Key input device

Abstract

To achieve a key input device that can hold keys in depressed positions with a simple configuration not using electric power.SOLUTION: A keyboard (1) has a plurality of key switches (10) disposed on a main body (2). The key switches (10) each include a case (11) that is fixed to the main body (2) of the keyboard (1), a movable member (12) that is provided movably with respect to the case (11) and moves to a depressed position according to a depressing operation, an elastic member (13) that pushes back the movable member in an opposite direction to the depressing direction, and a magnetic member (16) that moves with the movable member (12) as one body and has a magnetic substance. Magnet members (19) each having a permanent magnet are removably attached to the bottom of the main body (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a key input device having a switch device that switches an electrical connection / disconnection state by pressing a movable member. [Background technology]

[0002] Keyboards, which are key input devices with a number of key switches (hereinafter also referred to as keys) arranged in a row, are widely used as input devices for electronic devices such as computers. Recently, keyboards have also been used in computer games known as e-sports.

[0003] Some of these keyboards have an input signal disabling function, which can be used to disable input signals from keys that are not required for gameplay, preventing the output of unnecessary input signals while playing.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which an electromagnet is used to attract and hold a key at a depression position where it is not possible to perform a depression operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 103377842 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By using the input signal disabling function, it is possible to prevent the output of input signals from keys that are not necessary for game play, but it is still possible to press the keys. Therefore, if an unnecessary key is pressed by mistake, unnecessary key operation time occurs in the game operation. Depending on the game, the delay in game operation due to the unnecessary key operation time may affect the outcome.

[0007] On the other hand, the technology of Patent Document 1 can prevent unnecessary key presses by preventing unnecessary key presses from occurring during game operation. However, since the key is attracted and held at the pressed position using an electromagnet, a device including a coil, an iron core, etc. and a control unit for controlling the current flowing through the coil are required, which increases costs and the size of the device. In addition, the use of electricity increases power consumption.

[0008] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a key input device that can hold a key in a pressed position with a simple configuration that does not use power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0010] That is, a key input device according to one aspect of the present invention is a key input device in which a plurality of switch devices are arranged, and the switch devices include a fixed member fixed to a main body of the key input device, a movable member provided movably with respect to the fixed member and moved to a pressed position by a pressing operation, an elastic member pushing the movable member back in a direction opposite to the pressing direction, and a magnetic member having a magnetic substance and moving integrally with the movable member, and a magnet member having a permanent magnet and attracting the magnetic member is detachably attached to a bottom of the main body, and the force of the magnet member attracting the magnetic member is stronger than the force of the elastic member pushing the movable member back in the opposite direction.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the magnetic member having a magnetic substance provided on the movable member of the switch device is attracted by the magnet member having a permanent magnet provided on the bottom of the main body. This makes it possible to hold the movable member, i.e., the switch device, in the pressed position. Moreover, since the magnet member is provided detachably, when it is not necessary to hold the switch device in the pressed position, it can be removed and used as a normal key input device. This makes it possible to realize a key input device that can hold keys in the pressed position with a simple configuration that does not use power.

[0012] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the fixed member may have a hole through which the tip of the magnetic member in the pressing direction is inserted, and the tip of the magnetic member in the pressing direction is closer to the bottom of the main body than the fixed member when the movable member is in the pressed position. This allows the magnetic member of the switch device to be closer to the bottom of the main body on which the magnet member is installed in the pressed state, thereby improving the attraction (adsorption) effect by magnetic force.

[0013] The key input device according to the above aspect may further comprise a wiring board disposed below the fixed member, the wiring board having a hole through which the tip of the magnetic member in the pressing direction is inserted, and the tip of the magnetic member in the pressing direction is closer to the bottom of the main body than the wiring board when the movable member is in the pressed position. This allows the magnetic member of the switch device to be closer to the bottom of the main body of the key input device on which the magnet member is installed in the pressed state, thereby improving the attraction (adsorption) effect by magnetic force.

[0014] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the magnetic member may be configured to include a holder that holds a permanent magnet and is detachable from the main body. By using the holder, the magnetic member can be easily attached to the bottom of the main body.

[0015] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the magnet member may be attached to a hole provided in the bottom of the main body from the rear side of the main body, the holder may be rotatable with respect to the hole, and the outer periphery of the holder and the inner periphery of the hole may be provided with locking shapes that engage with each other and lock the holder into the hole by rotating the holder in the mounting direction. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to easily configure a holder that is detachable from the hole.

[0016] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the locking shapes formed on the outer periphery of the holder and the inner periphery of the hole may have locking surfaces that abut and lock with each other, with the radial direction of the holder being the in-plane direction, and each locking surface may have a recess or protrusion that extends along the radial direction of the holder and fits into each other. This allows the magnet member to be locked in a state where it is attached to the bottom of the main body so that it cannot be easily removed.

[0017] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the magnet member may be attached to a hole provided in the bottom of the main body from the rear side of the main body, the holder may be rotatable with respect to the hole, and the outer periphery of the holder and the inner periphery of the hole may be provided with removal shapes that engage with each other and move the magnet member toward the entrance side of the hole by rotating the holder in the removal direction. This allows the magnet member to be easily removed from the bottom of the main body against the attraction force between the magnet member and the magnetic member.

[0018] In the key input device according to the above aspect, the main body may have a hole on the back surface of the bottom into which the magnetic member is loosely fitted, and the magnetic member may be loosely fitted into the hole and held in the hole by the attractive force of the magnetic member. Since it is not necessary to provide a locking shape in the hole formed in the bottom of the main body, the bottom of the main body can be manufactured inexpensively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a key input device that can hold a key in a pressed position with a simple configuration that does not use power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a key switch according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a pair of movable pieces in a key switch according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the engagement between a movable member and a pair of movable pieces for providing an operational feel in a key switch according to the present embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the bottom plate of the main body of the keyboard according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a method of holding a key at a pressed position on the keyboard according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the configuration of a magnet member attached to the bottom plate of the keyboard body according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a hole provided in a bottom plate of a main body of the keyboard according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a method of attaching a magnet member to the bottom plate of the keyboard body according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams showing a method for removing the magnet member from the bottom plate of the keyboard body according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a method for holding a key switch in a depressed position in a keyboard according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for releasing the hold of a key switch in a keyboard according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as one aspect of the key input device of the present disclosure, a keyboard used for inputting data such as letters, numbers, and symbols as well as various commands into an electronic device such as a computer, and for game operation will be exemplified.

[0022] §1 Application Examples First, an example of a situation in which a keyboard 1, which is a key input device, and a key switch 10, which is a switch device, are applied will be described with reference to Figures 1, 8, and 9. As shown in Figure 1, the keyboard 1 has a plurality of key switches 10 arranged side by side as an input device for an electronic device such as a computer. The keyboard 1 can be used as an input device for an electronic device such as a computer, and can also be adapted to specifications suitable for computer games known as e-sports.

[0023] That is, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral 802 in Fig. 8, a magnetic member 16 having a magnetic substance is provided on the movable member 12 of the key switch 10. Meanwhile, a magnet member (magnetic member) 19 having a permanent magnet is detachably attached to the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1.

[0024] With this configuration, when the key switch 10 is pressed down with the magnet member 19 attached to the bottom plate 3, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic member 16 and the magnet member 19 holds the key switch 10 in the pressed position. As a result, for key switches 10 that are not used for game operations or key switches 10 that may be operated erroneously during game operations, attaching the magnet member 19 to the bottom plate 3 to hold the key switch 10 in the pressed position makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation. In addition, because the magnet member 19 is detachable from the bottom plate 3, normal use is possible by removing the magnet member 19.

[0025] 9, the magnet member 19 attached to the bottom plate 3 can also be configured to have a holder 20 that is detachably attached to the bottom plate 3. In this case, it becomes possible to easily attach and detach the magnet member 19 using a general-purpose tool such as a screwdriver, without using a special tool.

[0026] §2 Configuration example First Embodiment (1. Overview of Keyboard 1) First, a schematic configuration of a keyboard to which a key input device according to this embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a schematic oblique view showing an example of the appearance of a keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. The view indicated by reference numeral 201 in Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a key switch 10 taken along a line L1 extending in the front-rear direction shown in Fig. 1, and the view indicated by reference numeral 202 in Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line L2 extending in the horizontal direction in Fig. 1.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, keyboard 1 includes a main body 2 on which a plurality of key switches 10 are arranged as a switch device according to the present embodiment. Each key switch 10 is assigned a function, and is classified into letter keys, numeric keys, other function keys, etc. Note that, in the keyboard 1 illustrated in Fig. 1, key switches 10 of the same shape are arranged in a row in order to simplify the structure and make the technical content easily recognizable, but the implementation is not limited to this shape.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the key switch 10 includes a case 11, a guide cover 15, a movable member 12, an elastic member 13, and a magnetic member 16. The case 11 and the guide cover 15 form a fixed member. The movable member 12 is provided movably relative to the case 11 and the guide cover 15, and moves to a pressed position when pressed. When the pressure caused by the pressing operation is released, the movable member 12 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the elastic member 13. The magnetic member 16 moves integrally with the movable member 12 and has a magnetic body that is attracted to a permanent magnet.

[0029] The main body 2 of the keyboard 1 comprises a bottom plate 3 disposed on the bottom surface, a cover 4 covering the upper surface on which the key switches 10 are installed, a metal plate 5 disposed between the bottom plate 3 and the cover 4, and a wiring board 6 disposed between the metal plate 5 and the bottom plate 3. The metal plate 5 has openings 5a for attaching the key switches 10, and the key switches 10 are attached to the openings 5a. The wiring board 6 has holes 6b formed therein through which the lower ends of the magnetic members 16 are inserted. A magnet member 19 is detachably attached to the bottom plate 3 in a position corresponding to the attachment position of the key switches 10. The magnet member 19 has a permanent magnet.

[0030] A magnetic member 16 provided on the key switch 10 and a magnet member 19 arranged on the main body 2 constitute a holding mechanism that uses magnetic force to hold the movable member 12 of the key switch 10 in the pressed position. In a holding mechanism that uses the attractive force between a magnetic material and a permanent magnet to hold the movable member 12 in the pressed position, the key switch 10 needs to be equipped with either a magnetic material or a permanent magnet, and the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 needs to be equipped with the other of either a magnetic material or a permanent magnet. In the following description, it is assumed that the keyboard 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the moving direction of the movable member 12 is the up and down direction.

[0031] (2. Key switch 10 configuration) Next, the schematic configuration of the key switch 10 according to this embodiment will be described with appropriate reference to Figures 3, 4, and the aforementioned Figure 2. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the key switch 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the key switch 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the key switch 10 includes a case 11, a movable member 12, an elastic member 13, a pair of movable pieces 14, 14', a guide cover 15, and a magnetic member 16.

[0032] The case 11 is a box-shaped member, and as described above, serves to secure the key switch 10 to the main body 2. The case 11 has a flange 11a on its upper outer periphery that engages with the upper surface of the metal plate 5 (see FIG. 2). The case 11 has a boss 11b on its lower surface that fits into a hole 6a (see FIG. 2) formed in the wiring board 6. The case 11 also has a base 11d in the center of its inner bottom surface to which the elastic member 13 is attached. The base 11d has a hole 11c formed therein through which the lower end of the magnetic member 16 is inserted. In addition, although not shown, the lower surface of the case 11 also has holes and the like through which the terminals 14b, 14b' formed on the pair of movable pieces 14, 14' are inserted.

[0033] The guide cover 15 is fitted to the upper part of the case 11. As shown in the diagram of reference numeral 202 in Fig. 2, the guide cover 15 has tongues 15a extending downward on both lateral sides. The lower end of the tongues 15a is formed with protrusions 15b that protrude outward and engage with the underside of the metal plate 5.

[0034] The movable member 12 is provided movably relative to the case 11 and the guide cover 15, and as described above, moves to the pressed position by a pressing operation. In this embodiment, the movable member 12 is attached to the top of the guide cover 15 so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction (the pressing direction and the opposite direction) relative to the case 11 and the guide cover 15. A key top member 17 (see FIG. 3) that accepts a pressing operation is removably attached to the movable member 12. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the movable member 12 has pressing pieces 12a (see FIG. 5) at the corners of its inner circumferential surface that slide against pressed pieces 14e, 14e' provided on the movable pieces 14, 14' as the movable member 12 moves to the pressed position. Two pressing pieces 12a (see FIG. 5) are formed corresponding to the pressed pieces 14e, 14e'.

[0035] The magnetic member 16 is a rod-shaped member that has a magnetic material such as iron or is made of a magnetic material itself. The upper end of the magnetic member 16 is attached to the lower surface (the surface facing the pressing direction) of the movable member 12, and moves integrally with the movable member 12. Note that the entire rod-shaped member as the magnetic member 16 does not need to be made of a magnetic material, as long as at least the lower end is made of a magnetic material.

[0036] The elastic member 13 is a member, such as a coil spring, that pushes the movable member 12 back in a return direction (upward), which is the opposite direction to the pressing direction. The elastic member 13 is disposed at the center inside the case 11, with its lower end attached to a base 11d of the case 11 and its upper end fitted into a groove 12b formed in the lower surface of the movable member 12. The force with which the elastic member 13 pushes the movable member 12 back in the opposite direction is set to be weaker than the force with which the magnet member 19 attracts the magnetic member 16. In other words, the force with which the magnet member 19 attracts the magnetic member 16 is stronger than the force with which the elastic member 13 pushes the movable member 12 back in the opposite direction.

[0037] The pair of movable pieces 14, 14' are sensor components that detect depression of the key switch 10, and are arranged along the inner peripheral wall of the case 11. The movable pieces 14, 14' have contacts 14a, 14a', which become conductive when the movable member 12 is depressed. The movable pieces 14, 14' have terminals 14b, 14b', and are connected to the wiring board 6 of the main body 2 via the terminals 14b, 14b'. The movable pieces 14, 14' also provide a tactile sensation when the movable member 12 is depressed.

[0038] (3. Detecting press operations and providing tactile feedback) 5 and 6, the structure of the pair of movable pieces 14, 14' and the mechanism for detecting the depression of the key switch 10 and providing an operational feel will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the pair of movable pieces 14, 14' in the key switch 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the relationship between the movable member 12 and the pair of movable pieces 14, 14' to provide an operational feel in the key switch 10 according to this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the movable pieces 14, 14' are leaf spring members formed by cutting out and bending a metal plate, and are U-shaped when viewed from above. The movable pieces 14, 14' have first bent pieces 14c, 14c' and second bent pieces 14d, 14d' formed by bending. Contact points 14a, 14a' are provided on the first bent pieces 14c, 14c' and the second bent pieces 14d, 14d', respectively.

[0040] In the first bent pieces 14c, 14c', the contacts 14a, 14a' are provided on the outer surface, and in the second bent pieces 14d, 14d', the contacts 14a, 14a' are provided on the inner surface. The movable pieces 14, 14' are arranged so that the contact 14a of the first bent piece 14c of the movable piece 14 faces the contact 14a' of the second bent piece 14c' of the movable piece 14', and the contact 14a' of the first bent piece 14c' of the movable piece 14' faces the contact 14a of the second bent piece 14c of the movable piece 14. In other words, two sets of contacts 14a, 14a' are provided in the movable pieces 14, 14'.

[0041] The movable pieces 14, 14' have pressed pieces 14e, 14e' at the tip of the first bent pieces 14c, 14c'. The pressed pieces 14e, 14e' are formed by bending in a cut-and-raised shape. The pressed pieces 14e, 14e' are the parts that receive pressure from the pressing piece 12a provided on the movable member 12 as the movable member 12 is pressed down. The pressed pieces 14e, 14e' are bent so as to bulge outward, and have convex curved surfaces 14e1, 14e1' in the central part in the vertical direction. The vertical end sides of the pressed pieces 14e, 14e' form relief surfaces that are inclined inward.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the movable member 12 has pressing pieces 12a at corners of its inner circumferential surface, at positions corresponding to the pressed pieces 14e, 14e' of the movable pieces 14, 14'. Two pressing pieces 12a are provided corresponding to the two sets of contact points 14a, 14a' of the movable pieces 14, 14'. The pressing pieces 12a extend in the vertical direction and protrude inward. The pressing pieces 12a have an inclined shape that slopes inward from top to bottom, and the surface facing inward forms a cam surface 12a1 that comes into contact with the pressed pieces 14e, 14e'.

[0043] Figure 6 shows the free state in which the movable member 12 is not pressed down. As shown in Figure 6, in the free state, the innermost protruding lower end portion of cam surface 12a1 of pressing piece 12a abuts against convex curved surface 14e1 of pressed piece 14e. As a result, first bent piece 14c is elastically deformed and pressed inward, and contact point 14a on first bent piece 14c and contact point 14a' on the opposing second bent piece 14d' are not in contact with each other but are separated from each other.

[0044] When the movable member 12 is pressed downward from the free state, the cam surface 12a1 that abuts against the convex curved surface 14e1 of the pressed piece 14e moves to the upper end portion with the smallest protrusion. As this movement occurs, the first bent piece 14c that had been pressed inward gradually returns to its original position.

[0045] In the process of moving the movable member 12 to the depressed position, the cam surface 12a1 slides against the pressed piece 14e, thereby providing the user who is pressing down the movable member 12 with a tactile sensation.

[0046] When the movable member 12 is at any position between the free state and the pressed position, the first bent piece 14c returns completely, and the contact 14a (14a') on the first bent piece 14c comes into contact with the contact 14a' on the opposing second bent piece 14d'. This brings the terminals 14b, 14b' of the movable pieces 14, 14' into conduction, and it is detected that the key switch 10 has been pressed.

[0047] (4. Installing the key switch 10) Next, the attachment of the key switch 10 according to this embodiment to the main body 2 will be described using the aforementioned FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the key switch 10 is fitted into an opening 5a formed in the metal plate 5, and the flange portion 11a of the case 11 is engaged with the upper surface of the metal plate 5. Also, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 202 in FIG. 2, the protrusion 15a of the guide cover 15 is engaged with the lower surface of the metal plate 5. A boss 11b formed on the lower surface of the case 11 is fitted into a hole 6a formed in the wiring board 6. The terminals 14b, 14b' of the movable pieces 14, 14' are connected to terminals on the wiring board 6 using solder or the like.

[0048] (5.Bottom plate 3) Next, the bottom plate 3 to which the permanent magnet 8 is detachably attached will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the rear surface 3a side of the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment, together with a partially enlarged view. As shown in FIG. 7, a magnet member 19 is attached to the rear surface 3a of the bottom plate 3 in correspondence with the attachment position of the key switch 10. A hole 30 for attaching the magnet member 19 is formed in the rear surface 3a of the bottom plate 3, and the magnet member 19 is detachably attached to the hole 30. In this embodiment, the magnet member 19 includes a holder 20, which is detachably attached to the hole 30. The permanent magnet 8 is held by the holder 20. A main body-side locking shape 31 and a main body-side removal shape 32, which will be described later, are formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30.

[0049] (6. How to hold and release the key switch 10) Next, a method for holding the key switch 10 in the pressed position and a method for releasing the hold will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for holding the key switch 10 in the pressed position in the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the diagram of reference numeral 801 in Fig. 8, to hold the key switch 10 in the pressed position, a magnet member 19 is attached to the hole 30 in the rear surface 3a of the bottom plate 3.

[0050] Next, as shown in the diagram of reference numeral 802 in Figure 8, the key switch 10 is pressed down to move it to the pressed position. This causes the magnetic member 16 of the key switch 10 to be attracted (adsorbed) to the magnet member 19, and the key switch 10 is held in the pressed position. Because the force with which the magnet member 19 attracts (adsorbs) the magnetic member 16 is greater than the restoring force of the elastic member 13, the key switch 10 is held in the pressed position even when the pressing finger is released.

[0051] To release the key switch 10 from its depressed position, remove the magnet member 19 from the hole 30. This eliminates the attraction between the magnet member 19 and the magnetic member 16, and the restoring force of the elastic member 13 returns the key switch 10 to its free state.

[0052] Furthermore, during normal use of the keyboard 1, the magnet member 19 is removed from the hole 30. When the magnet member 19 is removed, no attractive force acts on the magnetic member 16, so when the pressing operation is released, the restoring force of the elastic member 13 returns the key switch 10 to its free state, allowing normal use.

[0053] (7. Holder 20) Next, the configuration of the holder 20 of the magnet member 19 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the magnet member 19 attached to the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 901 is a perspective view of the top side, the diagram indicated by reference numeral 902 is a perspective view of the back side, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 903 is a side view seen from the direction of arrow A in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 901.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9 , the magnet member 19 includes a cylindrical permanent magnet 8 and a holder 20 that holds the permanent magnet 8. The holder 20 is a low, cylindrical member. As shown in the diagram with reference numeral 901, a hole 25 for holding the permanent magnet 8 is formed in the top surface of the holder 20, and the permanent magnet 8 is held in the hole 25. As shown in the diagram with reference numeral 902, a screw hole 26 is provided in the back surface 20a of the holder 20 to be used for attaching and detaching the holder 20 (magnet member 19) to and from the hole portion 30. The holder 20 is attached to the hole portion 30 by rotating it clockwise (toward the screw hole 26) using the screw hole 26, and is detached from the hole portion 30 by rotating it counterclockwise (toward the screw hole 26).

[0055] The outer peripheral surface of the holder 20 is provided with a holder-side locking shape 21 and a holder-side removal shape 22. The holder-side locking shape 21 is shaped to engage with a body-side locking shape 31 (see FIG. 10 ), which will be described later, formed on the inner peripheral portion of the hole 30 of the bottom plate 3, for attaching the holder 20 to the hole 30. The holder-side locking shape 21 is provided at approximately the center in the up-down direction, protruding radially outward from the holder 20 and extending circumferentially.

[0056] The holder 20 is locked in the hole 30 by receiving the lower surface 21a of the holder-side locking shape 21 on the upper surface 31a of the main body-side locking shape 31. The lower surface 21a of the holder-side locking shape 21 corresponds to the holder-side locking surface that is locked to the upper surface 31a of the main body-side locking shape 31, which is a main body-side locking surface formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30, with the radial direction of the holder 20 as the in-plane direction. The upper surface 21b of the holder-side locking shape 21 abuts against a step portion 33 (see FIG. 7) formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30 when attaching the holder 20 (magnetic member 19). Hereinafter, the lower surface 21a of the holder-side locking shape 21 will be referred to as the holder-side locking surface 21a, and the upper surface 31a of the main body-side locking shape 31 will be referred to as the main body-side locking surface 31a.

[0057] The holder-side removal shape 22 is shaped to engage with a body-side removal shape 32 (see Figures 7 and 10), which will be described later, formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30 in the bottom plate 3, to move the holder 20 (magnet member 19) toward the entrance side of the hole 30. The holder-side removal shape 22 is an inclined surface formed on the upper surface of a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the holder 20. The inclined surface of the holder-side removal shape 22 has an inclination that approaches the back surface 20a of the holder 20 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the removal direction. The holder-side removal shape 22 is guided by the body-side removal shape 32 (see Figures 7 and 10), which is made up of an inclined surface, and the holder 20 moves toward the entrance side of the hole 30.

[0058] A plurality of the holder-side locking shapes 21 and the holder-side removal shapes 22 are provided on the outer periphery of the holder 20 along the circumferential direction, two of each in this example.

[0059] (8. Hole 30) Next, the configuration of the hole 30 provided in the rear surface 3a of the bottom plate 3 will be described with reference to the partially enlarged view of FIG. 7 and FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hole 30 provided in the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 7, the hole 30 has a hole shape that matches the outer shape of the holder 20. A step 33 that is shallower than the bottom of the hole 30 is formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30. The step 33 widens radially outward from the inner periphery of the hole 30 (in the radial direction of the holder 20) and extends circumferentially. The step 33 abuts against the upper surface 21b of the holder-side locking shape 21 of the holder 20 inserted into the hole 30.

[0060] A main body side locking shape 31 is formed downstream in the mounting direction (forward in the mounting direction) of the step portion 33. Also, a main body side removal shape 32 is formed downstream in the removal direction (forward in the removal direction) of the step portion 33.

[0061] The body-side locking shape 31 is a shape that engages with the holder-side locking shape 21 (see FIG. 9) formed on the outer periphery of the holder 20 to attach the holder 20 to the hole 30. The body-side locking shape 31 is configured by forming a space on the downstream side of the step portion 33 in the attachment direction by cutting out the inner periphery of the hole 30, leaving the back surface 3a portion of the bottom plate 3, and the remaining portion of the back surface of the bottom plate 3 corresponds to the body-side locking shape 31.

[0062] Furthermore, minute recesses 40 extending in the radial direction of the hole 30 (radial direction of the holder 20) are formed on the main body side locking surface 31a, which is the upper surface of the main body side locking shape 31, and minute protrusions 41 extending in the radial direction of the holder 20 are formed on the holder side locking surface 21a, which is the lower surface of the holder side locking shape 21 (see FIG. 9). The recesses 40 of the main body side locking shape 31 and the protrusions 41 of the holder side locking shape 21 fit together, thereby fixing (locking) the holder 20 in the locking position. Note that the main body side locking shape 31 may be provided with the protrusions 41, and the holder side locking shape 21 may be provided with the recesses 40.

[0063] The body-side removal shape 32 is a shape that engages with the holder-side removal shape 22 (see FIG. 9) formed on the outer periphery of the holder 20 to move the holder 20 toward the entrance side of the hole 30. The body-side removal shape 32 is configured with an inclined surface on the downstream side of the step portion 33 in the removal direction that approaches the back surface 3a of the bottom plate 3 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the removal direction.

[0064] (9. How to attach and detach the magnet member 19) Next, a method for attaching and detaching the magnet member 19 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for attaching the magnet member 19 to the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for detaching the magnet member 19 from the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2 of the keyboard 1 according to this embodiment. The magnet member 19 is attached and detached with the keyboard 1 turned upside down so that the bottom plate 3 faces upward. Here, the attachment and detachment of the magnet member 19 will be described with reference to the holder 20.

[0065] When attaching the holder 20, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1101 in Fig. 11, the holder 20 is inserted into the attachment hole 30 by matching its shape. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 1104 is a cross-sectional view of the holder 20 along the arrow AA of the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1101 (however, the view is shown upside down). In this state, the upper surface 21b of the holder-side locking shape 21 abuts against the step 33 formed on the inner periphery of the hole 30. Next, a jig such as a flathead screwdriver or a coin is hooked into the screw hole 26, and the holder 20 is rotated clockwise, which is the attachment direction.

[0066] As a result, as shown in the drawing with reference numeral 1102, the holder-side locking shape 21 is inserted below (below during operation) the main body-side locking shape 31, and as shown in the drawing with reference numeral 1105, the holder-side locking shape 21 is locked to the main body-side locking shape 31, and the holder 20 is attached to the hole 30. Reference numeral 1105 is a cross-sectional view of the arrow AA of reference numeral 1102 (however, shown upside down). In the locked state, the recess 40 of the main body-side locking shape 31 and the protrusion 41 of the holder-side locking shape 21 fit together, restricting rotation of the holder 20 in the removal direction.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in the figure indicated by the symbol 1103, the wall-like portion 21c extending from the holder side locking surface 21a toward the back surface 20a of the holder 20 abuts against the insertion side of the main body side locking shape 31, thereby preventing the holder 20 from being turned too far in the installation direction.

[0068] When removing the holder 20, as shown in the drawings denoted by reference numerals 1201 to 1203 in Fig. 12, a jig is hooked onto the screw holes 26 in the same manner as when attaching the holder 20, and the holder 20 is rotated counterclockwise, which is the removal direction. The drawings denoted by reference numerals 1204 to 1206 are cross-sectional views taken along the arrow BB in the drawings denoted by reference numerals 1201 to 1203 (however, the drawings are reversed).

[0069] As a result, holder-side removal shape 22 slides over main body-side removal shape 32, and by utilizing the inclination, holder 20 moves toward the entrance side of hole 30, allowing holder 20 to be removed from hole 30. By moving holder 20 toward the entrance side of hole 30, magnetic member 16 and magnet member 19 separate from each other, weakening the attractive force of permanent magnet 8 and allowing holder 20 to be removed from hole 30.

[0070] (10. Effects) According to the above configuration, the magnetic member 16, which has a magnetic substance attached to the movable member 12 of the key switch 10, is attracted by the magnet member 19, which has a permanent magnet attached to the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2. This makes it possible to hold the movable member 12, and therefore the key switch 10, in the depressed position. Moreover, since the magnet member 19 is detachable from the bottom plate 3, when it is not necessary to hold the key switch 10 in the depressed position, it can be removed and used as a normal keyboard.

[0071] Furthermore, when the key switch 10 is mounted on the main body 2 of the keyboard 1, it becomes heated during processes such as connecting it to the wiring board 6. Therefore, in a configuration in which a permanent magnet is provided on the key switch 10 side, there is a risk that the magnetic force will be weakened due to the influence of heat. In contrast, as in the above configuration, a heat-resistant magnetic body (magnetic member 16) is provided on the key switch 10 side, so it is possible to prevent the force holding the key switch 10 in the depressed position from being weakened due to the influence of heat.

[0072] Also, since the hole 11c is provided in the case 11, the magnetic member 16 can be brought closer to the magnet member 19, thereby improving the attraction (adsorption) effect by magnetic force. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the hole 6b is also provided in the wiring board 6 of the main body 2, thereby improving the attraction (adsorption) effect by magnetic force, thereby improving the magnetic member 16 can be brought closer to the magnet member 19.

[0073] The holder 20 has a holder-side locking shape 21 on its outer periphery, and by using such a holder 20, the holder 20 (magnet member 19) can be easily attached to the bottom plate 3 of the main body 2. In addition, the holder-side locking surface 21a, which is locked to the main body-side locking surface 31a, is provided with a protrusion 41 that engages with a recess 40 of the main body-side locking surface 31a, and these can be used to lock the magnet member 19 so that it will not come off easily.

[0074] Furthermore, holder 20 is provided with holder-side removal shapes 21 on its outer periphery that engage with the inner periphery of hole 30 and move holder 20 toward the entrance side of the hole by rotating holder 20 in the removal direction. This allows magnet member 19 to be easily removed from hole 30 against the attraction force between magnetic member 16 and holder 20.

[0075] Second Embodiment Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0076] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for holding the key switch 10 in the depressed position in a keyboard 51 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, keyboard 51 differs from keyboard 1 of this embodiment 1 in that it includes a bottom plate 52 instead of bottom plate 3, but the rest of the structure is the same. In place of magnet member 19 including holder 20, magnet member 53 consisting of permanent magnet 8 itself without holder 20 is detachably attached to bottom plate 52. Bottom plate 52 is formed with hole 54 that houses magnet member 53 (permanent magnet 8) and into which magnet member 53 is loosely fitted.

[0077] As shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1301 in Fig. 13, to hold the key switch 10 in the depressed position, the magnet member 53 is inserted into the hole 54 and the key switch 10 is then depressed. As a result, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1302 in Fig. 13, the magnetic member 16 of the key switch 10 is attracted to the magnet member 53, so that the magnet member 53 is held in place and does not fall off, and the key switch 10 (movable member 12) is held in the depressed position.

[0078] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for releasing the retention of the key switch 10 in the keyboard 51 according to this embodiment. As shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1401 in Figure 14, to release the retention of the key switch 10, the key switch removal tool 60 is used to pull the key switch 10 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction. This releases the attraction between the magnetic member 16 and the magnet member 53, as shown in the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1402 in Figure 14, causing the magnet member 53 to fall naturally, and returning the key switch 10 to its free state.

[0079] In this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a locking shape or the like in the hole 54 formed in the bottom plate 52, so that the bottom plate 52 can be manufactured inexpensively. Also, it is not necessary to provide a locking shape in the magnet member 53, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0080] §3 Variations Although the present embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. Note that, in the following, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the above embodiment, and descriptions of the same points as those in the above embodiment are omitted where appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0081] <3.1> In the keyboard 1, 51, all key switches have the configuration of the key switch 10 according to this embodiment. However, this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the key switches used in game operations may have a conventional configuration, and only the key switches located around them that may be operated by mistake may have the configuration of the key switch 10. In this case, the magnet members 19, 53 detachably provided on the main body 2 of the keyboard 1, 51 are installed according to the arrangement position of the key switch 10.

[0082] <3.2> The key switch 10 may be used as a set with the magnet member 19 having the holder 20. In other words, the key switch 10 may include the magnet member 19 having the holder 20 or the holder 20 as a component. By providing the holder 20 detachable from the main body 2, it is possible to more easily realize a keyboard 1 that can hold the key switch 10 in a depressed position with a simple configuration that does not use power.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1,51 Keyboard (key input device) 2 Main unit 3, 52 Bottom plate (bottom of the main body) 6. Wiring board 8. Permanent magnets 10 Key switch (switch device) 11 Case (fixing member) 12 Movable parts 12a Pressing piece 12a1 cam surface 13 Elastic member 14,14' Movable piece 14a, 14a' contacts 14b, 14b' terminals 14e,14e' Pressed piece 15 Guide cover (fixing member) 16 Magnetic components 19,53 Magnet components (magnetic components) 20 Holder 21 Holder side locking shape 21a Holder side locking surface 21b Upper surface of holder side locking shape 22 Holder side removal shape 26 screw holes 30, 54 holes 31 Main body side locking shape 31a Main body side locking surface 32 Body side removal shape 33 Step 40 recess 41 Convex part 60 Jig

Claims

1. A key input device in which a plurality of switch devices are arranged, The switch device a fixing member fixed to a main body of the key input device; a movable member that is provided movably relative to the fixed member and that moves to a pressed position when pressed; an elastic member that pushes back the movable member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; a magnetic member having a magnetic body and moving integrally with the movable member, a magnetic member having a permanent magnet and attracting the magnetic member is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body; a force with which the magnetic member attracts the magnetic member is stronger than a force with which the elastic member pushes the movable member back in the opposite direction, The key input device further includes a wiring board disposed below the fixing member, the wiring board has a hole through which the tip of the magnetic member in the pressing direction is inserted, A key input device in which, when the movable member is in the depressed position, the tip of the magnetic member in the depression direction is closer to the bottom of the main body than the wiring board.

2. A key input device in which a plurality of switch devices are arranged, The switch device a fixing member fixed to a main body of the key input device; a movable member that is provided movably relative to the fixed member and that moves to a pressed position when pressed; an elastic member that pushes back the movable member in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; a magnetic member having a magnetic body and moving integrally with the movable member, a magnetic member having a permanent magnet and attracting the magnetic member is detachably attached to the bottom of the main body; a force with which the magnetic member attracts the magnetic member is stronger than a force with which the elastic member pushes the movable member back in the opposite direction, the main body has a hole on the back surface of the bottom portion into which the magnet member is loosely fitted, The magnet member is loosely fitted into the hole portion and is held in the hole portion by the attractive force between the magnet member and the magnetic member.

Images