JP2003197059A - Key switch device and keyboard device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch device where miniaturization and thinning are easy and key input can be carried out by positively contacting a contact part even when a circumferential rim part of a key top face is pressed by fingers or the like, and a keyboard device provided with the key switch device. <P>SOLUTION: The key switch device 1 is provided with a base plate 2, a first lever member 3 and a second lever member 5 slidably engaged with the base plate, a holding member 6 and a key cap 10 engaged with the lever members 3 and 5 and supported by them, and a switching element 9 mounted between the base plate 2 and the holding member 6. Turning shafts 3d and 3f of the first lever member and turning shafts 5c and 5d of the second lever member are arranged in perpendicular directions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch device suitable for application to a keyboard device or an input switch device used for input / output devices such as word processors and personal computers, and a keyboard device including the same. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional X-type key switch device applied to a keyboard device will be described below with reference to FIGS. The mounting member 31 made of a metal plate or the like has a bottom wall 31a,
A relatively long support portion 31b formed by cutting and raising from the bottom wall 31a in a cantilever state, and a plurality of aligned and formed supporting portions 31b and a cantilever state from the bottom wall 31a.
It has a semi-arcuate holding portion 31c formed by aligning a plurality of pieces so as to form a pair with b. A flexible substrate (not shown) having a plurality of fixed contacts 32 is arranged on the upper surface of the bottom wall 31a. Movable contact member 33
Has a cup-shaped movable portion 33a made of a resin material and the like, and a contact portion 33b provided on the inner upper surface of the movable portion 33a,
The movable contact member 33 is mounted on the flexible substrate while facing the fixed contact 32. When the movable portion 33a is pushed and moves, the contact portion 33b
Contact the fixed contact 32, and when the pressing of the movable portion 33a is released, the movable portion 33a self-returns and the contact portion 33a
b returns to the non-contact state. The first lever member 34 made of a synthetic resin molded product has a U shape,
It has a pair of arm portions 34a, a connecting portion 34b that connects one end portions of the pair of arm portions 34a, and a cylindrical locking portion 34c provided at the other end portions of the pair of arm portions 34a. The second lever member 35 made of a synthetic resin molded product has an H shape,
It has a pair of arm portions 35a, a connecting portion 35b that connects the central portions of the pair of arm portions 35a, and columnar locking portions 35c and 35d provided at both ends of the pair of arm portions 35a. Then, the first and second lever members 34, 35 locate the second lever member 35 in the first lever member 34 and place the second lever member 35 at the center thereof, and the first and second lever members 34, 35 are rotated by the rotating shaft 34d. Two
Lever members 34 and 35 are rotatably combined in an intersecting manner to form an X-type pantograph structure.
Is rotated about the fulcrum, and the first and second lever members 34, 3 are rotated.
The upper side of 5 can be moved up and down. To attach the first and second lever members 34 and 35 combined in this manner to the attachment member 31, first, one end side of the pair of arm portions 35a of the second lever member 35 should be moved to the position shown in FIG. As shown in, when the pressing portions in the arrow X direction are released after the locking portion 35c is aligned with the holding portion 31c by pressing in the arrow X direction to bring them close to each other, the self-returning force of the arm portions 35a causes The locking portion 35c is locked in the holding portion 31c. next,
As shown in FIG. 4, one end side of the pair of arm portions 34a of the first lever member 34 is pressed in the arrow Y direction to be brought close to each other, and the locking portion 34c is aligned with the support portion 31b. After that, when the pressing force in the direction of the arrow Y is released, the arm 34a
The locking portion 34c is locked in the support portion 31b by the self-returning force of. As described above, both the first and second lever members 34 and 35 are attached to the attachment member 31 while pressing the pair of arm portions 34a and 35a. When the first and second lever members 34 and 35 are attached to the attachment member 31, the movable contact member 33 is located below the cross-shaped center portion, and the movable contact member 33 is moved by the second lever member 35. 33 can be pressed. The key top 36 made of a synthetic resin molded product has a boat-like shape that is turned upside down, and includes a guide portion 36a that is a vertical groove provided inside the lower surface and a guide groove that is laterally provided inside the lower surface. It has a portion 36b. In the key top 36, the connecting portion 34b of the first lever member 34 is fitted into the guide portion 36a, and the locking portion 35d of the second lever member 35 is fitted into the guide portion 36b, so that the first and the first Two
The lever members 34 and 35 are attached and supported. One key top 36 configured in this way, a pair of first and second lever members 34, 35,
The movable contact member 33, the fixed contact 32, and the mounting member 31 form one key switch device, and a keyboard device is configured by disposing a plurality of such key switch devices. Next, the operation of such a conventional key switch device will be described. First, when the upper surface of the key top 26 is pressed, the first and second lever members 3 are pressed.
4, 35 are pushed, and the first and second lever members 34, 3
5 rotates about the rotating shaft 34d as a fulcrum and descends. At this time, the locking portion 35a of the second lever member 35 rotates while being held by the holding portion 31c, and the locking portion 34c of the first lever member 34 is supported by the support portion 31b. In the state, slide laterally, and key top 3
When placed on the 6 side, the locking portion 35d of the second lever member 35
Slides in the guide portion 36b in the lateral direction, and the connecting portion 34b of the first lever member 34 moves the guide portion 3b.
6a is slid vertically.

Then, the first and second lever members 3
The movable parts 3 of the rotary contact member 33 are moved by the lowering of 4, 35.
3a is pushed and the contact portion 33b comes into contact with the fixed contact 32 to be in the ON state. Next, when the pressing force of the key top 36 is released, the first and second lever members 34 and 35 are pushed back by the self-recovery of the movable portion 33a and ascend, and the key top 36 also rises to the first and first Second lever member 34,
35 and the key top 36 return to the original state before pressing,
It is turned off.

[0004]

The key switch device having the above-described structure is widely used for a keyboard device of a personal computer, etc., but with the recent miniaturization of electronic equipment, the key switch device is also made smaller and thinner. There is a tendency for the demand for the conversion to increase. However, in the key switch device having the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation shaft 34d that is the rotation center of the lever members 34 and 35 is located at the center of the lever members 34 and 35 in the longitudinal direction. A key top 36 is connected to the upper ends of the lever members 34 and 35 with the center of
Since the lower ends of the lever members 34 and 35 are connected to the mounting member 31 side, when the lever members 34 and 35 are shortened in order to make the key switch device smaller and thinner,
There is a limit that the lever members 34 and 35 can be smoothly rotated, and there is a drawback that further downsizing and thinning cannot be performed. Further, in the key switch device in which the lever portion is arranged in the X-shape in side view, when the key top 36 is pushed down at the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the key top 36 on the shaft support side, the key top 36 is inclined in the directions of FIGS. There is a case where the key top is pushed down without being lowered horizontally, and there is a case where the contact portion 33b and the fixed contact 32 are not brought into contact with each other even though the key top is pushed down. Therefore, there has been a demand for a key switch device capable of surely bringing the contact portions into contact with each other to perform a key input even when the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the key top is pressed with fingers or the like.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is easy to reduce the size and thickness,
Even if you press the peripheral part of the top of the key top with your fingers,
An object of the present invention is to provide a key switch device capable of surely contacting a contact portion to perform a key input. It is another object of the present invention to provide a keyboard device including the above key switch device, which can be easily downsized and has excellent operability.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following constitutions. A key switch device according to the present invention includes a base portion, first and second lever members that are movably engaged with the base portion at one end side, and are engaged with the other end sides of the first and second lever members. The key top supported by the base portion so as to be able to move up and down, and a switch element that performs a switching operation in accordance with the raising and lowering operation of the key top, and the engaging portions at both ends of the first and second lever members are provided. , Pivoting shafts for respectively pivoting the lever member within its pivoting surface are formed, and one engaging portion of the lever member serves to pivot the pivoting shaft with respect to the base portion or the key top. The first engaging portion is movably supported, and the other engaging portion is a second engaging portion that pivotally supports the rotation shaft, and is the rotation shaft of the first lever member. , The second lever member is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the second lever member.

The key switch device having the above-mentioned structure is characterized in that the rotation shafts of the lever members supporting the key tops are arranged in the two lever members in directions orthogonal to each other. That is, each lever member is not engaged with the two lever members at the intersecting position as in the conventional key switch device, but is independently engaged with the base portion and the key top. With such a configuration, even if the length of the lever member is shortened for the purpose of downsizing and thinning the key switch, the operability at the time of key input is not impaired, and the conventional X-type The key switch device can be made smaller and thinner than the key switch device having the support structure.

Further, when the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the key top is pressed at the time of key input, the key top is not lowered in a tilted state, but is lowered while maintaining a substantially horizontal state. This is because when the key tops are supported by the two lever members and the pivot shafts on the key top side of these lever members are arranged in parallel as in the conventional key switch device, these rotations are performed. Although the tilting of the key top in the direction perpendicular to the moving axis is allowed, in the configuration of the present invention, the tilting of one of the turning axes of the two lever members in the turning direction is Since the lever member having the rotation axis orthogonal to this rotation axis regulates, as a result, the key top is moved up and down while being kept horizontal. Therefore, according to the key switch device of the present invention, the rattling of the key top in the horizontal direction can be prevented, and the key top is moved up and down without tilting, and the switching operation of the switch element is surely performed at the time of key input.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The first lever member is formed in a U shape or a frame shape in a plan view, and the second lever member is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first lever member. According to the key switch device having such a configuration, since the lever member can be arranged by effectively utilizing the limited space under the key top, it is easier to reduce the size and thickness of the key switch device. Become.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The second lever member arranged surrounded by the first lever member is formed in a U shape or a frame shape in a plan view,
The switch element is arranged so as to be surrounded by the second lever member. According to the above configuration, the switch element is arranged in the space surrounded by the second lever member surrounded by the first lever member. That is, since the switch element is arranged in the central portion of the key switch device, the switch element is easily pressed in the vertical direction at the time of key input. As a result, it is possible to provide a key switch device in which a key is less likely to be hit and the operation feeling is excellent.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The engaging portion between the first and second lever members and the key top is
An engaging portion that locks the rotating shaft, and an engaging portion between the first and second lever members and the base portion is an engaging portion that movably supports the rotating shaft. To do. According to the above configuration, since the base side is the movable engaging section,
Since the first and second lever members can be easily attached to the base portion and the key top side is the engagement portion on the shaft support side, the structure of the key top can be simplified, and the lever member can be simplified. It is easy to attach the key top to.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
In the engaging portion in which the first and second lever members and the base portion are movably engaged, the hook-shaped sliding bearing portion formed in the base portion causes rotation of the first and second lever members. The rotating shaft is slidable within a range in which the shaft is engaged and guided by the hook-shaped sliding bearing portion. According to the above configuration, since the sliding bearing portion is formed in the hook shape, the work of engaging the rotary shafts of the first and second lever members with the sliding bearing portion is facilitated.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The first lever member is sandwiched by a pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions formed on the base portion, and the first lever member has a rotation shaft thereof by the pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions. The feature is that the position is regulated in the length direction. Further, in the key switch device according to the present invention, the second lever member is
A pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions formed on the base are sandwiched and engaged, and the pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions causes the second lever member to move in the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft. The feature is that the position is restricted. According to the above configuration, the first,
Since the movement of the second lever member in the rotation axis length direction is restricted, rattling of the key top can be effectively suppressed.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The key top and the first and second lever members are engaged with the bearing portion provided on the key top by inserting the shaft portions of the first and second lever members into engagement. Of the first and second lever members are sandwiched by side wall portions provided at both ends of the shaft portions of the lever members of the first and second lever members, and the side wall portions regulate the position in the bearing portion length direction. . According to the above configuration, the movement of the key top engaged with the first and second lever members can be restricted, and a key switch device with less rattling can be realized.

Next, the key switch device according to the present invention is
The key top includes a holding member engaged with the lever member, and a key cap attached to the holding member. With such a configuration, the component member including the holding member, the lever member, and the base portion can be used as a common member regardless of the type of the keycap, so that the application range is wide and the keycap and the like can be replaced. It is possible to provide an easy key switch device.

Next, a keyboard device according to the present invention is characterized by including any of the key switch devices described above. Since the keyboard device having such a configuration is equipped with the key switch device of the present invention, the key top of the key switch is moved up and down while always maintaining the horizontal position, so that when the key switch device is pressed, the key switch device is reliably moved. Key input can be performed, and excellent operability can be obtained.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. FIG. 1 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a key switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device shown in FIG. 1.
3A is a plan perspective view of the key switch device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3B is a side view showing a partial cross-sectional structure of the key switch device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3C is a key switch shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows the partial cross-section of an apparatus. A key switch device 1 shown in these drawings includes a base plate (base portion) 2, a first lever member 3 and a second lever member 5 whose one end is engaged with the base plate 2, and the first and second lever members 3 , 4 of the holding member 6 engaged with the end portion on the opposite side of the base plate 2, the key cap 10 attached via the holding member 6, and the switch element 9 provided between the base plate 2 and the holding member. And is configured. In this embodiment, the holding member 6 and the key cap 10 constitute a key top of the key switch device 1.

The base plate 2 is a substantially flat plate-shaped member made of a metal material. In order to rotatably engage the first and second lever members 3 and 5, a part of the base plate 2 is cantilevered. It is provided with sliding bearing portions 23, 25 that are formed by raising and forming parallel to each other and that are formed by a pair of side-view hook-shaped cut-and-raised portions. The sliding bearing portion 23 is arranged at a coaxial position so that a tip end side 23a formed in a hook shape faces the side opposite to the switch element 9, and one cut-and-raised portion of the sliding bearing portion 25 is a sliding bearing. It is arranged between the cut-and-raised parts of the part 23,
The other is arranged at the opposite coaxial position with the switch element 9 in between. The cut-and-raised portion of the sliding bearing portion 23 and the cut-and-raised portion of the sliding bearing portion 25 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other in a plan view, and the bearings 23b and 23b formed in the sliding bearing portions 23 and 23 are in contact with each other. Are formed in the coaxial position, and the bearings 25b, 25b formed in the sliding bearing portions 25, 25 are also formed in the coaxial position. The size of the base plate 2 can be freely changed within a range in which the first and second lever members 3 and 5 can be engaged and supported, and the material thereof can be changed to another material such as a resin material. .

The first and second lever members 3 and 5 are made of a resin material, a metal material, or the like, support the holding member 6 and the key cap 10 so as to be able to move up and down, and keep the lifting width within a predetermined range. To work. The first lever member 3 is
It has a U-shape in a plan view, and a pair of arm portions 3a and 3b and a connecting portion 3c that connects these arm portions 3a and 3b are integrally formed. A shaft portion 3d engaged with the sliding bearing portion 23 of the base plate 2 is provided on the outer surfaces of the tip portions of the arm portions 3a and 3b.
3d protrudes inward of the first lever member 3 and is formed at a coaxial position, and these shaft portions 3d and 3d are engaged with the bearings 23b and 23b of the sliding bearing portions 23 and 23 of the base plate 2, respectively, and the lever The member is rotatable about the shaft portions 3d and 3d with respect to the base plate 2, and
The shaft portions 3d, 3d are slidable within a range guided by the sliding bearing portions 23, 23. That is, the sliding bearing portions 23, 23 of the base plate 2 and the shaft engaging portions 3d, 3d of the first lever member 3 allow the sliding engaging portion (first engaging portion) 13,
13 is formed. Further, on the inner surface side of the arm portions 3a, 3b of the first lever member 3, concave portions 3h, 3h having a shape along the outer shape of the switch element 9 are formed in order to prevent interference with a switch element 9 having an inverted bowl shape described later. Are formed. Further, taper portions 3m and 3m are provided on the lower surface side (base plate 2 side) of the tip end portions of the arm portions 3a and 3b of the first lever member 3,
The arms 3a and 3b are formed to have the same inclination angle. These tapered portions 3m and 3m are the first
The angle of the lever member 3 with respect to the base plate 2 is determined, and when the first lever member 3 is maximally erected, these tapered portions 3m, 3m are in contact with the upper surface of the base plate 2 and the first lever member 3 3 acts to define the upright angle. The rising angle of the first lever member 3 is determined by the shaft portion 3 in the sliding bearing portion 23.
It can also be defined by the sliding widths of d and 3d. Further, a shaft portion 3f is formed in a central portion of the connecting portion 3c of the first lever member 3 in a columnar shape slightly thinner than both end sides of the connecting portion 3c, and the shaft portion 3f serves as a holding member 6 described later. When fitted, the lever member 3 is rotatable with respect to the holding member 6, and a rotary engagement portion (second engagement portion) 16b is formed.

The second lever member 5 is formed in a U shape in plan view, and more specifically, like the arm portions 3a and 3b of the first lever member 3, the arm portion tilted with respect to the base plate 2 is tilted. 5a and 5b, a shaft portion 5c erected on the front end portions of the arm portions 5a and 5b on the holding member 6 side, and a shaft portion 5 projecting coaxially on the inner surface side of the base plate 2 side front end portion.
It is composed of d and 5d. The shaft portion 5d is formed in a cylindrical shape and is engaged with the sliding bearing portions 25, 25 of the base plate 2 in a rotatable and slidable manner. The shaft portion 5c has a substantially columnar shape, and both ends 5f and 5f thereof are formed in parallel with the shaft portions 5d and 5d, and the central portion 5g is formed in a shape projecting to the outside. Movably engaged. Therefore, in the second lever member 5, as shown in FIG. 3A, the shaft portions 5d and 5d that are engaged with the base plate 2 are engaged with the sliding bearing portions 25 and 25, and the sliding engagement portion (first engagement portion) is formed. And a shaft portion 5c is pivotally supported by the holding member 6 to form a rotary engagement portion (second engagement portion) 16c.

When the first and second lever members 3 and 5 are incorporated in the key switch device 1, the second lever member 5 is surrounded by the U-shaped first lever member 3 in a plan view. It is arranged. Then, the first lever member 3
The shaft portions 3d and 3f and the shaft portions 5c and 5d of the lever member 5 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other in a plan view. In addition, the base plate 2 and the first and second lever members 3, 5
Since the first lever member 3 is sandwiched between the pair of sliding bearing portions 23, 23 at the engaging portion with, the movement of the first lever member 3 in the rotation axis length direction is restricted, and the base plate 2
The rattling of the first lever member 3 above is suppressed. Further, since the second lever member 5 is arranged so as to sandwich the pair of sliding bearing portions 25, 25 between the arm portions 5a, 5b, the second lever member 5 is also positioned in the axial direction of the shaft portion 5d. Is regulated by the sliding bearing portion 25.

The holding member 6 comprises a substantially flat plate-shaped substrate portion 6a and rotary bearing portions 6b, 6d, 6d connected to one end side thereof. The rotation bearing portion 6b is the substrate portion 6a.
Of the three locking members 6e formed on the ends of the short sides of the base plate 6a and projecting from the base plate portion 6a toward the base plate 2 side.
6e and 6f are provided. These locking members 6e, 6f
Among them, the two locking members 6e, 6e are provided so as to be juxtaposed at the lengthwise outer end of the holding member 6, and the locking member 6f is slightly inside the locking member 6e. , 6e, and the locking members 6e, 6e.
The shaft portion 3f of the first lever member 3 is rotatably supported by f. Also, the rotary bearing portions 6d, 6d
Are formed in a side surface U shape, and are connected in a state of being aligned with the side edge of the substrate portion 6a with the open end side thereof facing the base plate 2 side. The rotary bearing portions 6d and 6d are adapted to pivotally support both ends 5f and 5f of the shaft portion 5c of the second lever member 5 described above. In this state, the exposed portion 5g of the shaft portion 5c of the second lever member 5 is located in the portion sandwiched between the two rotary bearing portions 6d and 6d, and the inverted bowl-shaped switch is provided. The element 9 and the second lever member 5 do not interfere with each other.

The rotation bearing portion 6b is formed to have substantially the same length as the shaft portion 3f of the first lever member 3, and the gap in the fitted state is a range in which the shaft portion 3f can smoothly rotate. Be as small as possible within. With this structure, the positions of the first lever member 3 and the holding member 6 in the axial direction of the shaft portion 3f are mutually regulated. That is, in the connecting portion 3c of the first lever member 3, the shaft portion 3f formed at the central portion and the side wall portions 3g and 3g of the step formed at the boundary portion between both ends of the connecting portion 3c cause the holding member 6 to move. The position of the bearing portion 6b is restricted in the length direction. Further, the outer width of the rotary bearing portions 6d, 6d (the length from the outer end of the one rotary bearing portion 6d to the outer end of the other rotary bearing portion 6d) is the second.
The lever member 5 is formed to have substantially the same length as the shaft portion 5c, and the rotation bearing portions 6d and 6d in the state where both are fitted.
And the gap between the arm portions 5a and 5b of the second lever member 5 is made as small as possible within a range in which the shaft portion 5c can smoothly rotate. With such a structure, the holding member 6 and the second lever member 5 are mutually regulated in the axial direction of the shaft portion 5c, so that rattling of the key top (holding member 6) can be suppressed. Has become.

The switch element 9 is composed of an inverted cup-shaped movable portion 9b made of a resin material having elasticity such as rubber and a contact portion 9a provided on the upper portion of the inner surface thereof, and has a wide mouth. With the base side facing the base plate 2 side, the substrate portion 6a of the holding member 6, the first and second lever members 3, 5
It is mounted on the base plate 2 surrounded by and. The contact portion 9a is arranged to face a fixed contact (not shown) provided on the base plate 2. Further, the switch element 9 has a function of urging the holding member 6 to the raised position when not in use. The switch element 9 is a sheet switch in which an upper sheet having a movable contact and a lower sheet having a fixed contact are laminated so that the respective contacts face each other, and the sheet switch is arranged above or below the base plate 2. May be replaced with

The keycap 10 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape by molding or the like, and has a reverse boat shape with the lower part opened. Further, letters (not shown) such as numbers and alphabets are formed on the upper surface by printing. The key cap 10 is connected to the holding member 6 and constitutes a key top of the key switch device 1. still,
As a matter of course, the key cap 10 and the holding member 6 may be formed as an integral key top, and the engaging portions may be formed on the key cap 10.

In the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment having the above-mentioned components, the holding member 6 and the key cap 10 are urged upward by the elastic force of the switch element 9 as shown in FIG. Has been done. Then, when the key is pressed from the upper surface side of the keycap 10, the holding member 6 connected to the keycap 10 is interlocked and lowered. Then, the switch element 9 pressed on the lower surface side of the holding member 6 is deformed, the contact portion inside the switch element 9 is brought into contact with the fixed contact on the base plate 2, the switch is turned on, and the key cap 10 is pressed. When the finger is released, the elastic return force of the switch element 9 again urges the holding member 6 and the key cap 10 upward.

The lever members 3 and 5 operate as follows in accordance with the ascending / descending operation of the keycap 10. The first lever member 3 and the second lever member 5, which are arranged orthogonal to each other, are engaged with the sliding bearing portion 23 as the engaging portion with the holding member 6 moves downward. 3d, 3d and
The shaft portions 5d and 5d engaged with the sliding bearing portion 25 move horizontally in the sliding bearing portions 23 and 25, and the shaft portions 3f and 5c are lowered.

Thus, the key switch 1 of this embodiment
Unlike the conventional key switch device having an X-shaped support structure, the lever member does not have a pivot shaft formed in the central portion thereof. Therefore, in order to make the key switch device smaller and thinner, Even if the length of the second lever members 3 and 5 is shortened, the smoothness of the raising and lowering operation of the key switch device is not impaired, and the first and second lever members 3 and 5 are shorter than before.
Can be made smaller. Further, in the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment, the U-shaped second lever member 5 is arranged inside the U-shaped first lever member 3, and the switch element is provided inside the second lever member 5. Since 9 is arranged, the area occupied by these members can be reduced, and the key switch device 1 can be easily downsized. Therefore, if the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment is provided as the input means, the keyboard device and the electronic device can be easily downsized and thinned without impairing the operability at the time of key input.

Further, the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment
Can move up and down while holding the keycap 10 horizontally, preventing the key from being idle and enabling reliable key input. This is a structure in which the keycap 10 (holding member 6) does not tilt even when the peripheral portion of the keycap 10 is pressed down by providing the first and second lever members 3 and 5 of the above structure. It depends. That is, the inclination of the key top in the rotating direction of the shaft portion 3f of the first lever member 3 is limited by the shaft portion 5c of the second lever member 5 arranged orthogonal to the shaft portion 3f, and conversely the second lever. This is because the inclination of the key top in the rotating direction of the shaft 5c of the member 5 is limited by the shaft 3f.

Further, the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment
Has almost no rattling in the horizontal direction of the key top, and excellent operability can be obtained during key input.
This is because a structure that suppresses the rattling in the horizontal direction is adopted in the engaging portions of the lever members 3 and 5, the holding member 6 and the base plate 2. That is, in the engaging portion between the base plate 2 and the lever member 3, first, the bearing portions 23, 23 are composed of a pair of parallel cut-and-raised portions, so that the bearing portions 23, 23 are engaged with each other at a position sandwiched by the bearing portions 23, 23. The axial movement of the combined first lever member causes the bearing portion 2 to move.
3 and 23, the second lever member 5 is slidable because the arm portions 5a and 5b of the second lever member 5 sandwich the sliding bearing portions 25 and 25. This is because the dynamic bearing portions 25, 25 limit the movement of the second lever member 5 in the rotation axis direction. Further, at the engaging portions of the holding member 6 and the lever members 3 and 5, the bearing portions 6b and 6d of the holding member 6 are fitted to the shaft portions 3f and 5c of the lever members 3 and 5, respectively, The positional movement of the holding member 6 in the axial direction of the shaft portions 3f and 5c is limited by the side wall portions 3g and 3g in the engaging portion 16b with the first lever member 3 and the second lever member 5. In the engaging portion 16c, the arm portions 5a, 5 of the lever member 5
This is because the inner surface side of b is limited. .

As described above, according to the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment, the key top does not tilt when the key top is raised or lowered during key input, and there is almost no rattling of the key top. It is possible to obtain excellent operability without hitting.

(Keyboard Device) FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a keyboard device provided with the key switch device of the above-described embodiment.
It is configured to include a plurality of key switch devices 102 arranged on one unit. According to the keyboard device 100 according to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the horizontal position of the key top can be maintained during the up-and-down operation of the key top, and the key switch device with almost no rattling of the key top. By providing 102, it is possible to comfortably perform key input without hitting the key blank when key input. In the key switch device 103 having a large size such as a space key, a plurality of constituent members excluding the key cap 10 from the key switch device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be arranged below the horizontally long key cap.

[0033]

As described above in detail, the key switch device according to the present invention includes a base portion, first and second lever members movably engaged with the base portion at one end side, and the first and second lever members. 1,
A key top supported by the base portion by being engaged with the other end side of the second lever member so as to be able to move up and down; and a switch element that performs a switching operation as the key top moves up and down. Rotation shafts that allow the lever member to rotate within its rotation surface are formed at the engaging portions at both ends of the first and second lever members, respectively, and one engaging portion of the lever member is A first engaging portion that rotatably and slidably supports the rotating shaft with respect to a base portion or a key top, and the other engaging portion is a second engaging portion that pivotally supports the rotating shaft. And a rotation shaft of the first lever member,
Since the second lever member is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the second lever member, it is easier to reduce the size and thickness of the key switch device having the conventional X-type support structure. In addition, the operability at the time of key input is not impaired even when it is made smaller and thinner. In addition, it prevents the rattling of the key top in the horizontal direction, and when the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the key top is pressed, the key top is not lowered in a tilted state, but lowered while maintaining a substantially horizontal state. It is supposed to be done. Therefore, according to the key switch device of the present invention, there is no idling at the time of key input, and there is no rattling of the key top, so that excellent operability can be obtained.

Next, since the keyboard device according to the present invention is equipped with the above-mentioned key switch device of the present invention, the keyboard device can be easily miniaturized and has excellent operability for comfortable key input. It is regarded as a device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective configuration diagram of a key switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device shown in FIG.

3A is a top perspective view of the key switch device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a side view showing a partial sectional structure.
FIG. 3C is a front view showing a partial cross-sectional structure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a keyboard device including a conventional key switch device.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a keyboard device including a key switch device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Key switch device, 2 ... Base plate (base),
3 ... 1st lever member, 5 ... 2nd lever member, 3a, 3
b, 5a, 5b ... arm portion, 3c ... connecting portion, 3d, 5c, 5
d ... Shaft portion (rotating shaft), 23, 25 ... Sliding bearing portion, 6b,
6d ... Rotating bearing portion, 13, 15 ... Sliding engaging portion (first engaging portion), 16b, 16c ... Rotating engaging portion (second engaging portion), 6 ... Holding member (keytop ), 9 ... Switch element, 10 ... Key cap (key top)

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A base portion, first and second lever members movably engaged with the base portion at one end side thereof, and by engaging with the other end side of the first and second lever members, A key top that is vertically movable with respect to a base; and a switch element that performs a switching operation as the key top moves up and down. The lever member is provided at the engaging portions at both ends of the first and second lever members. Rotation shafts are formed to rotate the rotation shafts within the rotation surface, and one engagement portion of the lever member movably supports the rotation shafts with respect to the base portion or the key top. And the other engaging portion is a second engaging portion that pivotally supports the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft of the first lever member, and the second engaging member. A key switch device, wherein the lever member is arranged in a direction orthogonal to a rotation axis of the lever member. 2. The first lever member is formed in a U shape or a frame shape in a plan view, and the second lever member is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first lever member. The key switch device according to item 1. 3. The second lever member, which is arranged so as to be surrounded by the first lever member, is formed in a U shape or a frame shape in a plan view, and the switch element is surrounded by the second lever member. The key switch device according to claim 2, wherein the key switch device is arranged as follows. 4. The engaging portion between the first and second lever members and the key top is an engaging portion that locks the rotation shaft, and the engagement between the first and second lever members and the base portion. The key switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joint portion is an engaging portion that movably supports the rotating shaft. 5. A first engaging portion in which the first and second lever members and a base portion are movably engaged with each other, wherein a hook-shaped sliding bearing portion formed in the base portion has the first engaging portion. ,
The rotation shaft of the second lever member is engaged, and the rotation shaft is slidable within a range guided by the hook-shaped sliding bearing portion. Key switch device. 6. The first lever member is sandwiched by a pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions formed on the base portion that engages with the first lever member, and the first lever member is sandwiched by the pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions. The key switch device according to claim 5, wherein the position of the one lever member is restricted in the lengthwise direction of the rotation axis. 7. The second lever member is engaged by sandwiching a pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions formed on the base portion, and the first lever is engaged by the pair of hook-shaped sliding bearing portions. 7. The key switch device according to claim 5, wherein the lever member is positionally restricted in the lengthwise direction of the rotation axis. 8. The key top and the first and second lever members are engaged with a bearing portion provided on the key top by inserting shaft portions of the first and second lever members. The bearing portion of the key top is sandwiched by side wall portions provided at both ends of the shaft portion of the lever member of the first and second lever members, and the side wall portion regulates the position in the longitudinal direction of the bearing portion. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the key switch device is a key switch device. 9. The key top comprises a holding member engaged with the support member, and a key cap attached to the holding member, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Key switch device described in. 10. A keyboard device comprising the key switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.