member
8 is engaged with the rotation member of the holder member 25.
When the locking member 27 is locked, the link member 7
1 Acts as a reinforcing member adjacent to the locking pins 13 and 14
And a base end portion having greater rigidity than the first locking pins 13 and 14.
10 is formed and the link member 8 is first locked.
Acting as a reinforcing member adjacent to the pins 21 and 22, the first
A base end 19 having greater rigidity than the locking stools 21 and 22 is formed.
The first locking pins 13, 14, 21, 2
2 is based on the reinforcing action of the base ends 10 and 19, respectively.
Then, the rotation locking portion 2 and the rotation locking portion 27 are generated.
It can sufficiently withstand the locking stress. Follow
When locking the rotation locking portion 2 and the rotation locking portion 27, the first
The locking pins 13, 14, 21, 22 may be bent or deformed
Can be reliably prevented. Similarly, the key top 1 is moved up and down.
In this case, the first locking pins 113, 14, 21,
22 is a base end portion 10 and 19 each having high rigidity.
Reinforced so that it cannot bend or deform.
As a result, reliable switching operation can be performed.
It becomes possible. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
Rather, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Shape and improvement are possible. For example, in the present embodiment, the link member 7,
8 is the same kind of member combined in a pantograph shape
Of course, the same effect can be obtained. In addition,
In the embodiment, the traverse is performed by the shaft support A of the link members 7 and 8.
Although the pulling 31 is being pressed, the link members 7, 8 and
Is a rubber spring with a separate member provided on the key top 1.
Of course, the same effect can be obtained by pressing the ring 31.
It is. Next, a second configuration 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 first key switch 102.
The link 104 and the second link 105 are in a scissors shape in a side view.
The guide support member 103 disposed in the
Rubber spring 106 in a cap shape pressed at 3
And a synthetic resin for supporting the guide support member 103.
Member 107 made of stainless steel and mounting of the holder member 107
The switching unit 129 (FIGS. 12 and 13) is provided in the hole 107A.
(Refer to FIG. 2) on the lower surface of the holder member 107 so as to face the same.
Flexible circuit board 109 and
And a reinforcing plate 110 provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the elastic restoring force
Rubber spring 106 having a flexible circuit
Switching section (electric contact section) 12 on substrate 109
9 (see FIG. 13) so that the holder member 10
7 in the mounting hole 107A drilled through
Corresponding to the substantially central position below the
It is fitted and arranged on the road board 109. Rubber of the present invention
The spring 106 is made of an electrically insulating silicone rubber.
Or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene)
And the like, and a thick disk-shaped thick head 106A in plan view
And a frusto-conical dove that extends downward from around the head.
And a radially outwardly extending substantially horizontally around an outer periphery of the dome portion.
Into a downward-opening cap consisting of a thick-walled collar
Is molded. When the keytop 102 is pressed, the first reset
Is pressed by the pressing portion between the link 104 and the second link 105.
On the lower surface of the head 106A of the rubber spring 106,
Both switches are brought into contact with the contact portion of the
Conductivity for electrically turning on and off the
The movable contact portion 130 made of conductive rubber is fixed. What
Contact the entire rubber spring 106, silicone rubber
Conductivity by dispersing and filling conductive particles such as carbon black
It may be formed so as to have a property. In the above configuration, the reinforcing plate 110 and the flexible
Between the shibble circuit board 109 and the holder member 107,
As is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, etc., the reinforcing plates are sequentially arranged from the lower side.
110, flexible circuit board 109, holder member 10
There is a vertical position relationship of 7. Such vertical position
In relation, the rubber spring 106 is
Placed on flexible circuit board 109 below 107
The upper part of the rubber spring 106 is attached
Projecting above the holder member 107 through the drill hole 107A
Have been. Based on this, as shown in FIGS.
The upper part of the rubber spring 106 is connected to the first link 10
4 and the second link 105,
You can actually make contact. Therefore, as described above,
The flexible circuit board 109 is located below the holder member 107.
Even if it is arranged, it is mounted on the flexible circuit board 109.
The elastic restoring force of the rubber spring 106
To the key 102 to urge the key top 109 upward.
Can be Here, as is apparent from FIG.
-Curved peripheral portion 40 of the flange portion of spring 106
0 and each of the rotation locking portions 12 formed on the holder member 107.
7. A space 401 is provided between each of the sliding engagement portions 128.
It is provided and rubber through such a space 401
Peripheral portion 400 of spring 106 and each rotation locking portion 12
7. The sliding locking portions 128 are spaced apart from each other.
You. A key molded with a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin.
-The top 102 has numbers, letters, etc.
Characters are engraved or printed. Keitoto
A first link 104 described below is provided on the lower surface of the
The second locking pins 111A and 111B at the upper base end are substantially horizontal.
Slidably in the front-back direction of the key top 102
A longitudinally grooved sliding engagement portion 116 for
Locking pin 113A, 1 at the upper base end of
Hole-shaped rotation lock for locking the 13B so that it can rotate only
A pair of left and right locks that are integrally provided with the part 115
The member 117 is integrally molded or bonded with an adhesive or the like.
(See FIG. 6). Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS.
In light of the above, a synthetic resin such as glass fiber reinforced synthetic resin
The first link 104 and the second link 105 will be described in detail.
You. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the first link 104, and FIG.
FIG. 4B is a plan view of the second link 105. First link
Reference numeral 104 denotes a base 118 and upper and lower bases 119 and 120.
It is substantially integrally formed into a substantially H shape in plan view. This
Here, the first link 104 has an upper side in a side view.
Lower bases 119 and 120 are thinner than base 118
Is formed. In addition, the side of base 118
A hole 121 is formed in a horizontal direction, and the left and right sides of the lower proximal end portion 120 are formed.
On the side surfaces of the arm portions 120A and 120B extending from the ends,
The first locking pins 112A and 112B are respectively protruded sideways.
Then, on the side surface of the upper base end portion 119, a second locking pin 111A,
111B protrudes sideways. Here, arm part 1
The upper base end portion 120 including the first and second locking portions 20A and 120B
It is formed wider than the pins 112A and 112B,
Has greater rigidity than the first locking pins 112A, 112B
I do. The second link 105 also has a base 122 and upper and lower base ends.
Integrally substantially H-shaped in plan view by the portions 123 and 124
It is molded. Here, in the second link 105,
In the side view, the upper and lower base ends 123 and 124 are
It is formed to be thinner than the portion 122, and
As described above, the first link 104 has a
Therefore, the upper and lower base ends 119 and 120 are compared with the base 118.
The switching operation is performed because of the thin shape.
When performing the operation, the first reset is performed according to the descending operation of the key top 101.
Upper and lower base ends 119 and 120 of the link 104 and the second link 1
05 and the upper and lower base ends 124 and 123 are close to each other.
Also, the vertical positional relationship during the descent of the key top 101
The upper and lower proximal ends 119, 120, 124, 123
Touching can be prevented. Therefore, the key top 101
Keystroke without lowering movement
Can be kept large. Also, one side surface of the base 122 is oriented sideways.
A pivot shaft 125 is protruded from the first
Rotatably fitted into the support hole 121 of the link 104
You. Left and right sides of the lower base end portion 124 of the second link 105
On the side surfaces of the arm portions 124A and 124B extending from the side ends.
Respectively project the second locking pins 114A and 114B sideways.
The first locking pin 113 is provided on a side surface of the upper base end portion 123.
A and 113B protrude sideways. Here the arm
The upper base end portion 123 including the portions 124A and 124B is
Formed wider than the locking pins 113A and 113B.
Greater rigidity than the first locking pins 113A and 113B.
Having. In this embodiment, a side view (FIGS. 4, 5,
8, 9, 10, 14), the first link
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 second link 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 first link 104
1 Guide support portion around the locking pins 112A and 112B
When the material 103 is rotationally displaced, the key top 102
Is kept parallel to the upper surface of the holder member 107.
It can also move up and down. The base 118 of the first link 104
And the lower surface of the base 122 of the second link 105
Forming convex polygon-shaped pressing portions 131 and 132 respectively
Yes, these two pressing parts 131 and 132
The upper surface of the head 106A of the bush 106 is pressed. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10, the first
Pressing portion 131 of link 104 and second link 105
The pressing portion 132 in the bottom surface of each base 118, 122
Two flat parts connected by bending at an obtuse angle at the approximate center
From 131A, 131B and plane portions 132A, 132B
Become. Then, the flat portions 131A and 131B, the support holes 12
1 and the flat portions 132A, 132B, the pivot 1
25 is the same as the positional relationship (however, left-right reversed relationship)
I have. FIGS. 12 and 13 show glass fiber reinforced synthetic materials.
2 shows a part of a holder member 107 made of synthetic resin such as resin.
In the figure, the cap-shaped rubber is attached to the holder member 107.
The collar at the lower end of the spring 106 can be inserted without displacement.
A substantially rectangular mounting hole 107A is formed.
07A, a pair of left and right rotation locking portions 127
And the longitudinally grooved sliding locking portion 128
Injected integrally so that parts 127 and 128 open downward
Is formed. Note that, in FIG.
28, each second locking pin of the second link 105
To insert the slides 114 and 114B into the sliding locking portions 128.
Of the insertion unit 402 of FIG. Here, the rotation locking portion 127 and the sliding locking portion 1
The lower part of 28 is open as shown in FIG.
A predetermined gap formed between the predetermined upper mold and lower mold
After the resin is injected into the resin to mold the holder member 107
In addition, the upper die and the lower die can be simply removed vertically.
Thus, the first locking pin 112 of the first link 104
A, 112B, and a rotatable locking portion for rotatably locking
127 and the second locking pin 114 of the second link 105
A and 114B are slidably engaged with each other.
The cost of forming the holder member 107 is high.
There is no need to use a ride type, it is extremely simple and low cost
It can be formed with a strike. Then, with respect to the rotation locking portion 127,
Is a first locking pin at the lower proximal end of the first link 104.
112A and 112B are rotatably fitted from below and slide
The lower portion of the second link 105
Move the second locking pins 114A and 114B at the ends back and forth from below.
After being inserted so as to slide, the lower surface of the holder member 107
The flexible circuit board 109 is stretched and fixed. As described above with reference to FIG.
In addition, the curved periphery of the flange portion of the rubber spring 106
Each rotation locking formed on the edge 400 and the holder member 107
Space 127 between each part 127 and each sliding locking part 128.
01 is provided, and through such a space 401
Peripheral portion 400 of rubber spring 106 and each rotation locking portion
127, and are spaced apart from the respective sliding locking portions 128.
Is flexible on the lower surface of the holder member 107.
After the circuit board 109 is stretched and fixed, the first link 104
Of the first locking pins 112A and 112B
27, and each second locking pin of the second link 105
114A and 114B are inserted into the respective sliding locking portions 128
Is also good. In such a case, each first member of the first link 104
Lock the stop pins 112A and 112B once in each space 401.
While being mounted on the flexible circuit board 109, the second
Each of the second locking pins 114A and 114B of the link 105 is
Once on the flexible circuit board 109 in the space 401
After that, the first locking pins 112A and 112B are
While slightly elastically deforming, it is inserted into each rotation locking portion 127,
Also, the second locking pins 114A and 114B are slightly elastically deformed.
Through the insertion part 402 of each sliding locking part 128 while shaping
And insert. As described above, the first link 104 and the second link
When the link 105 and the holder member 107 are connected and assembled,
A second link is provided at each sliding engagement portion 128 of the holder member 107.
Insertion of each locking pin 114A, 114B of the 105
A portion 402 is formed, and the insertion portion 402
And peripheral portion 400 of flange portion in rubber spring 106
Means that they are spaced apart based on the space 401
Then, each locking pin 114A, 114B of the second link 105
The operation of locking the slide locking portion 128
Very simple without paying special attention to the presence of
It is easy to assemble the key switch device
Can reduce the cost of the key switch device.
it can. At this time, the rotation locking portion 127 and the sliding locking
Since the lower part of the part 128 is open, the rotation locking part 12
7, first locking pins 112A, 112B, and
And the second locking pin 114 locked to the sliding locking portion 128
A and 114B are mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 109.
First, they are rotated and slid, respectively. This
The first locking pins 112A and 112B and the second locking pins
Between the holders 114A and 114B within the thickness of the holder member 107.
Can be stopped.
The key switch 101 can be made thinner while
Can be. As shown in FIG. 11, the key top 102
The movement in the left-right direction in FIG.
And second locking pins 111A, 111 of second link 105
B, 114A, 114B left and right movement is key top
102 and sliding engagement portions 116 and 12 of holder member 107
8 or the first phosphorus
Locking pin 113 of the link 104 and the second link 105
A, 113B, 112A, and 112B move left and right.
Rotation locking part 1 of key top 102 and holder member 107
Suppressed by being locked by the sides of 15, 127
Is done. Therefore, the key top 102 is located at the left in FIG.
Because the position does not move to the right,
Collision with adjacent keys even when the
And not. Also, as described above, both links 104 and 105
Since the movement in the left-right direction in FIG. 11 is suppressed,
The pivot shaft 125 is prevented from coming off from the hole 121.
You. Also, in FIG. 4 and FIG.
The sliding groove of the sliding locking portion 128 in the material 107 is the front end 3
00 and the rear end 301, with the key top 102 facing down
In the state where it is not pressed (free state)
Are the second locking pins 114A, 114 of the second link 105.
B is a front end portion 300 of the sliding groove in the sliding locking portion 128.
It is configured to abut against. Further, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Push rubber spring 106 to the maximum via 103
The second locking pin of the second link 105
114A and 114B are sliding grooves in the sliding locking portion 128
, So as not to abut on the rear end portion 301. By adopting the above configuration,
When the key top 102 is not pressed, the second link 105
The second locking pins 114A and 114B are connected to the front end 30 of the locking groove.
0 to regulate the ascending position of the key top 102,
When the key top 102 is pressed, the second locking pin 11
4A and 114B do not contact the rear end portion 301 of the locking groove.
Thus, breakage and the like can be prevented. It should be noted that, in addition to the above configuration, FIGS.
Locking member provided on the lower surface of the key top 102
A front end portion 302 and a rear end portion 303 are formed in a sliding groove 117.
When the keytop 102 is not pressed, the first link 10
4 at the front end 302.
Abut on the key top 102 to regulate the highest position.
When the key top 102 is pressed, the second locking pin 111
A and 111B are configured so as not to contact the rear end 303.
You may. Next, FIG. 17 shows the structure of the guide support member 103.
Is illustrated. FIG. 17A illustrates FIG.
You. The first link 104 and the second link 105 are connected to the pivot 12
5, the shaft is supported by the shaft supporting portion C. Here, the second link 1
05 first locking pins 113A, 113B (FIG. 17A)
Distance R1 from the end P) to the shaft support C and the first link
The first locking pins 112A, 112B of FIG.
The distance R2 from the end S) of FIG.
The second locking pins 114A and 114B of the link 105 (FIG. 1)
The distance R3 from the end T) of 7 (A) to the shaft support C is the same.
It is configured to work. End P, shaft support C and end T
Are configured to be points on a straight line. Also the end
P and S do not slide in the direction of arrow X in FIG.
It is a rotatable point, and the end P is a side view (FIG. 17A)
It is configured to be a point on the perpendicular to the end S. others
When the keytop 102 is pressed and moves up and down,
Also, the position of the key top 102 moves in the direction of the arrow X.
Instead, an accurate keystroke 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
If is configured to be a point on a straight line, the key
Top 102 is always horizontal during up and down movement due to key press
State can be maintained (described in line H of FIG. 17C). By the way, as shown in FIG.
Distance R4 from the other ends P, S, T to the shaft support C
Make longer for distances R1, R2, R3 to branch C
And a configuration in which the key top 102 is inclined.
Wear. Also in this configuration, the key top 102 is pressed down.
When the key top 102 moves up and down
It does not move in the X direction,
Secured. Further, according to this configuration, the key top 10
The inclination angle of 2 changes the distance from the end Q to the shaft support C.
This can be determined arbitrarily. For this reason, the first
The distance from the end Q of the link 104 to the shaft support C is changed.
By using a curved keyboard, etc.
The key top 102 at a different angle
It also becomes easier. 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.
You. FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating FIG.
You. Using this figure, the arrow Y direction in FIG.
And movement of the position of the key top 102 in the direction of arrow R
Explain that it does not work. First locking pin 1 of both links 104 and 105
12A, 112B, 113A, 113B in the direction of arrow Y
The movement is the rotation of the key top 102 and the holder member 107.
Because it is locked by the side surfaces of the stoppers 115 and 127,
Are the second locking pins 111A of both links 104 and 105,
The movement of the arrows 111B, 114A, and 114B in the arrow Y direction is
-Sliding engagement portion 11 of top 102 and 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, the key top 102 is pressed and
Even if the key top 102 moves down, the position of the key top 102 is in the direction of arrow Y.
Does not move in the direction, ensuring accurate key strokes
(Described in line Y of FIG. 17C). Each of the locking pins 111A, 111B, 1
12A, 112B, 113A, 113B, 114A, 1
14B is connected to each of the locking portions 115, 116, 127, 128.
The key top 102 in the direction of arrow R
Movement is suppressed (described in the R row in FIG. 17C). With this configuration, pressing key top 102
Sometimes, the position of the rotation locking portion 127 of the holder member 107 is
The first link 104 rotates downward as a center (in FIG. 4,
The second link 105 is connected to the pivot 12
4 rotates counterclockwise around the position 5. So
Then, at the start of pressing the keytop 102,
The base at a position near the lower base end 120 in one link 104
The flat portion 131A on the lower surface of the portion 118 and the second link 105
Of the lower surface of the base 122 near the lower base end 124
The surface portion 132A is the head 106 of the rubber spring 106
Pressing areas 133, 1 indicated by oblique lines in FIG.
34, and presses the rubber spring 106.
You. 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 a soft rubber spring
The state comes into contact with the upper surface of the head 106A. Further, the pressing amount of the key top 102 increases.
Then, near the upper base end portion 119 of the first link 104.
On the other side of the flat portion 131B and the second link 105
The flat part 132B on the side close to the end part 123 is a rubber spring.
Contacting the top of the head 106A of the ring 106 and pressing it
In FIG. 12, the pressing regions 133 and 134 are vertically
Inverted position (region 133 is the lower right half of head 106A
Area and area 134 are the upper left half of the head 106A) and
Become. The third configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
I will tell. In this embodiment, the base 21 of the first link 204 is
8 Pressing part 231 formed on the lower surface supports three flat parts
Continuously installed in a convex polygonal shape with a ridge line substantially parallel to the axis of the hole 221
Although not shown, the second phosphorus
A pressing portion 232 made of a similar multi-plane is also formed on
You do it. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The first link at the start of pressing the keytop 102
The pressing area 233 by the hook 204 and the second link 205
The pressing area 234 is the head 10 of the rubber spring.
6A left and right large at the lower half and upper half of the upper surface
At a distance from each other,
As the size increases, both pressing areas 233 and 234
Approaching the center (see FIG. 15 (B)), and the left and right edges
(See FIG. 15C). Thus, the first link 204 and the
The respective pressing portions 231 and 23 of the two links 205
By forming 2 into a downward convex convex polygon plane,
The upper surface of the head 106A of the rubber spring is placed at the corner of each flat part.
To shorten the period of pressing, and the key operation feeling, especially
(Electric contacts are turned on when the key top is pressed.
Good tactile sensation where key actuation resistance fluctuates rapidly)
The key input operation can be stabilized.
Because In addition, the key input operation of the key top 102 is
Therefore, the pressure (contact) area on the upper surface of the head 106A
The zones move symmetrically toward the opposite sides of the
-At any point during the top stalking,
-The head 106A of the spring is moved up and down in FIG.
15) (approximately uniformly)
And buckling deformation of the rubber spring
Can occur almost simultaneously around the tip. Note that a switch forming the switching section 129 is not shown.
Replace the flexible circuit board 109 with a membrane switch.
A circuit board such as a circuit board may be used. In addition, the implementation
In the example, the corners between the planes were set as corners.
The flat portions may be connected. By the way, the key top is pressed as shown in FIG.
The relationship between the load and the stroke amount in the case is shown. FIG. 16 (B)
Is a graph showing data of the conventional key switch device.
You. According to this, the operator presses the center of the keytop
Key top end part,
If pressed, the load on the operator will be
It turns out that it becomes unstable. FIG. 16A shows a key switch of the present invention.
6 is a graph showing data of the switch device. According to this,
The author presses any part of the key top ,,,,
The load received by the operator should be almost uniform
I understand. This means that the key switch device of the present invention
Always have a constant feel for every key operation of the operator
This is given to the author, and smooth key input by the operator
Is made possible. [0090] As described above, the key switch of the present invention is used.
According to the device, when the keytop is not pressed,
The first link member or the second link portion constituting the inner support member
The lower free end of the material has a sliding engagement portion formed on the holder member.
And slidably engaged with
Key contacts based on contact with established regulatory
The lifting position of the guide is restricted, so that the guide support member
Unnecessary horizontal movement can be prevented
Becomes Therefore, the key operability of the key switch device
And the switching operation can be performed reliably.
It is a function. Also,Sliding of the holder member facing the support plate
Since the lower part of the locking part is open, a holder member is formed.
Can greatly simplify the type structure for
Allows the holder member to be formed at low cost
You. In addition, the first link member locked by the sliding locking portion or
Slide the lower free end of the second link member within the thickness of the holder member.
Can be locked dynamically and the thickness of the holder
Achieve a thin key switch device while effectively using it
Can be

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch device having a first configuration. FIG. 2 is a plan view of one link member of the first configuration. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other link member of the first configuration. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a key switch device having a second configuration. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a pressed state of a key top of a second configuration. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the key top. FIG. 7A is a plan view of a first link having a second configuration,
(B) is a top view of the 2nd link of the 2nd composition. 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 having a third configuration. 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 key top of the third configuration. 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. [Description of Signs] 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, 8 Link member 13, 14, 21 , 22 First locking pin 15, 16, 23, 24 Second locking pin 25 Holder member 30 Flexible circuit board 31 Rubber spring A Shaft support L Vertical line 101 Key switch 102 Key top 103 Guide support member 104 First link 105 2 link 106 Rubber spring 107 Holder member 107A Mounting hole 109 Flexible circuit board 110 Reinforcement plates 112A, 112B, 113A, 113B First locking pins 111A, 111B, 114A, 114B Second locking pins 115, 127 Rotation locking portion 116, 128 Sliding locking portion 118, 122 Base 121 Support hole 125 Pivot shaft 131, 132 Press 133 press area 400 periphery 401 space 402 insertion portion

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13/14 H01H 13/52

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] A guide support member for connecting and locking to a lower surface of a key top and a holder member thereunder to guide and support the vertical movement of the key top, and a key support of the key top. Located below
Urging the key top upward, and a biasing member performs a switching operation in accordance with the vertical movement of the key top, said guide supporting member, the first link member and the second link member to each other movably A key switch device configured and arranged, wherein each free end of a first link member and a second link member is connected and locked to a lower surface of a key top and a holder member, and a support plate for supporting the biasing member; Formed on the holder member, facing downwards on the support plate;
Is released, and a sliding locking portion that slidably locks the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member, and is formed on the sliding locking portion, and the key top is not pressed down. at the first link member or the key switch the lower free end of the second link member, characterized in this <br/> and which example Bei a regulating portion for regulating the raised position of the key top abuts.