JP7472932B2 - Key input device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key input device equipped with a key switch that accepts a pressing operation.

Key input devices such as keyboards with multiple key switches arranged in a row are widely used as input devices for electronic devices such as computers. For such keyboards, there is a demand for a function that allows adjustment of various characteristics according to the characteristics of the operator, such as the length of the operator's fingers, operating habits, and the way of applying force, as well as the purpose of use. In particular, in recent years, such demands have been increasing for keyboards used in computer games known as e-sports. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a key switch that allows adjustment of the length from when the key is pressed to when it switches to the on state, the so-called PT (Pre Travel) length.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-19822

However, the key switch described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the operator cannot sense the position at which the switch switches to the on state by touch. If the operator cannot sense the position by touch, this can lead to delayed reactions when the switch is used in fields that require quick response, such as e-sports.

The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide, for example, a key input device that generates vibrations that can provide an operator with a pseudo-tactile sensation.

In order to solve the above problems, the key input device described in the present application is a key input device equipped with a key switch that accepts a pressing operation, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects the pressing operation of the key switch, a vibration mechanism that vibrates the key switch, and a sound output unit that outputs a sound, and the vibration mechanism includes a top plate on which the key switch is arranged, a support base that supports the top plate from below, and a holding member on the support base that holds the top plate so that it can vibrate, a permanent magnet is arranged on one of the top plate and the support base, and an electromagnet is arranged on the other of the top plate and the support base, and the sound output unit outputs a pseudo sound that is perceived as a clicking sound when the detection unit detects a pressing operation.

The key input device is also characterized in that the pseudo sound output by the sound output unit is changeable.

The keyboard input device further comprises a sound control unit which controls the sound output unit, a sound recording unit which records a plurality of sound patterns as sound information indicating a waveform which becomes an artificial sound, a setting recording unit which records the settings of the sound patterns, and a waveform selection unit which reads the sound pattern recorded as a setting in the setting recording unit from the sound recording unit, and when the detection unit detects a pressing operation, the waveform selection unit outputs the sound pattern read from the sound recording unit to the sound control unit, and the sound control unit controls the sound output unit based on the sound pattern which has been accepted as input, so that the sound output unit outputs the artificial sound which is perceived as a clicking sound.

Further, the key input device described in the present application is a key input device having a key switch that accepts a pressing operation, and is provided with a detection unit that detects the pressing operation of the key switch, a vibration mechanism that vibrates the key switch, a vibration control unit that vibrates the vibration mechanism, a vibration recording unit that records a plurality of vibration patterns as vibration information indicating a waveform that becomes a vibration, a sound output unit that outputs a sound, a sound control unit that controls the sound output unit, a sound recording unit that records a plurality of sound patterns as sound information indicating a waveform that becomes a pseudo sound, a setting recording unit that records the settings of the vibration pattern and the sound pattern, and a waveform selection unit that reads the vibration pattern and the sound pattern recorded as settings in the setting recording unit from the vibration recording unit and the sound recording unit, respectively. The device is characterized in that it comprises a tabletop on which a switch is arranged, a support base that supports the tabletop from below, and a holding member that holds the tabletop on the support base so that it can vibrate, a permanent magnet is arranged on one of the tabletop and the support base, and an electromagnet is arranged on the other of the tabletop and the support base, and when the detection unit detects a pressing operation, the waveform selection unit outputs the vibration pattern read from the vibration recording unit to the vibration control unit and outputs the sound pattern read from the sound recording unit to the sound control unit, the vibration control unit vibrates the vibration mechanism based on the vibration pattern that has been input, and the sound control unit outputs a pseudo sound that is perceived as a clicking sound from the sound output unit based on the sound pattern that has been input.

The key input device is also characterized in that it is a keyboard.

The key input device is also characterized in that it is a mouse.

The key input device according to the present invention is capable of vibrating the top plate on which the key switches are arranged. This provides an excellent effect, for example, by allowing the operator of the key switches to feel the switching between the open and closed states of the circuit by touch.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard to which a key input device according to the present application is applied; 4 is a graph showing an example of the characteristics of a key switch included in the keyboard described in the present application. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a keyboard described in the present application. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing examples of vibration patterns recorded in a vibration recording section of a waveform determination section included in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holding member provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holding member provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a vibration mechanism provided in a keyboard described in the present application. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a vibration mechanism provided in a keyboard described in the present application. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a vibration mechanism provided in a keyboard described in the present application. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a vibration mechanism provided in a keyboard described in the present application. 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the arrangement of a vibration mechanism provided in the keyboard described in the present application.

<Application Examples>
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a keyboard for inputting data such as letters, numbers, and symbols, as well as various commands, into an electronic device such as a computer. FIG.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard 1 to which the key input device described in the present application is applied. In the keyboard 1, a plurality of key switches 2, such as character keys, numeric keys, and other function keys, are arranged side by side. In addition, sound output units 3, such as speakers that output sound, are arranged on the left and right sides of the front surface (the side facing the operator) of the keyboard 1. In addition, various components, such as a vibration mechanism 4 that generates vibrations (see FIG. 3, etc.), are accommodated in the keyboard 1. Note that in the illustrated keyboard 1, key switches 2 of the same shape are arranged side by side in order to simplify the structure and make the technical content easily recognizable, but the implementation is not limited to such a shape. For example, when applied to a QWERTY keyboard 1, only the character keys are made to have the same shape, and key switches 2 having specific functions, such as a space key and an enter key, arranged around the character keys, are configured to have a different shape from the character keys, and other suitable design is possible. In addition, the sound output units 3 can be arranged in various places, such as the side, rear, corners, etc., not limited to the front, and the number of the sound output units can also be designed appropriately.

The key switch 2 arranged on the keyboard 1 can be depressed by an operator from the top dead center, which is the highest position, to the bottom dead center, which is the lowest position. In addition, the key switch 2 has an open/close position set so that the open/close state of the circuit changes from an OFF state to an ON state in the process of moving from the top dead center to the bottom dead center.

Figure 2 is a graph showing an example of the characteristics of the key switch 2 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. The graph shown in Figure 2 shows the relationship between the travel distance indicating the stroke caused by pressing the key switch 2 on the horizontal axis and the pressing load, which is the force required for pressing, on the vertical axis. As shown in Figure 2, as the key switch 2 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, it is possible to use a linear switch in which the pressing load increases monotonically with respect to the travel distance, for example, in a proportional relationship with a constant slope. A linear switch in which the pressing load increases monotonically with respect to the travel distance has the characteristic that the pressing load does not change at the switching position where the open/close state is switched. For this reason, when an operator presses a key switch 2 using a linear switch, the operator cannot feel the tactile sensation when the open/close state switches from the OFF state to the ON state, that is, the so-called click feeling, from the key switch 2 itself. The keyboard 1 described in the present application is equipped with a vibration mechanism (see Figure 3, etc.) 4 that generates vibrations, and the vibration generated by the vibration mechanism 4 generates a pseudo-click feeling (pseudo-tactile sensation) that cannot be felt from the key switch 2. That is, the vibration mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 functions as a tactile feedback actuator that applies vibrations to the operator.

Next, an example of the functional configuration of the keyboard 1 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4 housed in the keyboard 1. The housing of the keyboard 1 houses a support base 40, a coil 41 functioning as an electromagnet, a permanent magnet 42, a holding member 43, and a top plate 44 as the vibration mechanism 4. Of the various components housed therein, the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 function as a vibration section that serves as an actuator for generating vibration. Note that, although the present application shows a configuration in which the support base 40 is disposed as a separate body within the housing of the keyboard 1, it is also possible to configure the housing and the support base 40 as an integrated unit.

The key switch 2 is mounted on a substrate 20, which is attached to the top surface of the top plate 44 of the vibration mechanism 4 by a mounting method such as screwing. That is, the key switch 2 is disposed on the top surface of the top plate 44 by the substrate 20. The top plate 44 is supported by the support base 40 via a holding member 43. A coil 41 functioning as an electromagnet is disposed on the bottom plate 400 constituting the bottom of the support base 40. For example, a flat VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that is wound horizontally and generates a vertical magnetic field on the inside is used as the coil 41. In this application, the horizontal direction is a direction for convenience of explanation that indicates a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the support base 40, and does not necessarily coincide with a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity depending on the configuration and arrangement direction of the keyboard 1. FIG. 3(a) shows an example in which a magnetic field that generates an S pole above and an N pole below is generated, and FIG. 3(b) shows an example in which a magnetic field that generates an N pole above and an S pole below is generated. A top plate 44 with a permanent magnet 42 disposed on the underside is disposed above the coil 41 disposed on the support base 40, and the permanent magnet 42 is disposed so as to face the coil 41. Figure 3 shows an example in which the permanent magnet 42 is disposed so that the underside on the front side (left side as you look at the figure) of the keyboard 1 is the north pole, and the underside on the rear side (right side as you look at the figure) is the south pole.

At the sides of the support base 40 (the front and rear in the example of FIG. 3), side plates 401 are erected on a bottom plate 400, and the upper part of the side plate 401 is located near the side of the top plate 44. An elastic body such as a compression coil spring is bridged and attached to the side plate 401 as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The top plate 44 is held so that it can move back and forth by the holding member 43 using an elastic body that bridges from the side plate 401 of the support base 40 to the side of the top plate 44. In addition, the front and rear side plates 401 are provided with cushioning members 45 such as rubber to absorb shock when the top plate 44 comes into contact with them due to vibration.

As described above, multiple key switches 2 that are pressed by the operator are arranged on the top plate 44, and the top plate 44 is held by a holding member 43 so that it can vibrate on the support base 40. A permanent magnet 42 is arranged on the bottom of the top plate 44, facing a coil 41 used as an electromagnet arranged on the support base 40.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when electricity is passed so that a south pole is generated above the coil 41, the top plate 44 moves backward as indicated by the arrow in the figure, and as shown in FIG. 3(b), when electricity is passed so that a north pole is generated above the coil 41, the top plate 44 moves forward as indicated by the arrow in the figure. Therefore, by repeatedly reversing the direction of electricity, the states shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b) occur repeatedly, causing the top plate 44 to vibrate. As described above, the coil 41 and permanent magnet 42 provided in the keyboard 1 function as a vibration unit (actuator) that generates vibrations.

Next, an example of the circuit configuration of the keyboard 1 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the keyboard 1 described in the present application. The keyboard 1 includes various mechanisms such as an operation detection unit 5, a vibration control unit 6, a sound control unit 7, and a waveform determination unit 8 in addition to the sound output unit 3 and vibration mechanism 4 described above, as components for executing various processes in response to pressing of the key switch 2.

When the key switch 2 is pressed, the open/closed state of the circuit built into the key switch 2 changes, for example from an open state to a closed state. The operation detection unit 5 detects the change in the open/closed state of the circuit as a pressing operation. The change in the open/closed state of the circuit is detected by mechanical detection of the movement of the key switch 2, detection of a change in the current state of the electric circuit that opens or closes due to the movement, and further detection of changes in the physical state such as changes in capacitance, magnetic field, and electric field that accompany the change in the position of the key switch 2. When the operation detection unit 5 detects the change in the open/closed state, it outputs an ON signal indicating that the key switch 2 has been pressed to the waveform determination unit 8, as shown by the solid arrow in the figure.

The waveform determination unit 8 is configured as a hardware circuit, a software program, a circuit in which hardware and software work together, etc. The waveform determination unit 8 includes a waveform setting unit 80 that functions as a user interface for setting a vibration waveform, a recording unit 81 that records various information, a waveform selection unit 82 that selects vibration, etc. Part of the recording area of the recording unit 81 is used as a setting recording unit 810 that records vibration settings, a vibration recording unit 811 that records multiple pieces of vibration information indicating various vibration patterns, and a sound recording unit 812 that records multiple pieces of sound information indicating various sound patterns.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration pattern recorded in the vibration recording unit 811 of the waveform determination unit 8 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a vibration pattern recorded in the vibration recording unit 811. The vibration pattern is recorded as information indicating a waveform such as a vibration waveform, a current waveform, etc. A plurality of such vibration patterns are recorded in the vibration recording unit 811. The vibration mechanism 4 using the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 generates a pseudo-click sensation by vibration, but the pseudo-click sensation felt by the operator differs depending on the vibration pattern. In other words, by selecting a vibration pattern, various click sensations such as a high-quality click sensation, a soft click sensation, a mechanical click sensation, etc. can be produced.

The sound patterns recorded in the sound recording unit 812 are similar and are recorded as sound information indicating a waveform that will become a pseudo sound. That is, various click sounds can be produced, such as a high-quality click sound, a soft click sound, a mechanical click sound, etc., to correspond to the click feeling caused by the vibration pattern. The keyboard 1 described in the present application outputs a click sound along with a click feeling caused by vibration based on the key operation of the operator, so that the operator can sense the click feeling through both touch and hearing.

Returning to FIG. 4, the waveform setting unit 80 provided in the waveform determination unit 8 accepts a vibration pattern and a sound pattern designated by the operator, or accepts a command from the keyboard 1 that has accepted the operator's setting operation or an electronic device to which the keyboard 1 is connected, and executes setting and changing processing of the designated vibration pattern and sound pattern. The designated vibration pattern and sound pattern are recorded in the setting recording unit 810.

The waveform selection unit 82 reads the settings recorded in the setting recording unit 810, reads the vibration pattern related to the read settings from the vibration recording unit 811, and reads the sound pattern related to the read settings from the sound recording unit 812. When the waveform selection unit 82 receives an ON signal indicating that the key switch 2 has been pressed from the operation detection unit 5, it outputs the read vibration pattern to the vibration control unit 6 and outputs the read sound pattern to the sound control unit 7, as shown by the solid arrow in the figure.

The vibration control unit 6 vibrates the vibration mechanism 4 based on the vibration pattern that has been received as input. The sound output unit 3 outputs a sound based on the sound pattern that has been received as input.

Note that vibration and sound control can be designed as appropriate and is not limited to the above example. For example, as shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, the operation detection unit 5 can output an ON signal to the vibration control unit 6 and sound control unit 7, and the vibration control unit 6 and sound control unit 7 can read the vibration pattern and sound pattern from the waveform selection unit 82. Also, the vibration pattern and sound pattern may be fixed to one type, in which case the waveform determination unit 8 is unnecessary and an ON signal is output from the operation detection unit 5 to the vibration control unit 6 and sound control unit 7.

In addition, it is not necessary for the keyboard 1 to have all of the components of the waveform determination unit 8, and it is possible to appropriately design the electronic device, such as a computer to which the keyboard 1 is connected, to have some or all of the hardware and/or software that constitutes the waveform determination unit 8. Specifically, the electronic device may be configured to have the waveform setting unit 80, the vibration recording unit 811, and the sound recording unit 812 among the components of the waveform determination unit 8. In this configuration, the operator operates the electronic device to output a waveform selected from the waveforms of vibration patterns, sound patterns, etc. recorded in the vibration recording unit 811 and the sound recording unit 812 from the electronic device to the keyboard 1. The keyboard 1 records the vibration pattern and sound pattern based on the input waveform in the recording unit 81, outputs them to the vibration control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7, and executes the vibration control unit 6 to vibrate and the sound control unit 7 to output sound.

Furthermore, the keyboard 1 may be configured to perform only one of the following: outputting sound by the sound output unit 3 and generating vibrations by the vibration mechanism 4. In that case, it is possible to appropriately design the keyboard 1 so that the electronic device outputs the sound and the keyboard 1 generates the vibrations.

As described above, the keyboard (key input device) 1 described in the present application accepts operation of the key switch 2, and is equipped with a vibration mechanism 4 having an electromagnet such as a planar VCM using a planar coil and a permanent magnet 42, and generates vibrations by the vibration mechanism 4 when an operation of the key switch 2 is accepted. This allows the operator to feel a pseudo-tactile sensation that is a clicking sensation associated with key operation. Furthermore, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can give the operator a strong clicking sensation by outputting a clicking sound associated with the vibration. Furthermore, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can produce a variety of clicking sensations by appropriately selecting vibration patterns and sound patterns.

Next, we will explain examples of embodiments in which the vibration mechanism 4 is configured in various forms.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 in the first embodiment has a different configuration. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 6 shows the vibration mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an obliquely upward perspective, and FIG. 7 shows the state in FIG. 6 with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed. FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4, with FIG. 8(a) being a cross-section in the A-A direction shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8(b) being a cross-section in the B-B direction.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the second embodiment uses a shaft-type axial body as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The axial body that becomes the holding member 43 is, for example, a shaft with a circular cross section, formed so that the axial direction protrudes from near the left and right ends of the top plate 44 toward the front and rear. The side plates 401 erected at the front and rear of the support base 40 have insertion holes through which the holding member 43 can be inserted, and the holding member 43 movably holds the top plate 44 while being movably inserted into the insertion holes opened in the side plates 401 of the support base 40.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as above, by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, the holding member 43 moves in the axial direction, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43. The vibration mechanism 4 according to the second embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed appropriately, for example, by forming the shaft-shaped body on the support base 40 side and opening an insertion hole on the top plate 44 side. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a configuration in which the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 are integrated is exemplified, but it is also possible to configure the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 as separate bodies, without being limited to the exemplified form. When the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 are configured as separate bodies, for example, an insertion hole is opened in the top plate 44, and a shaft-type shaft-shaped body is inserted into the insertion hole of the top plate 44. That is, the vibration mechanism 4 can be designed as appropriate, such as by configuring the holding member 43 using an axial body to pass through the insertion hole of the side plate 401 of the support base 40 and the insertion hole of the top plate 44, and holding the top plate 44 on the support base 40 in a vibrating manner using the holding member 43.

Third Embodiment
The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Figure 11 is a schematic enlarged view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 9(a) is a plan view, Figure 9(b) is a cross section in the CC direction, and Figure 9(c) is a cross section in the D-D direction. Figure 10 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed. Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the front end vicinity of the cross section of the vibration mechanism 4 shown in Figure 9(c).

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the third embodiment uses a spherical body used as a ball bearing as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The spherical body that becomes the holding member 43 is a rigid body such as an iron ball, and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40. Near each corner of the support base 40, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, a support base side receiving portion 402 that is recessed into an approximately spherical crown shape is formed, and a spherical body is placed on each support base side receiving portion 402 as the holding member 43, and the spherical body is loosely fitted from above to be rotatable relative to the support base side receiving portion 402. Near each corner of the lower surface of the top plate 44, which is rectangular in plan view, a top plate side receiving portion 440 that is recessed into an approximately spherical crown shape is formed. The top plate 44 is placed on the top plate 44 from above the spherical body placed on the support base 40 so that the spherical body is loosely fitted into the top plate side receiving portion 440. The spherical body used as the holding member 43 is interposed between the support base 40 and the top plate 44 and is loosely fitted so as to be rotatable. In other words, the holding member 43 holds the top plate 44 movably.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as above, by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, the holding member 43 rotates and the tabletop 44 vibrates while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the third embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by recessing the support base side receiving portion 402 in the side plate 401 of the support base 40, recessing the tabletop side receiving portion 440 at a position facing the support base side receiving portion 402 on the side surface of the tabletop 44, and arranging the spherical body so as to sandwich it from the side.

Fourth Embodiment
The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 12(a) is a plan view, Fig. 12(b) is a cross section in the E-E direction, and Fig. 12(c) is a cross section in the F-F direction. Fig. 13 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the fourth embodiment uses an axial body used as a shaft bearing as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The axial body that serves as the holding member 43 is a cylindrical rigid body and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 and the top plate 44. In the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the support base 40, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, support base side receiving parts 402 are formed, which are recessed in a straight line parallel to the long sides, and an axial body is placed on each support base side receiving part 402 as a holding member 43, and is loosely fitted to the support base side receiving part 402 so as to be rotatable from above in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the lower surface of the top plate 44, which is rectangular in plan view, a top plate side receiving part 440 is formed, which is recessed in a straight line parallel to the long sides. The top plate 44 is placed from above the axial body placed on the support base 40 so that the axial body is loosely fitted into the top plate side receiving part 440. The shaft-shaped body used as the holding member 43 is interposed between the support base 40 and the top plate 44, and is loosely fitted so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. In other words, the holding member 43 holds the top plate 44 movably.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as above, by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, the holding member 43 rotates in the circumferential direction, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the fourth embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by recessing the support base side receiving portion 402 in the side plate 401 of the support base 40, recessing the top plate side receiving portion 440 at a position facing the support base side receiving portion 402 on the side surface of the top plate 44, and arranging them so as to sandwich the shaft-shaped body from the side.

Fifth Embodiment
The fifth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 14(a) is a plan view, Fig. 14(b) is a cross section in the G-G direction, and Fig. 14(c) is a cross section in the H-H direction. Fig. 15 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the fifth embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body that serves as the holding member 43 is a cylindrical rubber column, and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 and the top plate 44. The lower bottom surface of the elastic body is attached as the holding member 43 to each of the corners of the support base 40, which is rectangular in plan view. The lower surface of the top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. In this way, the elastic body is disposed on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is disposed on the elastic body. Therefore, the top plate 44 on the support base 40 is held by the holding member 43 so that it can vibrate.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the elastic body that is the holding member 43 bends, and the top plate 44 vibrates while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the fifth embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by arranging the elastic body at a position other than each corner.

Sixth Embodiment
The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holding member 43 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 16(a) is a plan view, Fig. 16(b) is a cross section in the I-I direction, and Fig. 16(c) is a cross section in the J-J direction. Fig. 17 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed. Fig. 18 shows the holding member 43 from an obliquely upward perspective.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the sixth embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body used as the holding member 43 is cylindrical as a whole, and includes a rubber elastic part 430 that is cylindrical with a through hole in the central axis, and a rigid part 431 that is cylindrical and is formed of a rigid body such as a metal rod that penetrates the through hole. The elastic body that becomes the holding member 43 is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40. The lower bottom surface of the elastic body is attached as the holding member 43 to each of the corners of the support base 40 that is rectangular in plan view. The lower surface of the top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. Since the elastic part 430 and the rigid part 431 have the same axial length, both the elastic part 430 and the rigid part 431 are interposed between the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 and attached to the holding member 43 and the top plate 44. In this way, the elastic body is disposed on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is disposed on the elastic body. Therefore, since the holding member 43 is an elastic body having an elastic portion 430, the top plate 44 on the support base 40 is held by the holding member 43 so that it can vibrate in the horizontal direction, but since the support base 40 and the top plate 44 are fixed to the rigid portion 431 of the holding member 43, vertical vibration is suppressed. By suppressing vertical vibration, it is possible to keep the distance between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 constant even if stress occurs in a direction that brings the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 closer together, such as when the key switch 2 is pressed or when an attractive force due to magnetic force occurs between the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the elastic portion 430 of the elastic body that is the holding member 43 is deflected, and the top plate 44 vibrates in the horizontal direction while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the sixth embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by arranging the elastic body at a position other than each corner.

Seventh Embodiment
The seventh embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a holding member 43 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 19(a) is a plan view, Fig. 19(b) is a cross section in the K-K direction, and Fig. 19(c) is a cross section in the L-L direction. Fig. 20 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed. Fig. 21 shows the holding member 43 from an obliquely upward perspective.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the seventh embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body used as the holding member 43 has a rectangular prism shape as a whole, and includes a rigid part 431 such as a metal plate having a rectangular plate shape, and a rubber elastic part 430 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape attached to both sides of the rigid part 431. The top plate 44 is formed to vibrate in the front-rear direction of the keyboard 1, and the holding member 43 is arranged so that both sides of the metal plate face the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction. That is, the elastic body itself has a rectangular prism shape, and the rigid part 431 of the elastic body has a plate shape and is arranged with both sides sandwiched by the elastic part 430 in an arrangement direction in which the vibration direction is the surface direction. The elastic body that becomes the holding member 43 is interposed between the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 and the top plate 44. The lower bottom surface of an elastic body is attached as a holding member 43 near each corner of the support base 40, which is rectangular in plan view. The lower surface of a top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. The elastic portion 430 and the rigid portion 431 have the same axial length, and both the elastic portion 430 and the rigid portion 431 are interposed between the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 and fixedly attached to the holding member 43 and the top plate 44. In this manner, the elastic body is disposed on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is disposed on the elastic body. Therefore, since the holding member 43 is an elastic body having the elastic portion 430, the top plate 44 on the support base 40 is held by the holding member 43 so as to be vibrable in the front-rear direction, but since the support base 40 and the top plate 44 are in contact with the rigid portion 431 of the holding member 43, the distance between the support base 40 and the top plate 44 is kept constant. Therefore, for example, when the key switch 2 is pressed, or when magnetic attraction occurs between the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42, the distance between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 can be kept constant even if stress occurs in a direction that brings the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 closer together.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the elastic portion 430 of the elastic body that is the holding member 43 is deflected, and the top plate 44 vibrates in the front-rear direction while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the seventh embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by arranging the elastic body at a position other than each corner.

Eighth Embodiment
The eighth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment is to be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 22(a) is a plan view, Fig. 22(b) is a cross section in the M-M direction, and Fig. 22(c) is a cross section in the N-N direction. Fig. 23 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the eighth embodiment uses a flexible leaf spring as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The leaf spring that serves as the holding member 43 has a long, thin plate shape and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40. The holding members 43 using leaf springs are arranged near the front and rear long sides of the support base 40, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, so that the direction parallel to the long sides is the longitudinal direction, and the top plate 44 is arranged on the holding members 43. The multiple leaf springs that serve as the holding members 43 are arranged in parallel with their face sides facing forward and backward so that the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, is the flexible direction. That is, the holding members 43 using leaf springs are arranged in multiple rows in the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, so that the longitudinal direction of the long leaf springs is the left-right direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. The holding members 43 hold the top plate 44 so that it can move in the front-rear direction.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the holding member 43 bends in the planar direction, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43.

Ninth embodiment
The ninth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 25 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 24(a) is a plan view, Fig. 24(b) is a cross section in the O-O direction, and Fig. 24(c) is a cross section in the P-P direction. Fig. 25 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the ninth embodiment uses a flexible leaf spring as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The leaf spring that serves as the holding member 43 has a rectangular plate shape and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40. A holding member 43 using a leaf spring is disposed near each corner of the support base 40, which has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the top plate 44 is disposed on the holding member 43. The multiple leaf springs that serve as the holding members 43 are disposed so that the face side faces forward and backward so that the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, is the flexible direction. That is, the holding members 43 using leaf springs are disposed at the four corners of the support base 40, so that multiple members are arranged in the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, and multiple members are arranged in the left-right direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. The holding member 43 holds the top plate 44 so that it can move in the front-rear direction.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as above, by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, the holding member 43 bends in the planar direction, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the ninth embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, such as by arranging three leaf springs side by side in the left-right direction.

Tenth Embodiment
The tenth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 26 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 27 is a schematic side view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 26 shows the vibration mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an obliquely upward perspective.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the tenth embodiment uses a link mechanism that is suspended from above as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The left and right sides of the support base 40 are formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from the side (viewed from the right side in FIG. 26), and the upper frame is a bridge portion 403 located above the top plate 44. The holding member 43 is formed as a link member that supports the lower top plate 44 from the bridge portion 403 of the support base 40 so that it can swing freely in the front-back direction. Four link members are arranged left and right, front and back. The upper end side of each link member is supported by a swing shaft formed on the side of the bridge portion 403 of the support base 40, and is supported by a revolute pair so that it can swing freely. The lower end side of each link member is supported by a swing shaft formed on the left and right side of the top plate 44, and supports the top plate 44 by a revolute pair so that it can swing freely.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the link mechanism using the holding member 43 swings back and forth, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the tenth embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by forming three link members on each side.

Eleventh Embodiment
The eleventh embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the same configuration as in the first embodiment, etc., and the first embodiment, etc. shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

Fig. 28 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 29 is a schematic side view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 28 shows the vibration mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an obliquely upward perspective.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the eleventh embodiment uses a link mechanism supported from below by the support base 40 as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The holding member 43 is formed as a link member that supports the top plate 44 above the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 so that it can swing freely in the front-to-rear direction. Four link members are arranged on the left, right, front, and back. The lower end of each link member is supported by a swing shaft formed on the side of the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40, and is supported by a revolute pair so that it can swing freely. The upper end of each link member is supported by a swing shaft formed on the left and right side of the top plate 44, and supports the top plate 44 so that it can swing freely by a revolute pair.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the link mechanism using the holding member 43 swings back and forth, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the 11th embodiment is not limited to the above example, and can be designed as appropriate, for example, by forming three link members on each side.

<Twelfth embodiment>
The twelfth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Figure 31 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 30(a) is a plan view, Figure 30(b) is a cross section in the Q-Q direction, and Figure 30(c) is a cross section in the R-R direction. Figure 31 shows the vibration mechanism 4 from an obliquely upward perspective with the top plate 44 and permanent magnet 42 removed.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the twelfth embodiment uses a plate link mechanism as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The plate link that serves as the holding member 43 is a long plate-like body. The holding member 43 using the plate link is arranged near the front and rear long sides of the support base 40, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, so that the direction parallel to the long side is the longitudinal direction. The lower ends of the holding members 43 using the plate links are supported by the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is supported by the upper end of the holding member 43. The multiple plate links that serve as the holding members 43 are arranged in the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, with the longitudinal direction of the long plate links oriented in the left-right direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. The bottom plate 400 of the support base 40, the front and rear holding members 43, and the top plate 44 constitute a plate link mechanism, and the holding members 43 support the top plate 44 so that it can swing freely.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, when an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction is applied to the coil 41, the plate link mechanism using the holding member 43 swings back and forth, and the top plate 44 vibrates back and forth while being held by the holding member 43.

Thirteenth Embodiment
The thirteenth embodiment is an embodiment in which the vibration mechanism 4 has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof shall be omitted.

Fig. 32 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and Fig. 33 is a schematic side view showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Fig. 32 shows the vibration mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an obliquely upward perspective.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the thirteenth embodiment has a configuration in which the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate serves as an oscillation axis, and the top plate 44 supported from below by the support base 40 oscillates like a seesaw. The holding member 43 has a fulcrum part 432 that is pivotally supported by an oscillation axis formed on the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40, and is formed to oscillate with the fulcrum part 432 as an oscillation fulcrum. The top plate 44 is supported above the fulcrum part 432 that the holding member 43 has, and the top plate 44 also oscillates in conjunction with the oscillation of the holding member 43. In other words, the holding member 43, whose fulcrum part 432 is pivotally supported by the support base 40, supports the top plate 44 so that it can oscillate freely.

In the vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above, by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, the holding member 43 swings around the fulcrum part 432 that is supported on the swing fulcrum as the swing center, and the top plate 44 swings and vibrates while being held by the holding member 43.

<Fourteenth embodiment>
The fourteenth embodiment is an embodiment in which the coils 41 are disposed so as to sandwich the permanent magnet 42 from above and below in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 34 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 34 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4 housed in the keyboard. The vibration mechanism 4 according to the fourteenth embodiment includes, as coils 41, a lower coil (lower electromagnet) 41a fixed on the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 and positioned below the permanent magnet 42, and an upper coil (upper electromagnet) 41b positioned above the permanent magnet 42.

The permanent magnet 42 is arranged on the top plate 44 so as to be suspended with a gap provided below the top plate 44. The upper coil 41b is fixed in the gap between the permanent magnet 42 and the top plate 44 by an upper magnet holder 46 erected from the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40. That is, the permanent magnet 42 is arranged above the lower coil 41a fixed to the support base 40 with a gap from the lower coil 41a, and the upper coil 41b is fixed above the permanent magnet 42 with a gap from the permanent magnet 42 by the upper magnet holder 46. The top plate 44 on which the key switch 2 is arranged and the permanent magnet 42 are separated from the lower coil 41a and upper coil 41b fixed to the support base 40, and are held by the holding member 43 so as to be vibrated.

The lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are energized so that the attractive or repulsive force acting on the permanent magnet 42 is in the same direction, so that the direction of the force acting on the permanent magnet 42 is stable. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 34, if the front side of the permanent magnet 42 (left side when facing the figure) is arranged so that the upper side is the south pole and the lower side is the north pole, current is passed so that the upper side of the lower coil 41a becomes the south pole and an attractive force acts on the front side of the permanent magnet 42, and the lower side of the upper coil 41b becomes the north pole and an attractive force acts on the front side of the permanent magnet 42. Also, when current is passed so that a repulsive force acts from the lower coil 41a on the permanent magnet 42, current is passed so that a repulsive force also acts from the upper coil 41b.

The vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above vibrates the top plate 44 on which the permanent magnet 42 is disposed while being held by the holding member 43 between the fixed lower coil 41a and upper coil 41b by passing an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the direction of current through the lower coil 41a and upper coil 41b. The lower coil 41a and upper coil 41b are energized so that an attractive or repulsive force acts on the permanent magnet 42 in the same direction, so that the vibration of the permanent magnet 42 is stabilized. The stable vibration of the permanent magnet 42 stabilizes the vibration of the top plate 44 on which the permanent magnet 42 is disposed and the key switch 2.

In the fourteenth embodiment, the vibration mechanism 4 illustrated in the first embodiment is shown in a form in which the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are arranged to sandwich the permanent magnet 42 from above and below, but it is also possible to expand the vibration mechanism 4 of other embodiments to a form in which the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are arranged to sandwich the permanent magnet 42 from above and below.

<Fifteenth embodiment>
The fifteenth embodiment is an embodiment in which the permanent magnets 42 are disposed so as to sandwich the coil 41 from above and below in the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 35 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 35 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4 housed in the keyboard. The vibration mechanism 4 according to the fifteenth embodiment includes, as permanent magnets 42, a lower permanent magnet 42a fixed on the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40 and positioned below the coil 41, and an upper permanent magnet 42b positioned above the coil 41.

The coil 41 is held by upper and lower electromagnet holding plates 47 in the form of plates, and is arranged on the top plate 44 so as to be suspended from the top plate 44 with a gap below the top plate 44. The upper permanent magnet 42b is fixed in the gap between the coil 41 and the top plate 44 by an upper magnet holder 46 erected from the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40. That is, the coil 41 is arranged above the lower permanent magnet 42a fixed to the support base 40 with a gap from the lower permanent magnet 42a, and the upper permanent magnet 42b is fixed above the coil 41 by the upper magnet holder 46 with a gap from the coil 41. The top plate 44 on which the key switch 2 is arranged and the coil 41 are separated from the lower permanent magnet 42a and upper permanent magnet 42b fixed to the support base 40, and are held in a vibrating manner by the holding member 43.

The lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b are arranged so that the attractive or repulsive force on the coil 41 is in the same direction so that the direction of the electromagnetic force on the coil 41 is stable. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, the front side (left side of the figure) of the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b is arranged so that the upper side is a south pole and the lower side is a north pole, and the rear side (right side of the figure) of the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b is arranged so that the upper side is a north pole and the lower side is a south pole.

The vibration mechanism 4 configured as described above passes an alternating current that repeatedly reverses the current direction through the coil 41, causing the top plate 44 on which the coil 41 is disposed to vibrate while being held by the holding member 43 between the fixed lower permanent magnet 42a and upper permanent magnet 42b.

In the fifteenth embodiment, in the vibration mechanism 4 illustrated in the second embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b are arranged so as to sandwich the coil 41 from above and below. This configuration is also applicable to the vibration mechanism 4 of the other embodiments, and in the other embodiments, it is possible to arrange the permanent magnet 42 on the support base 40, and in the other embodiments, it is possible to arrange the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b so as to sandwich the coil 41 from above and below.

As described above in the second to fifteenth embodiments, the vibration mechanism 4 can be deployed in various forms.

<Vibration mechanism layout>
Next, an example of an embodiment in which the above-mentioned vibration mechanism 4 is arranged in various forms will be described. FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 36 shows the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 from an above perspective, and both arrows indicate the vibration direction. The form shown in FIG. 36 is a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 is arranged approximately in the center of the keyboard 1 having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and FIG. 36(a) shows a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the front-rear direction, which is a direction parallel to the short side, and FIG. 36(b) shows a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the left-right direction, which is a direction parallel to the long side. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the front-rear direction as exemplified in FIG. 36(a), but the keyboard 1 described in the present application can also be configured so that the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the left-right direction as exemplified in FIG. 36(b).

Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 37 shows the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 from an above perspective, with both arrows indicating the vibration direction. The form shown in Figure 37 is a form in which two vibration mechanisms 4 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the keyboard 1, with Figure 37 (a) showing a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the front-back direction and Figure 37 (b) showing a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the left-right direction. As exemplified in Figure 37, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can also be provided with multiple vibration mechanisms 4. When multiple vibration mechanisms 4 are provided, it is not necessary to use the members constituting the vibration mechanism 4, such as the support base 40, coil 41, permanent magnet 42, holding member 43, and top plate 44, independently of each other, and some members can be shared. For example, the support base 40 can be shared by multiple vibration mechanisms 4, the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 can be configured as a set of vibration parts (actuators), and the vibration parts that become actuators can be arranged on the support base 40 shared by the multiple vibration mechanisms 4, as shown in FIG. 37. Furthermore, the substrate 20 disposed on the upper surface of the top plate 44 can be appropriately designed, for example, disposed on each of the multiple top plates 44, or one substrate 20 can be disposed on the multiple top plates 44. The sharing form of each member that constitutes the vibration mechanism 4 will differ depending on the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4.

Figure 38 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 38 shows the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 from an above perspective, with both arrows indicating the vibration direction. The configuration shown in Figure 38 is a configuration in which three vibration mechanisms 4 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction within the keyboard 1, with Figure 38(a) showing a configuration in which they vibrate in the front-back direction and Figure 38(b) showing a configuration in which they vibrate in the left-right direction. The keyboard 1 described in the present application can also be arranged with three or more vibration mechanisms 4, as exemplified in Figure 38.

Figure 39 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. Figure 39 shows the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 from an above perspective, with both arrows indicating the vibration direction. The form shown in Figure 39 is a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 is arranged at each corner of the keyboard 1 which is rectangular in plan view, with Figure 39(a) showing a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the front-to-back direction and Figure 39(b) showing a form in which the vibration mechanism 4 vibrates in the left-to-right direction. As shown in Figure 39, the keyboard 1 described in the present application has the vibration mechanism 4 arranged at each corner, and can also be arranged side by side in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

Figure 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic example of the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. In Figure 40, in the arrangement shown in Figure 36 (a), each vibration mechanism 4 is individually controlled. The keyboard 1 has two vibration mechanisms 4 arranged side by side, but only the right vibration mechanism 4 is vibrated and the left vibration mechanism 4 is stopped. When multiple vibration mechanisms (vibration units) 4 are arranged in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, vibration or stop can be controlled for each vibration mechanism (vibration unit) 4. In the example shown in Figure 40, the left vibration mechanism 4 is stopped and only the right vibration mechanism 4 is vibrated back and forth, so that vibration in which the right side swings in an arc shape can be generated as shown by the black double arrow. By arranging multiple vibration mechanisms 4 in the keyboard 1 and individually controlling the vibration and stop of each, and further individually controlling the vibration pattern such as amplitude and period, it is possible to generate various vibrations at positions corresponding to the pressed key switch 2.

As described above in detail, the key input device described in the present application is provided, for example, as a keyboard 1, and by generating vibrations using an electromagnet and a permanent magnet 42 using a coil 41, it is possible to generate a pseudo-tactile sensation that makes the operator of the key switch 2 feel, for example, the switching between the open and closed states of a circuit as a clicking sensation, thereby achieving excellent effects.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the above-described embodiment is merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner. The technical scope of the present invention is explained by the claims, and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the key input device described in the present application is provided as a keyboard 1 on which multiple key switches 2 are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the key input device can be applied to various key input devices such as a single push button key switch 2, a mouse with several key switches 2, a digitizer, and other input devices.

In addition, for example, in the above embodiment, the coil 41 acting as an electromagnet is mainly arranged on the support base 40 side, and the permanent magnet 42 is arranged on the top plate 44 side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to design it appropriately, such as arranging the permanent magnet 42 on the support base 40 side, and arranging the coil 41 acting as an electromagnet on the top plate 44 side, as shown in the 15th embodiment.

Furthermore, the first to fifteenth embodiments and the vibration mechanism arrangement forms are not independent of each other, but can be combined as appropriate.

1. Keyboard (key input device)
2 key switch 3 sound output unit 4 vibration mechanism 40 support base 400 bottom plate 401 side plate 402 support base side receiving portion 403 bridge portion 41 coil (electromagnet/vibration portion; actuator)
41a Lower coil (lower electromagnet)
41b Upper coil (upper electromagnet)
42 Permanent magnet (vibration part: actuator)
42a Lower permanent magnet 42b Upper permanent magnet 43 Holding member 430 Elastic portion 431 Rigid portion 432 Support portion 44 Tabletop 440 Tabletop side receiving portion 45 Cushioning member 5 Operation detection portion 6 Vibration control portion 7 Sound control portion

Claims (3)

A key input device including a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A detection unit that detects a depression operation of the key switch;
a vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch;
A vibration control unit that vibrates the vibration mechanism;
a vibration recording unit that records a plurality of vibration patterns as vibration information indicating a waveform that becomes a vibration;
a sound output unit that outputs sound;
A sound control unit that controls the sound output unit;
a sound recording unit for recording a plurality of sound patterns as sound information showing a waveform of a pseudo sound;
A setting recorder for recording settings of vibration patterns and sound patterns;
a waveform selection unit that reads the vibration pattern and the sound pattern recorded as settings in the setting recording unit from the vibration recording unit and the sound recording unit, respectively;
The vibration mechanism includes:
a top plate on which the key switch is disposed;
A support base that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member that holds the top plate on the support base so that the top plate can vibrate;
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support base,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
When the detection unit detects a pressing operation, the waveform selection unit
outputting a vibration pattern selected from a plurality of vibration patterns recorded in the vibration recording unit to the vibration control unit;
outputting a sound pattern selected from a plurality of sound patterns recorded in the sound recording unit to the sound control unit;
When the key switch receives a press operation,
The vibration control unit is
vibrating the vibration mechanism in a manner that produces a clicking sensation based on the vibration pattern that has been received as an input;
The sound control unit outputs an artificial sound perceived as a clicking sound from the sound output unit in synchronization with vibration of the vibration mechanism based on the received sound pattern. 2. The key input device according to claim 1 ,
A key input device which is a keyboard. 2. The key input device according to claim 1 ,
A key input device which is a mouse.

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