Switch device and key input device

Abstract

To provide a switch device and a key input device that can generate a click sound and a click feeling upon depression of a key switch.SOLUTION: A switch device 1 comprises a stationary member 11 that can be fixed to a substrate 10, and a movable member 12 that is movably supported by the stationary member 11 and moves downward according to a depressing operation, and a key input device comprises the switch devices 1. The switch device comprises a striking member 13 that is attached to the movable member 12 to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the movable member 12 and strikes the other member, and an elastic member 16 that has a part to be engaged 160 engaged by the striking member 13. The striking member 13 has an engaging part 130 that engages with the part to be engaged 160. The engaging part 130 engages with the part to be engaged 160 along with the downward movement of the movable member 12, and when the engagement of the engaging part 130 with the part to be engaged 160 is released along with a further downward movement of the movable member 12, the striking member 13 strikes the other member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As an input device for electronic devices such as computers, keyboards in which a plurality of key switches are arranged side by side, and further, notebook personal computers (hereinafter referred to as notebook PCs) that serve as the main body of electronic devices equipped with input devices have become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a keyboard device thinned using a rubber spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the keyboard device described in Patent Document 1 uses a rubber spring, there is a problem that the touch and sound when pressing the key switch, that is, the so-called click feeling and click sound are insufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a switch device capable of satisfying requirements regarding pressing of a key switch.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a key input device using such a switch device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the switch device (key switch) disclosed in the present application includes a fixing member that can be fixed to a substrate, a movable member that is movably supported by the fixing member and moves in the pressing direction by a pressing operation, and a biasing member that biases the movable member in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The switch device is characterized in that it further includes a striking member attached to the movable member so as to be movable in the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the movable member, and that strikes another member, and an elastic member fixed to the fixing member. The elastic member has an engaged portion engaged by the striking member, the striking member has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion, and when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the movable member moves in the pressing direction, and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion disengages as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction, the striking member strikes another member.

[0008] In the switch device, the elastic member is configured using a coil spring, the engaging portion of the striking member is configured as a convex portion that presses the elastic member, and the striking member is characterized in that, by engagement, the engaging portion presses and extends the coil spring that is the elastic member.

[0009] Furthermore, the switch device disclosed in the present application includes a fixing member that can be fixed to a substrate, a movable member that is movably supported by the fixing member and moves in the pressing direction by a pressing operation, and a biasing member that biases the movable member in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. The switch device is characterized in that it further includes a striking member attached to the movable member so as to be movable in the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the movable member and that strikes another member. The biasing member has an engaged portion engaged by the striking member, the striking member has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion, and when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the movable member moves in the pressing direction, and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion disengages as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction, the striking member strikes another member.

[0010] In the switch device, the biasing member is configured by using a compression coil spring, and the engaged portion is formed by extending one end of the coil constituting the compression coil spring.

[0011] In the switch device, the striking member is characterized in that the movement of the engaging portion relative to the fixed member is restricted when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the key input device (keyboard) disclosed in the present application is a key input device in which a plurality of key switches are arranged, and as the arranged key switches, the switch device is provided.

[0013] In the key input device, a light emitting portion that emits light, a light receiving portion that receives the light emitted from the light emitting portion, and a shielding portion that is attached to a movable member included in the key input device and shields the light emitted from the light emitting portion are provided, and the shielding portion performs shielding or release of shielding with respect to the light emitted from the light emitting portion as the movable member moves in the pressing direction.

[0014] In the switch device and the key input device disclosed in the present application, a striking member that strikes another member as the movable member moves in the pressing direction is attached to the movable member.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] In the switch device and the key input device according to the present invention, a striking member is attached to a movable member that moves in the pressing direction by a pressing operation, and the striking member strikes another member as the movable member moves. By striking another member with the striking member, excellent effects such as being able to satisfy the requirements accompanying the pressing can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 17

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Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] <Application Example> Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The key input device of the present disclosure is used, for example, as a keyboard for inputting data such as characters, numbers, symbols, and various commands into an electronic device such as a computer. A plurality of switch devices of the present disclosure are arranged on the keyboard as key switches. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the keyboard KB and the key switch 1 described in the drawings will be exemplified and described.

[0018] <Keyboard (Key Input Device)> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard KB to which the key input device of the present disclosure is applied. On the keyboard KB, a plurality of key switches 1 such as character keys, number keys, and other function keys are arranged in an array according to an array such as the QWERTY array as switch devices. In the following description, it is assumed that the user uses the keyboard KB placed on the desk in a general posture, and the directions of the keyboard KB and the key switch 1 included in the keyboard KB are defined from the user's viewpoint. That is, in the present application, the front side (the lower left side in FIG. 1) is regarded as the front, and the direction of pressing the key switch 1 is regarded as the lower side for explanation.

[0019] Next, the key switch 1 arranged on the keyboard KB will be described. The key switch 1 included in the keyboard KB of the present disclosure can be realized in various forms. Here, as an example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be exemplified and described.

[0020] <Key Switch (Switch Device)> <First Embodiment> <Configuration Example> A configuration example of the key switch 1 will be described. FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 2 shows the key switch 1 from a viewpoint obliquely above, and FIG. 3 shows it from a viewpoint obliquely below. The key switch 1 includes a substrate 10 built into the keyboard KB, a fixing member 11 fixed to the substrate 10, and a movable member 12 that can move up and down and is pushed downward by a pressing operation of the user. A removable key top 120 is attached to the upper surface of the movable member 12. The upper surface of the movable member 12 to which the key top 120 is attached has a substantially square shape in plan view.

[0021] The substrate 10 has a three-layer structure in which a circuit layer formed with wiring and electronic circuits from the lower side, a protective layer that protects the wiring and electronic circuits formed on the substrate 10, and a cover layer that covers the inside of the keyboard KB so that it cannot be visually recognized from above are superimposed. A substantially rectangular fitting opening 100 is formed in the substrate 10, and the lower part of the fixing member 11 is fitted into the fitting opening 100. In the substrate 10, the periphery of the fitting opening 100 is a frame portion 101. From one side of the frame portion 101 facing the fitting opening 100, a pair of mounting pieces 102 having a substantially rectangular shape are formed so as to protrude toward the inside of the fitting opening 100. A light emitting portion 103 using a light emitting element such as an LED (Light emitting diode) that emits light is attached to one of the mounting pieces 102. A PD (Photo Diode) that detects light is attached to the other mounting piece 102. A light receiving unit 104 using a light receiving element such as a photodiode or a PT (Photo Transistor) is attached. The light emitting unit 103 and the light receiving unit 104 are attached facing each other. The light emitting unit 103 emits light toward the light receiving unit 104, and the light receiving unit 104 receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 103. In the frame portion 101, an illumination unit 105 using a light emitting element such as an LED is attached to a portion of the periphery of the side facing the fitting port 100 across the fitting piece 102. The illumination unit 105 illuminates the key switch 1 and its surroundings to create an effect such that the keyboard KB glows. Note that within the keyboard KB, the substrate 10 may be provided for each key switch 1, or may be formed so as to share a single substrate 10 among a plurality of key switches 1.

[0022] The internal structure of the key switch 1 will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic perspective views showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 4 shows a state excluding the key top 120 of the movable member 12. FIG. 5 shows a state excluding the movable member 12. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section in the A-B direction shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 shows a state excluding the key top 120 of the movable member 12.

[0023] In addition to the aforementioned substrate 10, fixed member 11, and movable member 12, the key switch 1 includes various members such as a punching member 13, a biasing member 14, a guiding member 15, an elastic member 16, and a holding member 17.

[0024] As described above, the substrate 10 has a three-layer structure of a circuit layer, a protective layer, and a cover layer. The substrate 10 has a fitting port 100 opened. A pair of fitting pieces 102 are formed on the frame portion 101 at the periphery of the fitting port 100 of the substrate 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting unit 103 and the light receiving unit 104 are attached to the fitting pieces 102 of the substrate 10, and the illumination unit 105 is attached to the frame portion 101 facing the fitting pieces 102.

[0025] The fixing member 11 is fixed on the substrate 10 with its lower part fitted into the fitting opening 100 of the substrate 10. The fixing member 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape with its upper surface and one side surface open. A rectangular notch 110 continuous with the open side surface is formed on the bottom surface of the fixing member 11. When the fixing member 11 is fitted into the substrate 10, the light emitting part 103 and the light receiving part 104 attached to the substrate 10 are arranged within the notch 110 of the fixing member 11. A substantially cylindrical inner wall 111 is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate 10.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the movable member 12 and the impact member 13 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the movable member 12 and the impact member 13 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 8 shows the movable member 12 and the impact member 13 attached to the movable member 12 from a viewpoint obliquely downward. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section in the C-D direction shown in FIG. 8. The movable member 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. The movable member 12 is a member that is movably supported by the fixing member 11 and moves in the pressing direction when receiving a pressing operation. The movable member 12 has a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view, and guide pieces 121 that engage with the guide member 15 to guide vertical movement are formed to extend downward in the vicinity of four vertices. An opening for engaging the guide member 15 is formed in the guide piece 121. A fitting cylinder 122 having a substantially cylindrical shape extends downward from the vicinity of the center of the lower surface of the movable member 12. Since the outer diameter of the fitting cylinder 122 is formed to be slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the inner wall 111 of the fixing member 11, the fitting cylinder 122 is loosely fitted inside the fixing member 11 so as to be vertically movable. The movable member 12 is guided by the guide pieces 121 and the fitting cylinder 122 in which the guide pieces 121 are loosely fitted and moves up and down. On the lower surface of the movable member 12, a pair of rectangular plate-shaped support pieces 123 extend downward around the fitting cylinder 122. A return part 123a bent in a hook shape is formed at the lower end of the support piece 123. The support piece 123 is the impact The striking member 13 is supported so as to be movable vertically. In the vicinity of one side of the movable member 12, a shielding plate 124 (shielding portion) in the shape of a rectangular plate is formed so as to extend downward. The shielding plate 124 is formed such that the surface direction is orthogonal to the adjacent side. The shielding plate 124 moves up and down as the movable member 12 moves up and down, and when it moves downward, it enters between the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104 attached to the substrate 10 and shields the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the striking member 13 and the elastic member 16 included in the key switch 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows the striking member 13 and the elastic member 16 in a state where the movable member 12 is not pressed as a perspective view so that the positional relationship can be easily understood. The striking member 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. The striking member 13 is attached to the movable member 12 so as to be movable relative to the movable member 12 in the vertical direction (the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction). The striking member 13 is a member that strikes, by moving, another member, in the form exemplified in the present application, the return portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable member 12. The striking member 13 has a substantially rectangular frame shape in plan view, and the vicinity of the center of the long side is curved outward in an arc shape so as to loosely fit on the inner wall 111 of the fixed member 11 and the outside of the biasing member 14 that goes around the inner wall 111. An engaging portion 130 that engages with the elastic member 16 is formed as a convex portion protruding outward on one of the curved long sides of the striking member 13. The short side of the striking member 13 is externally fitted to the support piece 123 of the movable member 12, and is supported by the support piece 123 so as to be movable relative to the movable member 12 in the vertical direction. The upper limit of the moving direction of the striking member 13 is the position where it abuts against the bottom surface of the movable member 12, and the lower limit of the moving direction of the striking member 13 is the position where it abuts against the return portion 123a at the lower end of the support piece 123. FIG. 10 shows the positional relationship between the striking member 13 and the elastic member 16 in a state where the movable member 12 is not pressed. When the movable member 12 moves downward from the state shown in FIG. 10, the engaging portion 130 of the movable member 12 engages with the elastic member 16. When the pressed movable member 12 moves further downward and the striking member 13 moves downward as the movable member 12 moves, and the engagement with the elastic member 16 is disengaged, the striking member 13 strikes the return portion 123a of the movable member 12.

[0028] The biasing member 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The biasing member 14 is formed using a compression coil spring. The biasing member 14 is disposed so as to go around the inner wall 111 of the fixed member 11 and the fitting cylinder 122 of the movable member 12, the lower end is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11, and the upper end biases the movable member 12 upward (the direction opposite to the pressing direction).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the guide member 15 will be described. The guide member 15 is formed by combining a first link member 15a and a second link member 15b. The first link member 15a has a substantially U-shaped configuration in which two arm portions 150 having a swing axis at the first end side are connected by a connecting portion 151 formed at the second end side opposite to the first end side. At the second end side of the first link member 15a, an engaging protrusion 152 that engages with the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12 is formed. At a position near the center at the second end side of the first link member 15a, a fulcrum portion 153 that engages with the fixed member 11 is formed. The first link member 15a is formed in a substantially L-shaped configuration bent at the fulcrum portion 153. The second link member 15b has a substantially H-shaped configuration in which two arm portions 150 having a swing axis at the first end side are connected by a connecting portion 151 formed near the center of the arm portion 150. In the second link member 15b, an engaging protrusion 152 that engages with the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12 is formed at the second end side opposite to the first end side. At a position near the center at the second end side of the second link member 15b, a fulcrum portion 153 that engages with the fixed member 11 is formed. The second link member 15b is formed in a substantially L-shaped configuration bent at the fulcrum portion 153. The guide member 15 is a member formed by combining the swing axis of the first link member 15a and the swing axis of the second link member 15b and having a substantially W-shaped configuration in side view. The fulcrum portion 153 of the guide member 15 engages with the fixed member 11 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and the engaging protrusions 152 of the first link member 15a and the second link member 15b forming the guide member 15 engage with the opening of the guide piece 121 of the movable member 12 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. The guide member 15 is When the movable member 12 moves up and down, it has a function of guiding so that the upper surface of the movable member 12 does not tilt. That is, when the movable member 12 moves downward, the engaging protrusions 152 of the guiding member 15 engage with the guiding pieces 121 formed at the four vertices of the movable member 12, and the first link member 15a and the second link member 15b tilt so that the W shape of the guiding member 15 opens while maintaining a substantially plane-symmetrical state. Thereby, the movable member 12 moves downward without tilting. The same applies when the movable member 12 moves upward. The movable member 12 is guided by the guiding member 15 and moves upward without tilting. The second link member 15b tilts with the second end side on the side where the light emitting part 103 and the light receiving part 104 are arranged. However, since the connecting part 151 is formed near the center instead of the second end side, even when it tilts, it does not interfere with the light emitting part 103 and the light receiving part 104.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 and FIG. 10, the elastic member 16 and the holding member 17 will be described. The elastic member 16 is formed using an elastic body such as a tension coil spring. Both ends of the elastic member 16 are held by the holding member 17. The holding member 17 is fixed to the fixing member 11 so that the axis of the helix of the holding member 17 is in the horizontal direction while holding both ends of the elastic member 16. The vicinity of the center of the holding member 17 functions as an engaged part 160 to be engaged with the engaging part 130 of the punching member 13. Note that the elastic member 16 can also be formed using a coil spring such as a compression coil spring.

[0031] <Operation Example> An operation example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the key switch 1 is not receiving a pressing operation, excluding the key top 120. As illustrated in FIG. 11, in a state where the movable member 12 is not receiving a pressing operation, the movable member 12 is biased upward by the biasing member 14 and is positioned at the upper end of the movement range. Since the movable member 12 is positioned at the upper end, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 is positioned above the light emitting unit 103 and the light receiving unit 104. The impact member 13 attached to the movable member 12 is positioned at the lower end of the movement range with respect to the movable member 12, but is positioned above the elastic member 16, and the engaging portion 130 of the impact member 13 is not engaged with the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the movable member 12 has moved downward under a pressing operation from the state illustrated in FIG. 11. The movable member 12 moves downward under a pressing operation. As the movable member 12 moves downward, the impact member 13 moves downward. By moving downward, the engaging portion 130 of the impact member 13 abuts on and engages with the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16, thereby restricting the downward movement of the impact member 13. Since the downward movement of the impact member 13 is restricted, the impact member 13 moves relatively upward with respect to the movable member 12. When the restricted impact member 13 moves to the upper limit of the movement range, it moves downward as the movable member 12 moves downward, and presses the elastic member 16 while engaging with the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16. In the first embodiment, as the movable member 12 moves, the state where the engaging portion 130 of the impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 is referred to as the engaging portion 130 engaging with the engaged portion 160 as it moves. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 by engagement. The impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the elastic member 16 (leftward in the direction of FIG. 12), and the elastic member 16 stretches under the pressing force.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the movable member 12 has further received a pressing operation and has moved to the lower limit of the movement range from the state illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the movable member 12 is further pressed down from the state in which the striking member 13 is engaged with the elastic member 16, the striking member 13 that moves along with the movable member 12 disengages from the engaged portion 160 of the elastic member 16 with the engaged portion 160. The striking member 13 that has disengaged from the engaged portion 160 moves downward and strikes, with its lower end, the return portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable member 12. The operator perceives the sound and vibration when the striking member 13 strikes the movable member 12 as a click sound and a click feeling. When the operator releases the pressing on the movable member 12 from the state illustrated in FIG. 13, the movable member 12 moves upward due to the upward biasing force by the biasing member 14 and returns to the state illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 14 shows the key switch 1 from an obliquely downward viewpoint and corresponds to the state illustrated in FIG. 11 described above. FIG. 14 shows a state in which the key switch 1 has not received a pressing operation. As illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 11, in a state in which the key switch 1 has not received a pressing operation, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 is positioned above the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104. Therefore, the optical path between the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104 is not shielded, and the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103 is detected by the light receiving portion 104.

[0035]

[0036] ​FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 15 shows a state in which the movable member 12 has moved to the lower limit of the movement range under a pressing operation from the state illustrated in FIG. 14, corresponding to the state illustrated in FIG. 13. When the movable member 12 moves to the lower limit of the movement range, the shielding plate 124 formed on the lower surface of the movable member 12 enters between the light emitting portion 103 and the light receiving portion 104. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103 is shielded by the shielding plate 124 and does not reach the light receiving portion 104.

[0037] When the operator releases the pressing on the movable member 12 from the state illustrated in FIG. 15, the movable member 12 moves upward by the upward biasing force of the biasing member 14, the shielding of the light by the shielding plate 124 is released, and the state returns to the state illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0038] As an operation of the keyboard KB, when the user touches the movable member 12 of the key switch 1 and performs a pressing operation to press the movable member 12, the shielding plate 124 formed on the movable member 12 shields the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103. By the shielding plate 124 shielding the optical path from the light emitting portion 103 to the light receiving portion 104, the contact and separation state of the electric circuit is switched, and an on signal for each key switch 1 is output from the keyboard KB that has detected the switching of the contact and separation state to an electronic device such as a connected personal computer. Further, when the operator releases the pressing of the movable member 12, the shielding of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103 is released, and the light receiving portion 104 detects the light emitted from the light emitting portion 103. By releasing the shielding of the optical path from the light emitting portion 103 to the light receiving portion 104, the contact and separation state of the electric circuit also returns to the original state.

[0039] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is a form in which, in the first embodiment, the elastic member 16 and the holding member 17 are not used, and the impact member 13 is formed so as to engage with the biasing member 14. In the second embodiment, for the members similar to those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and detailed description is omitted with reference to the first embodiment.

[0040] <Configuration Example> Since the appearance of the key switch 1 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, reference is made to the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

[0041] The internal structure of the key switch 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 16 shows the state excluding the key top 120 of the movable member 12. The key switch 1 includes various members such as a substrate 10, a fixed member 11, a movable member 12, a striking member 13, a biasing member 14, and a guide member 15. The shapes and functions of the substrate 10, the fixed member 11, the movable member 12, and the guide member 15 according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the striking member 13 and the biasing member 14 included in the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 17 shows the striking member 13 and the biasing member 14 in a state where the movable member 12 is not pressed as a perspective view so that the positional relationship can be easily understood. The striking member 13 and the biasing member 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The striking member 13 has a rectangular frame shape in plan view, and the vicinity of the center of the long side is curved outward in an arc shape so as to be loosely fitted to the inner wall 111 of the fixed member 11 and the outside of the biasing member 14 that circulates around the inner wall 111. On one curved long side of the striking member 13, an engaging portion 130 that engages with the biasing member 14 is formed as a convex portion protruding outward.

[0043] The biasing member 14 according to the second embodiment is formed using a compression coil spring. The lower end of the biasing member 14 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the fixed member 11, and the upper end biases the movable member 12 upward. The lower end of the coil of the compression coil spring used as the biasing member 14 extends linearly toward the engaging portion 130 side of the striking member 13, bends in two steps at a position where it engages with the engaging portion 130, and a engaged portion 140 that engages with the engaging portion 130 is formed.

[0044] <Operation Example> An operation example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure configured as described above will be described. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the key switch 1 is not pressed, excluding the key top 120. As illustrated in FIG. 18, in a state where the movable member 12 is not subjected to a pressing operation, the movable member 12 is biased upward by the biasing member 14 and is positioned at the upper end of the movement range. The impact member 13 attached to the movable member 12 is positioned at the lower end of the movement range with respect to the movable member 12.

[0045] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the movable member 12 has moved downward under a pressing operation from the state illustrated in FIG. 18. As the movable member 12 moves downward under the pressing operation, the impact member 13 moves downward. As the impact member 13 moves downward, the engaging portion 130 engages with the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14, and by engaging with the engaged portion 140, the downward movement of the impact member 13 is restricted. As the downward movement of the impact member 13 is restricted, the impact member 13 moves upward relative to the movable member 12. When the impact member 13 whose movement is restricted moves to the upper limit of the movement range, it moves downward as the movable member 12 moves downward, and presses the biasing member 14 while engaging with the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14. In the second embodiment, the state in which the engaging portion 130 of the impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14 as the movable member 12 moves is referred to as the engaging portion 130 engaging with the engaged portion 140 as it moves. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14 by engagement. The impact member 13 presses the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14, and the biasing member 14 is pressed so that the engaged portion 140 is pushed out in the pressing direction (leftward in FIG. 19).

[0046] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. FIG. 20 shows a state in which the movable member 12 has been further pressed and moved to the lower limit of the movement range from the state illustrated in FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 20, when the movable member 12 is further pressed from the state in which the striking member 13 is engaged with the biasing member 14, the striking member 13 that moves along with the movable member 12 disengages from the engaged portion 140 of the biasing member 14 by the engaging portion 130. The striking member 13 that has disengaged from the engaged portion 140 moves downward, and the lower end strikes the return portion 123a formed at the lower end of the support piece 123 of the movable member 12. The operator perceives the sound and vibration when the striking member 13 strikes the movable member 12 as a click sound and a click feeling. When the operator releases the pressing on the movable member 12 from the state illustrated in FIG. 20, the movable member 12 moves upward by the upward biasing force of the biasing member 14 and returns to the state illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0047] As described above, the key switch 1 (switch device) and the keyboard KB (key input device) disclosed in the present application include a striking member 13 attached to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the movable member 12, and when receiving a pressing operation from the operator, the striking member 13 strikes another member, for example, the movable member 12. The operator perceives the sound and vibration generated when the striking member 13 strikes another member as a so-called click sound and a click feeling. Thereby, the operator can satisfy requirements regarding the operating feeling, operating sound, etc. accompanying the pressing, and exhibits excellent effects such as this. In particular, the key switch 1 and the keyboard KB disclosed in the present application can generate a sufficient click sound and click feeling even when applied to a thin key switch 1.

[0048]

[0049] ​The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be construed restrictively. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] For example, in the above embodiment, the punching member 13 is shown in a form of punching the inner bottom surface of the fixing member 11 as another member. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the other member that the punching member 13 punches may be a location or member other than the returning portion 123a of the movable member 12. For example, the punching member 13 can be configured in various forms such as punching the inner bottom surface of the fixing member 11 as another member.

[0051] Also, in the above embodiment, a form of applying to a key input device mainly for inputting characters such as the keyboard KB is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to realize a key input device as a notebook PC equipped with the key switch 1 disclosed in the present application. Furthermore, it can be applied to various key input devices such as a key input device dedicated to numeric keys such as a numeric keypad, and other electronic devices other than a computer, for example, various switches used for a dedicated game machine.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] KB Keyboard (Key Input Device) 1 Key Switch (Switch Device) 10 Substrate 103 Light Emitting Portion 104 Light Receiving Portion 11 Fixing Member 12 Movable Member 124 Shielding Plate (Shielding Portion) 13 Punching Member 130 Engaging Portion 14 Biasing Member 140 Engaged Portion 15 Guide Member 16 Elastic member 160 Engaged portion 17 Holding member

Claims

1. A switch device comprising a fixing member that can be fixed to a substrate, a movable member that is movably supported by the fixing member and moves in the pressing direction by a pressing operation, and a biasing member that biases the movable member in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, a striking member that is attached to the movable member so as to be movable in the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the movable member and strikes another member, an elastic member fixed to the fixing member, and comprising, the elastic member has an engaged portion engaged by the striking member, the elastic member is configured using a coil spring, the striking member has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion, the engaging portion of the striking member is configured as a convex portion that presses the elastic member, the striking member is configured such that, by engagement, the engaging portion presses and extends the coil spring that is the elastic member, when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the striking member moves in the pressing direction of the movable member, and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion disengages as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction, the striking member strikes another member A switch device characterized by this.

2. A switch device comprising a fixing member that can be fixed to a substrate, a movable member that is movably supported by the fixing member and moves in the pressing direction by a pressing operation, and a biasing member that biases the movable member in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, comprising a striking member that is attached to the movable member so as to be movable in the pressing direction and the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the movable member and strikes another member, the biasing member has an engaged portion engaged by the striking member, the striking member has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion, When the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion as the punching member moves in the pressing direction of the movable member, and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is disengaged as the movable member further moves in the pressing direction, the punching member punches another member. A switch device characterized by this.

3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein The biasing member is configured using a compression coil spring, The engaged portion is formed by extending one end of the coil constituting the compression coil spring. A switch device characterized by this.

4. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The movement of the punching member relative to the fixed member is restricted when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion. A switch device characterized by this.

5. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A light-emitting portion that emits light, A light-receiving portion that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, A shielding portion that is attached to the movable member provided in the key input device and shields the light emitted from the light-emitting portion, and further includes, The shielding portion shields or releases the shielding of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion as the movable member moves in the pressing direction. A switch device characterized by this.

6. A key input device in which a plurality of key switches are arranged, wherein As the arranged key switches, the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided. A key input device characterized by this.

7. A key input device in which a plurality of key switches are arranged, wherein As a provided key switch, it includes the switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a light-emitting part that emits light, a light-receiving part that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting part, a shielding part that is attached to a movable member included in the key input device and shields the light emitted from the light-emitting part, and is provided, the shielding part performs shielding or release of shielding of the light emitted from the light-emitting part as the movable member moves in the pressing direction, and is characterized by being a key input device.

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