JPH0917271A - Key switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] To provide a key switch device in which a switching member is divided and slidably disposed, and each of which operates independently to change the height of a specific key top. A key top 2 is arranged on a holder member 4 so as to be movable up and down via a guide member 3 that rotatably supports a first link member 10 and a second link member 11, and The plurality of slide bases 30 to which the rubber springs 5 for mounting the base portion 12 of the first link member 10 in the guide member 3 are fixed between the operating position and the non-operating position of a specific key top 2 by each operation knob 27. The first link member 10 and the second link member 11 are slidable on the support plate 7 in the opening / closing leg direction.

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 use in a keyboard attached to a thin electronic device such as a notebook type word processor and a personal computer, and more particularly, to two link members which rotate relative to each other. The vertical movement of the key top is guided and supported through the guide support member that is supported so that the key top can be operated during key operation by slidably disposing the switching member that supports the guide support member. The present invention relates to a key switch device that holds an operating position and locks a key top at a non-operating position lower than the operating position when carrying the device, thereby maintaining a high key operability while reducing the thickness and improving portability. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Notebook type word processors and the like have been remarkably prevalent in recent years because they have excellent portability such that they can be carried anywhere and operated anywhere. Further, various attempts have been made to further improve the portability of such word processors.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-298000, a leaf spring sheet is integrally formed with a return spring for elastically supporting a key top and a contact pressing spring for pressing a contact of a membrane switch to perform switching. A keyboard device attached to a notebook word processor or the like in which the height of the key top is variable by arranging a slide mechanism that slides in conjunction with opening and closing of the key top, and a key switch base that supports the key top so that it can move up and down. There has been proposed a keyboard device attached to a notebook type word processor or the like in which the height of the key top is variable by providing a moving mechanism that allows the key to move in the vertical direction.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-69831 discloses that
When a key is operated, the key top, which is supported so that it can move up and down on the keyboard frame, is elastically urged through the abutment part of the leaf spring to hold it in the key operation position, while it is slid on the keyboard frame when carrying By sliding the movable fulcrum member which is arranged so as to be disengaged from the groove of the leaf spring, the bias of the keytop by the abutting portion of the leaf spring is released and the height of the keytop is lowered. The key switch structure attached to a possible book type personal computer is described.

Furthermore, the present applicant previously filed Japanese Patent Application No. 6-19.
In the specification and drawings attached to the 0991 application, 2
By guiding and supporting the vertical movement of the key top through a guide support member that rotatably supports two link members, a switching member on which the guide support member is mounted is slidably arranged. , The key top is held in the operating position when performing key operation, and the key top is locked in the non-operating position lower than the operating position when carrying, which makes it possible to keep the key operability high while keeping the key operability and portability. A key switch device that can be improved was proposed.

[0006]

However, in the key switch device described in each of the above publications, the height of the key tops of the entire keyboard can only be changed all at once. Therefore, even if there is a key switch that is difficult to be input when performing a specific input operation, or even if there is a key switch that is not used in a predetermined mode, all the key switches are in a pressable or inputtable state, There is a problem that erroneous input or erroneous operation may occur.

The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a key switch device in which the height of the key top of a specific key switch can be independently changed.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a key switch device of the present invention is provided with a plurality of key tops and corresponding to the key tops, and performs a switching operation based on the pressing of the key tops. And a switching member for performing relative movement with respect to the key top by sliding the switching member relative to the key top in the height direction of the key top. A slide mechanism capable of moving the top to a non-pressable non-operating position, wherein the slide mechanism selectively moves a certain part of the key tops in the height direction thereof. It is a slide mechanism.

In this case, the selection slide mechanism includes at least first and second selection slide mechanisms, the first selection slide mechanism has the first key top and the second selection slide mechanism has the second key top. It is effective if they can be moved independently.

Further, the key top is supported by the guide support member so as to be able to be pressed, and the selection slide mechanism has an engagement position in which the switching member engages and supports the guide support member to place the key top in the operating position. It is desirable that the switching member and the guide support member are relatively slidable between the switching member and the guide support member so that the key top is placed in the non-operating position.

In this case, the selection slide mechanism includes at least first and second selection slide mechanisms, the first selection slide mechanism includes the first switching member, and the second selection slide mechanism includes the second switching member. It is effective that each of them can slide relatively independently with respect to the guide support member.

Further, the selection slide mechanism includes a slide base which is arranged below the guide support member and is slidably arranged on the circuit board on which the switching electrodes are formed. The switching member is provided on the slide base. Therefore, it is desirable that the switching operation can be performed in cooperation with the switching electrode.

In this case, the slide base includes at least a first slide base and a second slide base, the first slide base includes the first switching member, and the second slide base includes the second switching member. It is effective to be able to slide relatively independently with respect to.

The selection slide mechanism is disposed below the guide support member and has a circuit board on which switching electrodes are formed, and a switching electrode fixed on the circuit board in correspondence with the switching electrodes. It is desirable that the circuit board be slidable relative to the guide support member.

In this case, the circuit board includes at least first and second circuit boards, the first circuit board including the first switching member, and the second circuit board including the second switching member. It is effective to be able to slide relatively independently with respect to.

Further, the selection slide mechanism supports the guide supporting member and exposes the switching member arranged below the guide supporting member corresponding to the switching electrode on the circuit board on which the switching electrode is formed. It is desirable that a holder member having an opening be provided, and that the holder member be slidable relative to the switching member.

In this case, the holder member includes at least first and second holder members, the first holder member switches the first guide support member, and the second holder member switches the second guide support member. It is effective to be able to slide relatively independently with respect to the member.

[0018]

According to the present invention having such a configuration, the specific switching member is slid relative to the specific key top or the specific guide support member by the selection slide mechanism, whereby the specific key top is The guide support member is arranged at a non-operating position lower than the operating position in a state where the guide supporting member is disengaged from the switching member from the operating position where the guide supporting member is placed on the switching member. As a result, the height of the specific key top becomes low, and by making it possible to select a key switch that cannot be pressed, erroneous input or erroneous operation can be prevented.

Further, by providing at least two selection slide mechanisms, each selection slide mechanism can independently change the height of a specific key top, so that only the key tops necessary for various applications are input. This can be enabled, and erroneous input and erroneous operation can be further prevented.

Further, a selection slide mechanism is a slide base,
Even if one of the circuit board and the holder member is provided, by providing at least two of these constituent members, each constituent member can independently change the height of the particular key top. You can

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A key switch device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying the present invention. First, the configuration of the key switch device 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 6.
1 is a side sectional view of the key switch device in which the key top is in the operating position, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first link member, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second link member, and FIG. 4 is a rubber spring. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the holder member and the rubber spring when the key top is in the operating position, that is, the key top, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the entire keyboard using the key switch device of this embodiment, and FIG. It is a top view which shows the locking structure of an operation knob.

As shown in FIG. 1, the key switch device 1 of this embodiment basically has a key top 2 and a guide member as a guide support member for guiding the vertical movement while maintaining the horizontal state of the key top 2. 3 and the key top 2 between the guide member 3
A holder member 4 for holding the slide base 30, a rubber spring 5 that can be arranged below the guide member 3, and a slide base 30 arranged below the holder member 4, and a slide base 30 arranged below the slide base 30. It is composed of a circuit board 6 and a support plate 7 that supports the lower surface of the circuit board 6.

The key top 2 is formed of ABS resin or the like, and characters, symbols, etc. for identifying the key top 2 are printed on the upper surface thereof. A pair of long groove-shaped first locking portions 8 (only one first locking portion 8 is shown in FIG. 1) on the back surface of the front portion of the key top 2 (the left portion of the key top 2 in FIG. 1). Each of the first locking portions 8 holds each of the first sliding pins 14 formed on the first link member 10 so as to be horizontally slidable, as will be described later. In addition, a pair of circular hole-shaped second locking portions 9 are provided on the back surface of the rear portion (the right portion of the key top 2 in FIG. 1) of the key top 2.
(Only one second locking portion 9 is shown in FIG. 1) is formed, and each second locking portion 9 is a second engaging member formed on the second link member 11 as described later. The stop pin 20 is rotatably held.

Further, the guide member 3 is the first link member 10
And the second link member 11 are rotatably supported with respect to each other. Here, the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

First, the structure of the first link member 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The first link member 10 is molded from polyacetal resin or the like and has a substantially "H" shape in plan view. The first link member 10 includes a base portion 12 and a pair of plate portions 13 formed on both sides of the base portion 12,
The first sliding pin 1 is provided at one end (the left end in FIG. 2) of each plate portion 13.
4 are provided outward, and the first locking pin 15 is provided outward at the other end (right end in FIG. 2) of each plate portion 13. Here, each first sliding pin 14
Are slidably held on the respective first locking portions 8 on the back surface of the key top 2 as described above, and the respective second locking pins 15 are formed on the holder member 4 as described later. It is rotatably held by the fourth locking portion 24. Further, pivot shafts 16 are provided so as to project outward from the substantially central position of each plate portion 13. These pivot shafts 16 are the second
Pivot hole 2 formed in each plate portion 18 of the link member 11
It is pivotally supported at 1. The base portion 12 is a portion that can be placed on the top portion of the rubber spring 5 described later and can press the top portion.

Next, the structure of the second link member 11 will be described with reference to FIG. Like the first link member 10, the second link member 11 is molded from polyacetal resin or the like, and has a substantially “U” shape in plan view. The second link member 11 includes a base portion 17 and a pair of plate portions 18 formed on both sides of the base portion 17, and the second sliding pin 19 is provided at one end (the left end in FIG. 3) of each plate portion 18. Are provided outward, and one second locking pin 20 is provided between the other ends (right ends in FIG. 3) of the plate portions 18. Here, each second sliding pin 19 is slidably held by each third locking portion 23 formed on the holder member 4, and the second locking pin 20 is described above, as described later. Thus, it is rotatably held by each second locking portion 9 on the back surface of the key top 2. Further, the pivot hole 2 is provided at a substantially central position of each plate portion 18.
1 is bored, and in each pivot hole 21, each pivot shaft 16 projecting from each plate portion 13 of the first link member 10 is pivotally supported in each pivot hole 21 as described above. .

The guide member 3 is the first link member 10
The pivot shaft 16 of the second link member 11 is rotatably supported in the pivot hole 21 of the second link member 11, so that the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 mutually open and close. Is possible. In addition, the first link member 1
The distance from the center of the pivot shaft 16 to the center of the first sliding pin 14 and the first locking pin 15 at 0, and from the center of the pivot hole 21 in the second link member 11 to the second locking pin 20 and the second locking pin 20. The four distances to the center of the 2 sliding pin 19 are
They are set to be equal to each other.

Next, the holder member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. The holder member 4 is molded from ABS resin or the like like the key top 2, and when the key switch device 1 of this embodiment is used in a keyboard including a plurality of key tops 2 as shown in FIG. Four
Holds all the guide members 3 corresponding to the respective key tops 2, so that the entire keyboard is integrally formed as a single member.

The holder member 4 is provided with a number of mounting holes 22 corresponding to the number of the key tops 2, that is, the guide members 3.
In the mounting hole 22, the rubber spring 5 fixed on the slide base 30 is slidably arranged as described later. Further, among the four corner positions of the mounting hole 22 of the holder member 4, a pair of third locking parts 23 is formed at the left corner position in FIG. 4, and each third locking part 23 is formed on the back surface of the key top 2. Of each of the first locking portions 8 of the above. The third locking portion 23 is formed in a long groove shape as shown in FIG. 1 and slidably holds the second sliding pin 19 of the second link member 11. Further, among the four corner positions of the mounting hole 22 of the holder member 4, a pair of fourth locking portions 24 is formed at the right corner position in FIG. 4, and each of the fourth locking portions 24 is a back surface of the key top 2. Of each of the second locking portions 9 is opposed. Each fourth locking portion 24 is formed in a circular hole shape as shown in FIG.
The first locking pins 15 of the first link member 10 are rotatably held.

The mounting hole 22 has a substantially quadrangular shape, but when the rubber spring 5 described later slides in the direction of arrow C and the direction of arrow D in FIG. Mounting holes 22 in both slide directions
Arc-shaped portions 22A and 22B that match the shape of the rubber spring 5 are formed on both side edges (left and right side edges in FIG. 4).

Next, the circuit board 6 and the slide base 3
0 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6.
The circuit board 6 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
It is composed of a flexible circuit board on which a predetermined circuit pattern is formed on a film or the like, and its lower surface is supported on a support plate 7. Moreover, PE is formed on the upper surface of the circuit board 6.
A slide base 30 formed of a T film or the like is slidably arranged on the circuit board 6. That is, while the holder member 4 and the circuit board 6 are formed with a predetermined clearance (which is slightly set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the slide base 30) between them, the “caulking” is performed at a plurality of locations. , Or screwed together.

Here, at a place where the holder member 4 and the circuit board 6 are connected to each other by "caulking" or screwing, an oval shape (not shown) provided on the slide base 30 (horizontal direction in FIG. 1). The slide base 30 is restricted so as to move only in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 via the hole. As a result, the slide base 30
Is configured to be slidable on the circuit board 6 in the clearance formed between the holder member 4 and the circuit board 6.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the key tops 2 are divided into four groups for each specific key top 2, and the slide base 30 corresponds to the key tops 2 belonging to each group. It is divided. In the present embodiment, the key tops 2 are divided into four groups of escape keys, function keys, cursor keys, and other input keys. However, when a numeric keypad used for calculation or the like is provided, only the numeric keypad is used. You may make one group. In this case, it is possible to leave only the numeric keypad in the non-operating position in order to prevent erroneous operations and the like in the mode in which calculation is unnecessary. Further, when only the ten keys and the cursor keys are required such as when inputting a spreadsheet, these keys may be grouped together.

On the slide base 30 are shown in FIGS.
As shown in, the rubber spring 5 is fixed,
The rubber spring 5 includes a first link member 10 and a second link member 10.
The link member 11 can be arranged at a lower position corresponding to a portion where the link members 11 are axially supported with respect to each other. The rubber spring 5 is formed of an elastic rubber material such as silicon rubber or EPDM, and includes a conical dome portion 5A and an edge portion 5B formed around the dome portion 5A (see FIG. 4). ).

A movable electrode 25 made of conductive rubber is fixed to the inner upper wall of the dome portion 5A, and the base 12 of the first link member 10 can be placed on the top of the dome portion 5A. Thus, the guide member 3 including the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 is elastically supported by the rubber spring 5. Here, since the rubber spring 5 is fixed on the slide base 30, it is slid together with the slide base 30 as the slide base 30 slides. This will be described later.

The movable electrode 2 in the dome portion 5A is located at a position where the edge portion 5B of the rubber spring 5 is fixed.
An opening 30A corresponding to No. 5 is provided. On the other hand, on the circuit board 6, a pair of fixed electrodes 2 which are switching electrodes.
6 are formed. As will be described later, the movable electrode 25 is brought into contact with the fixed electrode 26 in the opening 30A when the key top 2 is pressed, so that the fixed electrodes 26 are short-circuited with each other and a switching operation is performed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed electrode 26 is
It is formed so as to be slightly shifted to the left side with respect to the movable electrode 25. This is because when the key top 2 is pressed, the first sliding pin 14 of the first link member 10 and the second sliding pin of the second link member 11 are pressed.
Based on the sliding pin 19 sliding in the first locking portion 8 and the third locking portion 23, respectively, the rubber spring 5
Since the movable electrode 25 of FIG. 1 also buckles and abuts against each fixed electrode 26 while shifting slightly to the left in FIG. 1, the movable electrode 25 is configured to short-circuit the fixed electrode 26 at the center thereof during switching. is there.

Further, the slide base 30 may be a rubber spring seat in which the key tops 2 are divided into specific groups (4 groups in this embodiment) and are divided so as to correspond to the respective groups. In the case of this rubber spring seat, since the slide base portion and the rubber spring portion are integrally formed, it is not necessary to fix each rubber spring 5 to the plurality of openings 30A provided in the slide base 30.

Further, an operation knob 27 is fixed on the slide base 30 at a position separated from the key switch device 1, and the operation knob 27 is operated when the slide base 30 is slid. As shown in FIG. 5, the key switch device 1 of this embodiment includes a slide base 30 divided into four parts, and each slide base 30 includes an operation knob 27. The operation knob 27 of each slide base 30 can be moved only in the left-right direction in FIG. 5 independently of the operation knobs 27 of the other slide bases 30, and the opening portion 6A of the circuit board 6 and the opening portion 7A of the support plate 7 can be moved. And is locked to the support plate 7 (see FIG. 1).

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each operation knob 27
A positioning protrusion 28 is formed on the end portion of the holder (only one of the positioning protrusions 28 is shown in FIG. 6). The positioning protrusion 28 is formed on the holder member 4 in correspondence with the movable range of the operation knob 27. Positioning fit in one of the two positioning grooves 29A, 29B formed in both opposite side edges (upper and lower side edges in FIG. 6, only the upper side edge in FIG. 6) of the formed operation hole 29. Are combined. The positioning protrusion 28 and the positioning grooves 29A and 29B enable positioning when the slide base 30 is slid between the holder member 4 and the circuit board 6 via the operation knob 27.

In FIG. 6, the positioning protrusion 28 of the operation knob 27 is positioned and fitted in the positioning groove 29A. In this state, the relationship between the respective members constituting the key switch device 1 is shown in FIGS. Become involved. That is, the rubber spring 5 is in the engagement position where it engages with the guide member 3, and the key top 2 is in the operating position. Further, the relationship between the respective members when the positioning protrusion 28 is positioned and fitted in the positioning groove 29B is as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. That is, the rubber spring 5 is in the disengaged position out of the guide member 3, and the key top 2 is in the non-operating position.
Therefore, by selectively sliding each slide base 30, the height of the key tops 2 can be moved group by group independently of the key tops 2 of other groups.

Next, a method of assembling the key switch device 1 having the above-described structure will be described. First, with the slide base 30 to which the rubber spring 5 is fixed and the circuit board 6 sandwiched between the support plate 7 and the holder member 4, each support plate 7 and the holder member 4 are maintained with a clearance therebetween. Meanwhile, they are connected to each other by "caulking" or screwing. At this point, slide base 30
Will be slidably arranged between the circuit board 6 and the holder member 4. After that, the guide shaft 3 is assembled by pivotally supporting the pivot shaft 16 of the first link member 10 in the pivot hole 21 of the second link member 11. Next, the second
Each second sliding pin 19 of the link member 11 is slidably inserted into and locked by the third locking portion 23 of the holder member 4, and each first locking pin 15 of the first link member 10 is locked by the holder member 4. 4th of 4
It is pressed into the locking portion 24. As a result, the guide member 3 is held by the holder member 4.

After the guide member 3 is held by the holder member 4 as described above, the key top 2 is arranged above the guide member 3 and each first sliding pin 14 of the first link member 10 is attached to the key top. The second locking pin 20 of the second link member 11 is slidably inserted into and locked in the first locking portion 8 formed in the front portion of the second key member 2. It is pressed into the locking portion 9. Thereby, the key switch device 1 is assembled. When the key switch device 1 is assembled as described above, since the base portion 12 of the first link member 10 is placed on the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5, the key top 2 is a guide member. 3 is urged upward through the elastic force of the rubber spring 5 and is held in the operating position shown in FIG. At this time, the operation knob 27 is fitted in the positioning groove 29A.

Next, the switching operation of the key switch device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the key switch device 1 showing a state in which the key top is pressed. In this case, the positioning protrusion 28 of the operation knob 27 is positioned and fitted in the positioning groove 29A as shown in FIG. 6, and the rubber spring 5 is in the engaging position and the key top 2 is in operation as shown in FIG. It is assumed to be in the position.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, that is, when the key top 2 in the operating position is pushed down, each first sliding pin 14 of the first link member 10 in the guide member 3 is moved within the first locking portion 8. While being slid to the left, the first locking pin 15 is rotated counterclockwise in the fourth locking portion 24. At the same time,
The second locking pin 20 of the second link member 11 of the guide member 3 is rotated clockwise in the second locking portion 9, and the second sliding pin 19 is left in the third locking portion 23. Be slid on. At this time, the key top 2 is moved downward while maintaining the horizontal state regardless of the pressed position of the key top 2 by the cooperation action of each first link member 10 and the second link member 11.

With the downward movement of the key top 2, the first
The base 12 of the link member 10 gradually becomes the rubber spring 5
The dome portion 5A is pushed down, and when the pushing force exceeds a certain limit, the dome portion 5A buckles with a click feeling. Due to the buckling of the rubber spring 5, the movable electrode 25 fixed to the inner upper wall of the dome portion 5A short-circuits the fixed electrodes 26 formed on the circuit board 6 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the switching operation of the key switch is performed.

When the key top 2 is released from being pressed,
The base portion 12 of the first link member 10 is urged upward by the elastic force (returning force) of the rubber spring 5. At this time, each of the first sliding pins 14 of the first link member 10 is slid to the right in the first locking portion 8 from the state shown in FIG. It is rotated clockwise in the section 24. At the same time, the second locking pin 20 of the second link member 11 in the guide member 3 is rotated counterclockwise in the second locking portion 9, and the second sliding pin 19 is locked in the third locking position. It slides to the right in the portion 23 from the state shown in FIG. 7. Along with this, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 gradually returns to its original state due to its own elastic force, and the movable electrode 25 is separated from each fixed electrode 26 in this process. At this point, it is turned off and off-switching operation is performed. Then, the key top 2 is in the original non-depressed state shown in FIG. 1 via the elastic force of the rubber spring 5,
That is, it returns to the operating position. At this time, the key top 2 is
Similar to the above-mentioned pressing, the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 cooperate to move upward while maintaining the horizontal state.

Next, in order to lower the height of the key top 2 of the specific portion of the key switch device 1 configured as described above, the slide base 30 is moved to the first position via the operation knob 27.
The operation of sliding the link member 10 and the second link member 11 in the leg opening direction will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the holder member 4 and the rubber spring 5 in the non-operating position of the key top 2 after sliding the slide base 30 and the rubber spring 5, and FIG. 9 is a slide sheet 30 and FIG. 6 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state of the key switch device 1 in a non-operating position of the key top 2 after sliding the rubber spring 5. Before the sliding operation of the slide base 30, the holder member 4 and the rubber spring 5 are in the states shown in FIGS.

First, by operating the operation knob 27, the slide base 30 is moved between the holder member 4 and the circuit board 6 in the direction of arrow C in FIGS. 1 and 4, and the positioning protrusion 28 shown in FIG. It slides until it is positioned and fitted in the positioning groove 29B. When the slide base 30 slides, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 is gradually separated from the base portion 12 of the first link member 10, and the base portion 12 comes into contact with the conical wall portion of the dome portion 5A. Each of the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 of the guide member 3 which is urged upward by the elastic force of the rubber spring 5 is folded with respect to each other via the pivot shaft 16 and the pivot hole 21 thereof. Go. Along with this, the height of the key top 2 gradually decreases from the operating position shown in FIG. Then, when the base portion 12 of the first link member 10 is completely disengaged from the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5, each of the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 is completely folded as shown in FIG. Slide base 3
0, and at the same time, the height of the key top 2 becomes the lowest as shown in FIG. 9 because it is in a state where no elastic force from the rubber spring 5 is received. The position of the rubber spring 5 in this state is the non-engaging position, and the position of the key top 2 is the non-operating position in which it cannot be pressed.

When the key switch device 1 of a specific part of the keyboard is used, the key switch device 1 is used.
When returning the key top 2 to the operating position, the operation knob 27 is operated according to the operation opposite to the above operation until the positioning protrusion 28 is positioned and fitted in the positioning groove 29A.
The slide base 30 is moved in the direction of arrow D in FIGS. When the slide base 30 is slid, the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 has a substantially conical shape, so that the base portion 12 of the first link member 10 gradually increases.
Underneath, the base 12 eventually becomes the dome 5A
Will be placed on top of the. The position of the rubber spring 5 in this state is the engagement position. This allows
Each of the folded first ring member 10 and second link member 11 gradually returns to the original state, and along with this, the height of the key top 2 also gradually increases and the original pressing force shown in FIG. Return to the possible operating position.

As described above in detail, in the key switch device 1 according to the present embodiment, the key is provided via the guide member 3 which rotatably supports the first link member 10 and the second link member 11. The top 2 is arranged so as to be movable up and down on the holder member 4, and a plurality of slide bases 30 to which the rubber springs 5 for mounting the base 12 of the first link member 10 in the guide member 3 are fixed are attached to the operation knob 27. Thus, it is configured to be selectively slidable on the circuit board 6 in the opening / closing leg direction of the first link member 10 and the second link member 11 between the operating position and the non-operating position of the key top 2. Therefore, it is possible to easily reduce the thickness of the key switch device 1 without requiring a stem portion for guiding the sliding of the key top 2 in the holder member 4, and to set only the key top to be used in the operating position. .

The unused key tops 2 are guided by the rubber springs 5 by sliding the slide base 30 corresponding to the key tops 2 to move the rubber springs 5 to the disengaged position out of the guide members 3. Release the bias of 3. Then, each first
The link member 10 and the second link member 11 are folded so that the height of the key top 2 can be lowered to the non-operating position.

The above embodiments do not limit the present invention, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, when the key top 2 is pushed down, the movable electrode 25 fixed to the inner upper wall of the dome portion 5A of the rubber spring 5 and the fixed electrode 26 formed on the circuit board 6 are provided. It is configured to contact with each other to perform the switching operation, but a so-called membrane switch having a spacer interposed between two switching sheets is arranged on the lower surface of the holder member 4, and a pressing portion is provided on the inner upper wall of the dome portion 5A. It is clear that the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained even when the structure is formed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the circuit board 6
Although the slide base 30 and the slide base 30 are separate bodies, the circuit board 6
The circuit board 6 and the slide base 30 may be integrally formed by fixing the rubber spring 5 directly on the circuit board 6 so that the circuit board 6 can slide.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the circuit board 6
However, the circuit board 6 and the support plate 7 may be integrally formed by printing a circuit on the support plate 7. Further, in this case, the holder member 4 may be formed integrally with the support plate 7 on which the circuit is printed. That is, the third locking portion 23 and the fourth locking portion 24 are formed on the support plate 7,
Slide base 3 with rubber spring 5
0 is provided with an appropriate opening so that the slide base 30 can slide relative to the support plate 7.
In this case, the opening provided in the slide base 30 allows the third locking portion 23 and the fourth locking portion 24 to move toward the slide base 3.
It does not prevent the relative movement of 0.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, all the key tops 2 can be moved in height by sliding one of the slide bases 30, but only the specific key switch device 1 can be moved in height. It may have any configuration. In this case, for example, the key switch device 1 that is normally used has a structure in which the height of the key top cannot be adjusted as in the conventional case, and only the key top 2 of the key switch device 1 that is not normally used is always placed in the non-operating position. The key switch 1
Only when the key is used, the above-mentioned slide mechanism is used to position the key top 2 in the operating position.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of slide bases 30 are provided and each slide base is slidable independently of the other slide bases 30, but the holder member 4 is divided into a plurality of slide bases. It goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained even if each holder member 4 is slidable independently of the other holder members 4 with respect to the possible immovable rubber spring 5. In this case, eliminate the slide base 30, that is, the rubber spring 5
Can be directly fixed to the circuit board 6, and the circuit board 6 can be integrated with the support 7.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, the switching member is disposed so as to be slidable relative to the key top or the guide support member, and the selection slide mechanism is a specific part of the key top. Since the key top of can be selectively moved in the height direction thereof, an erroneous input or erroneous operation can be prevented, which is a significant industrial effect. Also, since the key tops are divided into multiple blocks and each key top can be set to the inactive state independently, it is possible to input only the key tops necessary for various applications, and make an incorrect input. It also has an industrially significant effect of further preventing erroneous operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a key switch device according to an embodiment in which a key top is in an operating position.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one link member.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other link member.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the holder member and the rubber spring at the operating position of the key top before sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the entire key switch device.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a locking structure of an operation knob.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the key switch device showing a state where the key top is pressed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the holder member and the rubber spring at the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state of the key switch device in the non-operating position of the key top after sliding the rubber spring.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Key Switch Device 2 Key Top 3 Guide Member 4 Holder Member 5 Rubber Spring 5A Dome 5B Edge 6 Circuit Board 7 Support Plate 8 First Locking Part 9 Second Locking Part 10 First Link Member 11 Second Link Member 12 Base 14 First Sliding Pin 15 First Locking Pin 16 Pivot Shaft 19 Second Sliding Pin 20 Second Locking Pin 21 Pivoting Hole 23 Third Locking Part 24 Fourth Locking Part 25 Movable Electrode 25A Opening 26 Fixed electrode 26A Opening 27 Operation knob 28 Positioning protrusion 29A Positioning groove 29B Positioning groove 30 Slide base 30A Opening

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of key tops, a switching member that is provided corresponding to the key tops and performs a switching operation based on the pressing of the key tops, and the switching members slide relative to the key tops. By doing so, the slide mechanism that can move the key top in the height direction between an operating position where the key top can be pressed and a non-operating position where the key top cannot be pressed and is lower than this operating position. A key switch device comprising: a key switch device, wherein the slide mechanism is a selection slide mechanism capable of selectively moving a specific part of the key tops in the height direction of the key tops. . 2. The selection slide mechanism includes at least first and second selection slide mechanisms, the first selection slide mechanism includes a first key top, and the second selection slide mechanism includes a second key top. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the key switch device is movable independently of each other. 3. The key top is supported by a guide support member so that it can be pressed, and the selection slide mechanism comprises:
An engagement position where the switching member engages and supports the guide support member to dispose the key top in the operating position, and a disengagement of the switching member from the guide support member causes the key top to move to the non-operation position. 2. The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the key switch device is a mechanism capable of relatively slidingly moving the switching member and the guide support member between a non-engagement position arranged at the position. 4. The selection slide mechanism includes at least first and second selection slide mechanisms, the first selection slide mechanism includes a first switching member, and the second selection slide mechanism includes a second switching member. The key switch device according to claim 3, wherein the key switch device is slidable independently of each other with respect to the guide support member. 5. The selection slide mechanism includes a slide base disposed below the guide support member and slidably disposed on a circuit board on which switching electrodes are formed. The key switch device according to claim 3, wherein the key switch device is provided on a slide base and can perform a switching operation in cooperation with the switching electrode. 6. The slide base is at least a first base.
And a second slide base, wherein the first slide base is capable of sliding the first switching member and the second slide base is capable of sliding the second switching member independently of the guide supporting member. The key switch device according to claim 5, wherein 7. The selection slide mechanism is disposed below the guide support member, and is fixed to a circuit board on which switching electrodes are formed and on the circuit board in correspondence with the switching electrodes. The key switch device according to claim 3, comprising the switching electrode, and the circuit board being slidable relative to the guide support member. 8. The circuit board includes at least first and second circuit boards, the first circuit board including a first switching member and the second circuit board including a second switching member. The key switch device according to claim 7, wherein the key switch device is slidable relatively independently of the member. 9. The switching device, wherein the selection slide mechanism supports the guide support member and is arranged below the guide support member corresponding to the switching electrode on a circuit board on which a switching electrode is formed. The key switch device according to claim 3, further comprising a holder member having an opening through which the member is projected, the holder member being slidable relative to the switching member. 10. The holder member includes at least first and second holder members, the first holder member switching a first guide support member, and the second holder member switching a second guide support member, respectively. The key switch device according to claim 9, wherein the key switch device is slidable relatively independently of the member.