JP4191973B2

JP4191973B2 - Key switch

Info

Publication number: JP4191973B2
Application number: JP2002296046A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 英樹伊藤; 章夫西島
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-09
Filing date: 2002-10-09
Publication date: 2008-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-09
Also published as: JP2004134170A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明はキースイッチに係わり、パソコン等の入力機器に使用して好適なキースイッチに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、パソコン等の入力機器に使用されるキースイッチは、スイッチ部を形成した基板が配設され、この基板上には単独に形成された復帰バネが配設され、この復帰バネを介してキートップが上下動可能に配設されている。
前記キートップは、一対のアームバーに支持された状態で、復帰バネで基板から離れる方向の上方に弾性付勢されている。
そして、キートップは、外形が例えば略矩形状に形成され、この略矩形状の四方には、側壁が互いに対向して形成されている。
【０００３】
前記一対のアームバーは、直線状の基部と、この基部の両端部をコ字状に折り曲げて一対の腕部とがそれぞれ形成されている。
そして、一方のアームバーは、基部が基板側に回動自在に係支され、一対の腕部の端部がキートップの互いに対向する一方の側壁にスライド自在に支持されている。また、他方のアームバーは、基部が一方のアームバーの基部と直交した状態で基板に回動自在に係支され、一対の腕部の端部がキートップの互いに対向する他方の側壁にスライド自在に支持されている。
【０００４】
このような一対のアームバーに支持されたキートップは、復帰バネで上方に弾性付勢された状態で基板から所定高さの上昇位置で停止している。
この上昇位置にあるキートップの上面を押圧操作すると、復帰バネの付勢力に抗してキートップが基板側に降下し、スイッチ部が押圧されてスイッチ回路が切り換わるようになっている。
このような従来のキースイッチは、一対のアームバーにより水平状態で支持され、キートップの押圧位置がばらついても、キートップを常に水平状態でなめらかに降下させることができ、操作フィーリングが良かった。
【０００５】
【特許文献】
特開昭６３−３０８８２４号公報
実開平１−１７９３３０号公報
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前述したような従来のキースイッチは、キートップを上昇位置に弾性付勢する単独の独立した復帰バネが必要であり、部品点数が多くなる問題があった。また、単独の復帰バネを係支するためのバネ係支部をキートップおよび基板に形成しなければならず、キートップおよび基板の形状が複雑になる問題があった。
本発明は前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、キートップを上下動自在に支持する一対のリンク部材にキートップを上方に弾性付勢する付勢部材材を一体形成したキースイッチを提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として本発明のキースイッチは、キートップと、このキートップを上下動可能に係支可能な第１、第２のリンク部材と、この第１、第２リンク部材を支持したスイッチ部を有する基板とを備え、前記第１、第２リンク部材は、前記キートップに回動自在に係支可能な回動係支部と、この回動支持部から略コ字状に延出形成した一対の腕部と、この一対の腕部の端部に形成した前記基板にスライド自在に係合可能なスライド係支部とをそれぞれ有し、前記第１、第２リンク部材は、それぞれの前記回動係支部が交差状になるように前記スライド係支部を前記基板にスライド自在に係合させた状態で、前記第１リンク部材の前記腕部を上方に付勢する付勢部材を配設し、この付勢部材によって前記キートップが前記基板から所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢されるようにし、かつ、前記第１、第２リンク部材は、前記第２リンク部材の前記回動係支部の下部に前記第１リンク部材の前記回動係支部を位置させて、それぞれの前記回動係支部を交差させて、それぞれの前記スライド係支部を前記基板にスライド自在に係合させたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
また、前記課題を解決するための第２の解決手段として、前記付勢部材は、前記第１リンク部材のいずれか一方の腕部の前記スライド係支部に一体形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、前記課題を解決するための第３の解決手段として、前記第１、第２リンク部材は、弾性を有する金属棒を折り曲げて前記回動係支部と前記一対の腕部と前記スライド係支部とをそれぞれ形成し、前記付勢部材は、前記第１リンク部材の前記いずれか一方の前記スライド係支部を前記腕部に対して所定の角度を有して折り返して形成し、前記付勢部材を前記基板に密着させた状態で、前記第１リンク部材のそれぞれの前記スライド係支部を前記基板に形成した係合部に係合させると、前記一対の腕部が前記基板に対して前記所定の角度で傾き、前記回動係支部に係支した前記キートップが前記上昇位置に位置するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、前記課題を解決するための第４の解決手段として、前記第１、第２リンク部材のいずれか一方には、前記スイッチ部をＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作可能なスイッチ操作部を一体形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、前記課題を解決するための第５の解決手段として、前記スイッチ操作部は、前記キートップを前記上昇位置に上昇させた状態で、前記第１リンク部材の前記付勢部材を形成してない側の前記スライド係支部、または前記第２リンク部材の前記一対の腕部に形成した前記スライド係支部のいずれか一方を、前記腕部に対して腕部が前記基板に対して傾いている前記所定の角度より小さい角度で折り返して形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、前記課題を解決するための第６の解決手段として、前記基板側、あるいは前記キートップ側には、前記上昇位置にある前記キートップを押圧して降下させたときに、クリック感を創出可能なクリック創出部材を配設したことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、前記課題を解決するための第７の解決手段として、前記クリック創出部材は、前記キートップが降下中において、前記第１、第２リンク部材の前記腕部のいずれか一方が当接可能な当接部を有し、前記キートップを降下させて前記当接部に当接する前記腕部が撓んで前記当接部を乗り越える時に前記クリック感を創出するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、前記課題を解決するための第８の解決手段として、前記第１、第２リンク部材は、前記回動係支部のそれぞれが前記キートップの裏面に回動自在に係支され、前記スライド係支部のそれぞれが前記基板の前記係合部にスライド可能に係合され、降下させた前記キートップが前記付勢部材の付勢力で上昇すると、前記スライド係支部が前記係合部内の奥壁に当接するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明におけるキースイッチの１実施の形態について図面に基づいて説明する。図１は本発明のキースイッチの概略斜視図であり、図２は本発明のキースイッチの平面図であり、図３は図２の側面図であり、図４は本発明に係わるクリック創出部材を説明する概略図であり、図５は本発明に関するその他の実施に形態を説明する図である。
【００１７】
まず、本発明のキースイッチ１の１実施の形態は、図１〜図３に示すように、最下部に平坦状で板状の絶縁材からなる基板２が配設されており、この基板２には、所定深さの凹部２ａが形成され、この凹部２ａの底面に導電性の固定接点２ｂが印刷等により形成されている。
また、基板２には、後述する第１リンク部材５をスライド係支可能な第１、第２係合部２ｃ、２ｄと、後述する第２リンク部材６をスライド係支可能な第３、第４係合部２ｅ、２ｆとが形成され、このそれぞれの第１〜第４の係合部２ｃ〜２ｆは、一方側が開放された開口部と他方側に形成した奥壁とで略Ｌ字状に形成されている。
【００１８】
また、基板２には、後述する第２リンク部材８の一方の腕部８ｂが当接可能なクリック創出部材３が形成されている。
このクリック創出部材３は、図４に示すように、階段状に形成されて、後述する第２リンク部材８の一方に腕部８ｂが当接可能な平面上の当接部３ａと、この当接部３ａより高さの低い受け面３ｂとによって階段状に形成されている。
【００１９】
また、基板２の上面には、絶縁フィルムからなるシート部材４が配設され、このシート部材４には、固定接点２ｂと対抗する位置に所定の隙間を有して可動接点４ａが形成されている。
前記固定接点２ｂと可動接点４ａとでスイッチ部が構成され、可動接点４ａが固定接点２ｂに接触すると、スイッチ部がＯＮ／ＯＦＦしてスイッチ回路が切り換わるようになっている。
また、シート部材４を介した基板２上には、ピアノ線等からなる弾性を有する金属棒を折り曲げて、第１リンク部材５と第２リンク部材８とが配設されている。
【００２０】
前記第１リンク部材５は、後述するキートップ９に回動自在に係支可能な回動係支部５ａが、基板２の表面と平行な直線状に形成され、回動係支部５ａから略コ字状に折り曲げて延出形成した一方と他方の一対の腕部５ｂ、５ｃとが形成されている。
また、一対の腕部５ｂ、５ｃ端部を互いに内向きに折り曲げて、基板２の第１、第２係合部２ｃ、２ｄにスライド自在に係合可能なスライド係支部５ｄ、５ｅがそれぞれ形成されている。
【００２１】
また、第１リンク部材５の一方の腕部５ｂのスライド係支部５ｄには、回動係支部５ａを基板２から離れる方向の上方に弾性付勢可能な付勢部材６が一体形成されている。
この付勢部材６は、第１リンク部材５の一方の腕部５ｂのスライド係支部５ｄを一方の腕部５ｂと所定の角度αを有して折り返して形成されている。
そして、付勢部材６を基板２に密着させた状態で、第１リンク部材５のそれぞれのスライド係支部５ｄ、５ｅを基板２に形成した係合部２ｃ、２ｄに係合させると、一対の腕部５ｂ、５ｃが基板２に対して所定の角度αで傾き、回動係支部５ａが基板２から所定高さ離間する。
このことにより、回動係支部５ａに係支した後述するキートップ９が所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢されるようになっている。
【００２２】
また、付勢部材６を形成してない側の他方の腕部５ｃのスライド係支部５ｅには、スイッチ操作部７が形成されており、このスイッチ押圧部７が可動接点４ａを形成した部分のシート部材４を押圧することにより、スイッチ部がＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作可能になっている。
前記スイッチ操作部７は、他方の腕部５ｃのスライド係支部５ｅを、他方の腕部５ｃと角度αより小さい角度で折り返して形成され、先端部を下方側に略半円状に折り曲げて押圧部７ａを形成している。この押圧部７ａが可動接点４ａを形成した部分のシート部材４を押圧可能になっている。
前述したような第１リンク部材５は、付勢部材６を他方の腕部５ｃ側に形成し、スイッチ操作部７を一方の腕部５ｂ側に形成したものでも良い。
【００２３】
また、第２リンク部材８は、後述するキートップ９に回動係支可能な回動係支部８ａが、基板２の表面と平行な直線状に形成され、回動係支部８ａの下部に第１リンク部材５の回動係支部５ａを位置させて、それぞれの回動係支部５ａ、８ａを略直交する交差状に組み合わされている。
また、第２リンク部材８は、回動係支部８ａの両端部が、図１に示すように、回動係支部８ａと直交する方向に互いに対向させて略コ字状に折り曲げされて、一対の腕部８ｂ、８ｃが形成されている。
即ち、一対の腕部８ｂ、８ｃは、回動支持部８ａの両端部から互いに対向させて延長形成されている。
【００２４】
また、一対の腕部８ｂ、８ｃの端部側で基板２に接する部分には、互いに対向して内向きに折り曲げてスライド係支部８ｄ、８ｅがそれぞれ形成され、このスライド係支部８ｄ、８ｅが、基板２の第３、第４係合部２ｅ、２ｆにスライド自在に係合するようになっている。
前述したような第１、第２リンク部材５、８は、第２リンク部材８の回動係支部８ａが第１リンク部材５の回動係支部５ａの上部に位置して交差状に組み合わされているので、付勢部材６で第１リンク部材５が上方に付勢されることで、図１に示すように、それぞれの回動係支部５ａ、８ａが基板２から所定高さの位置に上昇するようになっている。
また、第１リンク部材５を介して付勢部材６で付勢されて上方に位置する第２リンク部材８は、一方の腕部８ｂが、図４に示すように、基板２に形成したクリック創出部材３の当接部３ａ上に位置するようになっている。
【００２５】
また、交差状に組み合わされた第１、第２リンク部材５、８の回動係支部５ａ、８ａには、キートップ９（２点鎖線で示す）が上下動可能に支持され、付勢部材６によって、基板２から所定高さの位置に弾性付勢されている。
前記キートップ９の裏面には、複数の係支部９ａが形成されて、この係支部９ａに、第１、第２リンク部材５、８の回動係支部５ａ、８ａが回動自在に係支されている。
そして、キートップ９が所定高さの上昇位置にある時は、それぞれのスライド係支部５ｄ、５ｅおよび８ｄ、８ｅが、第１〜第４の係合部２ｃ〜２ｆの奥壁に当接することにより、キートップ９が上昇位置より上に上昇しないようになっている。
【００２６】
また、キースイッチ９が上昇位置にあるときの第１リンク部材５は、図３に示すように、基板２上に密着した付勢部材６により、一方の腕部５ｂと所定の角度αを有してキートップ９を基板２〜所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢している。
即ち、キートップ９の所定高さの上昇位置は、図３に示す付勢部材６と腕部５ｂとで形成する折り曲げ角度αを変えることにより可変可能になっている。
また、スイッチ操作部７は、付勢部材６と腕部５ｂとの角度αより小さい角度で折り返されているので、キートップ９を押圧して降下させることにより、押圧部７ａが、可動接点４ａを形成した部分のシート部材４を押圧可能になっている。
【００２７】
このような本発明のキースイッチ１の動作を説明すると、まず、図３に示すように、所定高さの上昇位置にあるキートップ９を、矢印Ｂの下方に押圧操作すると、第１、第２リンク部材５、８ａが付勢部材６の付勢力に抗して下方に押圧される。すると、第１、第２リンク部材５、８は、それぞれのスライド係支部５ｄ、５ｅ、８ｄ、８ｅが、第１〜第４係合部２ｃ〜２ｆの開口部側にスライドして、それぞれの腕部５ｂ、５ｃ、８ｂ、８ｃが基板２と略平行になる。
この時、第２リンク部材の腕部８ｂが、クリック創出部材３の当接部３ａに当接し、その後当接部３ａを矢印Ａ方向に乗り越えて受け面３ｂ上に位置する。
前記第２リンク部材８の腕部８ｂが、当接部３ａを乗り越えると、キートップ９を押圧操作していた押圧力が急に軽くなって、クリック感が創出されて、キートップ９を押圧していた操作者がクリック感を感じることができる。
【００２８】
このクリック感が創出されと同時、あるいはその後に、スイッチ操作部７の押圧部７ａがシート部材４を押圧して、可動接点４ａが固定接点２ｂに接触する。このことにより、スイッチ回路が切り換わってスイッチ部がＯＮされ、パソコン等の入力機器に所望の入力を行うことができる。
その後、キートップ９に加えていた押圧力を解除すると、付勢部材６の付勢力で、第１、第２リンク部材５、８が上昇して、キートップ９が所定高さの上昇位置に復帰する。同時に、クリック創出部３の当接部３ａを乗り越えていた第２リンク部材の腕部８ｂが、再度当接部３ａ上に復帰する。
【００２９】
このような本発明のキースイッチ１は、弾性を有する金属棒を折り曲げて形成した第１、第２リンク部材５、８で、キートップ９を上下動可能に支持すると共に、付勢部材６で付勢する第１リンク部材５によって、キートップ９を所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢することができ、従来例の様な復帰バネが不要になり、構造が簡単で、部品点数が少なくて、軽量化が可能である。
また、クリック創出部材３を配設することによって、小さなストロークでクリック感を創出することができ、薄型化が可能である。
【００３０】
また、本発明の実施の形態では、第１、第２リンク部材５、８を金属棒で説明したが、弾性のある樹脂材料で形成しても良い。
また、弾性部材６は第１リンク部材５に一体形成したもので説明したが、基板２と一方の腕部５ｂとの間に、スポンジ等（図示せず）の弾性を有するものを配設して、第１リンク部材５を上方に付勢するようにしたものでも良い。
【００３１】
また、スイッチ操作部７は、付勢部材６が形成されてない側の第１リンク部材５のスライド係支部５ｅに形成したもので説明したが、第２リンク部材８の一方の腕部８ｂ、または他方の腕部８ｃのスライド係支部８ｄ、８ｅのいずれかを折り返して形成したものでも良い。
また、クリック創出部材３を基板２側に形成したもので説明したが、キートップ９側に形成（図示せず）したものでも良い。
また、クリック創出部材３は、第２リンク部材８の一方の腕部８ｂが当接可能な位置に形成したが、第１、第２リンク部材５、８の腕部５ｂ、５ｃまたは８ｂ、８ｃのいずれかが当接可能な位置であれば良い。
また、第１、第２のインク部材５、８の回動係止部５ａ、８ａは、互いに直交させたもので説明したが、所定の角度をもって交差させたものでも良い。
【００３２】
また、本発明の実施の形態では、第２リンク部材８の回動係支部８ａの下部に第１リンク部材５の回動係支部５ａを位置させて、それぞれの回動係支部５ａ、８ａを交差させたもので説明したが、その他の実施の形態のキースイッチ１１として、第１、第２リンク部材５、８は、図５に示すように、それぞれの回動係支部５ａ、８ａを直接交差させないで、第１リンク部材５の回動係支部５ａの延長線上に第２リンク部材８の回動係支部８ａを交差状に配置したものでも良い。
【００３３】
即ち、第１、第２リンク部材５、８は、それぞれの回動係支部５ａ、８ａが交差状になるように、それぞれのスライド係支部５ｄ、５ｅ、８ｄ、８ｅを基板２にスライド自在に係合させたものでも良い。
このような、キースイッチ１１は、第１リンク部材５の付勢部材６によってキートップ９が所定の上昇位置に弾性付勢されることにより、第２リンク部材８が上昇したキートップ９に引っ張られて上昇する。
そのために、キートップ９の押圧場所がばらついても、キートップ９を水平状態で降下させることができる。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明のキースイッチの第１、第２リンク部材は、それぞれの回動係支部が交差状になるようにスライド係支部を基板にスライド自在に係合させた状態で、第１リンク部材の腕部を上方に付勢する付勢部材を配設し、この付勢部材によってキートップが基板から所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢されるようにしたので、キートップの押圧場所がばらついても、第１、第２リンク部材を介して付勢部材の付勢力に抗してキートップを水平状態でスムーズに降下させることができ、操作性の良いキースイッチを提供できる。また、第１、第２リンク部材は、第２リンク部材の回動係支部の下部に第１リンク部材の回動係支部を位置させて、それぞれの回動係支部を交差させて、それぞれのスライド係支部を基板にスライド自在に係合させたので、付勢部材で第１、第２リンク材の両方を上方に付勢することができ、キートップを更に確実に水平状態で降下させることができる。
【００３６】
また、付勢部材は、第１リンク部材のいずれか一方の腕部のスライド係支部に一体形成したので、部品点数を削減できる。また、付勢部材でキートップを所定高さの上昇位置に弾性付勢することができ、部品点数の少ないキースイッチを提供できる。
【００３７】
また、付勢部材を基板に密着させた状態で、第１リンク部材のそれぞれのスライド係支部を基板に形成した係合部に係合させると、一対の腕部が基板に対して所定の角度で傾き、回動係支部に係支したキートップが浄書内に位置するようにしたので、キートップを付勢部材の付勢力で確実に上昇位置に弾性付勢することができ、操作性がよいキースイッチを提供できる。
【００３８】
また、第１、第２リンク部材のいずれか一方には、スイッチ部をＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作可能なスイッチ操作部を一体形成したので、部品点数を削減してコストダウン可能なキースイッチを提供できる。
【００３９】
また、スイッチ操作部は、キートップを上昇位置に上昇させた状態で、第１リンク部材の付勢部材を形成してない側のスライド係支部、または第２リンク部材の前記スライド係支部のいずれかを腕部に対して腕部が前記基板に対して傾いている前記所定の角度より小さい角度で折り返して形成したので、キートップを押圧して降下中にスイッチ操作部がスイッチ部を確実にＯＮ操作することができ、スイッチ部の操作性が良い。
【００４０】
また、基板側、あるいはキートップ側には、上昇位置にある前記キートップを押圧して降下させたときに、クリック感を創出可能なクリック創出部材を配設したので、キートップを操作してクリック感を感じたときに、スイッチＯＮされたことを認識するすることができ、操作性の良いキースイッチを提供できる。
【００４１】
また、クリック創出部材は、キートップが降下中において、第１、第２リンク部材の腕部のいずれかが当接可能な当接部からなり、キートップを降下させて当接部に当接する腕部のいずれかが当接部を乗り越える時にクリック感を創出するようにしたので、キートップを押圧する操作者が確実にクリック感を感じることができ操作性がよい。
【００４２】
また、降下させたキートップが付勢部材の付勢力で上昇すると、スライド係支部が係合部内の奥壁に当接するようにしたので、キートップを所定高さの上昇位置で確実に停止させることができ、キートップの上昇位置がバラツキのないキースイッチを提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のキースイッチの概略斜視図である。
【図２】本発明のキースイッチの平面図である。
【図３】図２の側面図である。
【図４】本発明に係わるクリック創出部材を説明する概略図である。
【図５】本発明に関するその他の実施に形態を説明する図である。
【符号の説明】
１本発明のキースイッチ
２基板
２ｂ固定接点
２ｃ〜２ｆ第１〜第４の係合部
３クリック創出部材
４シート部材
４ａ可動接点
５第１リンク部材
５ａ回動係支部
５ｂ、５ｃ腕部
５ｄ、５ｅスライド係支部
６付勢部材
７スイッチ操作部
７ａ押圧部
８第２リンク部材
８ａ回動係支部
８ｂ、８ｃ腕部
８ｄ、８ｅスライド係支部
９キートップ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a key switch, and more particularly to a key switch suitable for use in an input device such as a personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a key switch used for an input device such as a personal computer is provided with a substrate on which a switch portion is formed, and a return spring formed independently on the substrate is provided, and a key is provided via the return spring. The top is arranged to be movable up and down.
The key top is elastically biased upward in a direction away from the substrate by a return spring while being supported by a pair of arm bars.
The key top has an outer shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, and side walls are formed so as to face each other on four sides of the substantially rectangular shape.
[0003]
The pair of arm bars are each formed with a straight base portion and a pair of arm portions by bending both ends of the base portion into a U-shape.
The one arm bar is pivotally supported at the base side to the substrate side, and the end portions of the pair of arm portions are slidably supported on one side wall of the key top facing each other. The other arm bar is pivotally supported on the base plate in a state where the base portion is orthogonal to the base portion of the one arm bar, and the ends of the pair of arm portions are slidable on the opposite side walls of the key top. It is supported.
[0004]
The key tops supported by such a pair of arm bars are stopped at a raised position at a predetermined height from the substrate while being elastically biased upward by a return spring.
When the upper surface of the key top in the raised position is pressed, the key top is lowered toward the substrate against the urging force of the return spring, and the switch portion is pressed to switch the switch circuit.
Such a conventional key switch is supported in a horizontal state by a pair of arm bars, and even if the key top pressing position varies, the key top can always be lowered smoothly in a horizontal state, and the operation feeling is good. .
[0005]
[Patent Literature]
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-308824, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-179330,
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional key switch as described above requires a single independent return spring that elastically urges the key top to the raised position, which increases the number of parts. Further, a spring engaging portion for engaging and supporting a single return spring has to be formed on the key top and the substrate, resulting in a problem that the shapes of the key top and the substrate are complicated.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is a key switch in which a biasing member material that elastically biases the key top upward is integrally formed with a pair of link members that support the key top to be movable up and down. The purpose is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a key switch of the present invention includes a key top, first and second link members that can be supported so that the key top can be moved up and down, and the first, A substrate having a switch portion supporting a second link member, wherein the first and second link members are pivotably supported on the key top, and a pivot support portion. A pair of arm portions extending in a substantially U-shape, and a slide support portion slidably engageable with the substrate formed at the ends of the pair of arm portions. The two link members attach the arm portion of the first link member upward in a state where the slide support portions are slidably engaged with the substrate so that the respective rotation support portions are crossed. An urging member is provided, and the keeper member It flops so as to be elastically biased in the raised position of the predetermined height from the substrate, and wherein the first, second link member, the first link in the lower portion of the pivot engaging branch of the second link member said pivoting engaging branch is positioned in the member, by intersecting each of said pivot engaging branch, that each of the slide engaging branch was slidably engaged with the substrate and feature.
[0009]
Further, as a second solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the urging member is integrally formed with the slide support portion of any one arm portion of the first link member.
[0010]
Further, as a third solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first and second link members are formed by bending a metal bar having elasticity to form the rotation support portion, the pair of arm portions, and the slide support portion. The urging member is formed by folding back one of the slide support portions of the first link member with a predetermined angle with respect to the arm portion, and the urging member. When the slide support portions of the first link member are engaged with the engagement portions formed on the substrate in a state in which the pair of arm portions are in close contact with the substrate, the pair of arm portions are in contact with the substrate. The key top that is tilted at an angle of 5 and is supported by the rotating support portion is positioned at the raised position.
[0011]
Further, as a fourth solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a switch operation part capable of ON / OFF operation of the switch part is integrally formed on one of the first and second link members. Features.
[0012]
Further, as a fifth solving means for solving the above problem, the switch operation unit forms the biasing member of the first link member in a state where the key top is raised to the raised position. Any one of the slide engagement support portion on the non-side or the slide engagement support portion formed on the pair of arm portions of the second link member is inclined with respect to the substrate with respect to the arm portion. It is formed by folding back at an angle smaller than the predetermined angle.
[0013]
Further, as a sixth solving means for solving the above problem, a click feeling is created when the key top in the raised position is pressed and lowered on the substrate side or the key top side. A possible click creation member is provided.
[0014]
Further, as a seventh solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the click creation member can contact either one of the arm portions of the first and second link members while the key top is lowered. And the arm portion that contacts the contact portion by bending down the key top is bent to create the click feeling when getting over the contact portion.
[0015]
Further, as an eighth solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first and second link members are each rotatably supported on the back surface of the key top, and the slide is supported by the slide. When each of the supporting portions is slidably engaged with the engaging portion of the substrate and the lowered key top is lifted by the urging force of the urging member, the sliding supporting portion is a rear wall in the engaging portion. It is characterized in that it is brought into contact with.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a key switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a key switch of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the key switch of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a click creation member according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017]
First, in one embodiment of the key switch 1 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a flat substrate 2 made of a plate-like insulating material is disposed at the lowermost portion. A recess 2a having a predetermined depth is formed, and a conductive fixed contact 2b is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 2a by printing or the like.
Further, the substrate 2 is provided with first and second engaging portions 2c and 2d capable of slidingly supporting a first link member 5 to be described later, and third and third engaging members capable of slidingly supporting a second link member 6 to be described later. 4 engaging portions 2e and 2f are formed, and each of the first to fourth engaging portions 2c to 2f is substantially L-shaped with an opening portion opened on one side and a back wall formed on the other side. Is formed.
[0018]
The substrate 2 is formed with a click creation member 3 on which one arm portion 8b of a second link member 8 described later can abut.
As shown in FIG. 4, the click creation member 3 is formed in a step shape and includes a contact portion 3 a on a plane on which an arm portion 8 b can contact one side of a second link member 8 described later, A stepped surface is formed by the receiving surface 3b having a height lower than that of the contact portion 3a.
[0019]
Further, a sheet member 4 made of an insulating film is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 2, and a movable contact 4a is formed on the sheet member 4 with a predetermined gap at a position facing the fixed contact 2b. Yes.
The fixed contact 2b and the movable contact 4a constitute a switch part. When the movable contact 4a contacts the fixed contact 2b, the switch part is turned on / off to switch the switch circuit.
A first link member 5 and a second link member 8 are disposed on the substrate 2 via the sheet member 4 by bending an elastic metal rod made of a piano wire or the like.
[0020]
The first link member 5 has a rotation support portion 5a that can be rotatably supported on a key top 9 described later, and is formed in a straight line parallel to the surface of the substrate 2. One and the other pair of arms 5b and 5c are formed by bending and extending in a letter shape.
Further, the end portions of the pair of arm portions 5b and 5c are bent inwardly to form slide support portions 5d and 5e that can be slidably engaged with the first and second engaging portions 2c and 2d of the substrate 2, respectively. Has been.
[0021]
In addition, an urging member 6 that can elastically urge the rotation supporting portion 5a upward in a direction away from the substrate 2 is integrally formed on the slide supporting portion 5d of one arm portion 5b of the first link member 5. .
The urging member 6 is formed by folding back the sliding support portion 5d of one arm portion 5b of the first link member 5 with a predetermined angle α with respect to the one arm portion 5b.
Then, with the biasing member 6 in close contact with the substrate 2, when the respective slide support portions 5 d and 5 e of the first link member 5 are engaged with the engaging portions 2 c and 2 d formed on the substrate 2, The arm portions 5b and 5c are inclined with respect to the substrate 2 at a predetermined angle α, and the rotation support portion 5a is separated from the substrate 2 by a predetermined height.
As a result, a key top 9, which will be described later, which is supported by the rotating support portion 5a is elastically biased to a raised position having a predetermined height.
[0022]
Further, a switch operating portion 7 is formed on the slide engaging portion 5e of the other arm portion 5c on the side where the urging member 6 is not formed, and this switch pressing portion 7 is a portion of the portion where the movable contact 4a is formed. By pressing the sheet member 4, the switch part can be turned ON / OFF.
The switch operating portion 7 is formed by folding the slide support portion 5e of the other arm portion 5c at an angle smaller than the angle α with the other arm portion 5c, and bending and pressing the tip portion in a substantially semicircular shape downward. Part 7a is formed. The pressing portion 7a can press the sheet member 4 at the portion where the movable contact 4a is formed.
The first link member 5 as described above may be one in which the urging member 6 is formed on the other arm portion 5c side and the switch operation portion 7 is formed on the one arm portion 5b side.
[0023]
Further, the second link member 8 has a rotation support portion 8a that can be rotatably supported on a key top 9 to be described later, and is formed in a straight line parallel to the surface of the substrate 2. The rotation support portions 5a of the one link member 5 are positioned, and the rotation support portions 5a and 8a are combined in a cross shape that is substantially orthogonal.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second link member 8 is bent in a substantially U-shape so that both ends of the rotation support portion 8 a face each other in a direction orthogonal to the rotation support portion 8 a. Arm portions 8b and 8c are formed.
That is, the pair of arm portions 8b and 8c are extended from both ends of the rotation support portion 8a so as to face each other.
[0024]
Further, slide support portions 8d and 8e are formed on the end portions of the pair of arm portions 8b and 8c that are in contact with the substrate 2, and are bent inward so as to face each other, and the slide support portions 8d and 8e are respectively formed. The third and fourth engaging portions 2e and 2f of the substrate 2 are slidably engaged.
The first and second link members 5, 8 as described above are combined in a crossing manner with the pivoting support portion 8 a of the second link member 8 positioned above the pivoting support portion 5 a of the first link member 5. Therefore, when the first link member 5 is urged upward by the urging member 6, as shown in FIG. 1, the respective rotation supporting portions 5 a, 8 a are positioned at a predetermined height from the substrate 2. It is going to rise.
Further, the second link member 8 that is urged by the urging member 6 through the first link member 5 and located above is clicked by one arm portion 8b formed on the substrate 2 as shown in FIG. It is located on the contact portion 3 a of the creation member 3.
[0025]
Further, a key top 9 (indicated by a two-dot chain line) is supported on the rotation engaging portions 5a and 8a of the first and second link members 5 and 8 combined in an intersecting manner so as to be movable up and down. 6 is elastically biased to a position at a predetermined height from the substrate 2.
A plurality of supporting portions 9a are formed on the back surface of the key top 9, and the rotating supporting portions 5a, 8a of the first and second link members 5, 8 are rotatably supported on the engaging portion 9a. Has been.
When the key top 9 is in the raised position at a predetermined height, the respective slide engaging portions 5d, 5e and 8d, 8e are in contact with the back walls of the first to fourth engaging portions 2c to 2f. As a result, the key top 9 does not rise above the raised position.
[0026]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first link member 5 when the key switch 9 is in the raised position has a predetermined angle α with one arm portion 5b by the urging member 6 that is in close contact with the substrate 2. The key top 9 is elastically biased to the elevated position of the substrate 2 to a predetermined height.
That is, the rising position of the key top 9 at a predetermined height can be varied by changing the bending angle α formed by the urging member 6 and the arm portion 5b shown in FIG.
Further, since the switch operating portion 7 is folded back at an angle smaller than the angle α between the urging member 6 and the arm portion 5b, the pressing portion 7a is moved down by pressing the key top 9 to move the movable contact 4a. It is possible to press the sheet member 4 at the portion where the slab is formed.
[0027]
The operation of the key switch 1 according to the present invention will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, when the key top 9 at the raised position of a predetermined height is pressed below the arrow B, the first, first, The two link members 5, 8a are pressed downward against the biasing force of the biasing member 6. Then, the first and second link members 5 and 8 are respectively slid to the opening side of the first to fourth engagement portions 2c to 2f, and the respective slide support portions 5d, 5e, 8d, and 8e slide. The arm portions 5b, 5c, 8b, and 8c are substantially parallel to the substrate 2.
At this time, the arm portion 8b of the second link member comes into contact with the contact portion 3a of the click creation member 3, and then moves over the contact portion 3a in the arrow A direction and is positioned on the receiving surface 3b.
When the arm portion 8b of the second link member 8 gets over the abutting portion 3a, the pressing force that is pressing the key top 9 is suddenly lightened, creating a click feeling and pressing the key top 9. The operator who was doing can feel a click.
[0028]
At the same time as or after the click feeling is created, the pressing portion 7a of the switch operating portion 7 presses the sheet member 4, and the movable contact 4a contacts the fixed contact 2b. As a result, the switch circuit is switched and the switch unit is turned on so that a desired input can be made to an input device such as a personal computer.
Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the key top 9 is released, the urging force of the urging member 6 raises the first and second link members 5, 8, and the key top 9 is moved to a raised position at a predetermined height. Return. At the same time, the arm portion 8b of the second link member that has overcome the contact portion 3a of the click creation portion 3 returns to the contact portion 3a again.
[0029]
The key switch 1 according to the present invention has a first and second link members 5 and 8 formed by bending a metal bar having elasticity, and supports the key top 9 so as to be movable up and down. The key link 9 can be elastically urged to the raised position of a predetermined height by the urging first link member 5, the return spring as in the conventional example is not required, the structure is simple, and the number of parts is small Thus, the weight can be reduced.
Moreover, by providing the click creation member 3, it is possible to create a click feeling with a small stroke, and it is possible to reduce the thickness.
[0030]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second link members 5 and 8 have been described as metal rods, but may be formed of an elastic resin material.
The elastic member 6 has been described as being integrally formed with the first link member 5, but an elastic member such as a sponge (not shown) is disposed between the substrate 2 and one arm portion 5b. The first link member 5 may be biased upward.
[0031]
Moreover, although the switch operation part 7 was demonstrated in what was formed in the slide support part 5e of the 1st link member 5 of the side in which the biasing member 6 is not formed, one arm part 8b of the 2nd link member 8, Alternatively, it may be formed by folding back one of the slide engaging portions 8d and 8e of the other arm portion 8c.
Moreover, although the click creation member 3 was described as being formed on the substrate 2 side, it may be formed (not shown) on the key top 9 side.
Further, the click creation member 3 is formed at a position where one arm portion 8b of the second link member 8 can come into contact, but the arm portions 5b, 5c or 8b, 8c of the first and second link members 5, 8 are formed. Any one of the above may be in a position where the contact can be made.
Moreover, although the rotation locking portions 5a and 8a of the first and second ink members 5 and 8 have been described as being orthogonal to each other, they may be crossed at a predetermined angle.
[0032]
Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the rotation support portion 5a of the first link member 5 is positioned below the rotation support portion 8a of the second link member 8, and the rotation support portions 5a and 8a are respectively disposed. As described in the crossing, as the key switch 11 of the other embodiments, the first and second link members 5 and 8 are directly connected to the rotation supporting portions 5a and 8a as shown in FIG. Instead of intersecting, the rotation support portion 8a of the second link member 8 may be arranged in an intersecting manner on the extended line of the rotation support portion 5a of the first link member 5.
[0033]
That is, the first and second link members 5 and 8 are slidable on the substrate 2 so that the respective slide support portions 5d, 5e, 8d, and 8e are slidable so that the respective rotation support portions 5a and 8a intersect each other. It may be engaged.
The key switch 11 is pulled by the urging member 6 of the first link member 5 so that the key top 9 is elastically urged to a predetermined raised position, whereby the second link member 8 is pulled to the raised key top 9. To rise.
Therefore, even if the place where the key top 9 is pressed varies, the key top 9 can be lowered in a horizontal state.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the first and second link members of the key switch of the present invention are in a state in which the slide support portions are slidably engaged with the substrate so that the respective rotation support portions are crossed. An urging member for urging the arm portion of the first link member upward is arranged, and the key top is elastically urged from the substrate to a rising position of a predetermined height by the urging member. The key top can be smoothly lowered in a horizontal state against the urging force of the urging member via the first and second link members even if the pressing location of the key varies, and a key switch with good operability is provided. it can. In addition, the first and second link members are located at the lower part of the rotation support portion of the second link member, the rotation support portions of the first link member are crossed, and the respective rotation support portions are crossed. Since the slide support portion is slidably engaged with the substrate, both the first and second link members can be urged upward by the urging member, and the key top can be further lowered in a horizontal state. Can do.
[0036]
In addition, since the urging member is integrally formed with the slide support portion of either one of the arms of the first link member, the number of parts can be reduced. Further, the key top can be elastically urged to the raised position of a predetermined height by the urging member, and a key switch with a small number of parts can be provided.
[0037]
In addition, when the slide support portions of the first link member are engaged with the engagement portions formed on the substrate in a state where the biasing member is in close contact with the substrate, the pair of arm portions are at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate. Since the key top that is tilted and supported by the pivoting support portion is positioned in the clean letter, the key top can be elastically biased to the raised position by the biasing force of the biasing member, and the operability is improved. Can provide a good key switch.
[0038]
In addition, since either one of the first link member and the second link member is integrally formed with a switch operation unit capable of ON / OFF operation of the switch unit, a key switch capable of reducing the number of parts and reducing the cost can be provided.
[0039]
In addition, the switch operation unit may be either the slide support portion on the side where the biasing member of the first link member is not formed or the slide support portion of the second link member with the key top raised to the raised position. Since the arm portion is folded back at an angle smaller than the predetermined angle with respect to the arm portion with respect to the substrate , the switch operating portion ensures that the switch portion is pressed while the key top is pressed. The switch can be turned on and the operability of the switch section is good.
[0040]
Also, on the board side or key top side, there is a click creation member that can create a click feeling when the key top in the raised position is pressed and lowered. When a click feeling is felt, it can be recognized that the switch is turned on, and a key switch with good operability can be provided.
[0041]
The click creation member includes a contact portion on which either of the arm portions of the first and second link members can come into contact when the key top is lowered, and the key top is lowered to contact the contact portion. Since a click feeling is created when any of the arm parts gets over the contact part, the operator who presses the key top can surely feel the click feeling and the operability is good.
[0042]
Further, when the lowered key top is raised by the urging force of the urging member, the slide support portion is brought into contact with the inner wall in the engaging portion, so that the key top is surely stopped at the rising position of a predetermined height. The key switch can be provided with a key switch in which the raised position of the key top does not vary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a key switch of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the key switch of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a click creation member according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key switch 2 Board | substrate 2b Fixed contact 2c-2f 1st-4th engaging part 3 Click creation member 4 Sheet member 4a Movable contact 5 1st link member 5a Rotating support part 5b, 5c Arm part 5d, 5e Slide engaging part 6 Energizing member 7 Switch operating part 7a Pressing part 8 Second link member 8a Rotating engaging part 8b, 8c Arm part 8d, 8e Slide engaging part 9 Key top

Claims

A key top; first and second link members capable of supporting the key top so as to be movable up and down; and a substrate having a switch portion supporting the first and second link members. The second link member includes a rotation support portion that can be rotatably supported on the key top, a pair of arm portions that are formed to extend from the rotation support portion in a substantially U shape, and the pair of arm portions. Each having a slide support portion slidably engageable with the substrate formed at the end of
The first and second link members are configured such that the arms of the first link member are slidably engaged with the substrate so that the rotation support portions intersect each other. An urging member for urging the portion upward, and the urging member elastically urges the key top from the substrate to a rising position of a predetermined height ; and the first and second The link member is configured such that the rotation support portion of the first link member is positioned below the rotation support portion of the second link member, and the rotation support portions are crossed to each other. key switch to feature that the engaging branch slides allowed freely engaged with the substrate.

It said biasing member, said key switch mounting serial to claim 1, characterized in that integrally formed on either the slide engaging branch of one arm of the first link member.

The first and second link members are formed by bending an elastic metal rod to form the rotation support portion, the pair of arm portions, and the slide support portion, respectively, and the biasing member is the first link. The slide support portion of any one of the members is formed with a predetermined angle with respect to the arm portion,
In a state where the urging member is in close contact with the substrate, when the slide support portions of the first link member are engaged with the engagement portions formed on the substrate, the pair of arm portions are attached to the substrate. key switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inclination at a predetermined angle, the key top was Kakari支the pivot engaging branch is characterized in that so as to be positioned in said raised position against.

4. The key switch according to claim 3 , wherein a switch operation unit capable of ON / OFF operation of the switch unit is integrally formed on one of the first and second link members. 5.

The switch operation unit is configured to move the key top to the raised position, and the slide support portion on the side where the urging member of the first link member is not formed, or the second link member. One of the slide support portions formed on a pair of arm portions is formed by folding back at an angle smaller than the predetermined angle at which the arm portions are inclined with respect to the substrate with respect to the arm portions. The key switch according to claim 4 .

The click creation member capable of creating a click feeling when the key top in the raised position is pressed and lowered on the substrate side or the key top side. The key switch according to any one of 1 to 5 .

The click creation member has an abutting portion with which any one of the arm portions of the first and second link members can abut while the key top is being lowered, and the key top is lowered to The key switch according to claim 6, wherein the click feeling is created when the arm portion in contact with the contact portion is bent and gets over the contact portion.

Each of the first and second link members is rotatably supported on the back surface of the key top, and each of the slide supports is slidable on the engaging portion of the substrate. engaged, when the key top is lowered is raised by the urging force of the urging member, according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that the slide engaging branch was made to abut against the back wall of the said engagement portion Key switch according to any one of