Switch unit, key switch device and keyboard

Abstract

The invention provides a switch unit, a key switch device and a keyboard, which can replace a key top and provide a good touch feeling for a user under the condition that the total height is not greatly changed. The key switch unit (101) has a slider (2) that can slide by a pressing operation of a key top (1), and a housing (5) that supports the slider (2), and opens and closes an electrical contact (71) in accordance with the sliding of the slider (2). The slider (2) is provided with: a base section (22); a protrusion (21) which is provided on the pressing operation side from the base portion in the sliding direction of the slider and on which the key top can be attached; and a pillar portion (23) provided on the opposite side of the pressing operation side from the base portion in the sliding direction, the housing (5) is provided with a plate portion (51) and a guide (52) provided on the pressing operation side from the plate portion in the sliding direction, the base portion has a through-hole (22a) through which the guide passes, and the guide has a through-hole (54) through which the pillar portion is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch unit, a key switch device, and a keyboard. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a key switch device including: a key top that is pressed downward; a slider that is pressed into the lower surface of the key top; a rubber that elastically bends and deforms by the pressing operation of the key top and imparts a reaction force corresponding to the elastic bending deformation to the slider; and a contact pressing member that is provided to be movable relative to the slider and applies a pressing force independent of the operating force of the key top to the contact of the membrane switch.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011 - 249282 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Keyboards capable of replacing the key top are widely circulated in the market, and replacement key tops are also circulated. A recess is formed on the back surface of the replacement key top, and the recess is used for detachably mounting, for example, a cross-shaped protrusion provided on the key switch side.

[0008] In the key switch device of Patent Document 1, no protrusion capable of detaching and attaching the key top is formed on the upper surface of the slider, and the slider is pressed into the lower surface of the key top. Therefore, it is impossible to install a replacement key top.

[0009] In addition, if a cross-shaped or other protrusion is provided on the upper surface of the slider of Patent Document 1, the total height of the key switch device will increase, and in the case of a keyboard having a plurality of key switch devices arranged, it may cause a burden on the wrist.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a switch unit, a key switch device, and a keyboard that can replace the operating member and provide a good touch feeling to the user without significantly changing the total height. In addition, there is a need for a switch unit, a key switch device, and a keyboard that can be mounted on a mounting member once without disassembling the switch unit.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] One embodiment of the switch unit of the present disclosure includes: a sliding member that can mount an operating member and can slide by pressing the operating member; and a support member that supports the sliding member. The switch unit is configured to open and close an electrical contact according to the sliding of the sliding member. The sliding member includes: a base portion; a first protrusion that is provided on the pressing operation side along the sliding direction of the sliding member from the base portion and can mount the operating member; and a pillar portion that is provided on the side opposite to the pressing operation side along the sliding direction from the base portion. The support member includes: a plate portion; and a first guiding portion that is provided on the pressing operation side along the sliding direction from the plate portion. The base portion has a first through hole through which the first guiding portion passes, and the first guiding portion has a second through hole into which the pillar portion is inserted.

[0013] Another embodiment of the switch unit of the present disclosure includes: a sliding member that can mount an operating member and can slide by pressing the operating member; a first elastic member that is mounted on the sliding member and elastically deforms according to the pressing operation of the operating member; a second elastic member that is mounted on the sliding member and opens and closes an electrical contact according to the sliding of the sliding member; and a support member that includes: a plate portion having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface; a first guiding portion that stands on the first surface of the plate portion and guides the sliding member; a second guiding portion that stands on the first surface of the plate portion and is provided outside the first guiding portion when the plate portion is viewed from above, and guides the first elastic member; and a leg portion that stands on the second surface of the plate portion.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating member can be replaced, and a good touch can be provided to the user without significantly changing the total height. In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch unit can be mounted on the mounted member once without disassembling it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the key switch device according to the first embodiment, Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the key switch device of

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of the slider. Figure 3C is Figure 3A a B-B cross-sectional view of the slider.

[0019] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view of the housing. Figure 4C is a side view of the housing as viewed from the Y direction.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch device when an LED is disposed in the through hole.

[0021] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the pressing characteristics of the key switch device of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the keyboard of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8A is an exploded perspective view of the components of the switch unit included in the key switch device of the second embodiment, Figure 8B is a perspective view of the integrated switch unit.

[0024] Figure 9A is a top view showing the front side of the key top, Figure 9B is Figure 9A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 9C is Figure 9A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 9D is a top view showing the back side of the key top.

[0025] Figure 10A is a top view of the slider as viewed from above, Figure 10B is Figure 10A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 10C is Figure 10A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 10D is a perspective view of the slider.

[0026] Figure 11A is a top view of the housing as viewed from above, Figure 11B is Figure 11A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 11C is Figure 11A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 11D is a perspective view of the housing.

[0027] Figure 12A is a top view of the key switch device of the second embodiment as viewed from above, Figure 12B is Figure 12A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFigure 12C is Figure 12A a sectional view taken along line B-B.

[0028] Figure 13 is a view showing an example in which a plurality of key switch devices are arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First Embodiment]

[0030] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the key switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, Figure 1B and is an exploded perspective view of the key switch device 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B are Figure 1A a sectional view taken along line A-A of the key switch device 100, Figure 2A showing a state where the key top is not pressed, Figure 2B and showing a state where the key top is pressed.

[0031] In Figure 1B , the switch unit 101 is constituted by the following members: a slider 2 (sliding member) which mounts the key top 1 and slides in the vertical direction; a dome rubber 3 (first elastic member) which is elastically bent and deformed by the pressing operation of the key top 1 and imparts a reaction force corresponding to the elastic bending deformation to the slider 2; a spring 4 (second elastic member) which is mounted on the slider 2 and presses an electrical contact of a membrane switch 7 or a mechanical switch (not shown); and a housing 5 (supporting member) which mounts the slider 2 and supports the vertical sliding of the slider 2. The key switch device 100 is constituted by providing the following members in the switch unit 101: the above-described key top 1; a switch panel 6 (mounted member) which is a positioning member for determining the position of the housing 5; a membrane switch 7 which is disposed below the housing 5 and the switch panel 6 and has an electrical contact; and a support panel 8 which is disposed below the membrane switch 7 and fixes the switch panel 6.

[0032] The key top 1 is formed by integral molding using resin as a constituent material. A recess 11 for mounting on a cross-shaped projection 21 of the slider 2 described later is formed on the back surface of the key top 1 (see Figure 2A ).

[0033] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are perspective views of the slider 2, Figure 3C and is Figure 3A a sectional view taken along line B-B of the slider 2.

[0034] The slider 2 includes a cross-shaped projection 21 (first projection), a cylindrical base portion 22, and a prismatic support portion 23. The projection 21, the base portion 22, and the support portion 23 are integrally formed on the same axis along the sliding direction based on the pressing operation. The projection 21 is provided above the base portion 22 on the pressing operation side, and the support portion 23 is provided inside the base portion 22 so as to extend to the opposite side of the pressing operation. The upper end of the support portion 23 is substantially the same as the upper end of the base portion 22, and the lower portion of the support portion 23 protrudes from the base portion 22.

[0035] The base portion 22 is provided with an outer peripheral surface 29 on its cylindrical side for press-fitting the dome rubber 3, and includes a plurality of connecting portions 22b as beams for connecting the support portion 23 and the side surface. A through hole 22a (first through hole) for allowing a guide member 52 of the housing 5 described later to pass through is provided in the region surrounded by the plurality of connecting portions 22b and the side surface. The connecting portion 22b transmits the pressing force from the key top 1 transmitted to the projection 21 to the dome rubber 3.

[0036] As Figure 3B shown, a prolongation 27 extending vertically downward is formed in a part of the outer periphery of the lower surface of the base portion 22, and a projection 28 (second projection) protruding radially inward is formed in the lower portion of the prolongation 27. The projection 28 engages with a groove portion 55 formed in the guide member 52 described later, and is arranged so that the slider 2 does not rotate relative to the housing 5 and the slider 2 does not come off from the groove portion 55 of the housing 5 (see FIG. 4). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the wobbling of the key switch device 100 due to the rotation of the slider 2.

[0037] In addition, the vertical length L0 of the prolongation 27 (see Figure 3B ) is set so that when the key top 1 is not pressed, in a state where the projection 28 engages with the groove portion 55 of the housing 5, the position of the upper surface of the base portion 22 or the connecting portion 22b is substantially the same as the position of the upper end of the guide member 52. Here, substantially the same means that the deviation due to manufacturing errors in the position of the upper surface of the base portion 22 or the connecting portion 22b and the upper end of the guide member 52 is judged to be the same.

[0038] For example, when the key top 1 is not pressed, in a state where the projection 28 engages with the groove portion 55 of the housing 5, the position P1 of the upper surface of the base portion 22 or the connecting portion 22b (see Figure 2A), if it is located at a position higher than the position P2 at the upper end of the guide member 52, the overlapping distance between the support portion 23 and the guide member 52 in the vertical direction becomes shorter, and thus, wobbling may easily occur. On the other hand, if, when the key top 1 is not pressed, in a state where the protrusion 28 is engaged with the groove portion 55 of the housing 5, the position P1 on the upper surface of the base portion 22 or the connecting portion 22b is located lower than the position P2 at the upper end of the guide member 52, the distance from the upper end of the guide member 52 to the key top 1 becomes shorter, and thus, the key stroke cannot be sufficiently ensured.

[0039] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the vertical length L0 of the extension portion 27 is set such that, when the key top 1 is not pressed, in a state where the protrusion 28 is engaged with the groove portion 55 of the housing 5, the position P1 on the upper surface of the base portion 22 or the connecting portion 22b is substantially the same as the position P2 at the upper end of the guide member 52. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wobbling while ensuring the key stroke.

[0040] The support portion 23 is inserted into a through-hole 54 (see Figure 4A ) of the guide member 52 described later, and guides the vertical sliding of the slider 2 together with the through-hole 54. Since the cross-sections of the support portion 23 and the through-hole 54 are substantially rectangular, wobbling in the rotational direction can be suppressed.

[0041] As Figure 3C shown, the support portion 23 is formed with an opening 24 at the lower side, and a protrusion 25 for fixing the spring 4 is formed inside the support portion 23. A part of the spring 4 is inserted and fixed between the inner side surface 26 of the support portion 23 and the protrusion 25.

[0042] When the key top 1 is not pressed, a part of the spring 4 is disposed at a position lower than the lower end of the support portion 23. In other words, when the key top 1 is not pressed, the vertical length L2 of the spring 4 is longer than the vertical length L1 of the opening 24 (see Figure 2A ). This is to cause the spring 4 to press the electrical contact when the key top 1 is pressed.

[0043] As Figure 2B shown, the distance D1 from the upper end of the guide member 52 to the contact of the membrane switch 7 is larger than the vertical thickness H1 of the slider 2 (that is, the protrusion 21 and the support portion 23). When the distance D1 from the upper end of the guide member 52 to the contact of the membrane switch is smaller than the vertical thickness H1 of the slider 2, when the key top 1 is not pressed, the overlapping distance between the support portion 23 and the guide member 52 in the vertical direction becomes shorter, and wobbling easily occurs. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the distance D1 is set to be larger than the thickness H1.

[0044] Return to Figure 1B, the dome rubber 3 is a dome-shaped member integrally formed of a rubber material, having an annular base portion 31, a dome portion 32 standing upright from the base portion 31 in a dome shape, and a cylindrical portion 33 extending upward from the top of the dome portion 32. The cylindrical portion 33 is press-fitted from below onto the outer peripheral surface 29 of the base portion 22 of the slider 2 and is mounted on the outer peripheral surface 29. The base portion 22 of the slider 2 and the cylindrical portion 33 operate integrally.

[0045] The slider 2 and the housing 5 are formed of different materials with little friction when in contact. For example, the slider 2 is formed of POM resin (polyoxymethylene resin), and the housing 5 is formed of ABS resin (a thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene). This is because if the slider 2 and the housing 5 are formed of the same material, the slider 2 will get stuck inside the guide member 52 during sliding, resulting in a key jamming where the key top 1 cannot move. Therefore, the slider 2 and the housing 5 are formed of different materials with little friction when in contact. In addition, the materials of the slider 2 and the housing 5 are not limited to resins. It is also possible to perform a process to reduce the coefficient of friction on the portions where the slider 2 and the housing 5 come into contact to make the friction less when in contact.

[0046] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view of the housing 5, Figure 4C is a side view of the housing 5 viewed from the Y direction.

[0047] The housing 5 is a member that supports the slider 2 and the dome rubber 3, having a square-shaped plate portion 51 that forms a base substrate and a guide member 52 (first guiding portion) standing upright upward from the center of the plate portion 51. A through hole 54 (second through hole) having a substantially rectangular cross-section for inserting the pillar portion 23 of the slider 2 is provided at the center of the guide member 52. In addition, a slit 53 is provided in the guide member 52 so that the connecting portion 22b of the slider 2 does not interfere with the guide member 52 when the slider 2 slides.

[0048] As Figure 2A shown, the vertical length L3 of the slit 53 is substantially the same as the vertical thickness T2 of the pillar portion 23 of the slider 2 and is larger than the vertical thickness T3 of the protrusion 21 of the slider 2. Here, "substantially the same" means that the deviation caused by manufacturing errors is judged to be the same. In this case, the distance where the pillar portion 23 and the guide member 52 overlap in the vertical direction can be sufficiently ensured, and thus, wobbling can be suppressed.

[0049] In addition, as Figure 2BAs shown, when the top of the key 1 is pressed and is at the lowest position, the upper end of the slider 2 (that is, the upper end of the protrusion 21) is at approximately the same height as the upper end of the guide member 52 or is positioned below the upper end of the guide member 52. In this case, during the sliding process of the slider 2, the protrusion 21 enters the through-hole 54. Therefore, while ensuring the key travel, the protrusion 21 for mounting the top of the key 1 can be provided without significantly changing the total height of the key switch device 100.

[0050] Return to Figure 4A , a groove portion 55 for engaging the protrusion 28 of the slider 2 and extending in the vertical direction is formed in the lower portion of the guide member 52. For example, when the top of the key 1 is pressed, the protrusion 28 of the slider 2 descends within the groove portion 55, and when the pressing of the top of the key 1 ends, the protrusion 28 of the slider 2 ascends within the groove portion 55.

[0051] The groove portions 55 are provided in four directions. Therefore, even if the slider 2 is rotated by 90 degrees, the protrusion 28 of the slider 2 can be inserted into the groove portion 55. Thus, the degree of freedom during the assembly of the key switch device 100 is increased, and the workability can be improved. In addition, the groove portion 55 can be a through-hole, or a through-hole can be formed in a part within the groove portion 55. Thereby, light such as the LED 70 described later can pass through the clearance between the slider 2 and the guide member 52 via the through-hole and illuminate the top of the key 1.

[0052] The plate portion 51 is provided with a through-hole 56 (third through-hole) for arranging a light source such as the LED 70. The through-hole 56 is formed at a position facing the guide member 52 in the radial direction. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch device 100 when the LED 70 is arranged in the through-hole 56. In Figure 5 , the top of the key 1 and the support panel 8 are omitted.

[0053] When the light source arranged in the through-hole 56 emits light, the light travels through various paths. For example, a part of the light passes through the dome rubber 3. At this time, the light diffuses through the dome rubber 3, so that the entire periphery of the top of the key 1 can emit light. Since, as described above, the total height of the key switch device 100 is not significantly changed, the attenuation of the light to the top of the key 1 can be suppressed. In addition, by only changing the color of the dome rubber 3 without changing the color of the light source, the change in the illumination color can be increased. Thereby, the types of LEDs used for the light source can be reduced, and thus the types of components can be cut down.

[0054] In addition, another part of the light is reflected by the dome rubber 3, passes through the gap between the slider 2 and the guide 52 via the slit 53, and illuminates the key top 1. Furthermore, in the case where a through hole is provided in the groove 55 as described above, another part of the light passes through the gap between the slider 2 and the guide 52 via the through hole in the groove 55, and illuminates the key top 1. In these cases, the light of the light source can be introduced from the slit 53 or the through hole in the groove 55, and the amount of light irradiated to the key top 1 can be increased. For example, if the entire key top 1 is transparent, the key top 1 itself appears to be glowing, and if the text portion of the key top 1 is transparent, the text portion of the key top 1 appears to be glowing.

[0055] Back to Figure 4A A protrusion 57 (second guide portion) for inserting the base 31 of the dome rubber 3 is provided outside the through hole 56 of the plate portion 51. In addition, a foot portion 59 capable of mounting the housing 5 in the opening 61 of the switch panel 6 is erected on the back of the plate portion 51, and a claw portion 58 for sandwiching the switch panel 6 between the foot portion 59 and the back of the plate portion 51 is formed. The plate portion 51 of the housing 5 is square, so it can be easily fixed to the square opening 61 of the switch panel 6 even if it is rotated 90 degrees. Therefore, the degree of freedom when assembling the key switch device 100 is improved, and the workability can be improved.

[0056] Back to Figure 2A The membrane switch 7 has an electrical contact 71. The electrical contact 71 is disposed below the housing 5 and the switch panel 6, and is closed when a predetermined pressing force is applied from the spring 4 by pressing the key top 1. In the first embodiment, the membrane switch 7 is used, but there is no particular limitation as long as it is a switch having an electrical contact. For example, a mechanical switch may be used instead of the membrane switch 7.

[0057] The switch panel 6 is arranged on the membrane switch 7 and the support panel 8, and is fixed to the support panel 8 via a gasket 62 provided below the switch panel 6 by screws (not shown). Figure 1B As shown, the opening 61 of the switch panel 6 is in a square shape. When the housing 5 is fixed to the opening 61, the opening 61 is covered by the plate portion 51 of the housing 5. A space 40 of a predetermined height is formed between the switch panel 6, the membrane switch 7 and the support panel 8 by a gasket 62 (see Figure 2A ). Moreover, when viewed from above, the area of ​​the plate portion 51 is larger than the area of ​​the opening 61 of the switch panel 6. Therefore, by simply inserting the leg portion 59 of the housing 5 into the opening 61 of the switch panel 6, the slider 2, the dome rubber 3, the spring 4, and the housing 5 can be installed on the switch panel 6 at once without separating them.

[0058] In addition, the slider 2, the dome rubber 3, the spring 4, and the housing 5 are integrated to form the switch unit 101. By inserting the leg portion 59 of the housing 5 into the opening 61 of the switch panel 6, the switch unit 101 is fixed to the opening 61 of the switch panel 6 from above. Thus, by simply inserting the leg portion 59 of the housing 5 into the opening 61 of the switch panel 6, the user can easily install the switch unit 101 with the desired pressing characteristics on the switch panel 6. In addition, the user can replace the switch unit 101 installed on the switch panel 6 for each switch unit.

[0059] In the conventional key switch device, the slider and the dome rubber with a spring are arranged and installed on the front side of the switch panel, and the housing is arranged on the back side of the switch panel. The switch panel is sandwiched between the slider and the dome rubber with the spring and the housing. It is necessary to install the slider and the dome rubber with a spring and the housing on the switch panel respectively, and the installation operation on the switch panel is complicated. In contrast, in the switch unit 101 of the present embodiment, the slider 2, the dome rubber 3, the spring 4, and the housing 5 can be integrally installed on the switch panel 6 from above, so that the installation operation on the switch panel 6 can be easily performed.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the key top 1 can be replaced, and the key top 1 is inserted and removed. Therefore, when the key top 1 is pulled out, it is possible to pull out the switch unit 101 from the switch panel 6. Therefore, the leg portion 59 preferably has a claw portion 58 that sandwiches the switch panel 6 between the claw portion 58 and the back surface of the plate portion 51. Thus, the claw portion 58 contacts the switch panel 6, and it is possible to prevent the switch unit 101 from being pulled out of the switch panel 6 from above.

[0061] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the pressing characteristics of the key switch device 100 of the first embodiment. The horizontal axis represents the stroke S (pressing amount) of the key top 1, and the vertical axis represents the operating force (pressing force) F. Figure 6 The point a indicates that the contact is closed.

[0062] As Figure 6 shown, when the operating force F of the key top 1 increases, the stroke S also increases accordingly. At this time, the dome rubber 3 undergoes elastic deformation, and the reaction force from the dome rubber 3 acts on the key top 1. The pressing characteristics in this case are equal to the load-displacement characteristics of the dome rubber 3 itself. The operating force F rises until the load acting on the dome rubber 3 reaches the buckling load of the dome rubber 3. When the buckling load is reached, thereafter, the operating force F gently decreases as the stroke S increases. Due to the elastic buckling deformation of the dome rubber 3, the peak operating force F0 is obtained, so that the user can obtain the paragraph feeling unique to the keying operation.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the stroke S1 when the contact is turned on is set to a value greater than the stroke S0 at which the peak operating force F0 is generated and less than the end stroke S2 (for example, the middle between S0 and S2). In this way, in the key switch device 100, during the reduction process of the operating force F generated when the dome rubber 3 is bent and deformed, the spring 4 opens and closes the contacts of the membrane switch 7. Therefore, there is no deviation between the operating feel and the contact turning-on operation, and a good touch feeling can be provided to the user.

[0064] The above key switch device 100 is disposed in a keyboard, for example. Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the keyboard 201 of the first embodiment including a large number of key switch devices 100. The keyboard 201 includes an upper cover 9, a lower cover 10, and a plurality of key switch devices 100. In this keyboard 201, the switch panel 6, the membrane switch 7, and the support panel 8 in the key switch device 100 are formed to extend horizontally throughout the keyboard and are made common for each key switch device 100.

[0065] The key switch device 100 of the first embodiment can be applied as an input device for a ticket vending machine, an ATM, a self-service terminal, or the like. Additionally, when the key switch device 100 is used alone, the switch panel 6 may not be provided. In this case, threaded holes may be provided in the housing 5, and the housing 5 may be threadedly fixed to the support panel 8 via the membrane switch 7.

[0066] As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the key switch device 100, the slider 2 includes a base portion 22, a protrusion 21 provided on the base portion 22 and capable of mounting the key top 1, and a support portion 23 provided under the base portion 22. The housing 5 includes a plate portion 51 and a guide member 52 that stands upright upward from the center of the plate portion 51. The base portion 22 includes a through hole 22a through which the guide member 52 of the housing 5 passes, and the guide member 52 includes a through hole 54 into which the support portion 23 of the slider 2 is inserted.

[0067] With this structure, the guide member 52 can pass through the slider 2 through the through hole 22a, and interference with the connecting portion 22b of the slider 2 can be avoided by the slit 53 of the guide member 52. Therefore, when the slider 2 slides, the protrusion 21 capable of mounting the key top 1 can enter the through hole 54 surrounded by the guide member 52. As a result, the protrusion 21 for mounting the key top 1 can be provided without significantly changing the overall height of the key switch device 100, and the pressing force can be further transmitted from the key top 1 to the dome rubber 3. Therefore, a good touch feeling can be provided to the user.

[0068] In addition, since the overall height of the key switch device 100 is not significantly changed, there is no burden on the user's wrist. When a light source is provided below the key switch device 100, since the distance to the key top 1 remains unchanged, light attenuation can be suppressed.

[0069] In addition, although it is possible to consider reducing the overall height of the key switch device of Patent Document 1 and providing a protrusion for mounting the key top on the slider, in this case, the key stroke will become shorter and the operability will deteriorate. In addition, it is necessary to miniaturize the size of the dome rubber. Therefore, a good tactile sensation cannot be obtained. Also, since the top of the slider is covered, light will be blocked and the key top cannot be sufficiently illuminated.

[0070] On the contrary, in the key switch device 100 of the first embodiment, a structure in which the overall height of the key switch device is reduced and a protrusion capable of mounting the key top is provided on the slider is not adopted. Therefore, a sufficient key stroke can be ensured.

[0071] In addition, the size of the dome rubber 3 does not need to be changed. Therefore, a good tactile sensation can be obtained. Also, a path for guiding light, such as a gap between the through-hole 22a and the guide member 52 and the slit 53, is formed. Therefore, the light of the light source can be guided to the key top 1 and the key top 1 can be illuminated. [Second Embodiment]

[0072] The structure of the slider and the housing in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. Figure 8A FIG. is an exploded perspective view of the components of the switch unit included in the key switch device of the second embodiment, Figure 8B FIG. is a perspective view of the integrated switch unit.

[0073] Figure 8A The switch unit 200 includes: a slider 120 (sliding member) that can mount a key top 110 (refer to Figures 9A - 9D ) and slides in the vertical direction; a dome rubber 130 (first elastic member) that is elastically bent and deformed by the pressing operation of the key top 110 and imparts a reaction force corresponding to the elastic bending deformation to the slider 120; a spring 140 (second elastic member) that is mounted on the slider 2 and presses an electrical contact such as a membrane switch or a mechanical switch (not shown); and a housing 150 (support member) that mounts the slider 120 and supports the vertical sliding of the slider 120.

[0074] In the switch unit 200, the spring 140 is fixed inside the column portion 122 of the slider 120, and the dome rubber 130 is sandwiched between the slider 120 and the housing 150, and the slider 120 and the housing 150 are engaged so that the slider 120 can slide up and down. Thus, as Figure 8B shown, the slider 120, the dome rubber 130, the spring 140, and the housing 150 included in the switch unit 200 are integrated.

[0075] The dome rubber 130 is a dome-shaped member integrally formed of a rubber material, having an annular base portion 131, a dome portion 132 standing upright in a dome shape from the base portion 131, and a cylindrical portion 133 extending upward from the top of the dome portion 132. The cylindrical portion 133 is press-fitted into the outer peripheral surface 123 of the slider 120 from below and is mounted on the outer peripheral surface 123. The dome portion 132 of the dome rubber 130 deforms according to the vertical sliding of the slider 120.

[0076] Figure 9A It is a top view showing the front side of the key top 110. Figure 9B It is Figure 9A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 9C It is Figure 9A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 9D It is a top view showing the back side of the key top 110.

[0077] The key top 110 is formed by integral molding with resin as the constituent material. As Figures 9B - 9D shown, a protrusion 112 protruding downward from the upper surface 113 of the key top 110 is provided on the back surface of the key top 110. A recessed portion 111 for mounting the cross-shaped protrusion 126 (refer to Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figures 10A - 10D ) of the slider 120 is formed in the protrusion 112. The structure of the key top 110 is the same as that of the key top 1 in the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 10A It is a top view of the slider 120 viewed from above. Figure 10B It is Figure 10A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 10C It is Figure 10A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 10D It is a perspective view of the slider 120.

[0079] The slider 120 has a main body portion 121 and a support portion 122 extending from the main body portion 121 toward the housing 150. The support portion 122 in the second embodiment is formed to have a substantially square cross-sectional shape. The support portion 122 has a locking claw 125 for locking the slider 120 to the housing 150 in a slidable manner. The locking claw 125 engages with a step 152a (refer to Figure 11B , Figure 11C ) on the inner wall of the guide member 152 of the housing 150. On the outer periphery of the main body portion 121, a protrusion 124 for engaging with the key top 110 and an outer peripheral surface 123 into which the dome rubber 3 is press-fitted are provided. In addition, a space 221 (first through-hole) for allowing the guide member 152 of the housing 150 to enter is provided between the main body portion 121 and the support portion 122.

[0080] The upper end, i.e., the top 128 of the slider 120, has: a concave portion 127 (first concave portion) that houses a projection 112 (second projection) having a cross-shaped recess 111 of the key top 110; and a cross-shaped projection 126 (first projection) that is used to engage with the cross-shaped recess 111 of the key top 110. The depth of the concave portion 127 is the same as or greater than the height of the projection 112 of the key top 110. Thus, even if a cross-shaped projection 126 is provided at the upper end of the slider 120, it is possible to suppress an increase in the total height of the key switch device.

[0081] The support portion 122 has an opening 222 formed therein at the lower side, and a projection 223 for fixing the spring 140 is formed inside the support portion 122. A part of the spring 140 is inserted and fixed between the inner side surface 224 of the support portion 122 and the projection 223.

[0082] The slider 120 and the housing 150 are formed of different materials with little friction when in contact. For example, the slider 120 is formed of POM resin (polyoxymethylene resin), and the housing 150 is formed of ABS resin (a thermoplastic resin made by polymerizing three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene). This is because if the slider 120 and the housing 150 are formed of the same material, the slider 120 will get stuck inside the guide member 152 during sliding, resulting in a key jamming where the key top 110 cannot move. Therefore, the slider 120 and the housing 150 are formed of different materials with little friction when in contact. In addition, the materials of the slider 120 and the housing 150 are not limited to resins. It is also possible to perform a process to reduce the friction coefficient on the portions where the slider 120 and the housing 150 are in contact to make the friction less during contact.

[0083] Figure 11A is a top view of the housing 150 as viewed from above, Figure 11B is Figure 11A a cross-sectional view taken along line A - A of Figure 11C is Figure 11A a cross-sectional view taken along line B - B of Figure 11D is a perspective view of the housing 150.

[0084] The housing 150 is a member that supports the slider 120 and the dome rubber 130, and includes a square plate portion 151 that forms a base substrate. In addition, the housing 150 includes: a guide member 152 (first guiding portion) that stands upright upward from the center of the surface 151a of the plate portion 151 to guide the dome rubber 130; a protruding portion 153 (second guiding portion) that is erected on the surface 151a of the plate portion 151 and is provided outside the guide member 152 when the plate portion 151 is viewed from above to guide the dome rubber 130; and a leg portion 156 that is erected on the back surface 151b of the plate portion 151 and can be mounted on an opening 161 of a switch panel 160 (member to be installed) (refer to Figure 12B 、Figure 12C ). Further, the leg portion 156 has a claw portion 157 that sandwiches the switch panel 160 between it and the back surface 151b of the plate portion 151. Since it is sometimes sufficient to fix to the switch panel 160 only by the leg portion 156, the leg portion 156 may not necessarily have the claw portion 157. An opening 251 is formed at the position of the plate portion 151 above the claw portion 157. Thereby, the user can confirm from above whether the switch panel 160 is sandwiched between the claw portion 157 and the back surface 151b of the plate portion 151. In addition, the number of claw portions 157 is not limited to two, and may be four.

[0085] A through hole 250 (second through hole) having a substantially rectangular cross-section for inserting the support column portion 122 of the sliding member 120 is formed at the center of the guide member 152.

[0086] Figure 12A is a top view of the key switch device according to the second embodiment as viewed from above, Figure 12B is Figure 12A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 12C is Figure 12A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 13 is a view showing an example in which a plurality of key switch devices are arranged.

[0087] The key switch device 300 according to the second embodiment includes: a switch unit 200 including a sliding member 120, a dome rubber 130, a spring 140, and a housing 150; a key top 110 mounted on the switch unit 200 and pressed downward; a switch panel 160 which is a positioning member for determining the position of the housing 150; a membrane switch 170 disposed below the housing 150 and the switch panel 160 and having electrical contacts; and a support panel 180 disposed below the membrane switch 170 and fixing the switch panel 160.

[0088] The membrane switch 170 has electrical contacts 171. The electrical contacts 171 are disposed below the housing 150 and the switch panel 160 and close when a predetermined pressing force acts from the spring 140 by pressing the key top 110. In the second embodiment, the membrane switch 170 is used, but as long as it is a switch having electrical contacts, there is no particular limitation. For example, a mechanical switch may be used instead of the membrane switch 170.

[0089] The switch panel 160 is disposed on the membrane switch 170 and the support panel 180, and is fixed to the support panel 180 via a gasket 162 provided below the switch panel 160 by screws or the like (not shown). The shape of the opening 161 of the switch panel 160 is square when viewed from above. When the leg portion 156 of the housing 150 is installed in the opening 161, the opening 161 is covered by the plate portion 151 of the housing 150. A space 190 with a predetermined height is formed between the switch panel 160, the membrane switch 170, and the support panel 180 by the gasket 162.

[0090] If the predetermined space 190 is formed with the height of the leg portion 156, the lower portion of the housing 150 is adhered to the upper surface of the membrane switch 170 by double-sided tape or the like, so that the key switch device 300 can be constituted even without the switch panel 160.

[0091] When the user presses the key top 110, the column portion 122 of the slider 120 slides relative to the through hole 250 of the guide member 152, so that the slider 120 moves downward. By the movement of the slider 120, the dome rubber 130 is deformed outward. By the movement of the slider 120, the spring 140 mounted on the slider 120 contacts the membrane switch 170, and the spring 140 contracts, thereby pressing the membrane switch 170 and connecting the electrical contacts 171.

[0092] When the user's finger leaves the key top 110, the slider 120 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the dome rubber 130 and the spring 140. In the membrane switch 170, the pressing force of the key top 110 decreases and the electrical contacts 171 are disconnected. The pressing characteristics of the key switch device 300 are the same as those of Figure 6 the key switch device 100.

[0093] The key switch device 300 is disposed in a keyboard, for example. A large number of key switch devices 100 of Figure 7 can also be changed to a large number of key switch devices 300 to form a keyboard 201.

[0094] In the switch unit 200, when viewed from above, the area of the plate portion 151 is larger than the area of the opening 161 of the switch panel 160. Therefore, the plate portion 151 of the housing 150 contacts the peripheral portion of the opening 161 of the switch panel 160, and the leg portion 156 of the housing 150 can be installed in the opening 161 of the switch panel 160. It is possible to prevent the entire housing 150 from sinking into the opening 161 of the switch panel 160.

[0095] If the diameter of the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 is larger than the length of one side of the plate portion 151 of the housing 150, the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 protrudes from the plate portion 151 of the housing 150. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain Figure 6The pressing characteristics of the key switch device. If the diameter of the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 is less than 70% of the length of one side of the plate portion 151 of the housing 150, the size of the dome rubber 130 becomes smaller, and it is difficult to obtain Figure 6 The pressing characteristics of the key switch device. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 is 70% or more and 100% or less of the length of one side of the plate portion 151 of the housing 150. In particular, by setting the diameter of the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 and the length of one side of the plate portion 151 of the housing 150 to the same length, the size of the dome rubber 130 becomes larger. Therefore, it is easy to obtain Figure 6 The pressing characteristics of the key switch device, and the housing 150 can hold the dome rubber 130.

[0096] In the conventional key switch device, the housing is inserted from below the support panel. Therefore, the housing requires a flange for preventing detachment, and the lower part of the housing disposed below the support panel becomes larger. Therefore, it is difficult to Figure 13 As shown, set the center-to-center distance between two adjacent key tops 110 to 19 mm using a dome rubber 130 with a diameter of 18 mm.

[0097] In the second embodiment, as Figure 13 shown, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent key tops 110 is 19 mm. For example, when the opening 161 is set to a square with a side length of 15 to 16 mm, the plate portion 151 of the housing 150 can be set to a square with a side length of 18 mm, and the diameter of the base portion 131 of the dome rubber 130 can be set to 18 mm. In addition, the interval between the plate portions 151 of two adjacent housings 150 can be set to 1 mm. Furthermore, the sizes of the opening 161, the plate portion 151, and the dome rubber 130 are just examples, and as long as adjacent keys do not interfere with each other, the sizes of the opening 161, the plate portion 151, and the dome rubber 130 can be adjusted.

[0098] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the switch unit 200 includes: a slider 120 that can mount the key top 110 and can slide by the pressing operation of the key top 110; a dome rubber 130 that is mounted on the slider 120 and elastically deforms according to the pressing operation of the key top 110; a spring 140 that is mounted on the slider 120 and opens and closes the electrical contact 171 according to the sliding of the slider 120; and a housing 150 that includes: a plate portion 151 having a front surface 151a and a back surface 151b; a guide member 152 that stands on the front surface 151a and guides the slider 120; a protrusion 153 that stands on the front surface 151a and is provided outside the guide member 152 when the plate portion 151 is viewed from above to guide the dome rubber 130; and a leg portion 156 that stands on the back surface 151b and can be mounted on the opening 161 of the switch panel 160. Moreover, when viewed from above, the area of the plate portion 151 is larger than the area of the opening 161 of the switch panel 160. Therefore, by simply inserting the leg portion 156 of the housing 150 into the opening 161 of the switch panel 160, the slider 120, the dome rubber 130, the spring 140, and the housing 150 can be integrally mounted on the switch panel 160 without being separated.

[0099] In addition, the slider 120, the dome rubber 130, the spring 140, and the housing 150 are integrated to form the switch unit 200. By inserting the leg portion 156 of the housing 150 into the opening 161 of the switch panel 160, the switch unit 200 is fixed to the opening of the switch panel 160 from above. Thus, by simply inserting the leg portion 156 of the housing 150 into the opening 161 of the switch panel 160, the user can easily mount the switch unit 200 with the desired pressing characteristics on the switch panel 160. In addition, the user can replace the switch unit 200 mounted on the switch panel 160 for each switch unit.

[0100] In the conventional key switch device, a slider with a spring and a dome rubber are arranged and mounted on the front surface side of the switch panel, and the housing is arranged on the back surface side of the switch panel, and the switch panel is sandwiched between the slider with the spring and the dome rubber and the housing. It is necessary to separately mount the slider with the spring and the dome rubber and the housing on the switch panel, and the installation work on the switch panel is complicated. In contrast, in the switch unit 200 of the present embodiment, the slider 120, the dome rubber 130, the spring 140, and the housing 150 can be integrally mounted on the switch panel 160 from above, so that the installation work on the switch panel 160 can be easily performed.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the key top 110 can be replaced, and the key top 110 is inserted and removed. Therefore, when the key top 110 is removed, it is possible to remove the switch unit 200 from the switch panel 160. Accordingly, the leg portion 156 preferably includes a claw portion 157 that sandwiches the switch panel 160 between itself and the back surface 151b of the plate portion 151. Thereby, the claw portion 157 contacts the switch panel 160, and it is possible to prevent the switch unit 200 from being removed from the switch panel 160 from above.

[0102] The upper end, i.e., the top portion 128, of the slider 120 includes a recess 127 for receiving the protrusion 112 having the recess 111 of the key top 110 and a protrusion 126 for engaging with the recess 111 of the key top 110. Therefore, even if the protrusion 126 is provided at the upper end of the slider 120, it is possible to suppress an increase in the overall height of the key switch device 300.

[0103] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. Description of Reference Numerals

[0104] 1, 110 Key top, 2, 120 Slider, 3, 130 Dome rubber, 4, 140 Spring, 5, 150 Housing, 6, 160 Switch panel, 7, 170 Membrane switch, 8, 180 Support panel, 21 Protrusion, 22 Base portion, 22a, 54, 56 Through hole, 22b Connecting portion, 23 Support pillar portion, 51 Plate portion, 52 Guide member, 53 Slit, 55 Groove portion, 100 Key switch device, 101, 200 Switch unit, 201 Keyboard.

Claims

1. A switch unit, comprising: a sliding member, on which an operating member can be mounted, and which can slide by a pressing operation of the operating member; and a supporting member, which supports the sliding member, wherein the switch unit is used to open and close an electrical contact according to the sliding of the sliding member, characterized in that: The sliding member comprises: a base portion; a first protrusion, which is provided on a pressing operation side from the base portion along a sliding direction of the sliding member and can mount the operating member; and a support portion, which is provided on an opposite side of the pressing operation side from the base portion along the sliding direction. The support member includes: a plate portion; and a first guide portion, the first guide portion being provided on the pressing operation side along the sliding direction from the plate portion, The base portion has a first through hole through which the first guide portion passes, and the first guide portion has a second through hole through which the support column portion is inserted.

2. The switch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the operation member is pushed down and located at the lowest position, the upper end of the slide member is located at substantially the same height as the upper end of the first guide portion or is located below the upper end of the first guide portion.

3. The switch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch unit includes: a first elastic member attached to the sliding member and elastically deformed in response to a pressing operation of the operating member; and a second elastic member attached to the sliding member and opening and closing the electric contact in response to sliding of the sliding member.

4. The switch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base portion is cylindrical and has a connecting portion connecting a side surface thereof to the support portion, and the first guide portion has a slit for avoiding interference with the connecting portion. The length of the slit in the sliding direction is substantially the same as the thickness of the support portion in the sliding direction.

5. The switch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: An extension portion extending along the support portion is formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the lower surface of the base portion. A second protrusion is formed at the lower portion of the extension portion and protrudes radially inward. A groove portion is formed in the first guide portion of the support member, with which the second protrusion engages and which extends along the sliding direction.

6. The switch unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The length of the extension portion in the sliding direction is set so that when the operation member is not pressed and the second protrusion is engaged with the groove, the position of the upper surface of the base portion is substantially the same as the position of the upper end of the first guide portion.

7. The switch unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate portion includes a third through hole for arranging the light source.

8. A key switch device, wherein an electric contact is opened and closed by a pressing operation of an operating member, characterized in that: The key switch device includes: the switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; the operating member, the operating member being attached to the switch unit; and the electrical contact, the electrical contact being arranged below the switch unit.

9. A keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard is equipped with a plurality of key switch devices according to claim 8.

10. A switch unit, characterized in that: The switch unit comprises: a sliding member, the sliding member being capable of mounting the operating member and being capable of sliding by a pressing operation of the operating member; a first elastic member, the first elastic member being mounted on the sliding member and elastically deformed in response to a pressing operation of the operating member; a second elastic member, the second elastic member being mounted on the sliding member and opening and closing the electrical contact according to the sliding of the sliding member; as well as A supporting member, the supporting member comprising: a plate portion having a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface; a first guide portion, the first guide portion being erected on the first surface of the plate portion and guiding the sliding member; a second guide portion, which is erected on the first surface of the plate portion and is arranged outside the first guide portion when the plate portion is viewed from above, and guides the first elastic member; and a foot portion, which is erected on the second surface of the plate portion.

11. The switch unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The leg portion includes a claw portion for fixing the leg portion to a mounted member.

12. The switch unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The sliding member comprises: a base portion; a first protrusion, the first protrusion being provided on a pressing operation side along a sliding direction of the sliding member from the base portion and capable of mounting the operation member; and a support portion provided on the opposite side of the pressing operation side from the base portion along the sliding direction, The base portion has a first through hole through which the first guide portion passes, and the first guide portion has a second through hole through which the support column portion is inserted.

13. The switch unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The top portion of the sliding member includes: a first protrusion to which the operating member can be mounted; and a first recessed portion to which a second protrusion provided on the operating member can be accommodated.

14. A key switch device, wherein an electric contact is opened and closed by a pressing operation of an operating member, characterized in that: The key switch device comprises: the switch unit according to any one of claims 10 to 13; the operating member, the operating member being mounted on the switch unit; and a mounted member having an opening for mounting the leg of the switch unit; and the electrical contact, wherein the electrical contact is arranged below the switch unit.

15. A key switch device, wherein an electric contact is opened and closed by a pressing operation of an operating member, characterized in that: The key switch device comprises: the switch unit according to any one of claims 10 to 13; the operating member, the operating member being mounted on the switch unit; and a membrane switch having the electrical contact. The supporting member is adhered to the membrane switch.

16. A keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard is equipped with a plurality of key switch devices according to claim 14.

17. A keyboard, characterized in that: The keyboard is equipped with a plurality of key switch devices according to claim 15.

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