JP7124665B2 - key input device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a key input device provided with key switches that accept pressing operations.

2. Description of the Related Art Key input devices such as keyboards in which a plurality of key switches are arranged are widely used as input devices for electronic devices such as computers. Such a keyboard is required to have a function of adjusting various characteristics according to the operator's finger length, operating habits, how to apply force, and other features, as well as the intended use. Especially these days, there is an increasing demand for keyboards used in computer games called e-sports. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200003 proposes a key switch that can adjust the length from the key depression to the position where the state is switched to the ON state, that is, the length of the so-called PT (Pre Travel).

JP-A-58-19822

However, the key switch described in Patent Literature 1 has a problem that the operator cannot feel the position of switching to the ON state by touch. If the sensor cannot be tactilely sensed, it may lead to a delay in response when used in fields such as e-sports where quick response is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a key input device that generates vibration capable of giving an operator a pseudo tactile sensation.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the key input device described in the present application is a key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation, and further comprising a vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch, wherein the vibration mechanism causes the key switch to vibrate. a top plate disposed thereon; a support base for supporting the top plate from below; and a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base; A permanent magnet is arranged on one side, and an electromagnet is arranged on the other side of the top plate and the support base.

Further, in the key input device, the electromagnet is a coil that functions as an electromagnet for vibrating the top plate by acting on the permanent magnet based on the application of alternating current.

Further, in the key input device, the support base has a side plate erected on the side of the top plate, and the holding member is an elastic member bridging from the side plate of the support base to the side portion of the top plate. Characterized by being a body.

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is a shaft-shaped body fixed to one of the top plate and the support base, and the other of the top plate and the support base holds the shaft-shaped body. It is characterized in that it is held movably in the axial direction.

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is a spherical body, the support base is formed with a support base-side receiving portion in which the spherical body is loosely fitted, and the top plate is configured to receive the spherical body. A top plate-side receiving portion is formed to be loosely fitted, and the spherical body is interposed between the support base-side receiving portion and the top plate-side receiving portion that are arranged to face each other.

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is a cylindrical shaft-shaped body, the support base is formed with a support-base-side receiving portion in which the shaft-shaped body is loosely fitted, and the top plate is formed with a top plate-side receiving portion into which the shaft-like body is loosely fitted, and the shaft-like body is interposed between the support base-side receiving portion and the top plate-side receiving portion that are arranged to face each other. characterized by

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is an elastic body, the elastic body is arranged on a support base, and the top plate is arranged on the elastic body. Characterized by

Further, in the key input device, the elastic body has an elastic portion interposed between the holding member and the top plate, and a rigid portion interposed between the holding member and the top plate. do.

Further, in the key input device, the rigid portion of the elastic body has a columnar shape and penetrates through a through hole opened in the vertical direction of the elastic portion.

Further, in the key input device, the elastic body has a prism shape, and the rigid part of the elastic body has a plate shape, and both sides are sandwiched between the elastic parts in an arrangement direction in which the vibration direction is the plane direction. It is characterized in that it is arranged as follows.

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is a leaf spring having flexibility in a vibrating direction, the leaf spring is arranged on a support base, and the top plate is provided on the leaf spring. It is characterized in that it is arranged in

Further, in the key input device, the leaf spring is elongated and arranged such that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the vibration direction, and a plurality of leaf springs are arranged side by side in the vibration direction.

Further, in the key input device, a plurality of the plate springs are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction, and a plurality of the plate springs are arranged along the vibration direction.

Further, in the key input device, the support base has a bridge portion positioned above the top plate, and the holding member swingably swings the top plate below the bridge portion of the support base. It is characterized by being a plurality of supporting link members.

Further, in the key input device, the holding member is a plurality of link members that swingably support the top plate on the support base.

Further, in the key input device, the link member supports the top plate with a rotating pair.

Further, in the key input device, the link member is an elongated plate-like member, is arranged so that the longitudinal direction thereof is perpendicular to the vibration direction, and is arranged in plurality in the vibration direction. Characterized by

Further, in the key input device, the holding member has a fulcrum portion serving as a swinging fulcrum, and the support base pivotally supports the fulcrum portion of the holding member so as to swing freely. The top plate held by the member is characterized in that it swings around one swing axis by the fulcrum portion of the holding member.

Further, in the key input device, the electromagnet is fixed to the support base as a lower electromagnet, and the permanent magnet is arranged above the lower electromagnet with a gap therebetween. and an upper electromagnet fixed with a gap therebetween.

Further, in the key input device, the permanent magnet is fixed to the support base as a lower permanent magnet, and the electromagnet is disposed above the lower permanent magnet with a gap therebetween. It is characterized by having an upper permanent magnet fixed upward with a gap.

Further, in the key input device, the top plate has a rectangular shape, and the vibrating direction is parallel to the long side or the short side.

Further, the key input device is characterized by comprising a plurality of pairs of vibrating units each including the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.

Further, in the key input device, it is possible to control vibration or stop for each of the vibrating portions.

Further, the key input device includes a detection unit that detects a pressing operation of the key switch, and a vibration control unit that controls vibration of the top plate, and the vibration control unit detects the pressing operation by the detection unit. It is characterized in that the top plate is controlled to vibrate when the top plate is moved.

Further, in the key input device, setting of a vibration pattern indicating vibration by the vibration control section can be changed.

In addition, the key input device further includes a sound output section that outputs sound, and the sound output section outputs the sound when the detection section detects a pressing operation.

Further, in the key input device, the sound output by the sound output unit can be changed.

In the key input device described in the present application, the top plate on which the key switches are arranged vibrates.

The key input device according to the present invention can vibrate the top plate on which the key switches are arranged. As a result, the operator of the key switch can, for example, feel the switching of the open/closed state of the circuit with a tactile sensation.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard to which a key input device according to the present application is applied; FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of characteristics of key switches included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; 1 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example configuration of a keyboard described in the present application; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration pattern recorded in a vibration recording section of a waveform determination section included in the keyboard according to the present application; 1 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in a keyboard according to the present application; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a holding member included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a holding member included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that schematically shows an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard according to the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic side view schematically showing an example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of a vibrating mechanism included in the keyboard described in the present application;

<Application example>
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The key input device described in the present application is used, for example, as a keyboard 1 used for inputting data such as various commands in addition to characters, numbers and symbols to an electronic device such as a computer.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard 1 to which the key input device described in the present application is applied. A keyboard 1 has a plurality of key switches 2 such as character keys, number keys, and other function keys arranged side by side. Further, on the front surface of the keyboard 1 (the side facing the operator), sound output units 3 such as speakers for outputting sound are arranged on the left and right sides. Various components such as a vibration mechanism 4 (see FIG. 3, etc.) for generating vibration are accommodated in the keyboard 1 . In the illustrated keyboard 1, key switches 2 of the same shape are arranged side by side for the purpose of simplifying the structure and facilitating the understanding of the technical details, but the shape is not limited to this shape upon mounting. . For example, when applied to a QWERTY keyboard 1, only the character keys have the same shape, and the key switches 2 having specific functions such as the space key and the enter key arranged around the character keys have different shapes from the character keys. It is possible to design as appropriate, such as configuring In addition, the sound output unit 3 can be arranged not only in the front but also in various places such as the side, the rear, and the corner, and the number of the sound output units 3 can be appropriately designed.

A key switch 2 provided on the keyboard 1 can be pushed from the top dead center, which is the highest position, to the bottom dead center, which is the lowest position, when pressed by the operator. The key switch 2 is set to an open/close position at which the open/close state of the circuit is switched from the off state to the on state in the process of moving from the top dead center to the bottom dead center.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of characteristics of the key switch 2 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. The graph shown in FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the horizontal axis representing the movement distance indicating the stroke caused by pressing the key switch 2 and the vertical axis representing the pressing load, which is the force required for pressing. As shown in FIG. 2, as the key switch 2 included in the keyboard 1 according to the present application, a linear switch having a relationship in which the pressing load monotonically increases with respect to the movement distance, for example, a linear switch having a proportional relationship and a constant inclination is used. It is possible. A linear switch in which the pressing load monotonously increases with respect to the moving distance has the characteristic that the pressing load does not change at the switching position where the open/closed state is switched. Therefore, when the operator presses the key switch 2 using a linear switch, the operator cannot perceive the tactile feeling when the open/closed state is switched from the off state to the on state, that is, the so-called click feeling from the key switch 2 itself. The keyboard 1 described in the present application includes a vibrating mechanism (see FIG. 3, etc.) 4 that generates vibration. tactile sensation). That is, the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 functions as a tactile sense-generating actuator using tactile feedback technology that gives vibrations to the operator.

Next, an example of the functional configuration of the keyboard 1 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration example of the vibrating mechanism 4 housed in the keyboard 1. As shown in FIG. In the housing of the keyboard 1, a support base 40, a coil 41 functioning as an electromagnet, a permanent magnet 42, a holding member 43, and a top plate 44 are accommodated as the vibrating mechanism 4. FIG. Among the various components housed therein, the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 function as a vibrating portion that serves as an actuator for generating vibration. In the present application, the configuration in which the support base 40 is arranged as a separate body within the housing of the keyboard 1 is shown, but the housing and the support base 40 can be integrated together.

The key switch 2 is mounted on a substrate 20, and the substrate 20 is arranged on the upper surface of the top plate 44 of the vibration mechanism 4 by a mounting method such as screwing. That is, the key switch 2 is arranged on the upper surface of the top plate 44 by the substrate 20 . The top plate 44 is supported by the support base 40 via the holding member 43 . A coil 41 that functions as an electromagnet is arranged on a bottom plate 400 that constitutes the bottom of the support base 40 . As the coil 41, for example, a planar VCM (Voice Coil Motor) that is wound horizontally and generates a vertical magnetic field inside is used. In the present application, the horizontal direction means a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the support base 40 for convenience of explanation. It doesn't match. FIG. 3(a) shows an example of generating a magnetic field that produces an upward S pole and a downward N pole, and FIG. 3(b) shows a magnetic field that produces an upward N pole and a downward S pole. is shown. A top plate 44 having a permanent magnet 42 disposed thereon is disposed above the coil 41 disposed on the support base 40 , and the permanent magnet 42 is disposed so as to face the coil 41 . there is FIG. 3 shows an example in which the permanent magnets 42 are arranged so that the lower surface of the front side (left in the drawing) of the keyboard 1 is the N pole and the lower surface of the rear side (right in the drawing) is the S pole. showing.

Side plates 401 are erected on the bottom plate 400 on the sides of the support base 40 (front and rear in the example of FIG. 3). ing. An elastic body such as a compression coil spring is bridged and attached to the side plate 401 as a holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. The top plate 44 is held movably back and forth by a holding member 43 using an elastic material that bridges from the side plate 401 of the support base 40 to the side portion of the top plate 44 . Further, the front and rear side plates 401 are provided with cushioning members 45 made of rubber or the like to absorb the impact when the top plate 44 comes into contact with vibration.

As described above, a plurality of key switches 2 for receiving pressing operations from the operator are arranged on the top plate 44, and the top plate 44 is held on the support base 40 by the holding member 43 so as to be able to vibrate. there is A permanent magnet 42 is arranged under the top plate 44 and faces the coil 41 used as an electromagnet arranged on the support base 40 .

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the coil 41 is energized so as to generate an S pole above the coil 41, the top plate 44 moves backward as indicated by the arrow in the drawing, and the coil 41 moves backward as shown in FIG. 3(b). When current is applied so that the N pole is generated above 41, the top plate 44 moves forward as indicated by the arrow in the drawing. Therefore, by repeating the reversal of the energization direction, the states shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B occur repeatedly, and the top plate 44 vibrates. As described above, the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 included in the keyboard 1 function as a vibrating section (actuator) that generates vibration.

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

When the key switch 2 is pressed, the open/closed state of the circuit incorporated in the key switch 2 changes, for example, from the open state to the closed state. The operation detection unit 5 detects a change in the open/closed state of the circuit as a pressing operation. The change in the open/closed state of the circuit is detected by mechanical detection of movement of the key switch 2, detection of change in energization of the electric circuit that is opened and closed by movement, and capacitance and magnetic field associated with changes in the position of the key switch 2. , is detected by a change in physical state, such as detection of a change in electric field. The operation detection unit 5 that has detected the change in the open/close state outputs an ON signal indicating that the key switch 2 has been pressed to the waveform determination unit 8 as indicated by the solid line arrow in the figure.

The waveform determination unit 8 is configured as a hardware circuit, a software program, a circuit in which hardware and software cooperate, and the like. The waveform determination unit 8 includes a waveform setting unit 80 that functions as a user interface for setting vibration waveforms, a recording unit 81 that records various information, a waveform selection unit 82 that selects vibration, and the like. A part of the recording area of the recording unit 81 includes a setting recording unit 810 for recording vibration settings, a vibration recording unit 811 for recording a plurality of pieces of vibration information indicating various vibration patterns, and a plurality of sounds indicating various sound patterns. It is used as a sound recording section 812 for recording information.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vibration pattern recorded in the vibration recording section 811 of the waveform determination section 8 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 5 schematically shows vibration patterns recorded in the vibration recording unit 811. As shown in FIG. The vibration pattern is recorded as information indicating waveforms such as vibration waveforms and current waveforms. A plurality of such vibration patterns are recorded in the vibration recording unit 811 . The vibration mechanism 4 using the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 generates a pseudo-click feeling by vibration, and the pseudo-click feeling that the operator perceives differs depending on the vibration pattern. That is, by selecting the vibration pattern, it is possible to produce various click sensations such as a high-quality click sensation, a soft click sensation, and a mechanical click sensation.

The sound pattern recorded in the sound recording unit 812 is the same, and is recorded as sound information indicating a waveform to be a pseudo sound. That is, various click sounds such as a high-grade click sound, a soft click sound, and a mechanical click sound can be produced so as to correspond to the click feeling due to the vibration pattern. The keyboard 1 described in the present application outputs a click feeling due to vibration and a click sound based on the operator's key operation, so that the operator can perceive the click feeling from the sense of touch and hearing.

Returning to FIG. 4, the waveform setting unit 80 included in the waveform determining unit 8 accepts the specification of the vibration pattern and the sound pattern from the operator, or accepts the operator's setting operation from the keyboard 1 or the electronic device to which the keyboard 1 is connected. , and executes the setting and changing process of the specified vibration pattern and sound pattern. The specified vibration pattern and sound pattern are recorded in the setting recording unit 810 .

The waveform selection unit 82 reads the settings recorded in the setting recording unit 810, reads the vibration pattern associated with the read setting from the vibration recording unit 811, and reads the sound pattern associated with the read setting from the sound recording unit 812. . Then, when receiving an ON signal indicating that the key switch 2 has been pressed from the operation detection unit 5, the waveform selection unit 82 outputs the read vibration pattern to the vibration control unit 6 as indicated by the solid line arrow in the drawing. and outputs the read sound pattern to the sound control unit 7 .

The vibration control unit 6 vibrates the vibrating mechanism 4 based on the received vibration pattern. The sound output unit 3 also causes the sound output unit 3 to output a sound based on the received sound pattern.

Control of vibration and sound can be appropriately designed, and is not limited to the above examples. For example, as indicated by the dashed arrow in the drawing, the operation detection unit 5 outputs an ON signal to the vibration control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7, and the vibration control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7 select the vibration pattern from the waveform selection unit 82. Also, it is possible to design appropriately, such as reading the sound pattern. Also, the vibration pattern and the sound pattern may be fixed to one type, in which case the waveform determination unit 8 becomes unnecessary, and the ON signal is output from the operation detection unit 5 to the vibration control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7. It will be.

Further, it is not always necessary to have the keyboard 1 include all the configurations of the waveform determining section 8, and part or all of the hardware and/or software constituting the waveform determining section 8 may be replaced by an electronic device such as a computer to which the keyboard 1 is connected. It is possible to design appropriately so as to equip the equipment. Specifically, of the configuration of the waveform determining section 8, the waveform setting section 80, the vibration recording section 811, and the sound recording section 812 may be provided on the electronic device side. With this configuration, the operator operates the electronic device to output a waveform selected from waveforms such as vibration patterns and sound patterns recorded in the vibration recording unit 811 and the sound recording unit 812 from the electronic device to the keyboard. output to 1. The keyboard 1 records a vibration pattern and a sound pattern based on the input waveform in the recording unit 81, outputs them to the vibration control unit 6 and the sound control unit 7, and controls the vibration by the vibration control unit 6 and the sound by the sound output unit 7. Run the output.

Furthermore, the keyboard 1 may be configured so that only one of the output of sound by the sound output unit 3 and the generation of vibration by the vibration mechanism 4 is performed. It is possible to appropriately design such that the keyboard 1 generates vibration.

As described above, the keyboard (key input device) 1 described in the present application receives an operation to the key switch 2, and includes an electromagnet such as a planar VCM using a planar coil and a vibrating mechanism 4 having a permanent magnet 42. , the vibration mechanism 4 generates vibration when an operation on the key switch 2 is received. As a result, the operator can perceive a pseudo tactile sensation that is a click sensation associated with key operation. Further, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can make the operator feel a strong click feeling by outputting a click sound accompanied by vibration. Furthermore, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can produce various click sensations by appropriately selecting vibration patterns and sound patterns.

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

<Second embodiment>
2nd Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be given to the same configurations as in the first embodiment, and the first embodiment will be referred to, and detailed description will be omitted.

6 and 7 are schematic perspective views schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. 1 is a schematic diagram showing FIG. 6 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 obliquely from above, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 are removed from FIG. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the configuration of the vibration mechanism 4, where FIG. 8A is a cross section along AA direction shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. is a cross section of

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the second embodiment uses a shaft-type shaft-shaped body as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. The shaft-shaped body serving as the holding member 43 is formed, for example, as a shaft having a circular cross section so that the axial direction protrudes forward and backward from near the left and right ends of the top plate 44 . The side plates 401 erected on the front and rear sides of the support base 40 are provided with through-holes through which the holding members 43 can be inserted, and the holding members 43 can move into the through-holes formed in the side plates 401 of the support base 40. The top plate 44 is movably held in a state of being inserted through the .

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the holding member 43 is moved in the axial direction by passing an alternating current through the coil 41 which repeats the reversal of the energizing direction, and the top plate 44 is held by the holding member 43. oscillate back and forth while in position. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the second embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be designed as appropriate, such as forming a shaft-like body on the support base 40 side and opening an insertion hole on the top plate 44 side. is. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the configuration in which the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 are integrated is exemplified. . When the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 are configured as separate bodies, for example, an insertion hole is formed in the top plate 44 and a shaft-type shaft-like body is inserted through the insertion hole of the top plate 44 . That is, the vibration mechanism 4 is configured such that the holding member 43 using a shaft-like body passes through the insertion hole of the side plate 401 in the support base 40 and the insertion hole of the top plate 44 , and the holding member 43 is held on the support base 40 . The member 43 can be designed as appropriate, such as holding the top plate 44 so as to be able to vibrate.

<Third Embodiment>
3rd Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. , and FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged view schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. 9(a) is a plan view, FIG. 9(b) is a cross-section along CC direction, and FIG. 9(c) is a cross-section along DD direction. FIG. 10 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the front end of the cross section of the vibrating mechanism 4 shown in FIG. 9(c).

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the third embodiment uses a spherical body used as a ball bearing as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. A spherical body that becomes the holding member 43 is a rigid body such as an iron ball, and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . In the vicinity of each corner of the support base 40 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, a support base side receiving portion 402 recessed in a substantially spherical crown shape is formed. A spherical body is mounted as a , and the spherical body is rotatably loosely fitted to the support base side receiving portion 402 from above. Near each corner of the bottom surface of the top plate 44 having a rectangular shape in plan view, there are formed top plate side receiving portions 440 recessed in a substantially spherical crown shape. The top plate 44 is placed so that the spherical body is loosely fitted in the top plate side receiving portion 440 from above the spherical body placed on the support base 40 . A spherical body used as the holding member 43 is interposed between the support base 40 and the top plate 44 and rotatably loosely fitted. That is, the holding member 43 movably holds the top plate 44 .

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the holding member 43 is rotated by supplying an alternating current to the coil 41 in which the direction of conduction is repeatedly reversed, and the top plate 44 vibrates while being held by the holding member 43 . do. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the third embodiment is not limited to the example described above. It is possible to appropriately design such that a top plate side receiving portion 440 is recessed at a position facing the portion 402 and arranged so as to sandwich the spherical body from the lateral direction.

<Fourth Embodiment>
4th Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. is. FIG. 12(a) is a plan view, FIG. 12(b) is a cross section along the EE direction, and FIG. 12(c) is a cross section along the FF direction. FIG. 13 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view.

The vibration mechanism 4 according to the fourth embodiment uses a shaft-shaped body used as a shaft bearing as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The shaft-like body that serves as the holding member 43 is a cylindrical rigid body and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . In the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the support base 40, which is substantially rectangular in plan view, there are formed support base side receiving portions 402 recessed in a straight line parallel to the long sides. , a shaft-like body is mounted as the holding member 43, and is loosely fitted to the support base side receiving portion 402 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction from above. In the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the bottom surface of the top board 44 having a rectangular shape in a plan view, top board side receiving portions 440 are formed to be linearly recessed parallel to the long sides. The top plate 44 is placed so that the shaft-like body is loosely fitted in the top plate-side receiving portion 440 from above the shaft-like body placed on the support base 40 . A shaft-shaped body used as the holding member 43 is interposed between the support base 40 and the top plate 44, and loosely fitted so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. That is, the holding member 43 movably holds the top plate 44 .

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the holding member 43 rotates in the circumferential direction and the top plate 44 is held by the holding member 43 by energizing the coil 41 with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction. oscillate back and forth while in position. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the fourth embodiment is not limited to the example described above. It is possible to appropriately design such that the top plate side receiving portion 440 is recessed at a position facing the portion 402 and arranged so as to sandwich the shaft-like body from the lateral direction.

<Fifth Embodiment>
5th Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. is. 14(a) is a plan view, FIG. 14(b) is a cross section along the GG direction, and FIG. 14(c) is a cross section along the HH direction. FIG. 15 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the fifth embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body serving as the holding member 43 is a cylindrical rubber column and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . A lower bottom surface of an elastic body is attached as a holding member 43 in the vicinity of each corner of the support base 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view. The lower surface of the top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. Thus, the elastic body is arranged on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is arranged on the elastic body. Therefore, the top plate 44 on the support base 40 is held by the holding member 43 so as to be able to vibrate.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the coil 41 is energized with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction, whereby the elastic body that is the holding member 43 is bent, and the top plate 44 is held by the holding member 43. vibrate in the state Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the fifth embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be appropriately designed, for example, by arranging an elastic body at a position other than each corner.

<Sixth Embodiment>
6th Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. , and FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of the holding member 43 included in the keyboard 1 according to the present application. FIG. 16(a) is a plan view, FIG. 16(b) is a section along II direction, and FIG. 16(c) is a section along JJ direction. FIG. 17 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view. FIG. 18 shows the holding member 43 as viewed obliquely from above.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the sixth embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body used as the holding member 43 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is composed of a cylindrical elastic part 430 made of rubber having a through hole in the center shaft portion and a rigid body such as a metal rod passing through the through hole. and a rigid body portion 431 having a cylindrical shape. An elastic body that serves as the holding member 43 is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . A lower bottom surface of an elastic body is attached as a holding member 43 in the vicinity of each corner of the support base 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view. The lower surface of the top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. Since the elastic portion 430 and the rigid portion 431 have the same length in the axial direction, both the elastic portion 430 and the rigid portion 431 are interposed between the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 so as to separate the holding member 43 and the top plate 44 from each other. It is attached to plate 44 . Thus, the elastic body is arranged on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is arranged on the elastic body. Therefore, since the holding member 43 is an elastic body having the elastic portion 430 , the top plate 44 on the support base 40 is held by the holding member 43 so as to vibrate in the horizontal direction. Since the support base 40 and the top plate 44 are fixed to the portion 431, vibration in the vertical direction is suppressed. By suppressing the vibration in the vertical direction, for example, when the key switch 2 is pressed, the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 are brought closer together when magnetic attraction is generated between the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 . The distance between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 can be kept constant even when a stress is generated in the direction to which the bottom plate 400 is directed.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the coil 41 is energized with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energization direction, whereby the elastic portion 430 of the elastic body that is the holding member 43 bends, and the top plate 44 moves toward the holding member 43 . vibrate in the horizontal direction while being held at Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the sixth embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be appropriately designed, for example, by arranging an elastic body at a position other than each corner.

<Seventh Embodiment>
7th Embodiment is the form which made the vibration mechanism 4 different structure in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. , and FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of the holding member 43 included in the keyboard 1 according to the present application. FIG. 19(a) is a plan view, FIG. 19(b) is a cross section along the KK direction, and FIG. 19(c) is a cross section along the LL direction. FIG. 20 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view. FIG. 21 shows the holding member 43 as viewed obliquely from above.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the seventh embodiment uses an elastic body such as a rubber column as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The elastic body used as the holding member 43 has a rectangular prism shape as a whole, and includes a rigid portion 431 such as a rectangular plate-like metal plate, and rectangular parallelepiped rubber elastic members attached to both sides of the rigid portion 431 . 430. The top plate 44 is formed to vibrate in the front-rear direction of the keyboard 1, and the holding member 43 is arranged so that both surfaces of the metal plate face the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction. That is, the elastic body itself has the shape of a quadrangular prism, and the rigid body portion 431 of the elastic body has the shape of a plate, and is arranged with both sides sandwiched by the elastic portion 430 in the arrangement direction in which the vibration direction is the planar direction. . An elastic body that serves as the holding member 43 is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . A lower bottom surface of an elastic body is attached as a holding member 43 in the vicinity of each corner of the support base 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view. The lower surface of the top plate 44 is attached to the upper bottom surface of the elastic body. The elastic portion 430 and the rigid portion 431 have the same length in the axial direction. 44 is fixedly attached. Thus, the elastic body is arranged on the support base 40, and the top plate 44 is arranged on the elastic body. Therefore, since the holding member 43 is an elastic body having the elastic portion 430 , the top plate 44 on the support table 40 is held by the holding member 43 so as to vibrate in the front-rear direction. Since the support base 40 and the top plate 44 are in contact with the portion 431, the distance between the support base 40 and the top plate 44 is kept constant. Therefore, for example, when the key switch 2 is pressed, even when stress is generated in the direction that the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 approach each other, such as when magnetic attraction is generated between the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42. , the distance between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 can be kept constant.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the coil 41 is energized with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energization direction, whereby the elastic portion 430 of the elastic body that is the holding member 43 bends, and the top plate 44 moves toward the holding member 43 . It vibrates in the front-rear direction while being held by Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the seventh embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be appropriately designed, for example, by arranging an elastic body at a position other than each corner.

<Eighth Embodiment>
The eighth embodiment is a mode in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. is. 22(a) is a plan view, FIG. 22(b) is a cross section along the MM direction, and FIG. 22(c) is a cross section along the NN direction. FIG. 23 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the eighth embodiment uses a flexible leaf spring as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. A leaf spring serving as the holding member 43 has a long thin plate shape and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . In the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the support table 40, which is substantially rectangular in plan view, holding members 43 using leaf springs are arranged such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the long sides. A top plate 44 is arranged on the holding member 43 . A plurality of leaf springs serving as the holding member 43 are arranged in parallel so that the front and back directions, which are the vibrating directions, are flexible directions. That is, a plurality of holding members 43 using leaf springs are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, such that the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring is perpendicular to the vibration direction. The holding member 43 holds the top plate 44 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the holding member 43 is bent in the planar direction by supplying an alternating current to the coil 41 in which the direction of conduction is repeatedly reversed, and the top plate 44 is held by the holding member 43. to vibrate back and forth.

<Ninth Embodiment>
The ninth embodiment is a form in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. is. 24(a) is a plan view, FIG. 24(b) is a cross section along the OO direction, and FIG. 24(c) is a cross section along the PP direction. FIG. 25 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the ninth embodiment uses a flexible leaf spring as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. A leaf spring serving as the holding member 43 has a rectangular plate shape and is interposed between the bottom plate 400 and the top plate 44 of the support base 40 . A holding member 43 using a leaf spring is arranged near each corner of the support base 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and a top plate 44 is arranged on the holding member 43 . The plurality of leaf springs that form the holding member 43 are arranged with their surface sides facing forward and backward so that the front and back direction, which is the vibration direction, is the flexible direction. That is, since the holding members 43 using leaf springs are arranged at the four corners of the support base 40, a plurality of holding members 43 are arranged side by side in the front-back direction, which is the direction of vibration, and a plurality of holding members 43 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. is set. The holding member 43 holds the top plate 44 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the holding member 43 is bent in the planar direction by supplying an alternating current to the coil 41 in which the direction of conduction is repeatedly reversed, and the top plate 44 is held by the holding member 43. to vibrate back and forth. Note that the vibration mechanism 4 according to the ninth embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be designed as appropriate, such as by arranging three plate springs side by side in the left-right direction.

<Tenth Embodiment>
The tenth embodiment is a mode in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 27 is a schematic side view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. It is a diagram. FIG. 26 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an oblique top view.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the tenth embodiment uses a link mechanism that is suspended from above as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so that it can vibrate. The left and right sides of the support base 40 are formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from the side (viewpoint from the right side in FIG. 26). It has become. The holding member 43 is formed as a link member that supports the top plate 44 below the bridge portion 403 of the support base 40 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. Four link members are arranged on the left, right, front and back. The upper end side of each link member is pivotally supported by a swing shaft formed on the side surface of the bridging portion 403 of the support base 40, and is swingably supported by a rotating pair. The lower end side of each link member is pivotally supported by swing shafts formed on the left and right side surfaces of the top plate 44, and the top plate 44 is swingably supported by a rotating pair.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the link mechanism using the holding member 43 is oscillated back and forth by energizing the coil 41 with alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction. It vibrates back and forth while being held by 43 . Note that the vibrating mechanism 4 according to the tenth embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be designed as appropriate, such as forming three link members on each side.

<Eleventh Embodiment>
The eleventh embodiment is a form in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 29 is a schematic side view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. It is a diagram. FIG. 28 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an oblique top view.

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

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the link mechanism using the holding member 43 is oscillated back and forth by energizing the coil 41 with alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction. It vibrates back and forth while being held by 43 . Note that the vibrating mechanism 4 according to the eleventh embodiment is not limited to the example described above, and can be designed as appropriate, such as forming three link members on each side.

<Twelfth Embodiment>
The twelfth embodiment is a mode in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. is. 30(a) is a plan view, FIG. 30(b) is a cross section along the QQ direction, and FIG. 30(c) is a cross section along the RR direction. FIG. 31 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 with the top plate 44 and the permanent magnets 42 removed from an oblique top view.

The vibrating mechanism 4 according to the twelfth embodiment uses a plate link mechanism as the holding member 43 that holds the top plate 44 so as to vibrate. The plate link serving as the holding member 43 is an elongated plate-like body. A holding member 43 using a plate link is arranged in the vicinity of the front and rear long sides of the support base 40, which has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the long sides. The lower ends of holding members 43 using plate links are supported by the support bases 40 , and the top plate 44 is supported by the upper ends of the holding members 43 . A plurality of plate links serving as the holding members 43 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, which is the vibration direction, with the longitudinal direction of the plate links forming a long shape being the left-right direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. The bottom plate 400 of the support base 40, the front and rear holding members 43, and the top plate 44 constitute a plate link mechanism, and the holding member 43 supports the top plate 44 so as to swing freely.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 constructed as described above, the plate link mechanism using the holding member 43 is oscillated back and forth by energizing the coil 41 with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction, and the top plate 44 is held. It vibrates back and forth while being held by the member 43 .

<Thirteenth Embodiment>
The thirteenth embodiment is a mode in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is configured differently from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view schematically showing an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application, and FIG. 33 is a schematic side view schematically illustrating an example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. It is a diagram. FIG. 32 shows the vibrating mechanism 4 of the keyboard 1 from an oblique top view.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 according to the thirteenth embodiment, the holding member 43 for vibratingly holding the top plate 44 serves as a swing shaft, and the top plate 44 supported from below by the support base 40 swings like a seesaw. is. The holding member 43 has a fulcrum portion 432 that is pivotally supported by the swing shaft formed on the bottom plate 400 of the support base 40, and is formed to swing using the fulcrum portion 432 as the swing fulcrum. The top plate 44 is supported above the fulcrum portion 432 of the holding member 43 , and the top plate 44 swings as the holding member 43 swings. That is, the holding member 43 whose fulcrum portion 432 is pivotally supported by the support base 40 supports the top plate 44 so as to swing freely.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the holding member 43 swings around the fulcrum portion 432 pivotally supported by the swinging fulcrum by energizing the coil 41 with an alternating current that repeats the reversal of the energizing direction. The top plate 44 repeatedly swings and vibrates while being held by the holding member 43 .

<14th Embodiment>
14th Embodiment is a form which arrange|positions the coil 41 so that the permanent magnet 42 may be pinched from the upper and lower sides in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

The lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are energized so that the direction of the force acting on the permanent magnet 42 is stabilized, and the attractive force or the repulsive force with respect to the permanent magnet 42 is in the same direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 34, when the front side (left side in the drawing) of the permanent magnet 42 is arranged so that the upper side is the S pole and the lower side is the N pole, the front side of the permanent magnet 42 In contrast, the upper side of the lower coil 41a becomes the S pole and an attractive force works, and the lower side of the upper coil 41b becomes the N pole and an attractive force works. When the permanent magnet 42 is energized such that the lower coil 41a exerts a repulsive force, the upper coil 41b is also energized such that a repulsive force acts.

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, a permanent magnet is generated between the fixed lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b by energizing the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b with an alternating current whose energization direction is repeatedly reversed. A top plate 44 on which 42 is arranged vibrates while being held by a holding member 43 . Since the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are energized so that attractive force or repulsive force acts on the permanent magnet 42 in the same direction, vibration of the permanent magnet 42 is stabilized. By stabilizing the vibration of the permanent magnet 42, the vibration of the top plate 44 on which the permanent magnet 42 is arranged and the key switch 2 are stabilized.

In the fourteenth embodiment, in the vibrating mechanism 4 exemplified in the first embodiment, the form in which the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are arranged so as to sandwich the permanent magnet 42 from above and below was shown. The mechanism 4 can also be developed in such a manner that the lower coil 41a and the upper coil 41b are arranged so as to sandwich the permanent magnet 42 from above and below.

<Fifteenth embodiment>
15th Embodiment is a form which arrange|positions the permanent magnet 42 so that the coil 41 may be pinched from the upper and lower sides in 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the like are given to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the like, and the first embodiment and the like shall be referred to, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

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

In the vibrating mechanism 4 configured as described above, the coil 41 is disposed between the fixed lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b by applying an alternating current to the coil 41, which is repeatedly reversed in direction. The top plate 44 thus held vibrates while being held by the holding member 43 .

In the fifteenth embodiment, in the vibrating mechanism 4 exemplified in the second embodiment, the form in which the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b are arranged so as to sandwich the coil 41 from above and below is shown. Such a form can also be applied to the vibrating mechanism 4 of other embodiments. On the other hand, it is possible to dispose the lower permanent magnet 42a and the upper permanent magnet 42b so as to sandwich the coil 41 from above and below.

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

<Vibration Mechanism Layout>
Next, examples of embodiments in which the vibration mechanism 4 described above is arranged in various forms will be described. FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 36 shows the layout of the vibrating mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 as viewed from above, and the double arrow indicates the vibrating direction. The form shown in FIG. 36 is a form in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is arranged substantially in the center of the keyboard 1 which has a rectangular shape in plan view. FIG. 36(b) shows a mode of vibrating in the horizontal direction parallel to the long side. In the above-described embodiment, the vibrating mechanism 4 vibrates in the front-rear direction as illustrated in FIG. 36(a). It is also possible to configure the mechanism 4 to vibrate in the left-right direction.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 37 shows the arrangement of the vibration mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 from above, and the double arrow indicates the direction of vibration. The form shown in FIG. 37 is a form in which two vibrating mechanisms 4 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the keyboard 1. FIG. It shows a form that vibrates to As exemplified in FIG. 37, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can also be provided with a plurality of vibration mechanisms 4 . When a plurality of vibrating mechanisms 4 are provided, it is not always necessary to use members such as the support base 40, the coil 41, the permanent magnet 42, the holding member 43, and the top plate 44 that constitute the vibrating mechanism 4 independently. It is also possible to share the members of the part. For example, the support base 40 is shared by a plurality of vibration mechanisms 4, the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42 are configured as a set of vibration units (actuators), and an actuator is provided on the support base 40 shared by the plurality of vibration mechanisms 4. It is also possible to dispose the vibrating portions that are respectively as illustrated in FIG. 37 . Further, the substrate 20 arranged on the upper surface of the top plate 44 may be arranged on each of the plurality of top plates 44, or one substrate 20 may be arranged on each of the plurality of top plates 44. It is possible to design It should be noted that the form in which each member constituting the vibrating mechanism 4 is shared differs depending on the configuration of the vibrating mechanism 4 .

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 38 shows the layout of the vibrating mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 as viewed from above, and the double arrow indicates the vibrating direction. The form shown in FIG. 38 is a form in which three vibrating mechanisms 4 are arranged in the horizontal direction inside the keyboard 1. FIG. It shows a form that vibrates to The keyboard 1 described in the present application can be provided with three or more vibration mechanisms 4 as illustrated in FIG. 38 .

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 39 shows the layout of the vibrating mechanism 4 provided in the keyboard 1 as viewed from above, and the double arrow indicates the vibrating direction. The mode shown in FIG. 39 is a mode in which the vibrating mechanism 4 is arranged at each corner of the keyboard 1, which is rectangular in plan view. b) shows a mode of vibrating in the left-right direction. As illustrated in FIG. 39, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can have the vibrating mechanisms 4 arranged at the respective corners, and can also be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an arrangement example of the vibration mechanism 4 included in the keyboard 1 described in the present application. FIG. 40 shows a mode in which each vibrating mechanism 4 is individually controlled in the arrangement illustrated as FIG. 36(a). The keyboard 1 has two vibrating mechanisms 4 arranged side by side, but the diagram shows a state in which only the vibrating mechanism 4 on the right side is vibrated and the vibrating mechanism 4 on the left side is stopped. When a plurality of vibration mechanisms (vibration units) 4 are provided, the keyboard 1 described in the present application can control vibration or stop for each vibration mechanism (vibration unit) 4 . In the example shown in FIG. 40, by stopping the left vibrating mechanism 4 and vibrating only the right vibrating mechanism 4 back and forth, the right side swings in an arc as indicated by the black double-headed arrow. It is possible to generate vibrations. A keyboard 1 is provided with a plurality of vibration mechanisms 4, each of which is individually controlled to vibrate and stop. Further, by individually controlling vibration patterns such as amplitude and period, the position corresponding to the pressed key switch 2 can be controlled. can generate various vibrations.

As described in detail above, the key input device described in the present application is provided as, for example, the keyboard 1, and vibrates with the electromagnet using the coil 41 and the permanent magnet 42, so that the operator of the key switch 2 can For example, it is possible to generate a pseudo tactile sensation in which switching of the open/closed state of the circuit is felt as a click sensation.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the key input device described in the present application is provided as a keyboard 1 having a plurality of key switches 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the key switch 2 can be applied to one push button, the key switch 2 to several mouses, digitizers, and other input devices, and can be applied to various key input devices.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the coil 41 serving as an electromagnet is mainly arranged on the support base 40 side, and the permanent magnet 42 is arranged on the top plate 44 side, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in the fifteenth embodiment, it is possible to appropriately design such that the permanent magnet 42 is arranged on the support base 40 side and the coil 41 serving as the electromagnet is arranged on the top plate 44 side.

Furthermore, the first to fifteenth embodiments and the vibrating mechanism arrangement form are not independent forms, but can be combined as appropriate.

1 keyboard (key input device)
2 Key Switch 3 Sound Output Part 4 Vibration Mechanism 40 Support Base 400 Bottom Plate 401 Side Plate 402 Support Base Side Receiving Part 403 Bridge Part 41 Coil (Electromagnet/Vibration Part; Actuator)
41a lower coil (upper electromagnet)
41b upper coil (upper electromagnet)
42 permanent magnet (vibrating part: actuator)
42a lower permanent magnet 42b upper permanent magnet 43 holding member 430 elastic portion 431 rigid portion 432 fulcrum portion 44 top plate 440 top plate side receiving portion 45 cushioning member 5 operation detection portion 6 vibration control portion 7 sound control portion

Claims (25)

A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base ,
The support base has a side plate erected on the side of the top plate,
The holding member is an elastic body bridging from the side plate of the support base to the side portion of the top plate.
A key input device characterized by: A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is a shaft-shaped body fixed to one of the top plate and the support,
A key input device, wherein the other of the top plate and the support stand holds the shaft-like body movably in the axial direction. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is a spherical body,
The support base is formed with a support base-side receiving portion in which the spherical body is loosely fitted,
The top plate is formed with a top plate side receiving portion in which the spherical body is loosely fitted,
A key input device, wherein the spherical body is interposed between a support-side receiving portion and a top-plate-side receiving portion that are arranged to face each other. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is a cylindrical shaft-shaped body,
The support base is formed with a support base-side receiving portion in which the shaft-shaped body is loosely fitted,
The top plate is formed with a top plate side receiving portion in which the shaft-like body is loosely fitted,
A key input device, wherein the shaft-shaped body is interposed between a support-side receiving portion and a top-plate-side receiving portion that are arranged to face each other. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is an elastic body,
The top plate is arranged on the elastic body,
The elastic body is
is disposed on the support base,
an elastic portion interposed between the holding member and the top plate;
A key input device comprising: a rigid body portion interposed between the holding member and the top plate. The key input device according to claim 5 ,
The rigid part of the elastic body is
columnar,
A key input device characterized by passing through a through-hole opened vertically in the elastic portion. The key input device according to claim 5 ,
The elastic body has a prismatic shape,
The rigid part of the elastic body is
plate-like,
A key input device, wherein both surfaces of the key input device are sandwiched by the elastic portion in an arrangement direction in which a vibration direction is a planar direction. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is a leaf spring having flexibility in the vibration direction,
The leaf spring is arranged on the support base,
The top plate is arranged on the leaf spring,
The leaf spring is
It has an elongated shape,
arranged so that the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the vibration direction,
A key input device, wherein a plurality of key input devices are arranged side by side in a vibration direction. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member is a leaf spring having flexibility in the vibration direction,
The leaf spring is arranged on the support base,
The top plate is arranged on the leaf spring,
The leaf spring is
Multiple arrays are arranged along the direction orthogonal to the vibration direction,
A key input device, characterized in that a plurality of key input devices are arranged along the vibration direction. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The support base has a bridge portion positioned above the top plate,
The key input device, wherein the holding member is a plurality of link members that swingably support the top plate below the bridging portion of the support base. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The key input device, wherein the holding member is a plurality of link members that swingably support the top plate on the support base. The key input device according to claim 10 or claim 11 ,
The key input device, wherein the link member supports the top plate with a rotating pair. The key input device according to claim 10 or claim 11 ,
The link member is
A long plate-like body,
arranged so that the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the vibration direction,
A key input device, wherein a plurality of key input devices are arranged side by side in a vibration direction. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The holding member has a fulcrum portion serving as a swinging fulcrum,
The support base pivotally supports the fulcrum portion of the holding member in a swingable manner,
A key input device, wherein the top plate held by the holding member swings about one swinging axis formed by a fulcrum portion of the holding member. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is arranged on the top plate,
A lower electromagnet is fixed to the support base,
The permanent magnet is disposed above the lower electromagnet with a gap therebetween,
A key input device comprising an upper electromagnet fixed above the permanent magnet with a gap therebetween. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
An electromagnet is arranged on the top plate,
A lower permanent magnet is fixed to the support,
The electromagnet is disposed above the lower permanent magnet with a gap therebetween,
A key input device comprising an upper permanent magnet fixed above the electromagnet with a gap therebetween. A key input device comprising a key switch that accepts a pressing operation,
A vibration mechanism for vibrating the key switch is provided,
The vibration mechanism is
a top plate on which the key switch is arranged;
a support that supports the top plate from below;
a holding member for vibratingly holding the top plate on the support base;
with
A permanent magnet is disposed on one of the top plate and the support,
An electromagnet is disposed on the other of the top plate and the support base,
The top plate is
rectangular shape,
A key input device, wherein the vibration direction is parallel to the long side or the short side. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 ,
The key input device, wherein the electromagnet is a coil that functions as an electromagnet that vibrates the top plate by acting on the permanent magnet based on the application of alternating current. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 ,
A key input device comprising a plurality of pairs of vibrating units each including the permanent magnet and the electromagnet. A key input device according to claim 19 ,
A key input device characterized by being able to control vibration or stop for each vibration part. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 ,
a detection unit that detects a pressing operation of the key switch;
A vibration control unit that controls vibration of the top plate,
The key input device, wherein the vibration control section controls the top plate to vibrate when the detection section detects a pressing operation. The key input device according to claim 21 ,
A key input device, wherein setting of a vibration pattern indicating vibration by the vibration control unit is changeable. The key input device according to claim 21 or 22 ,
Equipped with a sound output unit that outputs sound,
A key input device, wherein the sound output unit outputs a sound when the detection unit detects a pressing operation. A key input device according to claim 23 ,
A key input device, wherein the sound output by the sound output unit is changeable. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 24 ,
A key input device characterized by being a mouse.

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