JP2020161390A - Switch device and keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small and low-profile switch device while preventing noise from being generated by an operator's claws. A switch device (2) includes a key top (4) having an upper wall (6) having a pressing operation surface (10) and a side wall (8) extending downward from the upper wall (6), and an internal structure (12) housed in the key top (4) at least partially. The side wall 8 has a first concave portion 22 and has an internal structure 12 between the first concave portion 22 and the other portion of the side wall 8 adjacent to the first concave portion 22. A receiving part 26 is formed to receive a part of the above. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a switch device and a keyboard.

A switch device having a key top is used as an input device provided in a personal computer, a calculator, or the like, and is widely used in the form of a keyboard in which a plurality of switch devices are appropriately arranged. In the switch device, when the key top is pressed, the operator's claw collides with the key top to generate noise, or the operator's claw unintentionally presses an adjacent key top to cause an erroneous input. It may happen.

Patent Document 1 discloses a key top including a pressing portion formed so that a claw does not come into contact with another key top arranged in front of the key top to cause an erroneous operation at the time of pressing. Has been done.

Patent Document 2 discloses a key top in which a top portion made of a soft material is fixed on a base portion of a hard material and a recess portion is provided in the top portion. Even if you hit the key with your extended finger, you can prevent the nail from entering the recess and the nail from coming into direct contact with the key top.

Patent Document 3 discloses a key top to which a cap made of an elastic material is attached. The cap is attached to the key top by fitting the protrusion of the cap with the fitting hole on the upper surface of the key top. A chevron portion is formed on the cap, and the key top can be pressed without the claws contacting the case of the copier.

Patent Document 4 discloses a key top in which the surface of the touch portion to be pressed and operated by the operator is arranged with the surface far from the operator below the surface near the operator or tilted downward. With this configuration, the key top can be pressed without touching the touch portion with the fingernail.

Jikkenhei No. 2-89525 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-8121 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2057597 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-125708

In a switch device in which an operator presses a key top, in addition to preventing noise and erroneous input due to claws, it is required to reduce the size and height of the switch device while ensuring the stroke of the key top.

One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a key top having an upper wall having a pressing operation surface and a side wall extending downward from the upper wall, and an internal structure that is at least partially housed in the key top, wherein the side wall is a first. A switch device having a concave portion, in which a receiving portion that receives a part of an internal structure is formed between the first concave portion and another portion of a side wall adjacent to the first concave portion. Is.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a keyboard comprising a plurality of the switch devices of the above aspect arranged in an array, wherein the plurality of switch devices are arranged with the first concave portion directed in the same direction. is there.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a keyboard comprising a plurality of the switch devices of the above aspect arranged in an array, the side wall having a second concave portion at a position facing the first concave portion, and a plurality of. The switch device is a keyboard in which the first concave portion of one switch device and the second concave portion of the other switch device are arranged so as to face each other.

According to the switch device of one aspect, when the operator presses the key top with his / her fingers, the collision between the nail and the pressing operation surface is avoided by the presence of the concave edge portion, so that noise generated by the nail is generated. Be prevented. Moreover, although the side wall has the first concave portion, the receiving portion that receives a part of the internal structure is formed adjacent to the first concave portion, so that the key by the first concave portion is formed. The influence of the reduction of the top internal space on the dimensions of the internal structure can be reduced, and the switch device can be miniaturized and reduced in height while ensuring the key top pressing stroke realized by the internal structure.

According to the keyboard of another aspect, since the plurality of switch devices are arranged with the first concave portion oriented in the same direction, the first concave portion of all the switch devices is located far from the operator. By pointing it, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise due to the claws during the pressing operation regardless of the position of the switch device to be operated. Further, by reducing the size and height of each switch device, it is possible to promote the miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard.

According to the keyboard of still another aspect, since the adjacent switch devices are arranged so that the first concave portion and the second concave portion face each other, the first concave portion of each switch device is arranged. By pointing to the side far from the operator, the collision between the operator's claw and the other switch device when pressing and operating one switch device can be avoided by the second concave portion, and erroneous input by the claw can be prevented. Can be prevented. Further, by reducing the size and height of each switch device, it is possible to promote the miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard.

It is a perspective view of the switch device of one Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the switch device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the switch device of FIG. 1 in which a part of a key top is broken. It is a perspective view of the switch device of FIG. 1 in which a part of a key top is broken. It is sectional drawing of the key top of FIG. It is a perspective view of the switch device of a modification. It is a perspective view of the switch device of a modification. It is a perspective view of the switch device of a modification. It is a perspective view of the switch device of a modification. It is a top view of the switch device of FIG. It is a perspective view of the switch device of a modification. It is a top view of the keyboard provided with the switch device of FIG. It is a top view of the keyboard provided with the switch device of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the key top in the keyboard of FIG. It is a top view of the keyboard of the modification of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

The switch device 2 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch device 2. The switch device 2 has an upper wall 6 and a side wall 8 extending downward from the upper wall 6, and has a key top 4 formed in a cup shape. Here, the cup shape is a shape having a bottomed container-shaped wall that defines a concave open space inside. The key top 4 is formed of, for example, a resin.

The upper wall 6 has a pressing operation surface 10. The operator presses the switch device 2 by bringing, for example, a finger or the like into contact with the pressing operation surface 10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the switch device 2. The switch device 2 has an internal structure 12 that is at least partially housed in the key top 4. The internal structure 12 is shown by a broken line. The internal structure 12 includes a rubber dome 14, a housing 16 that surrounds the rubber dome 14, and a pair of link members 18 and 20 that guide the key top 4 in the vertical direction. The rubber dome 14 is formed of elastic rubber. The housing 16 and the link members 18 and 20 are made of resin.

The side wall 8 has a first concave portion 22 that is recessed so as to approach the internal structure 12. The first concave portion 22 has flat outer surfaces 22a, 22b, 22c that are orthogonal to each other. The pressing operation surface 10 has a concave edge portion 10a having a quadrangular outline along the first concave portion 22.

The key top 4 has a first receiving portion 26 and a second receiving portion 28 on the opposite side of the pressing operation surface 10. The side wall 8 has other portions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d adjacent to the first concave portion 22. The first receiving portion 26 is formed between the first concave portion 22 and the other portions 8a and 8b. The second receiving portion 28 is formed between the first concave portion 22 and the other portions 8c and 8d.

The first and second receiving portions 26 and 28 receive a part of the internal structure 12, and in this embodiment, a part of the link member 18.

The rubber dome 14 has a top 14a. The top 14a comes into contact with the inner surface 30 on the opposite side of the pressing operation surface 10 of the upper wall 6.

The link member 18 has a pair of arm members 19 and 21 connected to each other. One ends 19a, 21a of the arm members 19, 21 are rotatably and slidably attached to the key top 4.

The link member 20 has a pair of arm members 23, 25 that are connected to each other. One ends 23a, 25a of the arm members 23, 25 are rotatably and slidably attached to the key top 4.

The other end 19b of the arm member 19 and the other end 23b of the arm member 23, and the other end 21b of the arm member 21 and the other end 25b of the arm member 25 mesh with each other in a gear manner. By this meshing, the pair of link members 18 and 20 are interlocked and rotate in opposite directions.

The pressing operation of the switch device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the switch device 2, showing a part of the key top 4 cut off. FIG. 3 shows a state before the pressing operation of the switch device 2. FIG. 4 shows a state after the pressing operation of the switch device 2.

When the operator presses the pressing operation surface 10 in the direction of arrow A, the link members 18 and 20 receive a force via the key top 4, rotate in opposite directions in conjunction with meshing, and on the key top 4. Each end 19a, 21a, 23a, 25a rotates and slides, whereby the key top 4 is supported and guided by the link members 18 and 20 and moves in parallel in the A direction. Here, the stroke of pressing the key top 4 depends on the dimensions of the arm members 19, 21, 23, and 25.

As the key top 4 moves in the A direction, the rubber dome 14 in contact with the key top 4 is pushed in the A direction and deformed. When the link members 18 and 20 fall down and the rubber dome 14 is pushed in, a contact (not shown) located below the rubber dome 14 is turned on, and the pressing operation by the operator is completed.

In the present embodiment, the elevating guide structure of the key top 4 by the pair of link members 18 and 20 has been described, but the switch device 2 may adopt any elevating guide structure. For example, a pair of link members may be arranged so as to intersect each other so as to be rotatably connected to each other at the intersecting portions. Further, an elevating guide structure using a single member may be adopted.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the key top 4 along the cutting line VV of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the collision between the nail and the pressing operation surface 10 when the operator touches the pressing operation surface 10 with the finger to perform the pressing operation is avoided by the edge portion 10a.

According to the switch device 2, the collision between the claw and the pressing operation surface 10 when the key top 4 is pressed is avoided by the concave edge portion 10a, so that the noise caused by the claw is prevented. Moreover, since the receiving portion 26 or 28 that receives a part of the internal structure 12 is formed adjacent to the first concave portion 22, the side wall 8 has the first concave portion 22. The influence of the reduction of the internal space of the key top 4 by the concave portion 22 of 1 on the dimensions of the internal structure 12 can be reduced, and the switch device 2 can be made smaller and shorter while ensuring the stroke of the key top 4.

A modified example of the switch device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the switch device 40 of the modified example. The switch device 40 has a key top 44. The key top 44 has an upper wall 45 having a pressing operation surface 48, and a side wall 46 extending downward in the drawing from the upper wall 45.

The side wall 46 has a first concave portion 42. The first concave portion 42 has flat outer surfaces 42a, 42b, 42c that intersect each other. The pressing operation surface 48 has a trapezoidal concave edge portion 48a along the first concave portion 42. When the key top 44 is a resin part, the edge portion 48a has a trapezoidal shape to increase the resin fluidity and facilitate injection molding.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the switch device 52 of the modified example. The switch device 52 has a key top 56. The key top 56 has an upper wall 57 having a pressing operation surface 60 and a side wall 58 extending downward from the upper wall 57.

The side wall 58 has a first concave portion 54. The first concave portion 54 has flat outer surfaces 54a, 54b that intersect each other. The pressing operation surface 60 has a triangular and concave edge portion 60a along the first concave portion 54. When the key top 56 is a resin part, the edge portion 60a has a triangular shape to increase the resin fluidity and facilitate injection molding.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the switch device 64 of the modified example. The switch device 64 has a key top 68. The key top 68 has an upper wall 69 having a pressing operation surface 72 and a side wall 70 extending from the upper wall 69.

The side wall 70 has a first concave portion 66 whose outer surface 66a is curved. The pressing operation surface 72 has an edge portion 72a having a curved contour along the first concave portion 66. Since the first concave portion 66 has a shape without corners, the fluidity of air in front of the first concave portion 66 is increased, and dust and the like are less likely to accumulate in front of the first concave portion 66. When the key top 68 is a resin component, the curved outer surface 66a enhances the resin fluidity and facilitates injection molding.

The key top 68 may be formed so that the edge portion 72a of the pressing operation surface 72 has a contour having an arbitrary curvature.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the switch device 76 of the modified example. FIG. 10 is a top view of the switch device 76. The switch device 76 has a key top 78 having an upper wall 79 having a pressing operation surface 92 and a side wall 80 extending from the upper wall 79. The switch device 76 has an internal structure 84 that is at least partially housed in the key top 78.

The side wall 80 has a first concave portion 82 and a second concave portion 86 that faces the first concave portion 82 and is recessed so as to approach the internal structure 84. The first concave portion 82 has flat outer surfaces 82a, 82b, 82c that are orthogonal to each other. The second concave portion 86 has flat outer surfaces 86a, 86b, 86c that are orthogonal to each other. The pressing operation surface 92 has a concave edge portion 92a having a quadrangular contour along the first concave portion 82 and a second concave edge portion having a quadrangular contour along the second concave portion 86. It has 92b and.

The key top 78 has a first receiving portion 93 and a second receiving portion 95 on the opposite side of the pressing operation surface 92. The side wall 80 has other portions 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d adjacent to the first concave portion 82. The first receiving portion 93 is formed between the first concave portion 82 and the other portions 80a and 80b. The second receiving portion 95 is formed between the first concave portion 82 and the other portions 80c and 80d.

The key top 78 has a third receiving portion 94 and a fourth receiving portion 96 on the opposite side of the pressing operation surface 92. The side wall 80 has other portions 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h adjacent to the second concave portion 86. The third receiving portion 94 is formed between the second concave portion 86 and the other portions 80e and 80f. The fourth receiving portion 96 is formed between the second concave portion 86 and the other portions 80g and 80h.

The first and second receiving portions 93 and 95 receive a part of the link member 97 as the internal structure 84. Further, the third and fourth receiving portions 94 and 96 receive a part of the link member 98 as the internal structure 84.

According to the switch device 76, the collision between the claw and the pressing operation surface 92 when the operator presses the key top 4 is avoided by the concave edge portion 92a, so that the noise caused by the claw is prevented. Further, since the first and second receiving portions 93 and 95 and the third and fourth receiving portions 94 and 96 are formed, the configuration has the first and second concave portions 82 and 86. , The influence of the reduction of the internal space of the key top 78 by the first and second concave portions 82 and 86 on the dimensions of the internal structure 84 can be reduced, and the switch device 76 can be made compact while ensuring the stroke of the key top 78. It is possible to reduce the height and height.

The first and second concave portions 82 and 86 may have the same or different shapes from each other. The side wall 80 may be formed so that the edge portions 92a and 92b have trapezoidal, triangular, and curved contours.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the switch device 100 of the modified example. The switch device 100 has a key top 102 with an upper wall 109 and a side wall 110 extending from the upper wall 109. The upper wall 109 has a pressing operation surface 104, a first portion 112, and a second portion 114. The side wall 110 has a first concave portion 106 and a second concave portion 108.

The pressing operation surface 104 is a saddle-shaped curved surface that bulges upward from the first and second concave portions 106 and 108 and sinks downward from the first and second portions 112 and 114. The bulging of the pressing operation surface 104 makes it easier for the finger to be guided to the central portion 115 of the pressing operation surface 104 during the pressing operation. Further, since the pressing operation surface 104 sinks downward, it becomes easier to grasp the position of the finger on the pressing operation surface 104 during the pressing operation, and the blind operation is facilitated.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a keyboard 116 including a plurality of switch devices 2 of FIG. 1 arranged in an array. The keyboard 116 is provided in, for example, a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of switch devices 2 are arranged with the first concave portion 22 facing in the same direction.

According to the keyboard 116, each switch device 2 directs the first concave portion 22 in the same direction toward the side far from the operator, so that the claw during the pressing operation regardless of the position of the switch device 2 to be operated. Noise can be prevented. Further, by reducing the size and height of each switch device 2, it is possible to promote the miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard 116.

Any of the switch devices 2, 40, 52, 64, 76, and 100 may be arranged on the keyboard 116. Further, these may be combined and arranged in an arbitrary number.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the keyboard 118 in which a plurality of the switch devices 76 of FIG. 9 are arranged. The keyboard 118 is provided in, for example, a personal computer. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the key top 78 along the cutting lines XIII-XIII of FIG.

According to the keyboard 118, adjacent switch devices 76 arrange the first concave portion 82 and the second concave portion 86 so as to face each other, and operate the first concave portion 82 of each switch device 76. By facing the side far from the person, the collision between the claw and the other switch device 76 when the one switch device 76 is pressed can be avoided by the second concave portion 86, and erroneous input by the claw can be prevented. Further, by reducing the size and height of the individual switch devices 76, it is possible to promote the miniaturization and thinning of the keyboard 118.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the keyboard 124 of the modified example of FIG. A keyboard 124 including a plurality of switch devices 76 shown in FIG. 15 in an array can be provided on a calculator. In addition to the switch device 76, any of the switch devices 2, 40, 52, 64, and 100 may be arranged on the keyboards 118 and 124.

2,40,52,64,76,100 Switch device 4,44,56,68,78,102 Key top 6,45,57,69,79,109 Upper wall 8,46,58,70,80,110 Side wall 10, 48, 60, 72, 92, 104 Pushing operation surface 12, 84 Internal structure 22, 42, 54, 66, 82, 106 First concave part 26, 93 First receiving part 28, 95 Second Receptive part 86, 108 Second concave part 116, 118, 124 Keyboard

Claims (4)

A key top having an upper wall having a pressing operation surface and a side wall extending downward from the upper wall,
With an internal structure that is at least partially housed in the key top,
The side wall has a first concave portion and has a first concave portion.
A receiving portion that receives a part of the internal structure is formed between the first concave portion and the other portion of the side wall adjacent to the first concave portion.
Switch device. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the side wall has a second concave portion at a position facing the first concave portion. A keyboard comprising a plurality of the switch devices according to claim 1 or 2 arranged in an array, wherein the plurality of switch devices are arranged with the first concave portion directed in the same direction. A keyboard including a plurality of the switch devices according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of switch devices include the first concave portion of the switch device and the first concave portion of the other switch device. A keyboard that is arranged so that the concave parts of 2 face each other.

Images