Keyswitch having a reduced height and a keyboard using such a keyswitch

Abstract

A keyswitch includes a keytop, a base, an elastic actuator between the keytop and the base, a switch actuated by the actuator, and a link mechanism disposed between the base and the keytop, the link mechanism including first and second link members engaged with each other mechanically at respective first ends thereof, wherein the first and second link members further establish a slide engagement with a rear surface of the keytop at respective second ends thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to keyswitches as well as keyboards using keyswitches, and more particularly to a low height keyswitch for use in keyboards of compact, portable computers.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a conventional keyswitch 10 used in laptop computers and palm-top computers respectively in a state before actuation and after actuation.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the keyswitch 10 is provided on a support panel 14 that in turn carries thereon a key housing 15, wherein the keyswitch 10 includes a keytop 11 adapted for being actuated by the finger of an operator. The keytop 11 further includes a cylindrical sleeve guide 11a accepted in a corresponding sleeve guide 15a provided on the key housing 15, and the keytop 11 is guided along the sleeve guide 15a of the key housing 15 as it is actuated by the finger of operator as a result of engagement of the cylindrical sleeve guide 11a and the corresponding sleeve guide 15a. Further, the keyswitch 10 includes a membrane 13 at a bottom part thereof in intimate engagement with the support panel 14, wherein the membrane 13 includes therein a membrane switch 12, and the keytop 11 engages with the membrane via a deformable, elastic actuator 16.

Thus, upon actuation of the keytop 11 as indicated in FIG. 1B by a finger 19 of the operator, the keytop 11 is pressed down while being guided by the sleeve guide 15a of the housing 15 in a direction Z.sub.2 (FIG. 1A), and the elastic actuator 16 collapses as indicated in FIG. 1B. In response to such a deformation of the actuator 16, the membrane switch 12 is closed. Upon release of the keytop 11, on the other hand, the elastic actuator 16 resiliently restores the original state, and the keytop 11 is pushed upward in a direction Z.sub.1 while being guided also by the sleeve guide 15a. Thereby, the membrane switch 12 returns to an open state.

Such a conventional keyswitch 10, while having an advantageous feature of simple construction, has a problem in that the overall height of the keyswitch 10, designated by H.sub.1 in FIG. 1A, cannot be reduced satisfactorily. It should be noted that the height H.sub.1 is given as a sum of a height H.sub.2 of a top surface 15b of the key housing 15 as measured from a bottom surface of the support panel 14, a height H.sub.3 of the sleeve guide 15a as measured from the top surface 15b of the key housing 15, a height H.sub.4 corresponding to the stroke of the keyswitch, and a thickness t.sub.1 of a keytop face plate 11b.

Generally, the sleeve guide 15a has to have a height of at least 3-4 mm in order to hold the keytop 11 stably. Thus, it is necessary to secure a height of 3-4 mm for the height H.sub.3. Because of this, it has been necessary to secure a height of about 11 mm for the overall height H.sub.1 of the keyswitch 10, while such an overall height H.sub.1 is too large for the keyboards for use in laptop computers and palm-top computers. In relation to above, it should be noted that a keytop of a keyswitch is generally required to have a press down stroke S (FIG. 1B) of about 3 mm in order for the operator to confirm the action of pressing down of the keytop based upon the sense of the finger. This means that one has to secure a height of at least about 3 mm for the height H.sub.4 in the keyswitch 10.

The conventional key switch of FIGS. 1A and 1B has another drawback in that the key switch is vulnerable to dust.

In order to guarantee a smooth pressing down of the keytop 11 even when the finger of the operator has missed the center of the keytop 11, the sleeve guides 11a and 15a are engaged to form a very small gap 17 therebetween. Thus, when a fine dust particle has entered such a small gap 17, the movement of the sleeve guide 11a in the axial direction as indicated by arrows Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2 is resisted substantially. For example, there may occur a case in which the keytop 11 may not return to the original state after being pressed down in the direction Z.sub.2, even when the operator has released the keytop 11.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful keyswitch as well as a keyboard using such a keyswitch, wherein the foregoing problems are eliminated.

Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a keyswitch having a reduced height, as well as to provide a keyboard using such a keyswitch of reduced height.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop;

a key housing disposed below said keytop;

a link mechanism disposed between said keytop and said key housing, said link mechanism including a plurality of link members;

a resilient member disposed between said keytop and said key housing for exerting a force urging said keytop in an upward direction;

a contact actuated in response to a pressing down of said keytop;

each of said plurality of link members having a first end pivoted on one of said keytop and said housing, each of said plurality of link members having a second opposite end held in a manner movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of said keytop upon actuation of said keytop.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyswitch having a guide mechanism of a keytop, wherein the guide mechanism has a reduced height.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down and a rear surface;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force pushing said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon a deformation of said actuator, between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging withsaid rear surface of said keytop and a second, opposite end pivoted movably to said base at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said rear surface of said keytop forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard comprising a plurality of keyswitches, each of said keyswitches comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down and a rear surface;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force pushing said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon a deformation of said actuator, between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with said rear surface of said keytop and a second, opposite end pivoted movably to said base at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said rear surface of said keytop forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard, comprising a plurality of keyswitches, each of said keyswitches comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

According to the present invention, the height of the keyswitch is reduced substantially by removing the guide sleeves, used conventionally for guiding the keytop vertically with respect to the base, from the rear side of the keytop as well as from the base. In the example of FIG. 1A, the height H.sub.3 is reduced by eliminating the guide sleeves. Even when the guide sleeves are thus removed, it should be noted that the stroke S of the keytop movement shown in FIG. 1B is not reduced. Further, a proper guiding of the keytop is achieved by the link mechanism by connecting the first and second link members with each other at the transmission part such that the first and second link members are moved simultaneously in opposite directions with the same amount.

By replacing the guide sleeves with the link mechanism, the problem of dust particles entering the gap between the outer and inner sleeve guides of conventional key switches is successfully eliminated. In the case of the present invention, the area where the link members form a slidable engagement with the keytop rear surface or the principal surface of the base, is substantially reduced. Further, even when the dust particles may enter the gap, the dust particles may escape immediately, as the slide engagement of the link members is formed in an open environment.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the construction of a conventional keyswitch respectively in a state before actuation and in a state after actuation;

FIGS. 2A-2C are diagrams showing the construction of a keyswitch according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the keyswitch of the first embodiment in a plan view;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams showing the construction of the keyswitch of the first embodiment in an elevational cross sectional view taken along a line III--III of FIG. 3 for various states thereof;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the construction of the keyswitch of the fist embodiment in an elevational cross sectional view taken along a line IV--IV of FIG. 3 for various states thereof;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the construction of the keyswitch of the first embodiment in an elevational cross sectional view taken along a line V--V in the actuated state;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the keytop of the first embodiment in a turned over state;

FIGS. 8A-8C are diagrams showing a part of the keyswitch of the first embodiment in exploded states;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of assembling the keyswitch of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-10C are diagrams showing the steps of assembling the keyswitch of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the keyswitch according to a second embodiment of the present invention respectively in a state before actuation and in a state after actuation;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing the construction of a keyswitch according to a third embodiment of the present invention respectively in a state before actuation and in a state after actuation;

FIGS. 13A-13C are diagrams showing the keyswitch of the third embodiment in an exploded view;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a keytop used in the keyswitch of the third embodiment in a turned over state;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a part of the keytop of FIG. 14 in an enlarged scale;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams showing the construction of links used in the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the construction of a base used in the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process of assembling the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIGS. 19A-19D are diagrams showing the process of assembling the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing a process of assembling link members of the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing the engagement of the link members when assembling the keyswitch of the third embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a deformation of the part of the keytop of the keyswitch of the third embodiment when assembling the keyswitch;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing the construction of a link arm used in a keyswitch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a part of the keyswitch of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the keyswitch of the fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 26A-26G are diagrams showing the operational state of the keyswitch of the fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a keyboard that uses the keyswitch of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 2A-2C show a keyswitch 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view, while FIG. 3 shows the same keyswitch 20 in a plan view. Further, FIGS. 4A-4C show the keyswitch 20 in a cross sectional view taken along a line III--III of FIG. 3 for various states of the keyswitch, and FIGS. 5A and 5B show the keyswitch 20 in a cross sectional view taken along a line IV--IV of FIG. 3 for two different operational states.

Referring to the drawings, the keyswitch 20 is formed of a plurality of components including a keytop 21 adapted for being pressed down by a finger of an operator, a membrane sheet 23 of a PET film including a membrane switch 22 therein, a rigid support panel 24 supporting thereon the membrane sheet 23, and a key housing 25 fixed on the support panel 24 so as to sandwich the membrane sheet 23 vertically together with the support panel 24. The key housing 25 thereby forms a frame structure that exposes the part of the membrane sheet 23 on which a contact of the membrane switch 22 is printed, and a deformable rubber actuator 26 is provided on the exposed part of the membrane 23. It should be noted that the actuator 26 thus provided is interposed between the keytop 21 and the membrane sheet 23, and transmits a force applied to the keytop 21 by the finger of the operator to the membrane switch 22 by causing an elastic deformation.

It should be noted that the keytop 21 of the keyswitch 20 is supported on the key housing 25 by a link mechanism 27, wherein the link mechanism 27 allows a free movement of the keytop 21 to and from the key housing 25 and hence the membrane 23, with a stroke sufficient for providing the operator a sense of actuating the keytop 21.

As indicated in FIG. 2B, the link mechanism 27 includes a first link member 31 of a U-shaped form and a second link member 32 also of a U-shaped form, wherein the first and second link members 31 and 32 may be formed of a polyacetal resin and are mounted upon the key housing 25 in a state to form together a V-shaped structure.

More specifically, the first link member 31 includes first and second arms 31.sub.--1 and 31.sub.--2 connected with each other by a bridging part 31.sub.--3 that act also as a slider as will be explained later, wherein each of the first and second arms 31.sub.--1 and 31.sub.--2 carries a pivoting pins 31.sub.--4 or 31.sub.--5 at a free end thereof for engagement with a corresponding bearing hole 25.sub.--5--1 or 25.sub.--6--1, the bearing holes 25.sub.--5--1 and 25.sub.--6--1 being provided respectively in flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6 formed on a top surface of the key housing 25. See FIG. 2C.

Similarly, the second link member 32 includes first and second arms 32.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--2 connected with each other by a bridging part 32.sub.--3 that act also as a slider as will be explained later, wherein each of the first and second arms 32.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--2 carries a pivoting pin 32.sub.--4 or 32.sub.--5 at a free end thereof for engagement with a corresponding bearing hole 25.sub.--5--2 or 25.sub.--6--2, the bearing holes 25.sub.--5--2 and 25.sub.--6--2 being provided respectively in flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6 formed on a top surface of the key housing 25 adjacent to the bearing holes 25.sub.--5--1 and 25.sub.--6--1 respectively. See FIG. 2C.

It should be noted that the arms 31.sub.--1 and 31.sub.--2 carry toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 31.sub.--7 at respective free ends thereof. Similarly, the arms 32.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--2 carry toothed parts 32.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--7 at respective free ends thereof. Thereby, the toothed part 31.sub.--6 of the arm 31.sub.--1 and the toothed part 32.sub.--6 of the arm 32.sub.--1 mesh with each other in the state that the pin 31.sub.--4 is held in the bearing hole 25.sub.--5--1 and the pin 32.sub.--4 is held in the bearing hole 25.sub.--5--2. Similarly, the toothed part 31.sub.--7 of the arm 31.sub.--2 and the toothed part 32.sub.--7 of the arm 32.sub.--2 mesh with each other in the state that the pin 31.sub.--5 is held in the bearing hole 25.sub.--6--1 and the pin 32.sub.--5 is held in the bearing hole 25.sub.--6--2. As a result of the engagement of the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6 as well as the engagement of the toothed parts 31.sub.--7 and 32.sub.--7, the first and second link members 31 and 32 are held in such a state that the arms 31.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--1 form a V-shaped form and the arms 31.sub.--2 and 32.sub.--2 form another V-shaped form. Thereby, it will be noted that, when one of the link members 31 and 32 is tilted in a first direction, the other link member is tilted in a second opposite direction.

As already noted, the key housing 25 includes the flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6--1 wherein the flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6 are formed on a rectangular base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25 with a separation in a direction Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.2, and a circular cutout 25.sub.--2 is formed on the base member 25.sub.1 between the flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6 for accepting the actuator 26 therein. It will be noted that the flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6 extend parallel with each other in a direction X.sub.1 -X.sub.2, and the base member 25.sub.1 is formed with elongated grooves 25.sub.--3 and 25.sub.--4 at the inner side of the flange parts 25.sub.--5 and 25.sub.--6, such that the groove 25.sub.--4 accepts the toothed parts 31.sub.--7 and 32.sub.--7 therein. Similarly, the elongated groove 25.sub.--3 accepts therein the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6. By forming the grooves 25.sub.--3 and 25.sub.--4 as such, it is possible to form the bearing holes 25.sub.--5--1, 25.sub.--5--2, 25.sub.--6--1 and 25.sub.--6--2 at a level flush to the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1, and the height of the keyswitch 20 is reduced substantially.

FIG. 7 shows the keytop 21 of FIG. 2A in a turned over state.

Referring to FIG. 2A and further to FIG. 7, it will be noted that the keytop 21 has a flat rectangular shape defined by a wide keytop surface 21.sub.--1 adapted for being pressed down by the finger of the operator. At the bottom side or rear side of the keytop 21, it will be noted that a space 21.sub.--1a of a depth b is formed, and a columnar pillar 21.sub.--2 of a circular cross section extends in the space 21.sub.--1a from a bottom surface of the keytop 21 in the downward direction. Thereby, that the columnar pillar 21.sub.--2 presses the rubber actuator 26 accommodated in the circular cutout 25.sub.--2 of the base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25 as will be explained later.

Further, it will be noted that the keytop 21 carries, on the bottom surface thereof, guide members 21.sub.--3 and 21.sub.--6, wherein the guide member 21.sub.--3 includes a guide rail part 21.sub.--3b and a stopper part 21.sub.--3a continuing from the guide rail part 21.sub.--3b, wherein the stopper part 21.sub.--3a connects the guide rail 21.sub.--3b to the bottom surface of the keytop 21 at an end of the guide rail part 21.sub.--3b. Thereby, the guide rail part 21.sub.--3b extends in the X.sub.1 -direction from the stopper part 21.sub.--3a. Other guide members 21.sub.--4 -21.sub.--6 have a similar construction, except that the guide rail part 21.sub.--5b and 21.sub.--6b extend from the respective stopper parts 21.sub.--5a and 21.sub.--6a in the X.sub.2 -direction.

It should be noted that the guide members 21.sub.--3 and 21.sub.--4 guide together the bridging part 31.sub.--3 of the first link member 31 along the bottom surface of the keytop 21. Similarly, the guide members 21.sub.--5 and 21.sub.--6 guide together the bridging part 32.sub.--3 of the second link member 32. More specifically, the bridging part 31.sub.--3 of the link member 31 is accepted in a space formed between the guide rail 21.sub.--3b and the bottom surface of the keytop 21 as well as in the space formed between the guide rail 21.sub.--4b and the bottom surface of the keytop 21, wherein the bridging part 31.sub.--3 moves freely in the X.sub.1 -X.sub.2 directions except for restraint caused by the stopper parts 21.sub.--3a and 21.sub.--4a. Similarly, the bridging part 32.sub.--3 of the link member 32 is accepted in a space formed between the guide rail 21.sub.--5b and the bottom surface of the keytop 21 as well as in the space formed between the guide rail 21.sub.--6b and the bottom surface of the keytop 21, wherein the bridging part 32.sub.--3 moves freely in the X.sub.1 -X.sub.2 directions except for the restraint caused by the stopper parts 21.sub.--5a and 21.sub.--6a As a result, the keytop 21 is held movably in a direction Z.sub.1 -Z.sub.2 on the key housing 25 by the link mechanism 27. Thereby, as will be explained in detail below, the bridging part 31.sub.--3 engages the stopper parts 21.sub.--3a and 21.sub.--4a when the keytop 21 is in the free, unactuated state where the bridging part 31.sub.--3 is urged in the X.sub.1 -direction. In the unactuated state, it should be noted that the bridging part 32.sub.--3 is urged also in the X.sub.2 -direction and engages the stopper parts 21.sub.--5a and 21.sub.--6a. As a result of the foregoing engagement of the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3, further movement of the keytop 21 in the upward direction is effectively prevented, and the height of the keytop 21 in the unactuated state is determined thereby.

Further, in order to restrain the excessive movement of the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 respectively in the X.sub.1 - and X.sub.2 -directions in the state that the keytop 21 is pressed down by the operator, the keytop 21 carries on the bottom surface thereof stoppers 21.sub.--7 and 21.sub.--8 respectively for engagement with the bridging part 31.sub.--3 and the bridging part 32.sub.--3. Thereby, the stopper 27.sub.--7 is provided at a location offset by a distance e from the stopper parts 21.sub.--3a and 21.sub.4a in the X.sub.1 -direction, wherein the distance e is set slightly smaller than a diameter d of the bridging part 31.sub.--3, as indicated in the plan view of FIG. 3, in order to facilitate assembling of the keyswitch 20. Similarly, the stopper 21.sub.--8 is provided with the offset e from the stopper parts 21.sub.--5a and 21.sub.--6a in the X.sub.2 -direction.

In such a construction of the keyswitch 20, it will be noted that the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 slide laterally along the bottom surface of the keytop 21 in the X.sub.1 - and X.sub.2 - directions, upon actuation of the keytop 21 vertically in the Z.sub.1 - and Z.sub.2 -directions. Because of the lateral movement of the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3, the keyswitch 20 has a preferable feature of reduced overall height. As already noted, the cylindrical pillar 21.sub.--2 at the central part of the keytop 21 actuates the membrane switch 22 in the membrane sheet 23 via the rubber actuator 26 by causing an elastic deformation in the rubber actuator 26.

Next, actuation of the keyswitch 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C and FIG. 5A and 5B.

Referring to FIG. 4A showing the keyswitch 20 in an unactuated state, the keytop 21 is pushed upward in the Z.sub.1 -direction by the rubber actuator 26 and is held at a height H.sub.11 by the link members 31 and 32 that form together the link mechanism 27, wherein the arms of the link members 31 and 32 form an angle r of about 70 degrees therebetween in the state of FIG. 5A where the bridging part 31.sub.--3 engages the stopper part 21.sub.--3a and the bridging part 32.sub.--3 engages the stopper part 21.sub.--5a. In FIG. 4A, it will be noted that the keytop 21 has an overall height as a sum of a thickness t.sub.2 of the keytop 21 and a height H.sub.13 of the stopper members 21.sub.--7 and 21.sub.--8. On the other hand, the key housing 25 has a height H.sub.12 at the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1 thereof, and the keytop 21 is lifted above the key housing 25 by the link mechanism 27 with a distance H.sub.14.

Upon pressing down of the keytop 21 by applying a force F in the direction Z.sub.2 at a point P.sub.1 as indicated in FIG. 4A, the keytop 21 subsides in the direction Z.sub.2 as indicated in FIG. 4B as a result of tilting of the link members 31 and 32. Thereby, it should be noted that, because of the engagement of the link members 31 and 32 at the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6, the link members 31 and 32 tilt in respective, opposite directions, with the same angle of tilting. Thus, the link member 31 tilts in the counterclockwise direction while the link member 32 tilts in the clockwise direction in the illustration of FIG. 4B. As a result, the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 slide respectively in the X.sub.1 - and X.sub.2 -directions, and the keytop 21 sinks in the Z.sub.1 -direction while maintaining a parallel relationship with respect to the keytop 21 in the state of FIG. 4A.

With further pressing of the keytop 21, the link members 31 and 32 tilt further in the counterclockwise direction and in the clockwise direction respectively as indicated in FIG. 4C, until the link member 31 engages the stopper 21.sub.--7 and the link member 32 engages the stopper 21.sub.--8. In this state, further lowering of the keytop 21 does not occur even when pressed further due to the foregoing engagement of the link members 31 and 32 with the respective stoppers 21.sub.--7 and 21.sub.--8.

In the state of FIG. 4C, it will be noted that the link member 31 is tilted in the counterclockwise direction with an angle .theta. while the link member 32 is tilted in the clockwise direction with the same angle e, and the keytop 21 has been lowered for a stroke S from an initial level Q.sub.1 corresponding to the state of FIG. 4A, to a final level Q.sub.2, while maintaining a parallel relationship with the state of FIG. 4A.

In the state of FIG. 4C, the angle .theta. is about 50 degrees, and thus, the link members 31 and 32 form an increased angle r of about 170 degrees therebetween. Thereby, it should be noted that the link members 31 and 32 are accommodated in the space 21.sub.--1a formed under the keytop 21. Further, the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6 are accommodated in a depression 21.sub.--1b formed on the bottom surface of the keytop 21. See the cross sectional view of FIG. 6 as well as FIG. 7 that shows the bottom side of the keytop 21. As a result, the link mechanism 27 is entirely hidden under the keytop 21. In other words, the link mechanism 27 does not cause any increase in the height of the keyswitch 20.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the state of actuation of the keyswitch 20 in a cross sectional view as viewed from a different angle.

Referring to FIG. 5A showing the state corresponding to the state of FIG. 4A, the keytop 21 is urged in the upward direction by the rubber actuator 26 that pushes the columnar pillar 21.sub.--2 at the bottom side of the keytop 21.

Upon pressing down of the keytop 21, the rubber actuator 26 collapses as indicated in FIG. 5B, wherein the rubber actuator 26 actuates the membrane switch 22 printed on the membrane sheet 23. As further lowering of the keytop 21 is prevented by the engagement of the link members 31 and 32 with the stopper parts 21.sub.--7 and 21.sub.--8 as already noted, the problem of the membrane switch 22 being pressed excessively is successfully eliminated in the state of FIG. 5A.

Upon release of the keytop 21, the rubber actuator 26 restores the original shape, and the keytop 21 is pushed in the upward direction. Thereby, the state of FIG. 5A is restored.

In the operation of FIGS. 4A-4C as well as of FIGS. 5A and 5B, it will be noted that the movement of the keytop 21 in the Z.sub.1 - and Z.sub.2 -directions occurs while maintaining a parallel relationship with the state of FIG. 4A, irrespective of whether the force F is applied to the point P.sub.1 at the center of the keytop 21 or to other points P.sub.2 or P.sub.3 offset from the center P.sub.1, due to the engagement of the link members 31 and 32 at the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6 or 31.sub.--7 and 32.sub.--7. Due to the formation of the toothed parts in the link members 31 and 32, a reliable engagement of the link members is guaranteed during the actuation of the keytop 21.

Typically, the height H.sub.14 of the link mechanism 27 is set to be about 3 mm. Thereby, a stroke of about 3 mm is secured for the stroke S of the keytop 21, and the keyswitch 20 provides a positive feeling of actuation to the operator, while simultaneously reducing the overall height H.sub.11. In the keyswitch 20 of the present invention wherein the sleeve guides used in the conventional keyswitch 10 are eliminated, the overall keyswitch height H.sub.11 can be reduced by the amount corresponding to the height H.sub.3 shown in FIG. 1A. The amount of reduction of the keyswitch height thus achieved reaches as much as 2.5 mm as compared with the keyswitch 10, assuming that t.sub.2 =t.sub.1 and H.sub.12 =H.sub.2. Typically, the height H.sub.11 of the keyswitch 20 is about 8.5 mm.

In the keyswitch 20 of the present embodiment, any dust particles penetrated to the bottom surface of the keytop 21 is scraped off therefrom by the scraping action of the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 or 32.sub.--3 that slide along the bottom surface of the keytop 21. As the bottom surface of the keytop 21 is exposed, the dust particles thus scraped off escape freely. Thereby, the keyswitch 20 of the present invention is substantially immune to penetration of dusts.

FIGS. 8A-8C show the construction of the link member 31 (or 32) used in the keyswitch 20 in detail, wherein FIG. 8A shows the arm 31.sub.--2 and the pivot pin 31.sub.--5 together with the toothed part 31.sub.--7 surrounding the pivot pin 31.sub.--5, while FIG. 8B shows the generally U-shaped construction of the link member 31.sub.--3. Further, FIG. 8C shows the arm 31.sub.--1 and the pivot pin 31.sub.--4 together with the toothed part 31.sub.--6 surrounding the pivot pin 31.sub.--4.

Referring to FIG. 8A, it will be noted that the toothed part 31.sub.--7 is formed for a limited angle .beta. around the pivot pin 31.sub.--5 and includes teeth 50-52 formed with a pith P.sub.1, with intervening grooves 54 and 55 formed therebetween. Similarly, the toothed part 31.sub.--6 is formed for the same limited angle .beta. around the pivot pin 31.sub.--4 as indicated in FIG. 8C and includes teeth 40-42 formed with the same pith P.sub.1, with intervening grooves 43 and 44 formed therebetween. It should be noted that similar teeth 40-42 and 50-52 are formed respectively on the toothed part 32.sub.--7 and 32.sub.--6, wherein the tooth 40 of the toothed part 32.sub.--7 engages the tooth 50 of the toothed part 31.sub.--7 as indicated in FIG. 8A.

It should be noted that the teeth 50-52 of the toothed part 31.sub.--7 are formed primarily on the right hand side of the arm 31.sub.--2 when viewed in the direction of the arm 31.sub.--2 from the side of the bridging part 31.sub.--3 as indicated in FIG. 8A, while the teeth 40-42 of the toothed part 31.sub.--6 are formed primarily on the left hand side of the arm 31.sub.--1 when viewed in the direction of the arm 31.sub.--1 from the side of the bridging part 31.sub.--3. Similarly, the teeth 50-52 of the toothed part 32.sub.--7 are formed primarily on the right hand side of the arm 32.sub.--2 when viewed in the direction of the arm 32.sub.--2 from the side of the bridging part 32.sub.--3, while the teeth 40-42 of the toothed part 32.sub.--6 are formed primarily on the left hand side of the arm 32.sub.--1 when viewed in the direction of the arm 32.sub.--1 from the side of the bridging part 32.sub.--3. By providing the teeth for only a limited angular range 3 in the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 31.sub.--7 or 32.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--7, it is possible to reduce the height H.sub.12 of the key housing 25 and hence the overall height H.sub.12 of the keyswitch 20.

Further, as indicated in FIG. 8B, the link member 31 or 32 deforms elastically when being assembled to form the keyswitch 20.

FIG. 9 shows the process of assembling the keyswitch 20 in the form of a flowchart.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first link member 31 is mounted upon the key housing 25 already carrying the rubber actuator 26 thereon, in a step 70, followed by a step 71 for mounting the second link member 32 further on the key housing 25. Thereby, the link mechanism 27 is assembled.

After the step 71, the link mechanism 27 is expanded such that the link members 31 and 32 form a maximum angle therebetween in a step 72, and the keytop 21 is mounted upon the link mechanism 27 thus expanded.

FIGS. 10A-10C show the assembling process of the keyswitch 20 according to the process of FIG. 9 step by step.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the link members 31 and 32 are mounted upon the key housing 25 by engaging the pivot pin 31.sub.--4 to the bearing hole 25.sub.--5--1 and the pivot pin 32.sub.--4 to the bearing hole 25.sub.--5--2, by causing a deformation in the link members 31 and 32 as indicated in FIG. 8B.

Next, in the step of FIG. 10B, the link members 31 and 32 are tilted as indicated by arrows, so that the toothed part 31.sub.--6 and the toothed part 32.sub.--6 are engaged with each other.

Further, in the step of FIG. 10C, the link members 31 and 32 are fully tilted, and the keytop 21 is pressed firmly thereon in this state, as indicated in FIG. 10C. Thereby, the link members 31 and 32 as well as the stopper parts 21.sub.--7 and 21.sub.--8 cause a resilient deformation, and the bridging part 31.sub.--3 as well as the bridging part 32.sub.--3 are accepted into the space formed by the guide member 21.sub.--3 as well as into the space formed by the guide member 21.sub.--5, respectively. As the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 have the diameter d that is slightly larger than the size e of the gap formed between the stopper part 21.sub.--3a or 21.sub.--4a and the stopper part 21.sub.--7 or between the stepper part 21.sub.--5a or 21.sub.--6a and the stopper part 21.sub.--8, the bridging parts thus engaged with the guide member do not come off easily.

As will be noted, the assembling of the keyswitch 20 of the present embodiment can be achieved without using tools.

Next, a keyswitch 20A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, wherein FIG. 11A shows the keyswitch 20A in an unactuated state while FIG. 11B shows the same keyswitch 20B in an actuated state. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, those parts described previously are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the keyswitch 20A includes a keytop 21A in place of the keytop 21, wherein the keytop 21A holds the link members 31 and 32 in a state that the link members 31 and 32 are pivoted upon the keytop 21A at a root part thereof. Similarly to the previous embodiment, the link members 31 and 32 carry toothed parts at the root parts thereof and are meshed with each other such that the link members 31 and 32 tilt or swing in opposite directions simultaneously upon actuation of one of the link members. Thereby, the link members 31 and 32 form together an inverted V-shaped form.

In the keyswitch 21A, it should be noted that the bridging part 31.sub.--3 or 32.sub.--3 slide along a guide region 25A.sub.--11 or 25A.sub.12 upon actuation of the keytop 21A in the vertical direction, wherein the guide region is provided on the top surface of a key housing 25A, rather than on the bottom surface of the keytop 21. In the fully pressed down state of FIG. 11B, it will be noted that the link members 31 and 32 are accommodated in the space 21.sub.--1a formed below the keytop 21A.

In the present embodiment, too, the keytop 21A is maintained horizontal while being moved up and down as a result of engagement of the link members 31 and 32.

Next, a keyswitch 20B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the keyswitch 20B respectively in the state before actuation and after actuation.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the keyswitch 20B includes a keytop 21B supported on a key housing 25B via a link mechanism 27B that includes a first link member 31B and a second link member 32B that engage with each other, similarly to the previous embodiment. In the state of FIG. 12A where the keytop 21B is released, the rubber actuator 26 pushes the keytop 21B in the upward direction and the link members 31B and 32B form an inverted V-shaped form.

In the state of FIG. 12B where the keytop 21B is pressed down, on the other hand, the link members 31B and 32B are flattened. Thereby, the link members 31B and 32B slide along guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--11 and 25B.sub.--12 that are formed on the key housing 25B.

FIGS. 13A-13C show the keyswitch 20B in an exploded view. In FIGS. 13A-13C, those parts corresponding to the parts described previously are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, the keytop 21B carries on the bottom surface thereof a rib 21B.sub.--10 that is formed with cutouts 21B.sub.--11 and 21B.sub.--12 respectively acting as bearing parts for accepting the pivot pins 31.sub.--4 and 32.sub.--4 of the link members 31B, 32B. A similar rib 21B'.sub.--10 is provided with a separation in the Y.sub.1 -Y.sub.2 directions as indicated in the bottom view of the keytop 21B of FIG. 14, and the link members 31B and 32B are mounted upon the bottom side of the keytop 21B in a manner to swing freely about the pivot pins 31.sub.--4 and 32.sub.--4, respectively.

Further, the link member 31B includes projections 31B.sub.13a and 31B.sub.--3b respectively on the arms 31.sub.--1 and 31.sub.--2 as an extension of the bridging part 31.sub.--3 ' wherein the projection 31B.sub.--3a and 31B.sub.--3b engage the guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--11 and 25B.sub.--13 respectively formed on the top surface of the rectangular base member 25.sub.--1 forming the key housing 25B, as indicated in FIG. 13C. Thereby, the bridging part 31.sub.--3 of the link member 31B is guided along the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25. Similarly, the link member 32B includes projections 32B.sub.--3a and 32B.sub.--3b respectively on the arms 32.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--2 as an extension of the bridging part 32.sub.--3, wherein the projections 32B.sub.--3a and 32B.sub.--3b (not shown in FIG. 13B) engage the guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--12 and 25B.sub.--14 respectively formed on the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1. Thereby, the bridging part 32.sub.--3 of the link member 32B is guided along the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1 similarly to the bridging part 31.sub.--3 of the link member 31B. Thus, it will be noted that the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 are caused to slide freely along the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1 in the X.sub.1 -and X.sub.2 directions, while being pivoted at the cutouts 21B.sub.--11 and 21B.sub.--12 formed on the bottom side of the keytop 21B.

FIG. 15 shows the construction of the rib 21B.sub.--10 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 15, the rib 21B.sub.--10 is divided into a first part and a second part by a central slit 21B.sub.--17, wherein the first part is formed with a cutout 21B.sub.--15 defined laterally by a first finger part 21B.sub.--18 and a second finger part 21B.sub.--19, wherein the cutout 21B.sub.--15 includes a mouth part 21B.sub.--15b that reduces a width W.sub.1 thereof toward the interior of the cutout 21B.sub.--15 and a circular inner part 21B.sub.--15a continuing from the mouth part 21B.sub.--15b. The circular inner part 21B.sub.--15a has a diameter D.sub.1 larger than the width W.sub.1 at the part where the inner part 21B.sub.--15a continues to the mouth part 21B.sub.--15b. Further, a cut 21B.sub.--15c of a reduced width penetrates further toward the interior of the cutout 21B.sub.--15, and the fingers 21B.sub.--18 and 21B.sub.--19 cause a resilient deformation when being engaged with the pin 31.sub.--4 at the time of assembling of the keyswitch as will be explained in detail later. Thereby, the circular part 21B.sub.--15a acts as a bearing of the pin 31.sub.--4. The second part of the rib 21B.sub.--10 has a similar structure and includes a circular cut 21B.sub.--16 acting as a bearing of the pin 32.sub.--4.

As the rib 21B.sub.--11 has a similar structure, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the first link member 31B in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, it will be noted that the pin 31.sub.--4, as well as the pin 31.sub.--5, has a diameter D.sub.10 set slightly smaller than the foregoing diameter D.sub.1 of the cutout 21B.sub.--15 but larger than the minimum width W.sub.1 of the mouth part 21B.sub.--15b. As a result, the pin 31.sub.--4 is held stably in the cutout 21B.sub.--15a and rotates freely therein. Further, it will be noted that the projection 31B.sub.--3a, as well as the projection 31B.sub.--3b, has a semi-circular shape having a diameter D.sub.2 as defined by a surface 31B.sub.--3a--1. By forming the projections 31B.sub.--3a and 31B.sub.--3b as such, the projections 31B.sub.--3a and 31B.sub.--3b have a reduced thickness W.sub.2, and the engagement with a corresponding guide such as the guide 25B.sub.--11 or 25B.sub.--12, is substantially facilitated as will be explained below.

FIG. 17 shows the construction of the guides 25B.sub.11 and 25B.sub.--12 in detail, wherein the description of the guide 25B.sub.--12 will be omitted as the construction of the guide 25B.sub.--12 is substantially identical with that of the guide 25B.sub.--11.

Referring to FIG. 17, the guide 25B.sub.11 includes an L-shaped hook that in turn is formed of a base part 25B.sub.--15 extending in the upward direction from the base member 25.sub.--1 with a height W.sub.3 set equal to the diameter D.sub.2 of the projection 31B.sub.--3a--1, and a guide rail part 25B.sub.--16 continuing from the base member 25.sub.--1 and extending parallel to the base member 25.sub.--1 in the X.sub.1 -direction. Further, a pillar member 25B.sub.--17 is provided so as to extend in the upward direction from the base member 25.sub.--1, wherein the pillar member 25B.sub.--17 is provided such that a gap 25B.sub.--19 is formed between the pillar member 25B.sub.--17 and the guide rail part 25B.sub.--16 with a size of W.sub.4 set smaller than the diameter D.sub.2 but larger than the thickness W.sub.2 of the projection 31B.sub.--3a. Thereby, the projection 31B.sub.--3a is easily accommodated into the gap formed between the guide rail 25B.sub.--16 and the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1 by properly setting the angle of the arm 31.sub.--1 of the link member 31B as explained below.

FIG. 18 shows the process of assembling the keyswitch 20B in the form of a flowchart.

Referring to FIG. 18, a step 70B is carried out first wherein the first link member 31B is mounted upon the base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25B by engaging the projections 31B.sub.--3a and 31B.sub.--3b to the guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--11 and 25B.sub.--13 respectively. Next, in a step 71B, the second link member 32B is mounted upon the same base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25B by engaging the projections 32B.sub.--3a and 32B.sub.--3b (not shown) respectively to the guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--12 and 25B.sub.--14. Further, in a step 72B, the link members 31B and 32B are tilted such that the toothed part 31.sub.--6 of the link member 31B and the toothed part 32.sub.--6 of the link member 32B engage with each other. Simultaneously, the toothed part 31.sub.--7 of the link member 31B and the toothed part 32.sub.--7 of the link member 32B engage with each other. Finally, in a step 73B, the keytop 21B is mounted upon the link members 31B and 32B thus engaged. Thereby, the link members 31B and 32B form together the link mechanism 27B as indicated in FIG. 13C.

FIG. 19A shows the step 70B of FIG. 18 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 19A, the link members 31B and 32B are engaged with the guide mechanisms 25B.sub.--11 and 25B.sub.--12 by inserting the projection 31B.sub.--3a into the guide mechanism 25B.sub.--11 through the gap 25B.sub.--19. Similarly, the projection 31B.sub.--3 b engages with the guide mechanism 25B.sub.--13. Thereby, the link member 31B is held vertically to the base member 25.sub.--1 of the key housing 25B, and semi-circular projection 31B.sub.--3a, having the thickness W2, easily passes the gap 25B.sub.--19 of which size is set to W.sub.4. Similarly, the link member 31B is engaged with the guide mechanism 25B.sub.--12 in the step 71B in the vertical state as indicated in FIG. 19A. See the enlarged diagram of FIG. 20A.

Next, in the step 72B, the link members 31B and 32B are tilted with each other respectively in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction as indicated in FIG. 19B. As a result of the tilting of the arm 31B in the clockwise direction, it will be noted that the semi-circular projection 31B.sub.--3a is positively caught by the guide rail part 25B.sub.--16 and the pillar member 25B.sub.--17 forming the guide mechanism 25B.sub.--11 as indicated in FIG. 20B. By tilting the link members 31B and 32B further, the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6 mesh with each other as indicated in FIG. 19C.

In the state of FIGS. 19C and 19D, it should be noted that the toothed parts 31.sub.--6 and 32.sub.--6 are accommodated in the elongated groove 25.sub.--3 formed on the top surface of the base member 25.sub.--1--1. Thereby, the height of the keyswitch 21B is minimized.

Further, by urging the keytop 21B in the downward direction in this state, the keytop 21B is successfully snapped upon the link members 31B and 32B as indicated in FIG. 19D.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show the snap-on attachment of the keytop 21B upon the link members 31B and 32B.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, it will be noted that the pin 31.sub.--4 urges the mouth part 21B.sub.--15b of the cutout 21B.sub.--11 and causes an elastic deformation in the fingers 21B.sub.--18 and 21B.sub.--19 as indicated in FIG. 21A. Although not illustrated, a similar elastic deformation is induced in the fingers defining the cutout 21B.sub.--12. Thereby, the deformation of the fingers is facilitated by forming the intervening cutout 21B.sub.--17.

By further urging the keytop 21B in the Z.sub.2 direction, the pin 31.sub.4, as well as the pin 31.sub.--5, cause a snap-fitting into the circular cutout 21B.sub.--15a of the cutout 21B.sub.--15 or into the corresponding circular cutout of the cutout 21B.sub.--16, and the link members 31B and 32B are thus mounted upon the keytop 21B. Thereby, it will be noted that the link members 31B and 32B form together a link mechanism 27.

As already noted with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B as well as with reference to FIGS. 13A-13C, the bridging parts 31.sub.--3 and 32.sub.--3 slide in the X.sub.1 - and X.sub.2 -directions upon actuation of the keytop 21B. Thereby, the keyswitch 20B has a preferable feature of reduced height similarly to the case of the keyswitch 20 described previously. Further, the keyswitch 20B has a preferable feature of immune to dusts. Furthermore, it will be noted that the assembling of the keyswitch 20B can be achieved by merely snap-fitting the link members 31B and 32B on the key housing 25 and further by snap-fitting the keytop 21B thereon, without using a tool.

It will be noted that in the construction of the keytop 21B, one may eliminate the intervening cutout 21B.sub.--17 as indicated in FIG. 22.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B, wherein the fourth embodiment is a modification of the second and third embodiments. Thus, those parts described previously are designated by the same reference numerals.

Similarly to the previous embodiments, each of the first and second link members 31B and 32B are mounted upon the keytop 21A or 21B rotatably. In correspondence to this, each of the first link member 31B and the second link member 32B is mounted upon the key housing 25 in a slidable manner.

FIG. 23A shows a part of the link member 31B that includes the arm 31.sub.--1, while FIG. 23B shows a part of the arm 31.sub.--1 as viewed from a left direction of FIG. 23A.

Referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, it will be noted that the arm 31.sub.--1 carries a padding region 31.sub.--9 having an increased thickness at the end thereof opposite to the end where the toothed part 31.sub.--6 is formed, wherein the padding region 31.sub.--9 is defined by an edge 31.sub.--10 having a predetermined shape. It should be noted that a similar padding region is provided also on the arm 31.sub.--2 as well as on the arms 32.sub.13 1 and 32.sub.--2 of the link member 32B. It should be noted that the padding region 31.sub.--9 is formed at the other side of the pin 31.sub.--3b.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show a housing 25C used in the present embodiment respectively in a perspective view and a plan view, wherein those parts described previously are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. It should be noted that FIG. 24 shows the key housing 25C in a state that the keytop 21A or 21B is provided above the key housing 25C.

Referring to FIG. 24, the key housing 25C includes a housing body 25C.sub.--1 formed therein with a depression 25C.sub.--2, wherein L-shaped slide guides 25C.sub.--11 -25C.sub.--14 are disposed in the foregoing depression 25C.sub.--1. Further, there is formed a projection 25C.sub.--7 at the central part of the depression 25C.sub.--2, and a circular opening 25C.sub.--8 is provided on the projection 25C.sub.13 7. Although not illustrated, an elastic actuator similar to the actuator 16 described previously is provided so as to cover the projection 25C.sub.--7. Thereby, the projection on the actuator 16 moves into the circular opening 25C.sub.--8 upon pressing down of the keytop 21A or 21B, and the contact is closed in response thereto.

Further, it will be noted that the depression 25C.sub.--2 includes rails 25C.sub.--3 -25C.sub.--6 respectively along the slide guides 25C.sub.--11 -25C.sub.14, wherein the members corresponding to the bridging part 31.sub.--3 or 32.sub.--3 make a slide engagement with any of these rails. Of course, it is possible to form a single rail in place of the rails 25C.sub.--3 and 25C.sub.--4 or the rails 25C.sub.--5 and 25C.sub.--6.

In the present embodiment, too, the link members 31B and 32B are pivoted upon the keytop 21A or 21B at the respective pins 31.sub.--4 and 31.sub.--5 or 32.sub.--4 and 32.sub.--5 as can be seen in the plan view of FIG. 25, similarly to the previous embodiments.

FIGS. 26A-26G show the motion of the arm 31.sub.--1 of the link member 31B upon the actuation of the keytop 21B. Although not explained, it should be noted that a similar engagement occurs also in other arms 31.sub.--2, 32.sub.--1 and 32.sub.--2.

Referring to FIG. 26A, the pin 31.sub.--3a at the end of the arm 31.sub.--1 moves along the guide 25C.sub.--12 in contact engagement with the guide 25c.sub.--12 in response to the pressing down of the keytop, and the bridging part 31.sub.--3 of the link member 31B slides along the rail 25c.sub.--4, wherein the edge 31.sub.--10 of the padding region 31.sub.--9 maintains a slide engagement with a chamfered edge 25c.sub.--1b of the depression 25c.sub.--2. Thereby, the link 31B is supported at the pin 31B.sub.--3a as well as at the foregoing edge 31.sub.--1 of the padding region 31.sub.--9, and the problem of rattling of the keytop in the right and left directions in the illustration of FIGS. 26A-26G, is successfully eliminated.

As already noted, the padding region 31.sub.--9 is provided at the other side of the pin 31.sub.--3a. In other words, the padding region 31.sub.--9 is located on the arm 31.sub.--1 at the part far from the region where the pin 31.sub.--4 is provided. Thereby, one reduce the clearance .delta. shown in FIG. 25 between the arm 31.sub.--1 and the projection 25C.sub.--7, and the problem of rattling in the lateral directions in FIG. 25 is eliminated.

By forming the exposed rails 25C.sub.--3 -25C.sub.--6 separately for the slide engagement of the slide member 31.sub.--3 or 32.sub.--3, the keyswitch of the present embodiment is advantageous for eliminating the problem of jamming of the link mechanism caused by dust particles penetrating into such a slide surface, as compared with the construction of FIGS. 13A-13C, in which the slide engagement occurs over a much larger area.

FIG. 27 shows the construction of a keyboard 60 that uses the keyswitch described previously.

Referring to FIG. 27, it will be noted that the keyboard 60 includes a number of keyswitches arranged two-dimensionally, wherein each of the keyswitches may have a construction of the keyswitch 20, 20A or 20B. As explained before, each keytop moves vertically while maintaining a horizontal state as it is actuated, and a reliable typing operation is guaranteed. As the keyswitches have a reduced overall height, the keyboard 60 is suitable for use in compact computers such as laptops and palm-tops. Further, the keyboard 60 has an advantageous feature of immunity against dusts.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described heretofore, but various variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop;

a key housing disposed below said keytop;

a link mechanism disposed between said keytop and said key housing, said link mechanism including a plurality of link members;

a resilient member disposed between said keytop and said key housing for exerting a force urging said keytop in an upward direction;

a contact actuated in response to a pressing down of said keytop;

each of said plurality of link members having a first end pivoted on one of said keytop and said key housing, each of said plurality of link members having a second, opposite end held by one of said key housing and said keytop in a manner movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of said keytop upon actuation of said keytop; and

each of said link members having a toothed part at said first end such that said toothed part engages with a toothed part of another link member.

2. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of link members includes a first link member and a second link member, said first link member having a first toothed part at said first end thereof, said second link member having a second toothed part at said first end thereof, said first and said second toothed parts meshing with each other such that said first link member and said second link member form a V-shape.

3. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said keytop includes a depression at a bottom side thereof such that said depression substantially accommodates said plurality of link members therein when said keytop is fully pressed down.

4. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said keytop carries, on a bottom side thereof, a plurality of guide parts, such that each of said link members has said second end engaging slidably with a corresponding one of said guide part.

5. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing carries, on a top side thereof, a plurality of guide parts such that each of said link members has said second end engaging slidably with a corresponding one of said guide part.

6. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said keytop has an elastic bracket in which said first end of said link member is snap-fitted.

7. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing has a guide part for slide contact with said link member, said guide part thereby guiding a movement of said link member.

8. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide part includes a rail for slide contact with said link member.

9. A keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down and a rear surface;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force pushing said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon a deformation of said actuator, between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with said rear surface of said keytop and a second, opposite end pivoted movably to said base at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part, including a first gear provided at said second end of said first link member so as to be rotatable about said first pivot axis and a second gear provided at said second end of said second link member so as to be rotatable about said second pivot axis, said first and second gears meshing with each other such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said rear surface of said keytop forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

10. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first gear is provided for a limited angle about said first pivot axis, and said second gear is provided for a limited angle about said second pivot axis.

11. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 10, wherein said limited angle of said first gear is 90 degrees or less, and wherein said limited angle of said second gear is 90 degrees or less, each of said first and second link members swinging for an angle of 45 degrees or less about respective first and second pivot axes.

12. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said base is formed with a depression on a surface thereof so as to accommodate said first and second gears therein upon movement of said first and second link members in a direction to lift up said keytop.

13. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said keytop is formed with a depression on said rear surface so as to accommodate said first and second gears therein upon movement of said keytop to a fully pressed down state.

14. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 9, wherein said keytop carries, on said rear surface, first and second guide rails for respectively holding first and second sliders provided on said first and second link members at respective first ends thereof, between said guide rail and said rear surface, such that said first slider slides along said first guide rail and such that said second slider slides along said second guide rail, said first and second sliders sliding in mutually opposite directions.

15. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first guide rail includes a first stopper part at a first end thereof for restricting a further movement of said first link member in a direction for lifting up said keytop, said second guide rail includes a second stopper part at a first end thereof for restricting a further movement of said second link member in a direction for lifting up said keytop.

16. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 15, wherein said keytop carries, on said rear surface, a first stopper member so as to face a second end of said first guide rail with a first gap, for restricting a further movement of said first link member in a direction for lowering said keytop, said keytop further carries, on said rear surface, a second stopper member so as to face a second end of said second guide rail with a second gap, for restricting a further movement of said second link member in a direction for lowering said keytop, said first and second gap being set so as to be smaller than a diameter of said first and second sliders.

17. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of said first and second link members has a U-shaped form, including a pair of arms extending parallel with each other, each of said arms carrying a gear at a first end thereof, and a bridging part connecting respective second ends of said arms with each other, said bridging part forming a slide engagement with said rear surface of said keytop.

18. A keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part, including a first gear provided at said second end of said first link member so as to be rotatable about said first pivot axis and a second gear provided at said second end of said second link member so as to be rotatable about said second pivot axis, said first and second gears meshing with each other such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

19. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 18, wherein said first gear is provided for a limited angle about said first pivot axis, and said second gear is provided for a limited angle about said second pivot axis.

20. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 19, wherein said limited angle of said first gear is 90 degrees or less, and wherein said limited angle of said second gear is 90 degrees or less, each of said first and second link members swinging for an angle of 45 degrees or less about respective first and second pivot axes.

21. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 18, wherein said base is formed with a depression on a surface thereof so as to accommodate said first and second gears therein upon movement of said first and second link members to a fully pressed down state.

22. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 21, wherein said base carries, on said principal surface, first and second guide rails for respectively holding first and second sliders provided on said first and second link members at respective first ends thereof, between said guide rail and said principal surface, such that said first slider slides along said first guide rail and such that said second slider slides along said second guide rail, said first and second sliders sliding in mutually opposite directions.

23. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 22, wherein said first guide rail includes a first stopper part at a first end thereof for restricting a further movement of said first link member in a direction for lifting up said keytop, said second guide rail includes a second stopper part at a first end thereof for restricting a further movement of said second link member in a direction for lifting up said keytop.

24. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 23, wherein said base carries, on said principal surface, a first stopper member so as to face a second end of said first guide rail for restricting a further movement of said first link member in a direction for lowering said keytop, said keytop further carries, on said rear surface, a second stopper member so as to face a second end of said second guide rail for restricting a further movement of said second link member in a direction for lowering said keytop.

25. A keyswitch as claimed in claim 24, wherein said first stopper member is separated from said second end of said first guide rail by a first gap having a size smaller than a diameter of a first slider provided at said first end of said first link member for slide engagement with said principal surface of said base, and wherein said second stopper member is separated from said second end of said second guide rail by a second gap having a size smaller than a diameter of a second slider provided at said first end of said second link member for slide engagement with said principal surface of said base, each of said first and second sliders having a semi-circular cross section such that said first and second sliders pass through said first and second gaps respectively upon setting said first and second link members to respective predetermined angles.

26. A keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members;

said keytop carrying, on a rear surface thereof, a bearing mechanism for bearing said pivot axes of said first and second link members, said bearing mechanism including first and second cutouts each defined by a pair of resilient fingers for holding said first and second pivot axes respectively, said first and second cutouts having a circular shape for snap-fitting with respective pivot axes.

27. A keyswitch, comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

each of said first and second link members having a U-shaped form, including a pair of arms extending parallel with each other, each of said arms carrying a gear at a first end thereof to form a transmission part to transmit a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members to the other of said first and second link members, such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes, and a bridging part connecting respective second ends of said arms with each other, said bridging part forming a slide engagement with said rear surface of said keytop;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

28. A keyboard having a plurality of keyswitches, each of said keyswitches comprising:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down and a rear surface;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force pushing said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon a deformation of said actuator, between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with said rear surface of said keytop and a second, opposite end pivoted movably to said base at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

said first and second link members being engaged with each other mechanically at a transmission part, including a first gear provided at said second end of said first link member so as to be rotatable about said first pivot axis and a second gear provided at said second end of said second link member so as to be rotatable about said second Divot axis, said first and second gears meshing with each other such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said rear surface of said keytop forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.

29. A keyboard comprising a plurality of keyswitches, each of said keyswitches having:

a keytop having a keytop surface adapted for being pressed down;

a base disposed below said keytop;

an actuator disposed between said keytop and said base, said actuator deforming elastically upon pressing down of said keytop, said actuator thereby exerting a force that pushes said keytop upward upon an elastic deformation thereof;

a switch disposed so as to be actuated by said actuator, said switch changing a state thereof upon deformation of said actuator between a first, opened state and a second, closed state;

a link mechanism disposed between said base and said keytop, said link mechanism including first and second link members each having a first end slidably engaging with a principal surface of said base and a second, opposite end pivoted to said keytop at respective, first and second pivot axes, said link mechanism thereby holding said keytop on said base in a state movable to and from said base, said link mechanism further restricting a movement of said keytop to and from said base;

each of said first and second link members having a U-shaped form, including a pair of arms extending parallel with each other, each of said arms carrying a gear at a first end thereof to form a transmission part for engagement between said first and second link members, and a bridging part connecting respective second ends of said arms with each other, said bridging part forming a slide engagement with said rear surface of said keytop such that a pivoting movement of one of said first and second link members is transmitted to the other of said first and second link members at said transmission part and such that said first and second link members swing in mutually opposite directions about said first and second pivot axes;

said principal surface of said base forming a guide surface for guiding therealong said first end of said first and second link members.