JPH11338617A - Key input device and computer provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress the deflection of a circuit board and its supporting plate at the time of a key input operation without making an internal configuration member thick nor providing an another reinforcing member. SOLUTION: This key input device is provided with a membrane switch sheet 16 that has plural keys 11, key operation mechanisms 12a and 12c which corresponds to each key 11, a switch contact 16f corresponding to each mechanisms 12a and 12c and a supporting plate 18 which supports its rear side, dividing parts 14b which divides each mechanisms 12a and 12c face the sheet 16 and also are provided in such a manner that they continue or almost continue along key arrangement and a reinforcing rod 13 whose elastic modulus is higher than the supporting plate is arranged at a part that is a closer side to the sheet 6 of the part 14b so as to extend in the extension direction of the part 14b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a key input device used for a personal computer, a word processor or various terminal devices, and a computer provided with such a key input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a key input device used for a personal computer, a word processor or various information terminal devices, for example, a key input device having a structure as shown in FIG. 9 is known. In this conventional structure, a key 111 having a key top 111a at the top is provided at each key disposing portion.
And a click rubber 112 having a stem support portion 112a for supporting a key stem 111b of the key 111, and a base 112b of the click rubber 112 is fixed to an upper surface of a so-called membrane switch sheet 116 as a circuit board. I have. The key stem 111b is vertically slidably inserted into a guide cylinder 114a of the housing 114.

On the upper surface of the membrane switch sheet 116, for example, a predetermined electric circuit (not shown) printed and wired is formed, and a switch contact 116f is formed on a lower portion of the click rubber 112 corresponding to the stem supporting portion 112a. (Fixed contact). on the other hand,
A movable contact film 115 made of a conductive material such as a conductive rubber or a carbon conductive film is adhered and fixed to the lower surface of the stem support portion 112a. Then, on the lower surface (back surface) of the membrane switch sheet 116,
An aluminum support plate 118 that ultimately bears the key operation force applied to the key top 111a is fixed with an adhesive sheet.

The click rubber 112 is formed by connecting the stem supporting portion 112a and the base portion 112b to a thin skirt portion 112.
The components are integrally formed using a material such as synthetic rubber or elastomer having predetermined elasticity. The housing 114 is fixed to the aluminum support plate 118 at a plurality of positions by heat caulking or the like. The housing 114 holds the key stem 111b in an inserted state.
4a, a connecting rib 114c for connecting the guide cylinders 114a of the adjacent key arrangement parts to each other, and a connecting rib 1c.
And a base portion 114b which is located substantially below the middle of 14c and faces the membrane switch sheet 116. In other words, the key operation mechanism corresponding to each key 111 is partitioned by the base 114b of the housing 114.

[0005] In the above-described configuration, when the key top 111a is depressed during key input operation, the key stem 111b performs a downward stroke while being guided by the guide cylinder portion 114a. The support portion 112a is pushed down,
When the skirt portion 112c is depressed by a predetermined stroke or more, the skirt portion 112c is elastically bent, so that the stem support portion 112a is further moved downward, and the movable contact film 115 on the lower surface thereof is fixed to the fixed contact 116f on the upper surface side of the membrane switch sheet 116. Contacts and contacts the switch and the switch is closed (O
N: ON). Then, when the operating force is released by releasing the finger, the stem support portion 112a returns to the previous position by the elastic force of the click rubber 112, and the movable contact film 115 is separated from the fixed contact 116f.

At this time, the pressing force when the key top 111a is pressed down is applied to the supporting plate 1 made of aluminum.
When the support plate 118 is bent by the key operation force, a problem arises in that a good operation feeling cannot be obtained. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a reinforcing plate 119 made of carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP: carbon fiber reinforced plastic) is fixed to the lower surface (back surface) side of the support plate 118 so as to be reinforced. I have to. In addition, the key disposing parts are connected to each other.

[0007]

In recent years, it has been demanded that portable personal computers such as notebook computers, word processors, various portable information terminals, and the like be reduced in size and weight, especially in thickness. As a part of this, there is a demand for a key input device that has a simplified structure to achieve a further reduction in thickness. Therefore, the support plate 118 supporting the back side of the membrane switch sheet 116 is provided.
Also needs to be made thinner than before.
However, as described above, the pressing force when the key top 111a is pressed down is all supported by the aluminum support plate 118. Therefore, when the thickness of the support plate 118 is reduced for thinning, When the key input operation is performed, the support plate 118 is bent by the operation force, and a good operation feeling cannot be obtained.

In order to cope with this problem of bending, a reinforcing plate 119 made of carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP) as shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the back side of the aluminum supporting plate 118 and reinforced. , CFRP reinforcing plate 11
9 and the CFR is increased by the thickness of 9
Since P is an expensive material, there is a problem that the production cost is increased. Further, even when the housing 114 is made thick to improve the strength and rigidity, the thickness of the key input device is increased by the increase in the thickness, so that the thickness cannot be reduced.

In connection with such a problem, for example,
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 220-220 describes a related art in which a relatively rigid reinforcing beam made of metal or resin is fixed to the back side of the board in order to suppress the bending of the printed board during key input operation. Is disclosed. However, even in this case, there is a problem that it is not always possible to provide a reinforcing beam at an appropriate position in relation to an arrangement position of electronic components and the like on a substrate, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient reinforcing effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and does not increase the thickness of the internal constituent members, does not provide a separate reinforcing member, and provides a circuit board and a key board for key input operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key input device capable of suppressing the bending of the support plate and a computer including the key input device.

[0011]

Therefore, a key input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of keys, a key operating mechanism corresponding to each key, and a switch contact corresponding to each key operating mechanism. A key input device comprising: a sheet-shaped, plate-shaped, or film-shaped circuit board having an electric circuit formed thereon, and a support plate that supports an anti-key operation mechanism side of the circuit board. For at least a specific sequence among a plurality of sequences in the predetermined direction,
A partition for partitioning between the key operation mechanisms is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement, facing the circuit board, and at least a portion of the partition on the side close to the circuit board, A reinforcing member having a higher elastic modulus than the support plate is provided so as to extend in a direction in which the partition part extends.

The key input device according to the second invention of the present application is the key input device according to the first invention, wherein the reinforcing member is straightly extended so as to be continuous or substantially continuous in a predetermined direction. It is characterized by having been done.

Further, the key input device according to the third invention of the present application is the key input device according to the first invention, wherein the reinforcing member has a bent portion bent in a plane parallel to the circuit board. And, it is characterized by being extended so as to be continuous or substantially continuous in a predetermined direction as a whole.

Further, the key input device according to the fourth invention of the present application is the key input device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the key input device is provided from one end side of the partition in the predetermined direction. A first reinforcing member extending over at least half of the entire length of the input device, and a first reinforcing member extending over at least half of the entire length of the key input device from the other end of the partition in the predetermined direction. The two reinforcing members are arranged alternately.

Here, the length from the end of each of the first and second reinforcing members arranged alternately is at least １ ／ or more of the entire length of the key input device. In this case, a region where neither the first nor the second reinforcing member can reach near the center of the key input device occurs, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient reinforcing effect on this portion.

Further, the key input device according to the fifth invention of the present application is the key input device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein a portion of the partition portion near the circuit board is provided. A groove is provided that opens to the circuit board side,
The reinforcing member is provided in the groove.

Further, a key input device according to a sixth invention of the present application is the key input device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the partition portion is made of rubber or elastomer or resin. And the reinforcing member is integrally formed when the partition is formed.

Further, a computer according to a seventh invention of the present application is characterized by including any one of the key input devices according to the first to sixth inventions.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a computer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the computer 1 is, for example, a portable notebook type, and a cover 4 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to a housing 2 of a main body, and a key input device 3 is provided on the housing 2 of the main body. On the other hand, the lid 4 is provided with a display unit 5 having, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The portable notebook computer 1 is a thin type, and therefore, the key input device 3
Are also formed extremely thin.

Hereinafter, the key input device 3 will be described. As can be clearly understood from FIG. 2, the key input device 3
Operation keys formed in a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape in plan view and corresponding to key symbols such as letters, numbers, and symbols required for key input operations, and function keys (function keys) having special functions. For example, an operation key provided with a key symbol of an uppercase letter “H” is located near the center of the key input device 3 in a plan view. The key input device 3 has, for example, a width (a vertical dimension in FIG. 2) of about 100 [m].
m] and the length (the left-right dimension in FIG. 2) is about 200
It has a plane size of [mm].

As shown in detail in FIG. 3, each key disposing portion 10 of the key input device 3 includes a key 11 having a key top 11a on which a predetermined key symbol is displayed on an upper surface;
A click rubber 12 having a stem support portion 12a for supporting a key stem 11b of the key 11 is provided. The base portion 12b of the click rubber 12 is attached to a sheet-like, plate-like, or film-like membrane switch sheet 16 by, for example, an adhesive. It is fixed by. The above key stem 1
1b is vertically slidably inserted into the guide tube portion 14a of the housing 14. The key 11 is manufactured by molding, for example, an ABS resin. In the key stem 11b, a mechanism for preventing the key stem 11b from falling off is provided on the key stem 11b and / or the guide cylinder 14a, so that the key stem 11b is mechanically incorporated and held in the guide cylinder 14a.

As is well known in the art, the membrane switch sheet 16 has a predetermined electric circuit (not shown) printed thereon, for example, formed on the upper surface thereof. Part 1
A switch contact 16f (fixed contact) is provided in a lower portion corresponding to 2a. This membrane switch sheet 16 corresponds to the “circuit board” described in the claims of the present application. On the other hand, a movable contact film 15 formed of a sheet-like or film-like conductor such as conductive rubber or a carbon conductive film is integrally fixed (for example, adhesively fixed) to the lower surface of the stem support portion 12a. . And
On the lower surface (back surface) of the membrane switch sheet 16, a support plate 18 made of, for example, aluminum, which finally bears a key operation force applied to the key top 11a, is fixed. This fixing is performed using, for example, an adhesive sheet. The elastic material of the aluminum material for the support plate 18 used in the present embodiment was 70 GPa.

The click rubber 12 is composed of the stem support portion 12a and a base portion 12b located below the stem support portion 12a.
And a thin skirt portion 12c for integrally connecting the two, and each of these portions is preferably formed integrally using, for example, synthetic rubber or elastomer having a predetermined elasticity as a material. The skirt 12
For example, c is formed in a tapered shape that expands in diameter as it goes downward, and is elastically bent when a key input operation is performed. A click feeling as a kind of moderation at the time can be obtained. The movable contact film 15 provided on the back side of the stem support portion 12a of the click rubber 12 is
The fixed contact 16f on the membrane switch sheet 16 is located above a predetermined interval. Therefore, the stem support portion 12a of the click rubber 12 is
1a, the movable contact film 15 is moved from the normal state shown in FIG.
Only the stroke that reaches the input state in contact with f operates in the vertical direction in FIG.

That is, at the time of key input operation, the key top 1
When the key 1a is pressed down, the key stem 11b performs a downward stroke while being guided by the guide tube portion 14a, and accordingly, the stem support portion 12a of the click rubber 12 is pressed down and is pressed down by a predetermined stroke or more. When the skirt portion 12c elastically bends, the stem support portion 12a further moves downward, and the movable contact film 15 on the lower surface thereof contacts and abuts on the fixed contact 16f on the upper surface side of the membrane switch sheet 16. , The switch is closed (ON: ON).
The stem support portion 12a and the skirt portion 12c of the click rubber 12 correspond to a “key operation mechanism” described in the claims of the present application.

The housing 14 is made of, for example, AB
Key stem 11b made by molding S resin
And a connecting rib 14c for mutually connecting the guide cylindrical portions 14a of the adjacent key disposing portions 10, and a connecting rib 14c located substantially below the connecting rib 14c. And a base portion 14b opposed to the membrane switch sheet 16. In other words, the key operation mechanisms corresponding to the respective keys 11 are partitioned by the base 14b of the housing 14, and the base 14b is connected to the "partition section for partitioning between the key operation mechanisms" described in the claims of the present application. It is equivalent to.

The housing base 14b is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement between at least specific arrangements among a plurality of arrangements of the plurality of keys 11 in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the housing base 14b is provided straight between all the key arrangements in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2) of the key input device 3 so as to be continuous along the key arrangement, and
More preferably, it is provided so as to be continuous along the key arrangement between all the key arrangements in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2). In the width direction, as can be clearly seen from FIG. 7 described later, the housing base 14b has a bent portion that is bent in a plane parallel to the membrane switch sheet 16, and extends so as to be continuous in the width direction as a whole. Have been.

More preferably, the housing base 14 is also provided in the vicinity of the four edges of the key input device 3.
b is provided. That is, the key operation mechanisms of all the keys 11 are separated from the key operation mechanisms of the adjacent keys 11 so as to be surrounded by the housing base 14b. In other words, the guide cylinders 14a of all the key arrangement parts 10 are connected to the guide cylinders 14 of the adjacent key arrangement parts 10.
a and the connection rib 14c. The housing 14 has all its bases 1
For example, 12 base portions 14b of the 4b are fixed to the aluminum support plate 18 by, for example, heat caulking. Although not specifically shown, a corresponding portion of the membrane switch sheet 16 is cut out in the heat caulking portion, and the housing base portion 14b protrudes downward substantially by the thickness thereof. It is formed as follows.

In this embodiment, each housing base 1 extending straight between key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device 3.
A reinforcing rod 13 extending in the direction in which the housing base 14b extends is disposed at a portion (the lower portion in FIG. 3) of the side 4b near the membrane switch sheet 16.
The reinforcing rod 13 is a material having a higher elastic modulus than at least the material of the support plate 18 (aluminum material having an elastic modulus of 70 GPa), for example, an elastic modulus of 200 G
It is formed of a steel material of Pa. Specifically, a groove 14g that opens toward the membrane switch sheet 16 (that is, toward the lower side) is provided below the base 14b of the housing 14. The groove 14g is formed, for example, in a U-shaped cross section at the periphery. The reinforcing rod 13 has a rectangular shape corresponding thereto, is housed in the groove 14g, and is fixed in the groove 14g by, for example, an adhesive.

As described above, the portion (lower portion) of each housing base 14b extending straight between the key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device 3 on the side near the membrane switch sheet 16 (lower portion).
Is provided with a groove 14g opening toward the membrane switch sheet 16 side, and the reinforcing rod 13 is disposed in the groove 14g. It can be arranged and held in the base 14b. Further, since the reinforcing rod 13 is straight, the reinforcing rod 13 can be straightened and extended between the key arrangements extending straight in the left-right direction so as to be continuous or substantially continuous.

With respect to the key input device 3 having the above configuration, a bending measurement test for measuring the bending generated in the key input device 3 during the key input operation was performed. In this test, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 18 on the back surface of the key input device 3 were measured with a length of 100 [mm] (full width) and an overlap width of 2 [m].
m], and fixed on a square material having a height of 10 [mm], and when the key layout is a JIS standard, an uppercase alphabetical character located near the center of the key input device 3 in plan view "
The key top 11a of the H "operation key 11 is
Input operation (press down operation) with a key input load of 00 [g]
At this time, the bending was performed by measuring a downward bending generated at a substantially central portion of the support plate 18 in a plan view.

The basic dimensions of the relevant components of the key input device 3 which can affect the deflection of the support plate 18 are as follows. -Thickness of aluminum support plate 18: 0.5 [mm]-Thickness of membrane switch sheet 16: 0.15 [m]
m]-Height of the guide tube portion 14a of the housing 14: 5 [m
m]-Height of key top 11a: 2.5 [mm]-Groove 14g: groove width = 1.2 [mm], height = 1.2 [m]
m], length = 200 [mm] Reinforcing rod 13: width = 1 [mm], height = 1 [m]
m], length = 200 [mm]

When a bending measurement test was performed under the above conditions, the amount of bending at the center of the support plate 18 at the time of key input operation was 1 [mm]. On the other hand, the same configuration as the key input device 3 according to the present embodiment except that the groove 14g is not provided in the lower portion of the base 14b of the housing 14 and the reinforcing rod 13 is not provided. When the same bending measurement test was performed on the key input device having the above (Comparative Example: see FIG. 9), the amount of bending at the center of the support plate during the key input operation was 2.1 [mm]. That is, by providing the groove 14g below the housing base 14b and arranging the reinforcing rod 13 as in the present embodiment, the amount of deflection of the center portion of the support plate 18 at the time of key input operation can be reduced. Was able to be suppressed to 1/2 or less of the case.

As described above, according to this embodiment, at least between the plurality of key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device 3, each of the key operating mechanisms 12a, 12a
A partition portion (housing base portion 14b) for partitioning between c is provided so as to face the membrane switch sheet 16 and to be continuous along the key arrangement, and at a portion of the housing base portion 14b on the side near the membrane switch sheet 16. Since the reinforcing rod 13 having at least an elastic coefficient higher than that of the aluminum support plate 18 is disposed so as to extend in the direction in which the housing base 14b extends, the operating force (pressing force) at the time of key input is supported. It can be supported by both the plate 18 and the reinforcing rod 13, and the bending generated in the membrane switch sheet 16 and the support plate 18 can be effectively suppressed as compared with the related art in which only the support plate is used. In this case, since the reinforcing rod 13 is provided in the partition part that partitions between the key operating mechanisms 12a and 12c, it does not interfere with the key operating mechanisms 12a and 12c of the keys 11. That is, without increasing the thickness of the support plate 18 (that is, while keeping the thickness of the support plate 18 thin),
Further, the membrane switch sheet 16 and its support plate 1 during key input operation can be provided without increasing the thickness of the internal constituent members (housing 14) or providing a separate reinforcing member.
8 can be suppressed, and a good operation feeling can be maintained.

Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and further description is omitted. FIG. 4 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of the key section 20 of the key input device according to the present embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the membrane switch sheet 16 is configured as a single piece, but in the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a three-piece membrane switch sheet 26 is incorporated. Only this point is different from the first embodiment.

The three-piece membrane switch sheet 26 is the same as a well-known one in the related art. The upper sheet 26A has a movable contact 26m on the lower surface, and the fixed contact 26f has an upper contact on the upper surface. Membrane lower sheet 26B provided with the two sheets 26A and 26B
And a spacer sheet 26C having a predetermined thickness disposed therebetween. The movable contact 26m is located below the stem support portion 12a of the click rubber 12, and the fixed contact 26f is located below the movable contact 26m at a predetermined interval. Also, the spacer sheet 26C
Are arranged in a region excluding a portion corresponding to the stem support portion 12a. In this case, only the structure of the membrane switch sheet 26 is different.
The same effect as described above can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of the key disposition unit 30 of the key input device according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the present embodiment, more preferably, a single keypad 32 is fixed (for example, bonded) on a single membrane switch sheet 36 provided with fixed contacts 36f on the upper surface side. Fixed). The keypad 32
A key top support portion 32a for supporting a substantially flat key top 31;
2b and a thin skirt portion 32 for integrally connecting the two.
c. This skirt portion 32c is the same as that described in the first embodiment. A movable contact film 35 is fixed to the lower surface of the key top support 32a. By adopting such a configuration, the thickness of the key input device can be further reduced as compared with the one provided with the sliding-type key top guide mechanism as described in the first and second embodiments. Can be realized.

In the present embodiment, the base 32b of the keypad 32 faces the membrane switch sheet 36, and integrally connects the lower ends of the skirts 32c to the adjacent key top support 32a. . In other words, the key operation mechanism (the key top support portion 32a and the skirt portion 32) corresponding to each key 31 respectively.
c) is partitioned by the base portion 32b of the keypad 32, and the base portion 32b corresponds to a "partition portion for partitioning between key operation mechanisms" described in the claims of the present application. Thus, in the present embodiment, the keypad 3
2 is such that all key top support portions 32a, base portions 32b, and skirt portions 32c are made of a material such as synthetic rubber or elastomer having predetermined elasticity, and
More preferably, they are integrally formed.

The base 32b of the keypad 32 is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement between at least a specific arrangement of a plurality of arrangements of the plurality of keys 31 in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment,
As in the case of the first embodiment, the keypad base 32b is provided straight between all the key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device so as to be continuous along the key arrangement, and more preferably. Are provided so as to be continuous along the key arrangement between all the key arrangements in the width direction. In the width direction, as can be clearly understood from FIG. 7 described later, the keypad base 32b has a bent portion that is bent in a plane parallel to the membrane switch sheet 36, and extends so as to be continuous in the width direction as a whole. Has been established.

More preferably, the key input device 4
In the vicinity of the periphery of the side, the keypad base 32b
Is provided. In other words, the key operation mechanisms of all the keys 31 are separated from the key operation mechanisms of the adjacent keys 31 so as to be surrounded by the keypad base 32b. In other words, the key top support portions 32a of all the key arrangement portions 30 are interconnected by the key top support portions 32a of the adjacent key arrangement portions 30 and the keypad base portions 32b.

In this embodiment, each keypad base 32 extends straight between key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device.
A reinforcing rod 33 that extends in the direction in which the keypad base 32b extends is disposed at a position (a lower part in FIG. 5) on the side near the membrane switch sheet 36 in FIG. The reinforcing rod 33 is formed of a steel material having an elastic coefficient of 200 GPa, for example, as a material having a higher elastic coefficient than at least the material of the support plate 18 (an aluminum material having an elastic coefficient of 70 GPa). Specifically, the keypad base 3
A groove 32g that opens toward the membrane switch sheet 36 (that is, toward the lower side) is provided below the 2b. The groove 32g is formed, for example, in a U-shaped cross section at the periphery. The reinforcing rod 33 is
Corresponding to this, it is formed into a rectangular shape, is accommodated in the groove 32g, and is fixed in the groove 32g by, for example, an adhesive.

The above-described bending measurement test was performed on the key input device having the above configuration. The basic dimensions of the relevant components of the key input device that can affect the deflection of the support plate 18 are as follows. -Thickness of aluminum support plate 18: 0.5 [mm]-Thickness of membrane switch sheet 16: 0.15 [m]
m] ・ Thickness of keypad 32: 1.5 [mm] ・ Height of key top 31: 1.5 [mm] ・ Groove 32g: groove width = 1.2 [mm], height = 1.2 [M
m], length = 200 [mm] Reinforcing rod 33: width = 1 [mm], height = 1 [m]
m], length = 200 [mm] ・ Plane size of key input device: length = 200 [mm],
Width = 100 [mm]

When a bending measurement test was performed under the above conditions, the amount of bending at the center of the support plate 18 during key input operation was 1.2 [mm]. On the other hand, the same configuration as the key input device according to the present embodiment except that the groove 32g is not provided below the base 32b of the keypad 32 and the reinforcing rod 33 is not provided. When the same bending measurement test was performed on the key input device having the above, the amount of bending at the center of the support plate during the key input operation was 2.1 [mm]. That is, as in the present embodiment, by providing the groove 32g below the keypad base 32b and disposing the reinforcing rod 33,
The amount of bending at the center of the support plate 18 during the key input operation could be suppressed to about 1/2 of the comparative example.

As described above, also in this case, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, the thickness of the key input device can be further reduced as compared with the one provided with the sliding type key top guide mechanism as described in the first and second embodiments.

Embodiment 4 FIG. Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of the key disposing unit 40 of the key input device according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the present embodiment, the second embodiment is used.
And a membrane switch sheet 26 having the same configuration as that of the membrane switch sheet 26 is adopted.
On the base 6, a base 42b of the click rubber 42 having a receiving portion 42a for receiving a key input load to the key top 41a is fixed (for example, adhesively fixed).

The keys 41 according to the present embodiment are of a so-called hinge type, and the key top 41a of each key 41 is
Hinge portion 41b extending horizontally from the top of housing 44
And is cantilevered on the upper part of the housing 44 via the. By adopting such a configuration, the thickness of the key input device can be further reduced as compared with the one provided with the sliding-type key top guide mechanism as described in the first and second embodiments. Can be realized.

The click rubber 42 is connected to the receiving portion 4.
2a and a lower base 42b located therearound
And a thin skirt portion 42c for integrally connecting the two, and these portions are preferably formed integrally using, for example, synthetic rubber or elastomer having predetermined elasticity as a material. At the time of key input operation, when the key top 41a is pressed down, the key top 41a tilts clockwise in FIG. 6 around the joint of the hinge portion 41b with the housing 44 as a fulcrum, and receives the click rubber 42. An input load is applied to the portion 42a. On the lower surface side of the receiving portion 42a, portions corresponding to the contacts 26m and 26f of the membrane switch sheet 26 are formed in a protruding shape projecting a predetermined amount downward, so that the input load at the time of key operation is more reliably reduced to the contact portions 26m and 26f. 26f.

The housing 44 has a base portion 44b facing the membrane switch sheet 26, and a key operating mechanism (a receiving portion 42a of the click rubber 42 and a skirt portion 42c) corresponding to each key 41 is provided in the housing 44. Is divided by the base 44b,
The base portion 44b corresponds to a "partitioning portion for partitioning between key operation mechanisms" described in the claims of the present application. The housing base 44b is provided between at least a specific arrangement of a plurality of arrangements of the plurality of keys 41 in a predetermined direction.
It is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement.

In the present embodiment, the housing base 4
4b is provided straight so as to be continuous along the key arrangement between all the key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device, and more preferably along the key arrangement between all the key arrangements in the width direction. Are provided so as to be continuous. In the width direction, as can be clearly understood from FIG. 7 described later, the housing base 44b has a bent portion that bends in a plane parallel to the membrane switch sheet 26, and extends so as to be continuous as a whole in the width direction. Have been.

More preferably, the key input device 4
In the vicinity of the periphery of the side, the housing base 44b
Is provided. That is, the key operation mechanisms of all the keys 41 are separated from the key operation mechanisms of the adjacent keys 41 so as to be surrounded by the housing base 44b. The method of fixing the housing 44 to the support plate 18 is almost the same as in the first embodiment.
For example, it is fixed at 10 locations by heat staking.

Also in this embodiment, the housing base 44b, which extends straight between the key arrangements in the longitudinal direction of the key input device, is located on the side near the membrane switch sheet 26 (the lower part in FIG. 6). 44b
A reinforcing rod 43 extending in the direction in which the reinforcing rod extends is provided. The reinforcing rod 43 is connected to at least the support plate 18.
As a material having a higher elastic modulus than the material (aluminum material having an elastic modulus of 70 GPa), for example,
It is formed of a steel material of 0 GPa. Specifically, the lower part of the base part 44b of the housing 44 is directed toward the membrane switch sheet 26 (that is, toward the lower side).
An opening groove 44g is provided. 44 g of the groove
Has a U-shaped cross section at the periphery. The reinforcing rod 43 is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to this, housed in the groove 44g, and fixed in the groove 44g by, for example, an adhesive.

When the above-described bending measurement test was performed on the key input device having the above configuration, the key input device was compared with a key input device in which the groove 44g was not provided below the housing base 44b and the reinforcing rod 43 was not provided. And support plate 1
It was found that the amount of deflection at the center of No. 8 was significantly reduced. The basic dimensions of the relevant components of the key input device that can affect the deflection of the support plate 18 are as follows. -The thickness of the aluminum support plate 18: 0.5 [mm]-The height of the housing 44: 3 [mm]-The groove 44g: groove width = 1.2 [mm], height = 1.2 [m]
m], length = 200 [mm] Reinforcing rod 43: width = 1 [mm], height = 1 [m]
m], length = 200 [mm] ・ Plane size of key input device: length = 200 [mm],
Width = 100 [mm]

As described above, also in this case, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, the thickness of the key input device can be further reduced as compared with the one provided with the sliding type key top guide mechanism as described in the first and second embodiments.

Embodiment 5 Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory plan view of the key input device 50 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the key input device 50, for example, three reinforcing rods 53 are provided, and each reinforcing rod 53 is in a plane parallel to a membrane switch sheet (not shown) (a plane parallel to the plane of the paper). For example, it has a plurality of bent portions that bend at (inward), and extends so as to be continuous as a whole in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 7).

As described above, the bending portion which bends in a plane parallel to the membrane switch sheet is provided on the reinforcing rod 53 so that the bending rod as a whole is oriented in a predetermined direction (the width direction of the key input device 50).
The reinforcing rod 53 can be arranged without any trouble even between the key arrangements that are not straight.

Embodiment 6 FIG. Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view of the key input device 60 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the key input device 60, at least one half of the entire length of the key input device 60 from one end side (left end side in FIG. 8) of the housing base or the keypad base (not shown) in the longitudinal direction. First reinforcement rod 63L extending over the above length (about 2/3 in the present embodiment)
And at least 側 or more of the entire length of the key input device 60 from the other end (the right end in FIG. 8) of the partition (the same housing base or keypad base as in the above embodiments) in the longitudinal direction. Second reinforcement rods 63R extending over a length (about 2/3 in the present embodiment) are alternately arranged, and the membrane switch of the key input device 60 is provided by these two reinforcement rods 63L and 63R. The sheet and its supporting plate (both not shown) are entirely reinforced in plan view.

As described above, each of the first and second reinforcing rods 63L, 6 having at least a half or more of the total length of the key input device 60 and extending from opposite ends thereof.
By arranging the 3Rs alternately, it is possible to reduce the amount of the reinforcing rods used and to reduce the weight as compared with the case where the reinforcing rods are provided over the entire length of each partition portion, and to efficiently achieve the circuit board. And its support plate can be reinforced. Here, the first, the first,
The length from the end of each of the second reinforcing rods 63L, 63R is at least 以上 or more of the entire length of the key input device 60. This is because there is a region near the first and second reinforcing rods 63L and 63R that does not reach, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient reinforcing effect on this portion.

In each of the above embodiments, the partitioning portion (housing base or keypad base similar to that in each of the above embodiments) and the reinforcing rod for partitioning the key operating mechanism of each key are provided. Although provided continuously in a predetermined direction, it is not necessarily required to be continuous, and a portion may include a discontinuous portion (at most １ ／ or less of the entire length).

Further, in each of the above embodiments, each reinforcing rod is fixed by being incorporated in a groove provided below a partition portion for partitioning between key operation mechanisms. The molding of the keypad or the resin housing may be performed by insert molding, and the reinforcing rod may be inserted and integrally molded. In this case, since the reinforcing rod is integrally formed at the time of forming the partition, the reinforcing rod can be securely arranged and held in the partition, and the assembling work of the key input device can be simplified. it can.

Further, by incorporating the above key input device as the key input device 3 of the computer 1,
The computer 1 can be made thinner and lighter.

In each of the above embodiments, the key input device of the computer has been described. However, the keyboard according to the present invention is not limited to such a use. It can be effectively applied as a key input device for various terminal devices. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various improvements or design changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0061]

According to the invention of claim 1 of the present application, the partitioning section for partitioning between the respective key operating mechanisms at least between specific arrangements of a plurality of key arrangements in a predetermined direction is opposed to the circuit board, and Is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement, and a reinforcing member having a higher elastic modulus than at least the support plate is provided at a portion of the partition near the circuit board in a direction in which the partition extends. The support member and the reinforcing member can support the operation force (pressing force) at the time of key input because it is arranged so as to extend to the circuit board. The flexure occurring in the substrate and its support plate can be effectively suppressed. In this case, since the reinforcing member is provided in the partition part that partitions between the respective key operating mechanisms, it does not interfere with the key operating mechanism of each key. That is, the key input operation can be performed without increasing the thickness of the support plate (that is, while keeping the thickness of the support plate thin) and without increasing the thickness of the internal components or providing a separate reinforcing member. , The bending of the circuit board and its support plate can be suppressed, and a good operation feeling can be maintained.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, basically, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular, the reinforcing member can be straightened and extended so as to be continuous or substantially continuous between the key arrangements extending straight.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, basically the same effects as those of the invention of claim 1 can be obtained. In particular, since the reinforcing member is provided with a bent portion that bends in a plane parallel to the circuit board and extends so as to be continuous or substantially continuous in a predetermined direction as a whole, it can be reinforced without difficulty even between key arrangements that are not straight. A member can be provided.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4 of the present application, basically, the same effect as any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained. In particular, by alternately disposing the first and second reinforcing members each having at least a half or more of the entire length of the key input device and extending from the ends in the opposite directions, the partitioning portion of each of the partitioning portions is formed. Compared with the case where the reinforcing member is provided over the entire length, the amount of the reinforcing member used can be reduced, the weight can be reduced, and the circuit board and its supporting plate can be efficiently reinforced. Here, the first ones alternately arranged
The reason that the length from the end of each of the second reinforcing members is at least 以上 or more of the entire length of the key input device is that the first and second reinforcement members are located near the center of the key input device when the length is less than ２. This is because there is a region where none of the reinforcing members can reach, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient reinforcing effect on this portion.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5 of the present application, basically, the same effect as any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4 can be obtained. In addition, a groove portion that opens to the circuit board side is provided in a portion of the partition portion close to the circuit board, and the reinforcing member is disposed in the groove portion. The reinforcing member can be reliably arranged and held in the partition.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6 of the present application, basically the same effects as any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 4 can be obtained. In addition, since the partition is made of rubber, an elastomer, or a resin, and the reinforcing member is integrally formed at the time of molding the partition, the reinforcing member is securely disposed and held in the partition. And the assembling work of the key input device can be simplified.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7 of the present application, the key input device incorporated in the computer has basically the same effect as any one of the above-mentioned inventions of claims 1 to 6. And the computer can be made thinner and lighter.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of a key input device of the computer.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2, showing a structure of a key portion of the key input device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a key portion of a key input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a key portion of a key input device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a key part of a key input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory plan view of a key input device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view of a key input device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a key portion of a key input device according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 computer, 3, 50, 60 key input device,
11, 31, 41 keys, 12a Click rubber stem support, 12c, 42c Click rubber skirt, 13, 33, 43, 53, 63L, 63R Reinforcement rod, 14b, 44b Housing base, 14
g, 44g Housing groove, 16, 26, 36 membrane switch sheet, 16f, 26f, 36f fixed contact, 18 support plate, 26A membrane upper sheet,
26B Membrane lower sheet, 26m movable contact, 32
a key top support, 32b keypad base, 3
2c Keypad skirt, 32g Keypad groove, 42a Click rubber receiver.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A sheet-like, plate-like or film-like circuit board on which a plurality of keys, a key operation mechanism corresponding to each key, and an electric circuit having a switch contact corresponding to each key operation mechanism are formed. And a support plate for supporting the circuit board on a side opposite to the key operation mechanism, wherein each of the key operation mechanisms is at least between a specific arrangement of a plurality of arrangements of the plurality of keys in a predetermined direction. A partition portion for partitioning the space is provided so as to be continuous or substantially continuous along the key arrangement, facing the circuit board, and at a portion of the partition portion closer to the circuit board, at least than the support plate. A key input device, wherein a reinforcing member having a high elastic coefficient is provided so as to extend in a direction in which the partition part extends. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is straight and extends so as to be continuous or substantially continuous in a predetermined direction. 3. The reinforcing member has a bent portion bent in a plane parallel to the circuit board, and is extended so as to be continuous or substantially continuous in a predetermined direction as a whole. Item 2. The key input device according to Item 1. 4. A first reinforcing member extending from at least one half of the entire length of the key input device to one end of the partition in the predetermined direction, and a key extending from the other end of the partition in the predetermined direction. The second reinforcement member extending over at least a half or more of the entire length of the input device is alternately arranged.
The key input device according to claim 3. 5. A groove which is open on the circuit board side at a portion of the partition portion near the circuit board, and wherein the reinforcing member is disposed in the groove. The key input device according to claim 1. 6. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the partition is made of rubber, an elastomer, or a resin, and the reinforcing member is integrally formed when the partition is formed. A key input device according to claim 1. 7. A computer comprising the key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.