JPS58501608A - mechanical operating mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Key switch operation using torsion spring 1. Field of invention The invention is useful for example for keyswitches used in reconfigurable keyboards. The present invention relates to an operating mechanism used in such a key switch. more special Qualitatively, this invention provides a reconfigurable motor with a novel operating mechanism using torsion springs. Regarding key switches for photo-optical keyboards.

2. Description of prior art Prior art keyboard switches typically use coil springs, which The end (generally the lower end of the spring) is fixed to the base support member while the The other end is secured to the movable member of the keyswitch. Its configuration includes its base Something to keep the key axle from falling out of the bottom of the base structure assembly. As well as means, upper and lower attachments will be required. This structure is usually , that is the bottom or baseboard of the keyboard. Keys and keys in this format Replacing, reconfiguring, or servicing board configurations requires special tools and It takes a lot of time and is inefficient. Moreover, the key switch of the prior art is 1. one Generally, they are relatively complex in structure and difficult to manufacture and insert into the keyboard. It is relatively labor-intensive and often requires considerable manual labor.

Other keyboard systems of the prior art result in very undesirable abrasion.

Magnetic style keyswitches require the operator to avoid large variations in force and It tends to have a key influence.

This evenly increasing lack of tactile sensation is actually due to the fact that the key switch is closed. This is highly undesirable because the operator cannot detect when something is wrong.

Summary of the invention This invention provides a new and hitherto unknown removable and replaceable A key with a key switch and a key switch opening that removably holds the key. - provides associated mechanisms for use on board. The key switch of this invention The operating mechanism reciprocates with respect to a fixed mounting member such as a keyboard. a key shaft mounted so as to To hold the key shaft in the mouth, the key shaft has a flanged member and can be rotated. and an attached torsion spring. Both ends of that torsion spring are connected to the key switch opening. By adjusting both devices facing each other and the tension of their springs, some initial actuator force required to press that key and close that switch. be done. This mechanism thus produces a uniform diminishing tactile sensation and visible wear and tear is unlikely to be detected over the useful life of the equipment. This creates a condition.

Therefore, it is an objective of this invention to Provides a removable key switch operating mechanism with an extremely low profile without It is to be.

Another 11 of this invention! ! The purpose is that the tactile sensation is repeatable from key to key. A key that exists and remains constant and uniform over the life of the device. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism.

Still another object of the invention is to control the position of the actuator support member, that is, torsion By changing the pivot point of the spring, the same actuator means, i.e. the screw Provides key switch actuator means for producing spring force characteristics It is to be.

An additional object and advantage of this invention is that the torsion spring configuration is Due to its shape, its spring is suitable for automation of its key switch assembly. Very easily useful and such things tend to intertwine with each other. This was not the case with Ile Spring.

Other important objects and features of this invention are that the torsion springs, in particular the outer knobs, are eliminated. During the return stroke, the configuration of the end of the spring against the side wall of the support structure , because it tends to give a self-centering of the key axis within its key opening. be.

Other objects, features and advantages of this invention include the principles of this invention and the application of those principles. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the preferred mode for The following will be readily apparent upon reference and consideration of the detailed description below.

Shinno! Mouth 1! Return IL 1, 4 and 5 are assembled into a photo-optical keyboard assembly. Front view of the key operation mechanism of this invention as if it were inserted IIyi! ili diagram.

Figure W42 is a schematic illustration of one type of torsion spring used in this invention. .

Figure 2a shows a second type of spring used in the invention.

Figure 13 is Figure 1, Figure 4I! ! and a cross-sectional side view of a part of the structure shown in FIG. and assembled into the operating mechanism for its preloaded or pretensioned condition. FIG. 2 illustrates the spring in the free state shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an angular view of key operating force versus key travel of the operating mechanism of the present invention.

Figure 7 compares various force load and stroke combinations for various types of key operating mechanisms. is a graph in which the operating mechanism of this invention is depicted on the curve in the center of the graph. .

Figure 8 shows the operational structure functionally incorporated in the key switch device. 1 is an isometric view of one type; FIG.

FIG. 88 shows a hole of the same size (lr ! It is a front view.

Figure 9 is an isometric view similar to the view in Figure 8, but with structural details forming the key axis. It differs in that the support has changed in physical configuration.

FIG. 9a is a top view of a portion of the keyboard; - Orientation means to prevent shaft misalignment is illustrated.

10 and 11 show an overview of the basic functional operating mechanism that embodies this invention. This is a schematic diagram showing two different structural configurations of the torsion spring used therein. show.

Brief description of the preferred embodiment With reference to the drawings, the invention is illustrated in the vicinity of a keyboard, in which: , multiple vertically movable keys are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns (as shown in the figure). (only part of one line is shown); however, the The operating mechanism of Rekatsu Sore Shiratori consists of a variety of structural configurations that originate entirely from the keyboard itself. It is noted that it is effective in conversion and application.

Conventional practice in keyboard switch technology is that the press type generally uses coils. A spring is used, where one end of the spring is fixed and the other end is attached to it. It was attached to a bar of two oppositely disposed members that were movable. That push Pressure (operating force) can be changed by manufacturing and preset pressure parameters Or adjust the tactile sensation.Usually, the pressing force is applied to the operating member, such as the button. Increases in degree or amount of press or stroke of a button, key, etc. So-called Attempts to create a “tactile sensation” have been made in standard key switches. It is difficult for the operator to judge when the switch contact is closed by feel alone. While relatively unsuccessful because of its difficulty, the operating mechanism of this invention , as the key switch actuator extends its travel, the operating force increases over a wide range of motion. Introducing and using torsion springs in a novel mechanism that varies across the range. this As such, the torsion spring first increases and then decreases for yet another stroke. to produce a force that is resisting and opposing) that effectively gives a ``tactile sensation.'' I can do it. The tactile sensation in this configuration starts from the initial pressure felt by the operator. The weakening behavior of the opposing forces of pressure that form or lead to the attenuating perceptual sensations is rapid. Fixed as a decrease. In this regard, a torsion spring is itself a variable spring. It may also be wound or coiled to give a Get noticed. On the contrary, its mounting pivot points do not change the required external operating force. may be effectively placed against the end of the torsion spring.

As best seen in isometric view in FIG. 8 of the drawings, the operating mechanism 10 of the present invention includes a support member 12, the support member 12 having a male opening portion which will be described in detail hereinafter. Or use it as a stop for attaching it to the keyboard opening that has reached the protruding end. It has a top plate member 14 with an edge 15 and is substantially rectangular in external form. a solid bottom portion with a free upright protrusion 16 which may also be vertically disposed; 18 may be provided. Opposite right and left vertical side wall portions 20 of member 12 and and 22 are chamfered as shown in the figure for purposes hereinafter explained. It gently ends at the right glued back vertical ridge portion 24.

The member 10 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a large central cutout 26. The member 10 shown in FIG. middle middle Real I! 28 to the cutout portion 26 and integrally with the post, stud, etc. The shaft or pivot member 30 is numbered. Member 30 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Rotation for pre-seen and pre-tensioned torsion spring 32 so that Serves as a mounting support or pivot.

In one 131 configuration, the coil of spring 32 is as shown in the second afg. The sea urchin is wrapped counterclockwise. By the direction of this first coil of spring 32 , whose springs are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for purposes hereinafter explained. It is used in the IN or each return direction.

Pivot 30 is located midway between the ends of support 12, the location of which will be described below.

is used to change the operation of the keys and the tactile sensation they provide.

The spring member 32 is rotatably attached to the member 30 in an arcuate manner. torsion spring The left and right ends of 32, respectively 34 and 36, are located outward from the center. 3 of the drawings, and as best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The contralateral left and right edges, 38 and 40, are placed first.

As mentioned above, the spring in its rest state, i.e. before being attached to the pivot 30, 900" so that the spring deflects sequentially through an arc smaller than 360" are set apart at an angle of

As shown in the lower part of Figure 8 and most closely related to Figures 1, 4 and 5. As shown, the support 12 includes a groove extending from the bottom portion 18 of the central notch 26 to the lower portion. and extending rightwardly within the body of member 12 and substantially centrally thereof to a lower portion of member 12. is divided into two identical halves 12a and 12b, and these two halves are then It is possible to bend very slightly towards each other for the purposes described in I will do it. Separate horizontals that are slightly within the body in form as shown in Figure 8. A directional groove 44 extends across the front surface of member 12. Openings in individual barrels The aperture 46 extends completely through the body of the member 12 from front to back to allow the member to forming a groove extending through the groove.

At the lower edge of each member 12a and 12b, there is a and 12b, angled downwardly from a shelf or lip 50 extending from the front to the rear. A chamfered edge II&48 is provided. Figures 1, 4 and 5 As shown in many of the drawings, the ledge or lip 50 is a The device may be fully inserted and operably incorporated by Substantially rectangular groove openings 52 in the support keyboard structure 54 (FIG. 1) , 4 and 5) to provide a retention means for the member 12. . In this case, the member 12 may be considered as a key shaft and is not illustrated and described. The key shaft extends through the continuation of the substantially cylindrical shape within the barrel so that the openings 44 and 46 (although they do not form part of this invention) transmits light from a not-shown source to a not-shown detector located in the code structure 54 itself. A photoopter is provided so that the device can operate in an illuminating or blocking manner. Optical keyboard and functionally operational.

FIG. 9 shows a variation of the structure illustrated and described in FIG. 8, and its operation. The mechanism is substantially the same as that in Figure 8, except that the torsion spring is attached to the key shaft mechanism. Whereas the torsion spring of Figure 8 is "unwound" when it is used The springs are wound in opposite directions so that they are "rubbed" in use. 9th The support member or structure 56 shown is a central vertical left-right extending from side to side. The front portion of the side 760 is cut out at the bottom as shown at 62 and has a twisting bolt. A pivot mounting support member 64 is provided that extends forward integrally with the station where the screw 66 is mounted. It will be done. The left and right ends 68I5 and 70, respectively, which extend to both sides of the spring 66 are It rests against the edges 72 and 74 of the material 56. Similar to member 12, a plurality of water A cylindrical groove 76 within the barrel that extends in a square direction is formed in member 56 . The body of the bale from the front An internal opening 78 is provided in member 56 of FIG. The cutout portion 42 of the member 12 and A similar central vertical notch or slot 80 extends from the front surface of member 56 to the central portion. a receiving keyboard groove opening of the keyboard extending from and with which member 56 is operatively associated; As it is pushed into 52, the lower portions 56a and 5, which are thus capped, 6b is slightly compressed.

The bottom portion of member 56 is chamfered as shown at 82 so that a shelf 84 located on both sides of the lower portion of the material 56 and operatively associated with the keyboard. Retaining lip or strut for "upward" movement of member 56 when located within Acts as a top. An upwardly projecting boss similar to the member 16 in FIG. is provided on member 56.

This vertically protruding member 86 allows an altar such as a key top (not shown) to be A font numeral display member can be attached to this shaft portion. correct key - Reduces the possibility of misalignment when attaching the top to its associated key shaft. To avoid this, a set of oriented grooves are provided in member 16 as shown at 88. 1. One or more outwardly projecting ridges or steps 90 are shown in FIG. The member 86 shown is provided. The manufacture of such equipment allows operators to , the key axis allows you to move the alphanumeric keys without the risk of misorienting the desired key. It can be assembled into The rear vertical edge on the right side corresponds to each opening in the keyboard 54. as shown at 92 to engage angled corner portions 94 of portion 52. It is chamfered. The lower edge portion 91 of the flat top or member 56 is When moving within member 54, it provides a "downward" stop for key shaft 56.

For purposes of this description, the operating mechanism of the invention will be described in FIGS. 1, 4 and 4 of the drawings. incorporated into the operational keyboard as shown in the partial cross-sectional side view in FIG. Assume that The torsion spring crosses the edge portion as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. After being pre-mounted on the pivot such that the end extends the keyboard by pushing its lower body part into the opening provided in the keyboard. can be inserted into the main body of the keyboard, so that its forked end can be inserted into the keyboard body. The rim or ledge at the bottom of each key snap on the lower edge of the card springs bent slightly towards each other until bent slightly into the position shown in Figure 1. . For practical purposes, this position is the pre-loaded position of the spring against the keyboard. may be considered to be in a certain position. As the key is pressed by the operator's finger, Movement of the key causes a spring to wrap around the pivot and insert the key. Figure 4 with the end of the spring on the top exposed edge of the keyboard opening. Be nervous as shown. In the last position illustrated in Figure 5, the key is , reach the lower end of that operative movement downwards in the keyboard, and then The beam is bent to its upper limit, at which point the light contained within this structure the material blocks and/or blocks the light as it passes through the aperture in the key structure. performs the function of passing.

Referring to the graph of FIG. The operating mechanism is such that the torsion spring produces a suitable sensation of tactile sensation by the operator. illustrates the various stages that can be operated upon. Position 1 is the vertical position at the 0 point of the dotted line. can be shown to the left of the solid line, where the phase is in the free state, ( (Fig. 2), and position 2 is approximately the midpoint of the dotted line, where the spring is pivoted. Can be assembled. The third position is approximately at the beginning of the solid portion of line 94, where the The springs are pre-attached to the keyboard or housing. As is obvious, the key By continuing to press , the force increases slightly and at the top of curve 94 reach maximum. This arrogance, despite increasing, its operating force is at the top dead center The switch is actuated and possibly closed at a point slightly beyond or a tactile sensation of decrease in force to indicate to the operator that it has been opened. The rate begins to decrease rapidly until it begins to feel. Finally, the second right-pointing dotted line At position 5, at the intersection of the vertical line and the solid line, the switch is fully closed. , and the operation ends.

As mentioned above, the basic concept included in this invention is a torque spring and its torque spring. A pivot for attaching the spring, an attachment means for the spring, and a cabinet for the end of the spring. Opposite motion is similar to the amount and degree of resistance that results when that motion occurs. the end of that spring so that both the degree and amount of force exerted on the The invention consists in using means for movably attaching the parts.

Wide applications of this technology and structural combination are readily available to designers.

1. All that require a decreasing operating force for the stroke of the operating member that produces the operating force. mechanical device.

2. The keyboard switch as described above and in the claims.

3. Safety switches of various types.

4. Button switch.

5. Control switches for parts external to the stomach, such as dangerous machinery and data processing equipment. blood.

6. Various types of safety devices requiring electrical switch contact.

With reference to Figures 108 to lllof and Figures 118 to 11f. , the mechanism in this essential element is as best shown in fig. , use the following:

1. Support member or shaft; 2. A coiled central part and two opposing sides extending outward from it. a torque spring with an end (that spring can be rotated clockwise based solely on the requirements of use) (may be wound in the ``CW'' or anti-illusion 11 direction ``CCW''), and 3. abutting the end of the spring to provide relative motion between the end of the spring and its axis; or in any other way, thereby making the relative position of the axis and its abutting means movement changes the required applied force and the resulting force that resists the change A means of changing power.

As a basic assembly, the invention includes a reciprocating vertically movable shaft or includes a base 94 that acts as a support structure for a plunger-like member 96. 108 to 10f. The member 94 is For convenience, two parallel separate upper end portions are rounded and non-interfering as shown. Includes an upright protrusion or recess 98 . The shaft 96 has a vertical dependent projection or A dirt 100 is provided. Its lowest end is the mounting pivot of the torsion spring 104. The shaft supports the stud 102 extending horizontally to the front side. torsion spring The coiled central portion of 104 is attached to the pivot stud 1 (12, Allowed to rotate freely around itself up to a predetermined limit of 0.04 . Means for retaining member 96 relative to 94 is not shown, but This can be accomplished by any of the known techniques.

The right and left free ends 106 and 108 of the spring 104 respectively It abuts the uppermost rounded part of the vertical groove 98. The member 96 is As described with reference to FIG. In this manner, it is made to be freely movable vertically in a reciprocating manner up and down. of explanation Therefore, the spring 102 in FIG. 10a is unstressed or unloaded. Assume that the state is not This position is the negative point on the curve in Figure 6. Corresponds to the 15° position. Member 96 begins its downward movement relative to member 94. As the stress in the spring increases, as in Figure 10t1, the stress in the spring begins to increase as in Figure 10t1. This corresponds to approximately minus 7@ position in the stomach on the curve of FIG. Element 96 moves further downward, the spring force increases to the 6th! ! To approximately 0° of the curve of l 10C. Figure 10d is about 5° of the curve in Figure 6. I will deal with it. FIG. 10e corresponds to approximately the 210 position of the curve in FIG. At 0 the figure corresponds to the 25050 position of the curve in figure 6, the so-called bottom or lowest point. Schematically shows its @stomach in position. Of course, each of these positions can be selectively and such position j) of the abutment member 1 relative to the pivot 015 and 108 by changing the position of both pivots relative to member 96. can be selectively changed.

Figures 11a to 11f are *λ-wise identical to those in Figures 10 to 10f. The difference is that the pivot stud 112 supports the mounting pivot of the torsion spring 114. It is located on the fixing member 110 to be formed. Left and right spring ends 116 and 118 are the right direction and left direction integrated with the moving member 124, respectively. The protruding grooves abut 120 and 122, respectively. 1118 figure or 1st As shown in Figure 1f, essentially the same force is applied to the set of curves in Figure 6. however, the torsion spring 114 has its ends 116 and 118 in opposite directions. It is not expanded in the direction.

Kaya 2 scarlet Hole Hibiki international search report

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Fixed support means; means movable relative to said support means; said fixed support means and said movable means; movable means and said movable based on the relative movement between them for changing the operating force of a means from a specified pressure to a level at which said operating force is reduced. Mechanical operation 1i1° with effective twisting means 2. The fixed support means is engageable with the twisting means and is capable of absorbing the OS actuating force. The twisting means is rotated from the unstretched state to the relatively high operating force state. 2. The invention of claim 1, further comprising oppositely distributed means for providing electrical power. 3. The twisting means is a coil rotatably attached to the movable means. The invention according to claim 1, comprising a torsion spring having a shape. 4. Claim wherein the torsion spring is attached to the fixed support means. The invention described in paragraph 3. 5. The twisting means is rotated clockwise with both ends thereof engaging the portion of the supporting means. The invention as set forth in claim 1. 6. The twisting means has both ends engaged with parts of the movable means to cause the twisting means to rotate. The invention according to claim 1, written clockwise. 7. U-shaped support member; means telescopically slidably movable relative to the U-shaped member; and a torsion means disposed between the torsion-shaped member and the movable means. , The twisting means is rotatably attached to the movable means and having an oppositely disposed free end portion that engages a member such that said movement The relative movement between the possible means and said U-shaped member initially results in an increase in the operating force. resulting in a clear tactile feedback, resulting in a reduced operating force. Mechanical operation mechanism that produces a sense of movement. 8. The m twisting means is rotatably attached to the U-shaped support member. The invention according to item 7 within the scope of 9. The above-described support member is integrally operatively associated with the torsion spring. 8. The invention of claim 7 including contralaterally disposed means. 10. The telescoping slidable means is operatively associated with the torsion means. 8. The invention as claimed in claim 7, wherein integral oppositely disposed means are provided. 11. Completely self-contained and can be used as a keyboard or keyboard – Freestanding switches that do not require a bottom or lower support member for the switch. An operation structure for a key switch characterized by a key shaft and a key shaft, a mandrill on the key shaft; located on said mandrill so as to be removably mounted; The torsion spring rotates and the key shaft is reciprocated in the vertical direction. and a housing for attaching the torsion spring to both ends thereof. installed in a front to prevent accidental removal or movement of the key shaft from within the housing; The operating mechanism further comprises means on the key shaft. 12. The key shaft is made of an irregularly shaped block of rigid material; One end is adapted to provide a key top, and the other end is provided with an opposing parallel member. The invention according to claim 11, which branches to obtain 13. Each of the opposing parallel members of said bifurcated end projects outwardly therefrom. including a peripheral ridge that mounts said key axle within a keyboard that is operationally erroneous; The invention according to claim 12. 14. The parallel members each have one or more cylindrical openings in the barrel. is provided, through which light passes, and from which light is directed to the Claim 12, which can be interrupted based on the relative movement of the key shaft within the housing. The invention described in Section 1. 15. The mandrill constitutes a protrusion that receives the screw and spring, and The key shaft is adjacent to the mandrill 'ejJ! 2 springs to the initial desired movement Claim 11 further comprising means for pre-tensioning or applying stress. invention of. 16. The torsion spring is such that the mandrel is positioned relative to the end of the spring. The spring coil is wound tightly against the mandrel as it is displaced. The invention according to claim 11. 17. The torsion spring is such that the mandrill is displaced relative to the end of the spring. The coil is first seen to unwind against the mandrel as the The invention described in Scope of Claim 11. 18. The mandrill is such that the operating force of the torsion spring increases at first, and then suddenly increases. The further stroke of the key axis decreases sharply and creates a tactile sensation for the operator. The invention according to claim 11, wherein the key shaft is positioned at such a position. 19. The position of the mandrill with respect to the key shaft is such that the position of the mandrill in relation to the key shaft is The sliding movement of the axis effectively reduces the operating force with further sliding movement of the key axis. Claim 11, which produces a projection angle of the torque force with respect to the operating force. The invention described.