Key unit, key unit module, and key switch device

Abstract

The present invention provides a key unit, key unit module, and key switch device that ensure the visibility of images on a display device while providing a good tactile experience for the user. [Solution] The key unit 15 comprises a key top 2, a pair of link members 3 that move the key top 2 up and down in conjunction with each other and press an electrical contact 73, a housing 5 that rotatably holds the pair of link members 3, and a pair of actuators 4 that bias the pair of link members 3 in the Y direction (first direction) in which they face each other and generate a reaction force against the force pressing the key top 2. The pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4 and the housing 5 are arranged along the side surface of the key top 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an input device is known that includes a transparent key button, an elastic member that biases the key button upward, a menu sheet disposed below the key button on which the menu of the key button is printed, and an electrical contact disposed below the menu sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, a key switch device that guides the vertical movement of a key top via a pair of link members is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] There is an input device in which a plurality of transparent keys are provided on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a predetermined image is visually recognized from the upper surface of the keys. In this input device, a configuration in which the entire plurality of keys are supported by a single rubber actuator is used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When providing transparent keys on an LCD, when using a structure that supports the keys using a rubber actuator, it is difficult to smoothly move the keys in the vertical direction while keeping the keys parallel to the screen of the LCD, and there is a problem that the feel when pressing the keys is poor.

[0006] In addition, when the key switch device of Patent Document 2 is provided on the LCD, since link members, springs, locking members, etc. are arranged under the key top, the visibility of the image on the LCD cannot be ensured.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a key unit, a key unit module, and a key switch device that can provide a good feel to a user while ensuring the visibility of an image of a display device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A key unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a key top, a pair of link members that interlock with each other to raise and lower the key top and press an electrical contact, a housing that rotatably holds the pair of link members, and the pair of link members. And a pair of actuators that urge the pair of link members in a first direction in which they face each other and generate a reaction force against the force pressing the key top, and the pair of link members, the housing, and the pair of actuators are arranged along the side surface of the key top. It is characterized by being.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a good feel to the user while ensuring the visibility of the image of the display device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the key switch device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1(B) is a transparent view of the key switch device seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the key top. FIG. 2(B) is a partially enlarged view showing the connection relationship between the key top and the pair of link members. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of the link member. FIG. 3(B) is a plan view of the link member. FIGS. 3(C) and (D) are side views of the link member. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a perspective view of the actuator. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view of the housing. Figure 5(B) is a plan view of the housing. Figures 5(C) and (D) are side views of the housing. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is a perspective view of a pair of link members, a pair of actuators, and a housing. Figure 6(B) is a partially enlarged view of the pair of link members, a pair of actuators, and a housing. Figures 6(C) and (D) are partially enlarged views of the actuators and housings. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a plan view of the rubber. Figure 7(B) is a plan view of the membrane sheet. Figure 7(C) is a plan view of the membrane sheet when multiple key units are arranged. Figure 7(D) shows the positional relationship between the multiple key units and the electrical contacts of the membrane sheet in Figure 7(C). [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a perspective view showing a modified configuration of the key switch device according to this embodiment. Figures 8(B) and (C) show the connection relationship between the key switch device and the host PC. [Figure 9] Figures 9(A) and (B) are plan views showing examples of frames. Figure 9(C) is a partial cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 9(A). [Figure 10] Figure 10(A) is a perspective view showing another modified configuration of a key switch device. Figure 10(B) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 10(A). Figure 10(C) is an enlarged view of region R in Figure 10(B). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, three mutually orthogonal directions, namely the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, may be indicated by arrows. The Z-axis direction is, for example, along the vertical direction.

[0012] FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a key switch device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1(B) is a transparent view of the key switch device seen from above.

[0013] The key switch device 100 includes a front cover 1, a transparent key top 2 that is pressed by a finger, a pair of link members 3 that interlock with each other to raise and lower the key top 2 and press an electrical contact, a pair of actuators 4 that bias the pair of link members 3 in the Y direction (first direction) in which the pair of link members 3 face each other and generate a reaction force against the force pressing the key top 2, a housing 5 that rotatably holds the pair of link members 3, a rubber 6 that prevents wear of the membrane sheet 7 due to contact of the protrusions 37a, 37b (third protrusion, fourth protrusion) of the link member 3, and a membrane sheet 7 including an electrical contact 73.

[0014] When the key top 2, the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4, and the housing 5 are assembled, they constitute one key unit 15. The key unit 15, the rubber 6, and the membrane sheet 7 constitute a key unit module 16. The key switch device 100 and the key unit module 16 may not include the rubber 6.

[0015] As will be described later, the key switch device 100 may include a display device, a control board, etc. under one key unit module 16.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4, and the housing 5 are arranged along the side surface of the key top 2. That is, when viewed from above, the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4, and the housing 5 are arranged outside the key top 2. Thereby, when a display device is arranged under the key unit 15, the visibility of the image of the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0017] The front cover 1 has a through-hole 11 for preventing foreign matters such as dust and dirt from entering the inside of the key unit 15 and exposing the upper part of the key top 2.

[0018] FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the key top 2. FIG. 2(B) is a partially enlarged view showing the connection relationship between the key top 2 and the pair of link members 3.

[0019] The key top 2 is made of a transparent resin in order to make the image from the display device visible. Here, transparent means not only when visible light is completely transmitted, but also any material that transmits visible light to such an extent that the image of the display device can be visually recognized, including a semi-transparent state. For example, the light transmittance of the key top 2 is preferably 50% or more and 100% or less. The key top 2 has a pair of concave portions 21 on a pair of side surfaces of the key top 2 for accommodating the shafts 36a and 36b (see FIGS. 1(A), 3(A) to (D)) of the pair of link members 3. Note that the concave portions 21 may be provided on all side surfaces of the key top 2 in order to eliminate the need for alignment work during assembly. Also, the concave portions 21 may be through-holes. Thus, since the pair of link members 3 are connected to the side surface of the key top 2, when the display device is arranged under the key unit 15, the visibility of the image of the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0020] FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of the link member 3. FIG. 3(B) is a plan view of the link member 3, and FIGS. 3(C) and (D) are side views of the link member 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the actuator 4. FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of the housing 5. FIG. 5(B) is a plan view of the housing 5, and FIGS. 5(C) and (D) are side views of the housing 5. FIG. 6(A) is a perspective view of the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4, and the housing 5, FIG. 6(B) is a partially enlarged view of the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4, and the housing 5, and FIGS. 6(C) and (D) are partially enlarged views of the actuator 4 and the housing 5.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1(A), the pair of link members 3 consists of a first link member 3a and a second link member 3b, and the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b have the same structure. Here, the structure of the first link member 3a will be described.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3(A) to (D), the first link member 3a has a first arm portion 32a, a second arm portion 32b, and a base portion 31 that connects the first arm portion 32a and the second arm portion 32b to each other, and has a substantially U-shape in plan view. The first link member 3a is formed using a material such as polyacetal resin (POM resin).

[0023] A first tooth 33a is formed at the tip of the first arm 32a of the first link member 3a, and a second tooth 33b is formed at the tip of the second arm 32b of the first link member 3a. As shown in Figures 3(C) and (D), the first tooth 33a and the second tooth 33b are offset by one tooth. Therefore, when the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b are facing each other, the first tooth 33a of the first link member 3a meshes with the second tooth 33b of the second link member 3b, and the second tooth 33b of the first link member 3a meshes with the first tooth 33a of the second link member 3b.

[0024] For example, as shown in Figure 2(B), when the shafts 36a and 36b of a pair of link members 3 are fitted into a pair of recesses 21 of the key top 2, the first tooth 33a of the first link member 3a meshes with the second tooth 33b of the second link member 3b. The first link member 3a and the second link member 3b are connected at their respective first teeth 33a and second teeth 33b, and can move in conjunction with each other.

[0025] The lower ends of the base 31 side of the first arm 32a and the second arm 32b are provided with shafts 34a and 34b, respectively, which project outward and are housed in a plurality of through holes 53 of the housing 5 (see Figures 3(A), (B), 5(A), 6(A), (B)). The shafts 34a and 34b are slidable within the through holes 53 as the key top 2 moves up and down. The tip sides of the first arm 32a and the second arm 32b are provided with projections 35a and 35b (second projections), respectively, which project outward and are housed in recesses 54 of the housing 5 (see Figures 3(A), (B), 5(A), 6(B)). Projections 37a and 37b are provided, respectively, that protrude downward from projections 35a and 35b, that is, toward the membrane sheet 7, and press against the electrical contacts 73 of the membrane sheet 7 (see Figures 1(A), 3(C), and 3(D)).

[0026] The tip ends of the first arm 32a and the second arm 32b are provided with shafts 36a and 36b, respectively, which protrude inward and are housed in the recess 21 of the key top 2 (see Figures 2(B), 3(A), (B), and 6(B)). The base 31 side of the first arm 32a and the second arm 32b is provided with projections 38a and 38b, respectively, which protrude outward and suppress displacement of the first link member 3a within the housing 5 (see Figures 3(A) to (D) and 6(B)). The lower part of the base 31 side of the first arm 32a and the second arm 32b is provided with contact surfaces 39a and 39b that contact the biasing portion 41 of the actuator 4 (see Figures 3(A), (C), (D), and 6(B)).

[0027] As shown in Figure 1(A), the pair of actuators 4 have the same structure. As shown in Figure 4, each of the pair of actuators 4 includes a pair of biasing parts 41 that bias contact surfaces 39a and 39b provided on one of the pair of link members 3 toward the direction in which the pair of link members 3 face each other (first direction), and a connecting part 42 that connects the pair of biasing parts 41 to each other. The pair of biasing parts 41 have a substantially L-shape in side view, and the pair of biasing parts 41 and the connecting part 42 have a substantially U-shape in side view. Each of the pair of actuators 4 is made of, for example, a leaf spring.

[0028] A recess 43 is formed between the biasing portion 41 and the connecting portion 42 (see Figure 4), and the biasing portion 41 is placed on the protrusion 55 of the housing 5 so that the protrusion 55 of the housing 5 fits into the recess 43 (see Figures 6(C) and (D)). The longitudinal size of the biasing portion 41 in the recess 43 is larger than the short-width size of the protrusion 55.

[0029] When the keytop 2 is not pressed, the pressing force is not transmitted to the pair of biasing parts 41 of the actuator 4 via the contact surfaces 39a and 39b of the link member 3, so the connecting part 42 is in contact with the projection 56 (first projection) of the housing 5 but does not bend (see Figure 6(C)). On the other hand, when the keytop 2 is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the pair of biasing parts 41 via the contact surfaces 39a and 39b of the link member 3, and the pair of biasing parts 41 move in the direction of the side wall 52 of the housing 5. As a result, the connecting part 42 bends with the projection 56 of the housing 5 as the pivot point (see Figure 6(D)). When the finger is released from the keytop 2, the reaction force due to the bending of the connecting part 42 is transmitted to the contact surfaces 39a and 39b of the link member 3 via the pair of biasing parts 41, causing the keytop 2 to rise via the pair of link members 3. The actuator 4 is not limited to the above, and may also be a coil spring or the like that attracts the shaft 34a of one link member 3 to the shaft 34b of the other link member 3.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), the housing 5 comprises a pair of side walls 51 extending in the Y direction and a pair of side walls 52 extending in the X direction and connecting the ends of the pair of side walls 51. The region enclosed by the pair of side walls 51 and the pair of side walls 52 is hollow. The pair of side walls 51 is higher than the pair of side walls 52. The pair of side walls 51 has a plurality of through holes 53 that accommodate shafts 34a and 34b provided in the pair of link members 3, respectively (see Figures 5(C), (D), and 6(A)). Each through hole 53 is an elongated hole extending in the Y direction so that shaft 34a or 34b can slide in the Y direction. The through holes 53 may also be recesses that accommodate shafts 34a or 34b.

[0031] A recess 54 is formed in the center of the inner surface of each side wall 51 in the Y direction to accommodate the projections 35a and 35b provided on the pair of link members 3 (see Figures 5(A), (C), (D), and 6(B)). The projections 35a and 35b can move up and down within the recess 54 in accordance with the raising and lowering of the key top 2. In this way, the pair of link members 3 are connected to the side walls 51 of the housing 5, so that when a display device is placed below the key unit 15, the visibility of the image on the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0032] Each side wall 51 has protrusions 55 at both ends in the Y direction on its inner surface, which project inward and support the biasing portion 41 of the actuator 4 (see Figures 5(A), (B), 6(C), (D)). Each side wall 52 has a projection 56 at its center in the X direction on its inner surface, which project inward and presses against the connecting portion 42 of the actuator 4 (see Figures 5(A), (B), 6(C), (D)).

[0033] A projection 57 is formed at the center of the outer surface of each side wall 52 in the X direction, projecting outward. As will be described later, the housing 5 can be fixed by sandwiching the projection 57 between the frame 90 and the display device 110 (see Figure 9(C)).

[0034] Figure 7(A) is a plan view of the rubber 6, and Figure 7(B) is a plan view of the membrane sheet 7. Figure 7(C) is a plan view of the membrane sheet 7 when multiple key units 15 are arranged. Figure 7(D) shows the positional relationship between the multiple key units 15 and the electrical contacts of the membrane sheet 7 in Figure 7(C).

[0035] As shown in Figure 7(A), a through-hole 61 is formed in the center of the rubber 6. The keytop 2 is positioned above the through-hole 61.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7(B), the membrane sheet 7 comprises a central region 71 and an outer peripheral region 72 surrounding the central region 71. The central region 71 is transparent to allow the image from the display device to be visible, but the outer peripheral region 72 may be colored or transparent. When the membrane sheet 7 is placed under the rubber 6, the central region 71 overlaps the through hole 61, and the outer peripheral region 72 overlaps the rubber 6. The center line 74 in the center of the membrane sheet 7 in the Y direction in Figure 7(B) corresponds to the position where the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b interlock.

[0037] Multiple electrical contacts 73 are arranged in the outer peripheral region 72. Two electrical contacts 73 are provided for each key unit 15. The two electrical contacts 73 are positioned to be pressed by the projections 37b of the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b, respectively. Therefore, the two electrical contacts 73 in Figure 7(B) are arranged diagonally and above and below the center line 74, respectively. The two electrical contacts 73 may also be positioned to be pressed by the projections 37a of the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7(C), when multiple key units 15 are arranged, the membrane sheet 7, similar to the membrane sheet 7 in Figure 7(B), has two electrical contacts 73 per key unit 15. The two electrical contacts 73 are positioned to be pressed by the projections 37b of the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b, respectively. The two electrical contacts 73 may also be positioned to be pressed by the projections 37a of the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b, respectively.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7(B) and 7(C), since there are two electrical contacts 73 per key unit 15, by wiring the two electrical contacts 73 in parallel, the electrical contacts 73 can be reliably turned on even if twisting occurs in the first link member 3a and the second link member 3b.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(D), consider the case where two adjacent key units 15 are arranged on the membrane sheet 7 in Figure 7(C). In this case, the distance W1 between the position pressed by the projection 37b of the first link member 3a included in the right key unit 15 in Figure 7(D) and the position pressed by the projection 37b of the second link member 3b included in the left key unit 15 is longer than (1) the distance W2 between the position pressed by the projection 37a of the first link member 3a included in the right key unit 15 and the position pressed by the projection 37b of the first link member 3a included in the left key unit 15, and (2) the distance W3 between the position pressed by the projection 37b of the second link member 3b included in the right key unit 15 and the position pressed by the projection 37a of the second link member 3b included in the left key unit 15. Therefore, compared to the case where the two electrical contacts 73 are arranged side by side or vertically, malfunctions due to the proximity of the two electrical contacts 73 can be suppressed.

[0041] Figure 8(A) is a perspective view showing a modified configuration of the key switch device according to this embodiment. Figures 8(B) and 8(C) show the connection relationship between the key switch device and the host PC. Components identical to those in the key switch device 100 in Figure 1(A) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8(A), the key switch device 200 comprises a front cover 1, a frame 90, a plurality of key units 15, a membrane sheet 7, a display device 110, a holding base 112, and control boards 113 and 114. The cover 80 of the control panel is the mounting member for attaching the key switch device 200. For example, the key switch device 200 is fixed to the cover 80 of the control panel by screws (not shown). The number of control boards included in the key switch device 200 may be one or three or more.

[0043] The front cover 1 has multiple through holes 11 to prevent foreign matter such as dust and dirt from entering the inside of the key unit 15 and to expose the tops of the multiple key tops 2, and multiple claws 1a to engage with the frame 90. The cover 80 of the control panel has multiple through holes 81 to expose the tops of the multiple key tops 2, and multiple through holes 82 and multiple notches 83 for passing the multiple claws 1a. The front cover 1 is positioned relative to the cover 80 of the control panel when the multiple claws 1a pass through the multiple through holes 82 or notches 83 and engage with the frame 90.

[0044] The frame 90 is provided with through holes 91 for exposing the plurality of key units 15 and determines the layout of the plurality of key units 15. The key units 15 are fixed in place by sandwiching the projections 57 formed on the outer circumference of the housing 5 included in the key unit 15 between the frame 90 and the display device 110.

[0045] The membrane sheet 7 comprises multiple central regions 71 and peripheral regions 72 surrounding the multiple central regions 71. The central regions 71 are transparent in order to allow the image from the display device 110 to be visible, but the peripheral regions 72 may be colored or transparent. The display device 110 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED (Organic Electro Luminescence Diode) display. The membrane sheet 7 is placed on the display device 110, and multiple key units 15 are placed on the membrane sheet 7.

[0046] The holding base 112 has a surface surface 112a that holds the front cover 1, the control panel cover 80, the multiple key units 15, the membrane sheet 7 and the display device 110, and a back surface 112b that holds the control board 113 and the control board 114.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8(B), the control board 113 includes a microcontroller 115 that, for example, receives key switch signals from the membrane sheet 7 and outputs them to the host PC 150. The control board 114 includes a microcontroller 116 that, for example, processes video signals output from the host PC 150 and outputs them to the display device 110.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8(C), the key switch device 200 may also include a control board 120 instead of control boards 113 and 114. In this case, the control board 120 includes a CPU 121 that receives key switch signals from the membrane sheet 7, outputs them to the host PC 150, processes the video signals output from the host PC 150, and outputs them to the display device 110.

[0049] Thus, the key switch device 200 includes a plurality of control boards 113 and 114 that are electrically connected to the membrane sheet 7 and the display device 110, respectively, or a single control board 120 that is electrically connected to the membrane sheet 7 and the display device 110. By connecting the control boards 113 and 114, or the control board 120, to the host PC 150, video signals from the host PC 150 can be displayed on the display device 110, and the user can be provided with key input that has a good feel.

[0050] Figures 9(A) and (B) are plan views showing an example of frame 90, and Figure 9(C) is a partial cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 9(A).

[0051] The frame 90 in Figure 9(A) has two rows of through-holes 91, one above the other, with four key units 15 arranged in each through-hole 91. In the frame 90 in Figure 9(B), the through-hole at the position of the second key unit 15 from the left in the upper row of the frame 90 in Figure 9(A) is blocked. In this way, the number and arrangement of key units 15 can be changed by changing the shape of the frame.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9(C), the projection 57 formed on the outer circumference of the housing 5 included in the key unit 15 and the membrane sheet 7 are sandwiched between the frame 90 and the display device 110, thereby fixing the projection 57 of the key unit 15 and the membrane sheet 7 between the frame 90 and the display device 110.

[0053] If multiple keys are combined into a single rubber actuator, the user cannot freely choose the key layout or the screen size of the display device.

[0054] In contrast, the key switch device 200 includes a key unit 15 and a membrane sheet 7 (key unit module), a display device 110 positioned below the key unit 15 and membrane sheet 7, and a frame 90 that determines the layout of the multiple key units 15. This allows the user to freely select the layout of the key units 15 and the screen size of the display device 110.

[0055] Figure 10(A) shows another modified configuration of the key switch device according to this embodiment. Figure 10(A) is a perspective view showing a part of the key switch device 200, Figure 10(B) is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 10(A), and Figure 10(C) is an enlarged view of area R in Figure 10(B). Although line AA is shown passing through approximately the center of the four key tops 2, it is assumed that it passes through the position of the key switch device 200, including the front cover 1, the control panel cover 80, and the frame 90, which corresponds to the position passing through approximately the center of the four key tops 2. Components with the same shape as those in Figure 8(A) are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0056] As shown in Figures 10(A) to (C), the key switch device 200 has a plurality of through holes 11 that expose a plurality of key tops 2 included in a plurality of key units 15, and comprises a front cover 1 that covers a pair of link members 3, a pair of actuators 4 and a housing 5 included in each of the plurality of key units 15, a sealing member (packing) 12a provided between the front cover 1 and the cover 80 of the control panel, and a sealing member (packing) 12b provided between the frame 90 and the membrane sheet 7. The sealing members 12a and 12b are arranged to surround the plurality of key units 15. The front cover 1 has a plurality of claws 1a for locking with the frame 90, and the front cover 1 is positioned relative to the cover 80 of the control panel by the plurality of claws 1a passing through a plurality of through holes 82 or notches 83 provided in the cover 80 of the control panel and locking with the frame 90.

[0057] The sealing members 12a and 12b prevent foreign matter such as fine dust and dirt from entering the inside of the key switch device 200, which can be prevented by the front cover 1, and are made of, for example, rubber. As shown in Figure 10(C), the sealing member 12a is in contact with the front cover 1 and the cover 80 of the control panel, and the sealing member 12b is in contact with the frame 90 and the membrane sheet 7.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8(A) or Figures 10(A)-(C), by removing the front cover 1, the user can access the inside of the key unit 15 and remove foreign matter such as dust and dirt. In this case, the user cannot access the display device 110 or the control boards 113 and 114 located below the membrane sheet 7, thus preventing malfunction of the key switch device 200 due to static electricity.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, the key unit 15 that can be placed on the display device comprises a transparent key top 2, a pair of link members 3 that move the key top 2 up and down in conjunction with each other and press the electrical contacts 73, a housing 5 that rotatably holds the pair of link members 3, and a pair of actuators 4 that bias the pair of link members 3 in the opposing Y direction (first direction) and generate a reaction force against the force pressing the key top 2. This allows the key top 2 to move smoothly in the vertical direction while remaining horizontal, providing the user with a good feel. Furthermore, the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4 and the housing 5 are arranged along the side of the key top 2. In other words, when viewed from above, the pair of link members 3, the pair of actuators 4 and the housing 5 are arranged on the outside of the key top 2. This ensures that when the display device is placed below the key unit 15, the visibility of the image on the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0060] Each of the pair of actuators 4 includes a pair of biasing parts 41 that bias a pair of link members 3 in the Y direction (first direction), and a connecting part 42 that connects the pair of biasing parts 41 to each other. The housing 5 includes a convex part 55 on which the pair of biasing parts 41 are mounted and a projection 56 that contacts the connecting part 42. The shafts 34a and 34b of each of the pair of link members 3 are slidably mounted in the Y direction within a through hole 53 of the housing 5. When the key top 2 is pressed, the connecting part 42 flexes with the projection 56 of the housing 5 as a fulcrum, thereby generating a reaction force against the force pressing the key top 2. This provides the user with a good click feel.

[0061] Each of the pair of link members 3 comprises a pair of arms 32a and 32b, a base 31 connecting the pair of arms 32a and 32b to each other, and a pair of shafts 36a and 36b projecting from the pair of arms 32a and 32b toward the key top 2. The key top 2 has a pair of recesses 21 on a pair of sides that accommodate the pair of shafts 36a and 36b. In this way, since the pair of link members 3 are connected to the sides of the key top 2, when a display device is placed below the key unit 15, the visibility of the image on the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0062] Each of the pair of link members 3 comprises a pair of arms 32a and 32b, a base 31 connecting the pair of arms 32a and 32b to each other, and a pair of projections 35a and 35b projecting from the pair of arms 32a and 32b toward the housing 5. The housing 5 has a pair of recesses 54 in a pair of side walls 51 of the housing 5 that accommodate the pair of projections 35a and 35b. In this way, since the pair of link members 3 are connected to the side walls 51 of the housing, when a display device is placed below the key unit 15, visibility of the image on the display device can be ensured through the transparent key top 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from its essence. For example, the display device may be a sheet on which an image has been printed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Front cover, 2 Key tops, 3 Link components, 4 Actuator, 5 Housing, 6 Rubber, 7 Membrane sheet, 15 Key unit, 16 Key unit module, 80 Control panel cover, 90 Frame, 100, 200 Key switch device, 110 Display device, 112 Holder, 113, 114, 120 Control board

Claims

1. Keycaps and A pair of link members that work in conjunction with each other to raise and lower the key top and press the electrical contacts, A housing that rotatably holds the pair of link members, The pair of link members are biased toward a first direction toward which they face each other, and a pair of actuators are provided to generate a reaction force against the force that presses the key top, The pair of link members, the housing, and the pair of actuators are arranged along the side of the key top. A key unit characterized by the following features.

2. Each of the pair of actuators includes a pair of biasing parts that bias the pair of link members toward the first direction, and a connecting part that connects the pair of biasing parts to each other. The housing comprises a convex portion on which the pair of biasing portions are mounted, and a first projection that contacts the connecting portion. When the keytop is pressed, the connecting portion flexes with the first projection of the housing as a fulcrum, thereby generating a reaction force against the force pressing the keytop. The key unit according to feature 1.

3. Each of the pair of link members is It comprises a pair of arms, a base connecting the pair of arms to each other, and a pair of shafts protruding from the pair of arms toward the key top, The keytop has a pair of recesses on a pair of sides for accommodating the pair of shafts. The key unit according to feature 1.

4. Each of the pair of link members is It comprises a pair of arms, a base connecting the pair of arms to each other, and a pair of shafts protruding from the pair of arms toward the housing, The housing comprises a pair of recesses or through holes that slidably hold the pair of shafts. The key unit according to feature 1.

5. Each of the pair of link members is It comprises a pair of arms, a base connecting the pair of arms to each other, and a pair of second protrusions projecting from the pair of arms toward the housing, The housing has a pair of recesses in a pair of side walls that accommodate the pair of second protrusions. The key unit according to feature 1.

6. A plurality of key units according to claim 1, The system comprises a membrane sheet having multiple electrical contacts corresponding to the multiple key units, Each of the pair of link members comprises a first arm, a second arm, a base connecting the first and second arms, and a third and fourth projection projecting from the first and second arms toward the membrane sheet, respectively. The key unit module is characterized in that the electrical contacts are positioned to be pressed by the third projection or the fourth projection.

7. The key unit module according to claim 6, A display device located below the aforementioned key unit module, A key switch device comprising a frame for determining the layout of the plurality of key units.

8. The front cover has multiple through holes that expose multiple key tops included in the multiple key units, and each of the multiple key units includes the pair of link members, the pair of actuators, and the housing, The key switch device according to claim 7, further comprising a sealing member provided between the front cover and the membrane sheet and arranged to surround the plurality of key units.

9. The housing has a protrusion on its outer circumference, The key switch device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the projection is fixed between the frame and the display device.

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