Switch device and key input device

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch device and a key input device, which can generate a click sound and a click feeling when pressed. The switch device (1) and the key input device having the switch device (1) are provided with: a fixed component (11) that can be fixed to a substrate (10); a movable component (12) that is movably supported on the fixed component (11) and moves downward by a pressing operation. The switch device (1) and the key input device having the switch device (1) are provided with: a striking component (13) that is mounted on the movable component (12) in a manner that can move in the upward and downward directions relative to the movable component (12) and strikes other components; and an elastic component (16) that has an engaged portion (160) that engages with the striking component (13). The striking component has an engaging portion (130) that engages with the engaged portion, and the striking component strikes other components when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the movable component moves downward, and when the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion as the movable component further moves downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device including a movable member that moves in a pressing direction when pressed, and a key input device including such a switch device. Background Art

[0002] Keyboards with multiple key switches arranged in an array are becoming increasingly popular as input devices for electronic devices such as computers, and as notebook personal computers (hereinafter referred to as notebook PCs) as electronic devices having input devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard device that is thinned using rubber springs.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-141962

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the keyboard device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the tactile feeling and sound when a key switch is pressed, namely, the so-called click feeling and click sound, are insufficient because of the use of rubber springs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that can meet the requirements related to the pressing of a key switch.

[0009] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a key input device using such a switch device.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the switch device (key switch) disclosed in the present invention comprises: a fixed component which can be fixed on a substrate; a movable component which is movably supported on the fixed component and moves in a pressing direction by a pressing operation; a force-applying component which applies a force to the movable component in a direction opposite to the pressing direction, and is characterized in that the switch device further comprises: a striking component which is mounted on the movable component in a manner capable of moving in the pressing direction and in a direction opposite to the pressing direction relative to the movable component, and strikes other components; an elastic component which is fixed to the fixed component, the elastic component having an engaged portion engaged with the striking component, the striking component having an engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion, and the striking component striking other components when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the movable component moves in the pressing direction and the engaging portion is disengaged as the movable component further moves in the pressing direction.

[0011] In addition, in the switch device, it is characterized in that the elastic member is composed of a coil spring, the engaging portion of the striking member is configured as a convex portion pressing the elastic member, and the engaging portion of the striking member engages with the coil spring to extend the elastic member.

[0012] Furthermore, the switch device disclosed in the present invention includes: a fixed component, which can be fixed on a substrate; a movable component, which is movably supported on the fixed component and moves in a pressing direction by a pressing operation; a force-applying component, which applies force to the movable component in a direction opposite to the pressing direction, and is characterized in that the switch device also includes a striking component, which is mounted on the movable component in a manner that is movable in the pressing direction and in a direction opposite to the pressing direction relative to the movable component, and strikes other components, the force-applying component has an engaged portion engaged with the striking component, the striking component has an engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion, and the striking component strikes other components when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the movable component moves in the pressing direction and the engaging portion is disengaged as the movable component further moves in the pressing direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in the switch device, the urging member is formed using a compression coil spring, and the engaged portion is formed by extending one end of a coil forming the compression coil spring.

[0014] Furthermore, in the switch device, the striking member is restricted from moving relative to the fixing member by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the key input device (keyboard) disclosed in the present invention is a key input device provided with a plurality of key switches, and is characterized in that the key switches provided include the switch device described above.

[0016] In addition, the key input device is characterized in that it comprises: a light-emitting portion that emits light; a light-receiving portion that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion; and a shielding portion that is installed on a movable component of the key input device to shield the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, and the shielding portion blocks or releases the light emitted from the light-emitting portion as the movable component moves in the pressing direction.

[0017] The switch device and the key input device disclosed by the present invention have a movable member equipped with a striking member that strikes other members as the movable member moves in a pressing direction.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] The switch device and key input device of the present invention have a striking member attached to a movable member that moves in a pressing direction by a pressing operation. The striking member strikes other members as the movable member moves. The striking of the other members by the striking member satisfies the requirement of accompanying pressing, thereby achieving excellent effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard to which the key input device disclosed in the present invention is applied.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a movable member and a hitting member included in the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a movable member and a striking member included in the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a striking member and an elastic member included in the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a striking member and a biasing member included in the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch disclosed in the present invention.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] KB keyboard (key input device)

[0042] 1-button switch (switch device)

[0043] 10 substrates

[0044] 103 luminous part

[0045] 104 light receiving part

[0046] 11Fixed parts

[0047] 12 movable parts

[0048] 124 shielding plate (shielding part)

[0049] 13 striking parts

[0050] 130 locking part

[0051] 14 force-applying components

[0052] 140 engaged portion

[0053] 15 guide components

[0054] 16 elastic components

[0055] 160 engaged portion

[0056] 17 Holding components DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] (Application Example)

[0058] The following describes an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The key input device disclosed herein is used, for example, as a keyboard for inputting data such as text, numbers, symbols, and various commands into electronic devices such as computers. The keyboard is equipped with multiple switch devices disclosed herein as key switches. The following description uses the keyboard KB and key switch 1 depicted in the accompanying drawings as an example.

[0059] (Keyboard (key input device))

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard KB to which the key input device disclosed in the present invention is applied. On the keyboard KB, a plurality of key switches 1 such as character keys, numeric keys, and other function keys are arranged as switch devices in accordance with the QWERTY arrangement. In addition, in the following description, the user uses the keyboard KB placed on the table in a general posture, and the directions of the keyboard KB and the key switches 1 of the keyboard KB are defined based on the user's viewpoint. That is, in the present invention, the front side (on the left) is defined as the left side. Figure 1 The description will be made with the direction in which the key switch 1 is pressed being the lower left side as the front side.

[0061] Next, the key switch 1 provided on the keyboard KB will be described. The key switch 1 provided on the keyboard KB disclosed in the present invention can be implemented in various forms, and here, as an example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[0062] (Key switch (switch device))

[0063] (First embodiment)

[0064] (Structure example)

[0065] A configuration example of the key switch 1 will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 2 The key switch 1 is shown from a perspective obliquely above. Figure 3 The key switch 1 is shown from an obliquely downward perspective. The key switch 1 comprises a base plate 10 built into the keyboard KB, a fixed member 11 fixed to the base plate 10, and a movable member 12 that is pushed downward by the user and can move vertically. A removable key top 120 is attached to the top surface of the movable member 12. The top surface of the movable member 12, to which the key top 120 is attached, is generally square in shape when viewed from above.

[0066] The base plate 10 has a three-layer structure consisting of a circuit layer with wiring and electronic circuitry formed from the bottom, a protective layer to protect the wiring and electronic circuitry formed on the base plate 10, and a cover layer that covers the keyboard KB from the top. A roughly rectangular mounting opening 100 is defined in the base plate 10, into which the lower portion of the fixing member 11 is inserted. The base plate 10 surrounds the mounting opening 100, forming a frame 101. A pair of roughly rectangular mounting tabs 102 are formed from one side of the frame 101 facing the mounting opening 100, projecting toward the inside of the opening 100. A light-emitting portion 103, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), is mounted on one mounting tab 102. A light-receiving portion 104, such as a photodiode (PD) or phototransistor (PT), is mounted on the other mounting tab 102. The light-emitting portion 103 and the light-receiving portion 104 are mounted facing each other. The light-emitting portion 103 emits light to the light-receiving portion 104, and the light-receiving portion 104 receives the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 103. An illumination portion 105 using a light-emitting element such as an LED is mounted on the periphery of the frame 101, located on the edge opposite the edge where the mounting tab 102 is formed, across the mounting opening 100. The illumination portion 105 illuminates the key switches 1 and their surroundings, causing the keyboard KB to illuminate. Furthermore, within the keyboard KB, the substrate 10 can be positioned on each key switch 1, or a single substrate 10 can be shared by multiple key switches 1.

[0067] The internal structure of the key switch 1 will be described. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 4 The key top 120 of the movable member 12 is shown without it. Figure 5 The movable member 12 is removed. Figure 6 express Figure 4 The cross section along the A-B direction is shown. Figure 7 The key top 120 of the movable member 12 is shown without it.

[0068] The key switch 1 includes various components such as a striking member 13 , a biasing member 14 , a guide member 15 , an elastic member 16 , and a holding member 17 in addition to the aforementioned substrate 10 , fixed member 11 , and movable member 12 .

[0069] As mentioned above, the substrate 10 is a three-layer structure of a circuit layer, a protective layer and a cover layer. The substrate 10 is provided with an embedding opening 100. A pair of mounting pieces 102 are formed on a frame portion 101 around the embedding opening 100 of the substrate 10. Figure 3 As shown, a light emitting unit 103 and a light receiving unit 104 are mounted on a mounting piece 102 of a substrate 10 , and an illumination unit 105 is mounted on a frame 101 facing the mounting piece 102 .

[0070] The fixing member 11 is fixed to the substrate 10 with its lower portion inserted into the mounting opening 100 of the substrate 10. The fixing member 11 is in the shape of a roughly rectangular box, with the upper surface and one side surface open. A rectangular cutout 110 is formed on the bottom surface of the fixing member 11, connected to the open side surface. When the fixing member 11 is inserted into the substrate 10, the light-emitting unit 103 and light-receiving unit 104 mounted on the substrate 10 are positioned within the cutout 110 of the fixing member 11. A roughly cylindrical inner wall 111 is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate 10.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the movable member 12 and the hitting member 13 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the movable member 12 and the hitting member 13 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 8 The movable member 12 and the striking member 13 attached to the movable member 12 are shown from a viewpoint obliquely below. Figure 9 express Figure 8 The cross section in the C-D direction is shown. Figures 4 to 9The movable component 12 is described below. The movable component 12 is movably supported on the fixed component 11 and is a component that moves in the pressing direction when pressed. The movable component 12 is in the shape of a plate that is roughly rectangular when viewed from above. Near the vertices of four locations, guide pieces 121 are formed in a manner extending downward to engage with the guide component 15 and guide the up and down movement. An opening is formed on the guide piece 121 to engage with the guide component 15. The interlocking tube 122, which is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, extends downward from near the center of the lower surface of the movable component 12. Since the outer diameter of the interlocking tube 122 is formed to be slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the inner wall 111 of the fixed component 11, the interlocking tube 122 is loosely engaged with the inner side of the fixed component 11 so as to be movable up and down. The movable component 12 is guided up and down by the guide piece 121 and the interlocking tube 122 with which the guide piece 121 is loosely engaged. On the lower surface of the movable component 12, a pair of rectangular plate-shaped support pieces 123 are formed around the interlocking cylinder 122 in a manner extending downward. A folding portion 123a bent into a hook shape is formed at the lower end of the support piece 123. The support piece 123 supports the striking component 13 so that it can move up and down. Near one side of the movable component 12, a rectangular plate-shaped shielding plate 124 (shielding portion) extending downward is formed. The shielding plate 124 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the nearby side. The shielding plate 124 moves up and down as the movable component 12 moves up and down. When moving downward, it enters between the light-emitting portion 103 and the light-receiving portion 104 mounted on the substrate 10, and blocks the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 103.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the hitting member 13 and the elastic member 16 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 10 The striking member 13 and the elastic member 16 are shown as a perspective view in a state where the movable member 12 is not pressed so that the positional relationship can be easily understood. Figures 4 to 10The striking component 13 will now be described. The striking component 13 is mounted on the movable component 12 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (in the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction) relative to the movable component 12. The striking component 13 is a component that strikes another component, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the folded portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable component 12, by moving. The striking component 13 is formed into a roughly rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, with the center of the long side curved outward into an arc shape. The striking component 13 is fitted with clearance on the inner wall 111 of the fixed component 11 and the outer side of the force-applying component 14 surrounding the inner wall 111. An engaging portion 130 is formed on one of the curved long sides of the striking component 13 as a protruding portion protruding outward, which engages with the elastic component 16. The short side of the striking component 13 is fitted onto the support piece 123 of the movable component 12 and supported by the support piece 123 so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the movable component 12. The upper limit of the movement direction of the hitting member 13 is the position where it contacts the bottom surface of the movable member 12 , and the lower limit of the movement direction of the hitting member 13 is the position where it contacts the folded portion 123 a at the lower end of the support piece 123 . Figure 10 The positional relationship between the striking member 13 and the elastic member 16 when the movable member 12 is not pressed is shown. Figure 10 When the movable member 12 moves downward in the state shown, the engaging portion 130 of the movable member 12 engages with the elastic member 16. The pressed movable member 12 moves further downward, and the striking member 13 moves downward with the movement of the movable member 12. When the engagement with the elastic member 16 is disengaged, the striking member 13 strikes the folded portion 123a of the movable member 12.

[0073] Reference Figures 4 to 7 The biasing member 14 is described below. The biasing member 14 is formed using a compression coil spring. The biasing member 14 is positioned so as to surround the inner wall 111 of the fixed member 11 and the fitting tube 122 of the movable member 12. Its lower end is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11, and its upper end biases the movable member 12 upward (in the direction opposite to the downward direction).

[0074] Reference Figures 4 to 7The guide member 15 will be described. The guide member 15 is formed by combining a first link member 15a and a second link member 15b. The first link member 15a is roughly U-shaped, with two arms 150 having a swing axis at the first end connected by a connecting portion 151 formed at the second end opposite the first end. An engaging protrusion 152 is formed on the second end of the first link member 15a, which engages with the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12. A fulcrum 153 is formed near the center of the second end of the first link member 15a, which engages with the fixed member 11. The first link member 15a is formed in a roughly L-shape, bent at the fulcrum 153. The second link member 15b is roughly H-shaped, with two arms 150 having a swing axis at the first end connected by a connecting portion 151 formed near the center of the arms 150. The second link member 15b has an engaging protrusion 152 formed at the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12 on its second end, opposite the first end. A fulcrum 153 is formed near the center of the second end of the second link member 15b, which engages with the fixed member 11. The second link member 15b is formed into a roughly L-shaped shape, bent at the fulcrum 153. The guide member 15 is a member formed by combining the swing axes of the first link member 15a and the second link member 15b, forming a roughly W-shaped shape when viewed from the side. The fulcrum 153 of the guide member 15 engages with the fixed member 11 in a horizontally movable manner, while the engaging protrusions 152 of the first link member 15a and the engaging protrusions 152 of the second link member 15b engage with the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12 in a horizontally movable manner. The guide member 15 has the function of guiding the upper surface of the movable member 12 without tilting during its vertical movement. Specifically, when the movable member 12 moves downward, the engaging protrusions 152 of the guide member 15 engage with the guide tabs 121 formed at four vertices of the movable member 12, causing the first and second link members 15a, 15b to tilt, allowing the W-shaped shape of the guide member 15 to open while maintaining a roughly symmetrical plane. This allows the movable member 12 to move downward without tilting. The same applies when the movable member 12 moves upward: the guide member 15 guides the movable member 12 upward without tilting. The second end of the second link member 15b tilts toward the side where the light-emitting unit 103 and light-receiving unit 104 are located. However, because the connecting portion 151 is formed near the center, rather than at the second end, even when tilted, it does not interfere with the light-emitting unit 103 and light-receiving unit 104.

[0075] Reference Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 10The elastic member 16 and the retaining member 17 will be described. The elastic member 16 is formed using an elastic body such as a tension coil spring. Both ends of the elastic member 16 are retained by the retaining member 17. While retaining both ends of the elastic member 16, the retaining member 17 is fixed to the fixed member 11 with the coil axis of the retaining member 17 oriented horizontally. The vicinity of the center of the retaining member 17 functions as an engaged portion 160 that engages with the engaging portion 130 of the striking member 13. Alternatively, the elastic member 16 can be formed using a coil spring such as a compression coil spring.

[0076] (Action Example)

[0077] An operation example of the key switch 1 according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 11 Indicates the state where the key switch 1 does not accept a pressing operation after the key top 120 is removed. Figure 11 As shown, when the movable member 12 is not being pressed, it is biased upward by the biasing member 14 and positioned at the upper end of its range of motion. Since the movable member 12 is positioned at the upper end, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 is positioned above the light-emitting portion 103 and the light-receiving portion 104. The striking member 13 attached to the movable member 12 is positioned at the lower end of its range of motion relative to the movable member 12, but above the elastic member 16. The engaging portion 130 of the striking member 13 does not engage with the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16.

[0078] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 12 Indicates that the movable member 12 is Figure 11 The illustrated state is a state in which the striking member 13 moves downward in response to a pressing operation. The movable member 12 moves downward in response to a pressing operation. As the movable member 12 moves downward, the striking member 13 moves downward. As the striking member 13 moves downward, the engaging portion 130 abuts against the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16, and the engagement with the engaged portion 160 restricts the striking member 13 from moving downward. The striking member 13 moves upward relative to the movable member 12 due to the restriction on its downward movement. When the striking member 13, whose movement is restricted, moves to the upper limit of its movement range, as the movable member 12 moves downward, the striking member 13 moves downward, and presses the elastic member 16 while engaging with the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16. In the first embodiment, the state in which the engaging portion 130 of the hitting member 13 presses the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 as the movable member 12 moves is referred to as engagement between the engaging portion 130 and the engaged portion 160 as the movable member 12 moves. Figure 12The striking member 13 presses the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 by engaging. The striking member 13 moves the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the elastic member 16 (towards the Figure 12 The elastic member 16 is pressed and stretched.

[0079] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 13 Indicates that the movable member 12 is Figure 12 The illustrated state further accepts a pressing operation and moves to the lower limit of the moving range. Figure 12 As shown, when the movable member 12 is further depressed from the state in which the striking member 13 is engaged with the elastic member 16, the striking member 13, which moves along with the movable member 12, disengages the engaging portion 130 from the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16. Having disengaged from the engaged portion 160, the striking member 13 moves downward, striking the folded portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable member 12 with its lower end. The operator can perceive the sound and vibration caused by the striking member 13 striking the movable member 12 as a click.

[0080] When the operator Figure 13 When the pressing of the movable member 12 is released in the illustrated state, the movable member 12 moves upward due to the upward force of the force applying member 14 and returns to the position. Figure 11 The illustrated state.

[0081] Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 14 The key switch 1 is shown from a perspective obliquely below, and Figure 11 The illustrated states correspond. Figure 14 Indicates the state where key switch 1 does not accept the pressing operation. Figure 11 As shown, when the key switch 1 is not pressed, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 is located above the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104. Therefore, the optical path between the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104 is not blocked, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103 is detected by the light receiving portion 104.

[0082] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 15 Indicates that the movable member 12 is Figure 14 The illustrated state receives a press operation and moves to the lower limit of the moving range, which is different from Figure 13When the movable member 12 moves to the lower limit of its range of motion, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 enters between the light emitting unit 103 and the light receiving unit 104. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 103 is blocked by the shielding plate 124 and does not reach the light receiving unit 104.

[0083] When the operator Figure 15 When the movable member 12 is released from the state shown, the movable member 12 moves upward due to the upward force of the force applying member 14, and the light blocking of the shielding plate 124 is released and returns to the state shown in FIG. Figure 14 The illustrated state.

[0084] To operate the keyboard KB, a user touches and depresses the movable member 12 of the key switch 1. This causes a shielding plate 124 formed on the movable member 12 to block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 103. By blocking the optical path from the light emitting unit 103 to the light receiving unit 104 with shielding plate 124, the circuit's connected / disconnected state is switched. Upon detecting this switch in connected / disconnected state, the keyboard KB outputs an on signal for each key switch 1 to a connected electronic device such as a personal computer. Furthermore, when the operator releases the pressing of the movable member 12, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 103 is unblocked, and the light receiving unit 104 detects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 103. By unblocking the optical path from the light emitting unit 103 to the light receiving unit 104, the circuit's connected / disconnected state is restored to its original state.

[0085] (Second embodiment)

[0086] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment except that the elastic member 16 and the holding member 17 are not used, and the striking member 13 is formed to engage with the urging member 14. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0087] (Structure example)

[0088] The appearance of the key switch 1 of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore, reference will be made to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] The internal structure of the key switch 1 will be described. Figure 16 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 16The key top 120 is shown with the movable member 12 removed. The key switch 1 includes various components, such as a substrate 10, a fixed member 11, a movable member 12, a striking member 13, a biasing member 14, and a guide member 15. The shapes and functions of the substrate 10, fixed member 11, movable member 12, and guide member 15 in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0090] Figure 17 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the hitting member 13 and the urging member 14 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 17 The striking member 13 and the urging member 14 are shown as a perspective view in a state where the movable member 12 is not pressed down so that the positional relationship can be easily understood. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The striking member 13 and the force-applying member 14 will now be described. The striking member 13 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, with its long sides curved outward near the center into an arc shape to allow for a loose fit between the inner wall 111 of the fixed member 11 and the outer side of the force-applying member 14 surrounding the inner wall 111. An outwardly protruding projection on one of the curved long sides of the striking member 13 forms an engaging portion 130 that engages with the force-applying member 14.

[0091] The urging member 14 of the second embodiment is formed using a compression coil spring. The lower end of the urging member 14 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11, and the upper end of the urging member 14 urges the movable member 12 upward. The lower end of the coil of the compression coil spring used as the urging member 14 extends linearly toward the engaging portion 130 of the striking member 13. At the location where it engages with the engaging portion 130, it bends in two stages, forming an engaged portion 140 that engages with the engaging portion 130.

[0092] (Action Example)

[0093] An operation example of the key switch 1 according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. Figure 18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 18 Indicates the state where the key switch 1 is not pressed after the key top 120 is removed. Figure 18 As shown, when the movable member 12 is not pressed, it is urged upward by the urging member 14 and is positioned at the upper end of its range of movement. The striking member 13 attached to the movable member 12 is positioned at the lower end of its range of movement relative to the movable member 12.

[0094] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 19 Indicates that the movable member 12 is Figure 18The illustrated state is a state in which the striking member 13 moves downward in response to a pressing operation. As the movable member 12 moves downward in response to the pressing operation, the striking member 13 moves downward. As the striking member 13 moves downward, the engaging portion 130 engages with the engaged portion 140 of the force-applying member 14. Engaging with the engaged portion 140 restricts the striking member 13 from moving downward. With its downward movement restricted, the striking member 13 moves upward relative to the movable member 12. When it reaches the upper limit of its range of movement, the striking member 13, whose movement is restricted, moves downward in response to the downward movement of the movable member 12, pressing the force-applying member 14 while engaging with the engaged portion 140 of the force-applying member 14. In the second embodiment, the state in which the engaging portion 130 of the hitting member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the urging member 14 as the movable member 12 moves is referred to as engagement between the engaging portion 130 and the engaged portion 140 as the movable member 12 moves. Figure 19 The striking member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the urging member 14 by engaging. The striking member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the urging member 14, and the urging member 14 is pressed and the engaged portion 140 moves in the pressing direction (towards Figure 19 to the left of the control panel.

[0095] Figure 20 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present invention. Figure 20 Indicates that the movable member 12 is Figure 19 The illustrated state further accepts a pressing operation and moves to the lower limit of the moving range. Figure 20 As shown, when the movable member 12 is further depressed from the state where the striking member 13 is engaged with the force-applying member 14, the striking member 13, which moves along with the movable member 12, disengages the engaging portion 130 from the engaged portion 140 of the force-applying member 14. Having disengaged from the engaged portion 140, the striking member 13 moves downward, striking the folded portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable member 12 with its lower end. The operator can perceive the sound and vibration caused by the striking member 13 striking the movable member 12 as a click.

[0096] When the operator Figure 20 When the pressing of the movable member 12 is released in the illustrated state, the movable member 12 moves upward due to the upward force of the force applying member 14 and returns to the position. Figure 18 The illustrated state.

[0097] As described above, the key switch 1 (switch device) and keyboard KB (key input device) disclosed herein include a striking member 13 movably mounted to a movable member 12 in the vertical direction. Upon receiving a pressing operation from an operator, the striking member 13 strikes another member, such as the movable member 12. The operator experiences the sound and vibration produced by the striking member 13 striking the other member, a so-called click sound and click feeling. This achieves the excellent effect of enabling the operator to meet their requirements for the operational feel and sound associated with pressing a key. In particular, the key switch 1 and keyboard KB disclosed herein can produce a sufficient click sound and click feeling even when applied to a thin key switch 1.

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The technical scope of the present invention is described by the scope of the claims and is not limited in any way by the main text of the specification. Furthermore, all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, although the striking member 13 strikes the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11 as another member, the embodiment is not limited to this. The other member struck by the striking member 13 may be a portion or member other than the folded portion 123a of the movable member 12. For example, various embodiments are possible, such as a configuration in which the striking member 13 strikes the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11 as another member.

[0100] Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates a key input device primarily used for inputting text, such as a keyboard KB, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a notebook PC equipped with the key switch 1 disclosed herein can also be used as a key input device. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a variety of key input devices, including key input devices specifically for numeric keys such as numeric keys, and electronic devices other than computers, such as various switches used in dedicated game consoles.

Claims

1. A switch device comprising: a fixed member fixed to a substrate; a movable member movably supported on the fixed member and movable in a pressing direction by a pressing operation; and a biasing member biasing the movable member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction, wherein: The switch device further comprises: a striking member mounted on the movable member so as to be movable in a pressing direction and a direction opposite to the pressing direction relative to the movable member, and striking the other member; an elastic member fixed to the fixing member, The elastic member has an engaged portion engaged with the striking member. The striking member has an engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion. The striking member strikes another member when the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other as the movable member moves in the pressing direction and the engaging portion and the engaged portion are disengaged as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction. The elastic component is formed by a coil spring. The engaging portion of the striking member is configured to press the convex portion of the elastic member. The engaging portion that engages with the hitting member presses the coil spring as the elastic member to extend it.

2. A switch device comprising: a fixed member fixed to a substrate; a movable member movably supported on the fixed member and moved in a pressing direction by a pressing operation; and a force applying member for applying a force to the movable member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction, wherein: The switch device further includes a striking member, which is mounted on the movable member so as to be movable in a pressing direction and a direction opposite to the pressing direction relative to the movable member, and strikes the other member. The urging member has an engaged portion engaged with the striking member. The striking member has an engaging portion engaged with the engaged portion. The hitting member hits another member when the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other as the movable member moves in the pressing direction and the engaging portion and the engaged portion are disengaged as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction.

3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein: The force applying member is formed by a compression coil spring. The engaged portion is formed by extending one end of a coil constituting a compression coil spring.

4. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The striking member is restricted from moving relative to the fixing member by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

5. A key input device equipped with a plurality of key switches, characterized in that: As the key switch provided, the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided.

6. The key input device according to claim 5, wherein have: a light-emitting portion that emits light; a light receiving portion that receives light emitted from the light emitting portion; a shielding portion mounted on a movable member of the key input device to shield the light emitted from the light emitting portion; The shielding portion shields or releases the light emitted from the light emitting portion as the movable member moves in the pressing direction.

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