JP3392848B2 - 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.
Especially when the key top is not depressed.
Key that can restrict the
-It relates to a switch device. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of key switch device has been
Various things have been proposed, for example, the same kind of Keith
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-62 discloses a switch device.
017 and JP-A-64-7441 exist.
I do. [0003] The key switch devices described in both publications are:
Use large keys such as space key and return key,
Prevents the key from being pressed in an inclined state when pressed.
Which is described in JP-A-60-62017.
Key switch devices cross each other like scissors
The key member is supported by two scissors
The switching part is located away from the center of the key member.
Material is placed, and the end of each scissor-shaped member when the key member is pressed
Each pin formed on the back of the key member and the
Slide guides horizontally with the top surface, as well as key members
Sliding guide up and down the specially provided pressing part via the holder part
While pressing the switching member by the pressing part
It was done. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 64-7441 describes
The key switch device is the key switch described in the former.
It has the same basic configuration as the switch device,
The feature is that the key member can be easily attached to and detached from the
Have The key switch device described in each of these publications
The position is determined by the pressed position of a large key such as the space key.
Maintains a horizontal state regardless of which part of the key is pressed regardless of
The key can guide the vertical movement of the key. [0006] 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
Each pin formed on the back of the key member and the top of the board
Each is configured to be slid and guided horizontally.
However, the lower pin of each pin is
For positioning in the formed sliding guide part
Nothing is provided. Therefore, when the key member is not pressed down,
The scissors are not positioned in the horizontal direction
In short, there is probably a risk of moving.
You. In particular, when the key member is not pressed down, the scissor member
Keys move unnecessarily in the horizontal direction.
Poor workability, and in some cases insufficient pressing of key members
The switching member cannot operate reliably.
There is also a problem that there is a risk of being frustrated. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-62017 discloses
In the key switch device mounted, the lower side of each scissor-shaped member
About slidably supporting the pin formed on the substrate
Through the guide pocket of the non-movable key part attached to
The non-movable key part is slidably supported.
Is configured separately from the substrate,
-The part is attached to the board, the assembly is complicated
This leads to increased costs. [0010] Further, the key switch described in each of the above publications is disclosed.
As shown in the drawings attached to each publication,
In addition, the switch member is positioned off the center of the key top.
It is arranged in the place. In particular, JP-A-60-62017
In the key switch device described in the publication, the key member
Corresponds to the pressed part provided at a position far from the center position
Switch body consisting of a rubber spring
Is placed. In this key switch device, the key
That the support is supported by two scissors
Also, the end of each scissor-shaped member is
Due to the sliding guide, the key top and
Rattling between the substrate and each scissor-like member
I can't deny it. In this way, backlash
Occurs, the keytop is pressed when the keytop is pressed.
May move up and down in an inclined state. In such a case, the switch body is located inside the key top.
It is located away from the center position,
The pressing force based on the pressing of the switch
May not be transmitted properly.
The body cannot perform switching operations properly
Sometimes. The present invention solves the problems of the prior art.
This is done when the key top is not pressed.
And the link member is not
By preventing horizontal movement as necessary,
The key operability is good and the link member
The lower free end can be easily engaged with the sliding
Key switch that can be stopped for easy assembly
It is intended to provide a device. [0014] [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] To achieve the above object
The key switch device according to claim 1 is a key top device.
And located below the keytop, forming a sliding lock
Holder member, first link member and second link
Member and both link membersAllowedMoveable arrangement
To connect the keytop and holder member.
A guide support member for guiding the vertical movement of the key top,
It is located below the key top and the key top is
With an energizing rubber springKey switch device
And formed on the sliding engagement portion of the holder member,Quito
The first link member or the second link member when the
Bottom free end abuts and regulates the ascending position of the key top.
Regulatory departmentAnd a rubber at the sliding engagement portion of the holder member
Formed at a position separated from the periphery of the pulling when viewed from the side
AndLower free end of the first link member or the second link member
Insert the insertion holeWithIt is characterized by the following. [0015] The key switch according to claim 1 having the above configuration.
In the device, when the keytop is not pressed, the first link member
Or, the lower free end of the second link member slides the holder member.
It is in contact with a regulating part formed on the locking part. like this
The lower free end of the first link member or the second link member
Based on the fact that it is in contact with the regulating
Key top position is restricted and link members are
In short, it is possible to prevent horizontal movement.
You. This allows key operability in key switch devices
And the switching operation can be performed reliably.
It is a function. As described above, through the restricting portion of the sliding locking portion,
The keytop whose up position is regulated is pressed
Then, the first link member and the second
Is guided downward through a guide support member consisting of a link member.
It is. When the key top moves downward, the switch is
A ching operation is performed. On the other hand, if the key top is released from the press,
The first link member and the
And the second link member return to the original position with the key top
Is done. At this time, the first link member or the second link member
The lower free end is in contact with the regulating portion of the sliding engagement portion,
The rising position of the key top is regulated. Here, a key switch device having the above configuration is provided.
When assembling the holder, the sliding locking part of the holder
Insert the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member
Insertion holes are formed.
Bar spring rimFrom the side in a side view
ToThe first link member or the second link
The operation to lock the lower free end of the member to the sliding lock
-Without paying special attention to the existence of the spring,
Easy operation and easy assembly of key switch device
And reduce the cost of the key switch device.
Can be. [0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a notebook personal computer according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a key switch device attached to a computer.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 1 is Quito
Key switch device showing the state where the
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view, and FIG. 2 is an exploded explanatory view of a key switch device.
It is. In these figures, the key top 1 is AB
Molded from synthetic resin such as S resin
Characters such as alphabets are formed by printing etc.
You. Also, two locking portions are provided from the back of the key top 1.
The holding member B, which is formed by vertically suspending 2, 3 downward, is
It is provided integrally with the main body 1. Each of the locking portions 2 is a paper
Two locking grooves 4 (see FIG. 1)
Only one side is shown). Also locking
The parts 3 are respectively perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG.
Two locking grooves 5 arranged side by side (only one near side is shown in FIG. 1)
). The locking portion 2 has two link members to be described later.
Formed at one end of one of the link members 7 and 8
Slide the locking pins 13 and 14 in the horizontal direction and
The end wall 4A is provided with a locking groove 4 capable of abutting and locking.
In addition, the locking portion 3 has one end of the other link member 8.
When the formed locking pins 23 and 24 slide horizontally,
A locking groove 5 that can be abutted and locked on the outer end wall 5A is formed.
Have been. The length of the locking groove 4 and the length of the locking groove 5
Are configured to be equal. 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 is separated from the link members 7 and 8.
It is configured. One of the link members 7 is connected as shown in FIG.
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. The locking pins 13 and 14 of the link member 7
And the locking pins 15 and 16 are on a straight line about the shaft 12.
And the distance from the axis 12 is equal.
Is done. Further, the locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8
The locking pins 23 and 24 are on a straight line about the shaft hole 20.
So that the distance from the shaft hole 20 is equal
It is configured. The link members 7 and 8 are connected to a shaft.
12 and the shaft hole 20 are rotatably connected to each other.
Bent so as to protrude upward at the positions of the ends 11 and 18
I have. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
To have a large space on the side
And a substantially trapezoidal rubber spring 31 in a side view, which will be described later.
It can be efficiently stored under the shaft support A. Also, the side surface of the extended portion 10A at both ends of the base end portion 10
The locking pins 13 and 14 are extended from the
Stop pins 13 and 14 are provided on locking portion 2 of key top 1.
Is locked in the locking groove 4. Further, the base end 11
Is formed in a U-shape in plan view, and both ends of the U-shape are formed.
From the side surface of 11A, the same locking pins 15, 16 as above are provided.
It has been extended. The locking pins 15 and 16 will be described later.
Locked by a locking portion 26 formed on the holder plate 25
You. Further, as shown in FIG.
And two base ends 18, 19 at both ends of the base 17,
It is formed. The shaft hole 2 is provided at the center of the base 17.
0 is drilled, and the shaft hole 20 has a link as described above.
A shaft 12 provided on the base 9 of the member 7 is inserted therethrough. Ma
In addition, the base end portion 18 is formed in a U-shape in plan view.
Locking pins 21 and 22 extend from both end extending portions 18A.
Have been. These locking pins 21 and 22 are used for a holder
It is locked by the locking portion 27 formed on the rate 25. The front end portion 19A of the base end portion 19 extends forward.
The same locking pins 23 and 24 as described above are extended,
Locking pins 23 and 24 are formed on locking portions 3 of key top 1.
The locking groove 5 is slidably locked in the locking groove 5. 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 17.
You. The shaft support A is a rubberーspring
31 are arranged at substantially the center of the top portion so as to face each other. Attach link members 7 and 8 to key top 1
In the case of the girder state, the locking pins 13, 14, 23, 24
Is in contact with the inner end walls 4B, 5B,
Play (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1) is prevented.
You. Next, a holder plug is provided below the guide support member 6.
A rate 25 is provided, and such a holder plate 2
5 is provided with a lock extending from the base end 11 of the link member 7.
Extends to pins 15 and 16 and base end 18 of link member 8
For locking the locked locking pins 21 and 22 respectively.
Stop portions 26 and 27 are provided. The locking portion 26 is protruded from the holder plate 25.
Notch formed integrally and partially cut out
An elongated locking groove 28 having an insertion hole 28C made of
The locking groove 28 is provided with the link member 7.
The locking pins 15, 16 are slidably locked in the horizontal direction.
I have. The locking pins 15, 16 are inserted through the insertion holes 28C.
Is inserted into the locking groove 28. The insertion hole 28C is shown in FIG.
And the periphery of the rubber spring 31 as shown in FIG.
It is formed outside the part. Here, a first edge is provided at both ends of the locking groove 28.
Portion 28A (left side in FIG. 1) and second edge portion 28B
(Right side in FIG. 1) are formed.
I have. Of these edge portions 28A and 28B, the first edge
The portion 28A is in a non-pressed state of the key top 1 as described later.
The locking pins 15 and 16 of the link member 7 are shown in FIG.
Position of the key top 1 by restricting the sliding to the left
And the second edge 28B is keyed.
-When the top 1 is pressed, the locking pins 15 and 16 are shown in FIG.
This restricts sliding to the right. The locking portion 27 is similar to the locking portion 26 in that
It is formed integrally from the rudder plate 25 in a convex shape.
Engagement having an insertion hole 29C consisting of a partially cut-out notch
A locking groove 29 is provided, and the locking groove 29 has a link.
Locking pins 21 and 22 of member 8 are locking pins of link member 7
Like 15 and 16, it is slidably locked. This insert
The locking pins 21 and 22 are inserted into the locking grooves 29 through the holes 29C.
Is entered. The insertion hole 29C is shown in FIGS.
So that it is more outward than the peripheral edge of the rubber spring 31.
Has been established. Here, the locking groove 2 is provided at both ends of the locking groove 29.
8, the first edge 29A (the right side in FIG. 1)
Two ends with the second edge portion 29B (left side in FIG. 1)
An edge is formed. Each of these edge portions 29A, 29
B, the first edge 29A is a key top as described later.
Lock pin 2 of link member 8 in the non-pressed state of
The key is regulated by restricting the sliding of the right and left in FIGS.
The upper position of the top 1 is regulated.
When the key top 1 is pressed, the edge portion 29B is
22 for restricting sliding to the left in FIG.
You. When the key top 1 is not pressed,
Stop pins 13, 14 and 23, 24
The key top is in contact with the side end walls 4B, 5B.
1 play is prevented. Thus, the key top 1 is in a non-pressed state.
The first edge portion 28A of the locking groove 28 and the locking groove 29
Each locking pin 15 of the link member 7 is attached to the first edge portion 29A,
16 and the locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8 abut against each other.
In cooperation with each other, the link members 7, 8 in FIG.
Acts to regulate left and right sliding.
As a result, upward of a rubber spring 31 described later
The top position of the key top 1 is regulated by the elastic force of
And is held in a non-pressed state. When the key top 1 is pressed, the locking groove
28 and the second edge 29 of the locking groove 29
B and the locking pins 15, 16 of the link member 7 and the link
The locking pins 21 and 22 of the locking member 8 abut against each other,
In cooperation with each other, the right side of the link members 7 and 8 in FIG.
And regulates sliding in the left and right directions.
As a result, the key top 1 is moved through the shaft support A as described later.
Switch by pressing rubber spring 31
After that, the key top 1 slides further horizontally.
This is to prevent spills. When the key top 1 is pressed, the key top 1 is locked.
Pins 13 and 14 and locking pins 23 and 24 are
5 is in contact with the outer end walls 4A, 5A,
The play of the top 1 is prevented. Further, under the holder plate 25,
Predetermined circuit pattern (not shown) including switch electrode
The formed flexible circuit board 30 is provided, and
In the position corresponding to the
A rubber spring 31 having a top shape is mounted. this
The rubber spring 31 has a known movable electrode inside.
And two link members at the center of the upper surface.
Axial support portions A that axially rotatably support 7, 8 mutually opposingly arranged
Is done. The top of this rubber spring 31 is attached to the shaft support A.
Formed so that it does not deform even when pressed down.
ing. Thus, when the key top 1 is pressed,
When the shaft support A moves downward, the shaft support A
Press the key 31 and the pressed amount exceeds a certain limit
And, rubber spring 31 buckled, rubber spring
The switch electrode is short-circuited by the movable electrode in 31
It is. At this time, each locking pin 13, 14, etc.
Because it is slid in the horizontal direction inside 4 etc., the shaft support A
The top of the rubber spring 31 is
To move up and down while being in contact with the
This causes the rubber spring 31 to be pressed vertically
It is possible to do. Further, below the flexible circuit board 30,
A switch support plate 32 is provided, and the switch
The support plate 32 is formed of each flexible circuit board 30, rubber sp.
Guide support member supporting ring 31 and key top 1
Supports 6. Subsequently, a key switch having the above configuration
The operation of the device will be described. First, the key top 1
When the rubber spring 31 is pressed,
The locking pins 15 and 16 of the link member 7
When it is abutted and locked on the first edge 28A of the locking groove 28,
In both cases, the locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8 are
9 is held in contact with the first edge portion 29A of the
Top 1 is key top without being moved horizontally
Is restricted and the non-pressed state is maintained.
In addition, the locking pins 13 and 14 and the locking pins 23 and 24
Are in contact with the inner end walls 4B, 5B of the locking grooves 4, 5.
You. Then, the key top 1 is pressed down.
And a link member as the key top 1 moves downward.
7, the locking pins 13 and 14
Sliding in the horizontal direction (left direction in FIG. 1)
The locking pins 23 and 24 of the link member 8 are connected to the locking grooves 5 of the locking portion 3.
In the horizontal direction (right direction in FIG. 1). this
At the same time, the locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8 are
Water in the locking groove 29 of the locking portion 27 of the double plate 25
Sliding in the horizontal direction (left direction in FIG. 1)
The locking pins 15 and 16 of the link member 7 are locking grooves of the locking portion 26.
It slides in the horizontal direction (right direction in FIG. 1) within. As a result, the link member 7 and the link member
The shaft supporting portion A which supports each other 8 moves downward and
Press down the rubber spring 31 gradually and press it down
When the amount exceeds a certain limit, the rubber spring 31
Be crushed. This allows the rubber spring 31
The moving electrode serves as the switch electrode on the flexible circuit board 30.
A short circuit occurs and a predetermined switching operation is performed. After such a switching operation, the key top
1 is further depressed due to the key operation.
The locking pins 13 and 14 of the link member 7 slide in the locking groove 4 and slide.
And is engaged with the outer end wall 4A and
The locking pins 23 and 24 of the material 8 slide in the locking groove 5 and move outward.
It is abutted and locked to the end wall 5A. At the same time,
The locking pins 15 and 16 of the link member 7 slide in the locking groove 28.
To abut on the second edge 28B and
The locking pins 21 and 22 of the locking member 8 slide in the locking groove 29.
To abut on the second end portion 29B. As a result, the key top 1 is
By pressing the rubber spring 31 through the
The movable electrode in the bar spring 31 and the flexible circuit board
Switching operation was performed with the fixed electrode on the plate 30.
Then, each locking pin 13 etc. and each outer end wall 4A, 5A, each
The pressed position by cooperation with the two edge portions 28B and 29B.
Is moved in the horizontal direction
Never. When the key top 1 is released, 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. With this, each
The locking pins 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 are as described above.
The key top 1 performs the reverse operation.
The position is returned to the non-pressed state. As described in detail above, according to this embodiment,
In the key switch device, the key top 1 is not pressed down.
And the locking pins 15 and 16 of the link member 7 are
Abuts and locks at the first edge 28A of the
The locking pins 21 and 22 of the locking member 8 are connected to the first edge of the locking groove 29.
Because it is made to abut on the part 29A,
When the lever 1 is not pressed, the rubber spring 31
The top position of the key top 1 is regulated in conjunction with sexuality
Key top 1 is prevented from moving in the horizontal direction and positioned
Is done. When the key top 1 is pressed,
Locking pins 13 and 14 of link member 7 and link member 8
The locking pins 23 and 24 are respectively attached to the outer end walls of the locking groove 4.
4A, when it is brought into contact with and locked to the outer end wall 5A of the locking groove 5,
The locking pins 15, 16 of the link member 7 and the link
The locking pins 21 and 22 of the member 8 are respectively
Abuts on the second edge 28B and the second edge 29B of the locking groove 29
Since the key top 1 is pressed,
The movable electrode of the rubber spring 31 and the flexible circuit board
Switching operation was performed between the fixed electrode of the plate 30
Later, key top 1 is prevented from moving in the horizontal direction
Then, the key top 1 is positioned at the pressed position.
Things. As described above, the key switch device according to this embodiment is
Position, both when the key top 1 is not pressed and when it is pressed
When key top 1 is moved unnecessarily horizontally
Key operation is good and reliable.
Key switch device that enables switching operation
can do. As described above, in this embodiment, the key
Key 1 is not pressed (top position) and key top 1 is at the bottom
The position of the key top will be regulated at the position
Because there is little play of key top, comfortable Kita
Switch can be realized. The key switch device according to the present embodiment
Then, the locking pins 15, 16 of the link member 7 and the link
Locking portions for locking the locking pins 21 and 22 of the member 8 respectively
26 and 27 are formed integrally with the holder plate 25
Then, each of the locking portions 26 and 27 is configured separately, and the holder play is performed.
The key switch device is
Assembly can be simplified and facilitated. Further, the link members 7 and 8 and the holder press
When connecting and assembling the plate 25, the holder plate 25
The locking pins 15, 16 of the link member 7 are inserted into the locking portions 26.
An insertion hole 28 </ b> C into which the
Into which the locking pins 21 and 22 of the link member 8 are inserted.
A hole 29C is formed, and each of the insertion holes 28C and
And 29C are located outside the periphery of the rubber spring 31.
, The locking pin 15 of the link member 7,
Work for locking the locking member 16 to the locking portion 26, and a link member
Work to lock the lock pins 21 and 22 of the lock 8 on the lock portions 27
Pay particular attention to the presence of rubber springs 31
It is a very simple task without any key switch device
Can be easily set up and the cost of the key switch device can be reduced.
Can be reduced. 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 above embodiment,
When the stopper 1 is not pressed, the locking pins 15 and 16 are
Locking pins 21 and 22 are engaged with the first edge 28A of the
By contacting and locking to the first edge 29A of the stop groove 29,
Key top 1 is kept in the non-pressed state.
However, in addition to this, the locking pins 13 and 14 are
When it abuts and locks on the inner end wall 4B facing the end wall 4A
In both cases, the locking pins 23 and 24 are connected to the outer end wall 5 of the locking groove 5.
A so as to abut against the inner end wall 5B facing A
Of course, it is good. In this embodiment, the key top 1
While the key is pressed, the key top 1
It can be moved with respect to
Touch) is lost. To prevent this, a mule
A groove at the top of the spring 31 for engaging with the shaft support A;
A recess is provided, and the elasticity of the rubber spring 31
Restricting the left and right movement of the top 1 while it is being pressed
Can also. Further, the link members 7, 8 in this embodiment are used.
Is also possible with the same kind of members combined in a pantograph shape
Needless to say, a similar effect can be obtained. [0059] As described above,The present inventionThe key pertaining to
According to the switch device, when the key top is not pressed,
To prevent the key member from rising
In short, by preventing horizontal movement,
-Good operability and reliable switching operation
WorkCan beThe industrial effect is extremely large
It is. Also, a key switch deviceofWhen assembling
In addition, the first link member or the second
An insertion hole for inserting the lower free end of the two-link member is formed.
The insertion hole is located around the rubber spring.
RimFrom the side in a side viewIs formed
Then, the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member is
The operation of locking to the sliding locking part is due to the existence of the rubber spring.
A very simple task without paying special attention to
The key switch device can be easily assembled
The cost of the switch device can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch device showing a state in which a key top is slightly pressed down. FIG. 2 is an exploded explanatory view of the key switch device. FIG. 3 is a plan view of one link member. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the other link member. [Description of Signs] 1 Key top 2, 3 Locking portions 26, 27 Locking portions 4, 5, 28, 29 Locking grooves 4A, 5A Outer end walls 4B, 5B Inner end walls 6 Guide support members 7, 8 Link members 13, 14, 15, 16 21, 22, 23, 24 Locking pin 25 Holder plate 28A, 29A First edge 28B, 29B Second edge 28C, 29C Insertion hole 30 Flexible circuit board 31 Rubber Spring A shaft support

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01H 13/14 H01H 13/70

Claims (1)

(57) [Claim 1] A key top, a holder member disposed below the key top and forming a sliding engagement portion, and a first link member and a second link member. together, it will be arranged both link members variable movably, by connecting the key top and the holder member, the guide support member for guiding the vertical movement of the key top, is disposed below the key top, A key switch including a rubber spring for urging the key top upward.
An apparatus formed in a sliding engagement portion of the holder member , wherein the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member abuts when the key top is not pressed, and the key top is raised. And a rubber spring in a sliding engagement portion of the holder member.
Formed at a position separated from the peripheral edge of the
Is, the key switch device characterized by comprising an insertion hole for inserting the lower free end of the first link member or the second link member.