JP2000222977A - Key switch structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely detect key operation even if force or operation direction in key operation is incorrect, in key switch structure utilized in a small electronic apparatus. SOLUTION: A key switch 1 installed together with a base plate X has a base part 11 which is a flexible member, arranged in the upper part of the base plate X; and a key 12 integratedly constituted with the base part 11 and supported movably up and down by a crooked part 11a which is a connection part with the base part 11; and a conductive surface 13 facing a contact pattern formed with a plurality of conductive wires on the surface of the base plate X is formed on the lower surface of the key 12, and hemispheric projections 14, 14,... having a predetermined elasticity and flexibility, and projecting toward the contact pattern are formed on the surface of the conductive surface 13.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch structure of a key provided in a small electronic device or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a key switch provided as an input means of an electronic device has a key disposed above a substrate on which a plurality of conductive wires are arranged in a predetermined pattern, and a flat plate-like conductor piece is provided on the lower surface of the key. Is fixed. When this key is depressed, the conductor piece on the lower surface of the key contacts across a plurality of conductors on the board surface, so that the presence or absence of a key operation can be detected by detecting conduction in the plurality of conductors on the board surface. .

As an example of such a key switch structure, a key switch 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the key switch 2. The base 21 and the keys 22 of the key switch 2 are made of various kinds of synthetic rubber such as silicon rubber or a material having a predetermined flexibility such as resin.

As shown in FIG. 7, the key switch 2 includes a columnar key 22 integrally formed at a central portion of a base 21 on a flat plate. Although the cross section of the key 22 described here is a circle, there is no particular problem even if the key 22 has a shape such as a prism. In a normal state in which no operation is performed, the cylindrical key 22 is supported in a state of floating above the substrate X by the elasticity of the bent portion 21a which is a connecting portion between the base 21 and the key 22. A conductive wire is arranged on the surface of the substrate X directly below the key 22 so as to form a predetermined contact pattern.

When the key switch 2 is operated, the bent portion 21a is bent by a downward force applied to the key 22,
The disc-shaped conductor piece 23 attached to the lower surface of the key 22 contacts the substrate X. At this time, the conductor piece 23 contacts over a plurality of conductors forming a contact pattern on the surface of the substrate X,
The operation of the key switch 2 is detected by detecting a change in the conduction state of the plurality of conductors.

[0006]

However, there is a problem that an accurate operation by the user is required to perform the operation by the key switch 2 shown in FIG. In general, the keys of key switches used in small electronic devices are often smaller than the fingers of the user, and particularly, as an input device of electronic devices having many functions, small keys are densely arranged. Often done. When operating the input means of such an electronic device, it is difficult to reliably press the center of each key upper surface directly below, and the key is pressed obliquely. In such a situation, the force applied to the key is not sufficiently strong, etc., and a so-called "single-pressing" state as shown in FIG.

In the "single-pressed" state shown in FIG. 8 (a), only a part of the bent portion 21a of the base 21 is bent, and the key 22 is tilted sideways. In this “single-push” state, the portion where the conductor piece 23 contacts the substrate X is as shown in FIG.
Is only a very small area, as indicated by the hatched portion indicated by the reference symbol B in the plan view of FIG. For this reason, the contact between the conductor piece 23 and the plurality of conductors on the surface of the substrate X has been incomplete. In a state where the conductors are slightly in contact with each other, it is difficult to detect the contact because the conduction resistance is large. Therefore, in the "single-pressed" state shown in FIG. 8A, it is difficult to detect the operation of the key switch 2.

For this reason, unless the central portion of the upper surface of the key 22 is pressed down directly below with a sufficient force, the pressing operation of the key 22 cannot be reliably detected, and it is difficult to perform a stable operation. There was a problem.

In particular, as compared with the case where a plurality of conductors forming a contact pattern on the surface of the substrate X are provided by plating such as gold plating, the conductors are formed by conductor coating which applies a paint containing a conductor to the surface of the substrate X. However, the above-mentioned problem has been remarkable when the device is provided. This is due to the difference in smoothness at the portion where the conductors are provided on the surface of the substrate X. However, the above problem hinders the use of relatively inexpensive conductor coating, which results in cost reduction. Of the decline.

In order to solve this problem, the conductor piece 23 is
In some cases, the conductor piece 23 is made of a soft material that can be easily deformed. However, the conductor piece 23 needs to be extremely soft in order to sufficiently deform the conductor piece 23 in the “single-push” state. However, it has been difficult to sufficiently solve the problem in order to avoid a decrease in durability and an increase in cost.

[0011] For example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-228838.
As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-264, a device has been disclosed in which a rigid core rod is incorporated in a contact rubber portion constituting a key. In this case, if the contact rubber is pressed with insufficient force, the key does not go down, so it does not become a "one-sided" state,
Only when a predetermined force or more is applied does the key move toward the lower substrate. However, this contrivance was made for a relatively large key switch structure that can apply a stronger force during operation, and compared with remote control switches for operating electronic devices and portable telephones. It has been difficult to apply the method to a small electronic device having a large number of keys, because the cost and the size of the keys are increased.

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a key switch structure used in a small electronic device, in which a key operation can be reliably performed even if the force or operation direction at the time of key operation is incorrect. It is to be able to detect.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch structure which is installed together with a substrate having a contact pattern on a surface of which a plurality of conductors are arranged. A key having a conductor for electrically connecting the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern to each other; and a key supporter for movably supporting the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor faces the contact pattern. And further comprising a plurality of elastic projections protruding toward the contact pattern.

Here, the plurality of conductive wires are formed by plating a general printed circuit board or the like with a conductor such as a metal, or applying a paint containing a conductor, and forming a line exposed on the surface of the board. No. In addition, the contact pattern is a pattern formed by, for example, the plurality of conductive wires not being in contact with each other and being arranged close to each other with a certain interval or more, and the shape thereof is radial, spiral,
A shape in which U-shaped conductive wires are engaged with each other is exemplified.

Further, the conductor portion is, for example, a conductive member having predetermined elasticity and plasticity and capable of being deformed within a certain range, such as synthetic rubber containing a conductor. Similarly, the elastic projection is also a conductive member having elasticity and flexibility higher than a predetermined value, and the conductor portion and the elastic projection may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately, May be combined. Examples of the shape of the elastic projection include a needle shape, a hemispherical shape, a spherical shape, a rod shape, and other shapes, and are not particularly limited.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch structure which is installed together with a substrate provided with a contact pattern on which a plurality of conductive wires are arranged, the key switch being provided when a key operation is performed. Since the key moves with respect to the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern and the conductor portion having the plurality of elastic projections comes into contact with the contact pattern of the substrate, for example, as compared to the case where the conductor portion is configured in a plate shape, The portion of the conductor that contacts the contact pattern is easily deformed, and the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are reliably conducted to each other. This provides a key switch that can reliably detect the presence or absence of a key operation because the conduction state of the conductor of the contact pattern changes reliably even if the force or operation direction at the time of the key operation is incorrect. can do. In particular, operability can be greatly improved by applying to a small electronic device in which key operation is likely to be unstable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the key switch structure of the first aspect, each of the plurality of elastic projections provided in the conductor portion is a hemispherical projection.

Here, the hemispherical projection refers to a shape in which the flat portion of the hemisphere contacts the conductor portion and the spherical portion protrudes toward the contact pattern. That is, the spherical portion faces the contact pattern of the substrate.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the key switch structure according to the first aspect, the hemispherical elastic projection contacts the contact pattern to conduct a plurality of conductive wires of the contact pattern. When it is deformed, it contacts a plurality of conductors of the contact pattern with a larger area. This makes it possible to more reliably detect the presence or absence of a key operation.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2
In the key switch structure described above, the plurality of elastic protrusions provided in the conductor portion are arranged on the conductor portion such that adjacent elastic protrusions are in contact with each other.

Here, the plurality of elastic projections are disposed on the conductor so that their side surfaces or root portions are in contact with each other.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the key switch structure according to the first or second aspect, more elastic projections come into contact with the contact pattern, so that the conduction state of the plurality of conductors changes more reliably. , Can detect the presence or absence of key operation

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the key switch structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, the key and the key support portion are flexible members integrally formed with each other. The configuration is characterized by the following.

Here, examples of the flexible member include members having predetermined flexibility and elasticity, such as various synthetic rubbers such as silicon rubber or various resins.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the key switch structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, since the key and the key supporting portion are integrally formed with each other, a small-sized electronic device is provided. When installing a large number of keys on a device, it can be installed in a smaller volume. Therefore, particularly, the operation state is likely to be unstable and can be easily installed on a small electronic device in which an inaccurate operation is easily performed. Can be easily provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch structure to be installed in a portable telephone together with a substrate having a plurality of contact patterns on a surface on which a plurality of conductive wires are arranged, wherein the plurality of contact patterns are provided. A plurality of keys each having a conductor having a conductor portion for conducting the conductive wires to each other, and a plurality of key support portions for movably supporting the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor portion faces the contact pattern, Further, the conductor portion of the plurality of keys includes
A plurality of hemispherical elastic projections protruding toward the contact pattern are provided.

Here, each element of the conductor, the contact pattern, the substrate, the conductor, and the elastic projection has the same configuration as each element of the first and second aspects.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch structure in which a portable telephone is installed together with a substrate provided with a contact pattern on a surface of which a plurality of conductors are provided, and a key operation is performed. If performed, the key moves with respect to the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern, and the conductor portion having the plurality of elastic protrusions comes into contact with the contact pattern of the substrate, so that, for example, the conductor portion is formed in a flat plate shape As compared with the case, the portion of the conductor portion that comes into contact with the contact pattern is easily deformed, and the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are reliably conducted to each other. With this, even if the force or the operation direction at the time of the key operation is incorrect, the conduction state of the conductive wire of the contact pattern is reliably changed, so that the key switch capable of reliably detecting the presence or absence of the key operation is provided. A mobile phone can be provided. Therefore, in a portable telephone used under unstable conditions such as being used while standing or being used while walking, even if the stable and reliable operation is difficult, it is possible to operate the key securely. Can be detected. Also, high operability can be maintained even when operating with one hand.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a key switch structure to be installed in a remote control device of an electronic device together with a substrate having a plurality of contact patterns on a surface on which a plurality of conductive wires are arranged, wherein A key having a conductor for conducting a plurality of conductors of the pattern to each other, and a key support for movably supporting the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor faces the contact pattern, respectively. A plurality of conductors are provided, and the conductors of the plurality of keys each include a plurality of hemispherical elastic protrusions protruding toward the contact pattern.

Here, each element of the conductive wire, the contact pattern, the substrate, the conductor, and the elastic projection has the same configuration as each element of the first and second aspects.

According to the invention of claim 6, there is provided a key switch structure which is installed in a remote control device of an electronic device together with a substrate provided with a contact pattern on which a plurality of conductors are provided, When the key operation is performed, the key moves with respect to the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern, and the conductor portion having the plurality of elastic projections comes into contact with the contact pattern of the substrate, so that, for example, the conductor portion has a flat plate shape. As compared with the case where the contact pattern is formed, the portion of the conductor portion that contacts the contact pattern is easily deformed, and the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are reliably conducted to each other. With this, even if the force or the operation direction at the time of the key operation is incorrect, the conduction state of the conductive wire of the contact pattern is reliably changed, so that the key switch capable of reliably detecting the presence or absence of the key operation is provided. An electronic device remote control device can be provided. Therefore, it is often operated while looking at the device to be remotely controlled, and even in a remote control device of an electronic device in which stable and reliable operation is difficult, the presence or absence of a key operation can be reliably detected. Can be significantly reduced, and operability can be improved.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a key switch 1 as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configuration of the key 12 in more detail. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the key switch 1 and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing a state of the surface of the conductor 13.

As shown in FIG. 1, the key switch 1 includes a flat base 11 and a columnar key 12 formed integrally with the base 11. The base 11 and the key 12 are formed of a flexible material having predetermined flexibility and elasticity, such as various synthetic rubbers such as silicon rubber or various resins. Also, the base 1
1 constitutes a key support together with a bent portion 11a to be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the cylindrical key 12 has a center portion at the height supported by a bent portion 11a which is a joint portion with the base portion 11. A unit 13 is provided.

Base 11 and key 12 of key switch 1
Is located on the substrate indicated by the symbol X in the figure. The board X is a board called a so-called printed board, and is provided with various electronic components and various devices as necessary. Conductive wires formed by gold plating or conductor coating are arranged on the surface, and the surface is Protected by an insulator film. Although not shown, a plurality of conductors are arranged on the surface of the substrate X directly below the key 12 so as to form a predetermined contact pattern. In the contact pattern, the conductors are exposed on the surface of the substrate X. ing.

Here, as the contact pattern, for example, a pattern in which a plurality of conductors are respectively arranged in a U-shape or a spiral shape is cited, and the plurality of conductors are in contact with each other. The configuration is not particularly limited as long as the configuration is such that the conductors 13 are arranged at predetermined intervals without any contact and the conductor 13 can contact the plurality of conductors.

The conductor 13 provided on the lower surface of the key 12 is made of a conductor having a predetermined elasticity, and can be easily deformed under a pressure. And the conductor 13
Have hemispherical projections 14, 1 as elastic projections on the surface thereof.
4, ... are provided in large numbers. As shown in FIG.
Are hemispherical projections projecting from the surface of the conductor portion 13 toward the substrate X.
Are arranged in close contact with each other.

When the key switch 1 is operated,
The key 12 moves downward, and the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... On the surface of the conductor portion 13 are pressed against the substrate X, and the plurality of conductors forming the contact pattern on the surface of the substrate X are formed. Contact Then, since the conductive wire of the contact pattern becomes conductive through the conductor portion 13, the presence or absence of operation of the key switch 1 can be detected by detecting this conductive state.

Subsequently, the key 12 provided in the key switch 1
However, a case where an inappropriate operation is performed will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a so-called “single-press” state of the key switch 1. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the key switch 1, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing the surface of the conductor 13. FIG.

As described above, when the key switch 1 is operated, all the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Provided on the surface of the conductor portion 13 are pressed against the contact pattern on the surface of the substrate X. The plurality of conductors of the pattern are fully conductive. However, when the force for pressing the key 12 is not sufficiently strong, when only the upper end of the key 12 is pressed, or when the key 12 is pressed obliquely, the key 12 is It moves downward while tilting in the direction to produce a so-called "single-push" state.

As shown in FIG. 3A, only a part of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Located at the end of the surface of the conductor portion 13 is pressed against the substrate X in the "single pressing" state. Here, the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Which come into contact with the substrate X are contact portions indicated by reference numeral A in FIG.

Here, each of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Has elasticity, and each of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,. Furthermore, since the area of the tip portion is very small as compared with the entire surface of the conductor portion 13, each of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,...

Therefore, the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Corresponding to the contact portions A shown in FIG. . That is,
Even in the “one-sided pressing” state, it is possible to make contact so as to straddle the conductive wire of the contact pattern on the surface of the substrate X, and the presence or absence of operation of the key switch 1 is reliably detected.

Here, referring to FIG. 4, "one-sided pressing" of a key switch 2 (FIG. 7) as an example of a key switch structure generally used conventionally and a key switch 1 to which the present invention is applied. Compare configurations in states. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams respectively showing the states of the key switch 2 and the key switch 1 in the “single-press” state. FIG. 4A shows the state of the key switch 1 and FIG. .

When the key switch 1 to which the present invention is applied has a "single-press" state, as shown in FIG. 4A, only the hemispherical projections 14, 14,. Touch X. As described above, the hemispherical projections 14,
The area of the tip portion of each of the fourteen... Is very small compared to the surface of the conductor part 13, and each of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,.
.. Are smaller than the conductor portion 13, so that the hemispherical projections 1
4, 14, ... are deformed by a relatively small force. For this reason,
As shown in FIG. 4A, the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Located at the end of the conductor portion 13 are greatly deformed, and the inner hemispherical projections 14, 14,. Can be.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), in the key switch 2 having a conventionally used key switch structure, only its end is slightly deformed in the "single-pressed" state. And is in contact with the substrate X. That is, unlike the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Provided on the key switch 1, the conductor piece 23 is a single flat plate. A force is required to deform the whole. Therefore, key 2
Unless 2 is pressed down with a considerably strong force, it is difficult to make contact with the substrate X with a sufficient area in the "single-pressed" state.

This is because the tip areas of the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Are small and can be independently deformed. In other words, the hemispherical projections 14, 14,.
, The elasticity of the conductor portion 13 and the elasticity of the conductor piece 23 are substantially the same, but in the "single-push" state, the conductor portion 13 has a larger area than the conductor piece 23 in the substrate X. Can be sewn.

Therefore, by providing the hemispherical projections 14, 14,..., The key 12 is not pressed down in an ideal state without devising the conductor portion 13 using a particularly soft material. Even if the “one-sided pressing” state occurs, it is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of an operation on the key 12.

As described above, according to the key switch 1 according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the key 1 that contacts the contact pattern formed by a plurality of conductive wires on the surface of the substrate X
2 has a plurality of hemispherical projections 14, 14,... In a state of being in close contact with each other. When the key 12 is operated, the hemispherical projections 14, 14,. It was configured to abut. Thereby, the key 12
Occurs when the magnitude of the force when is pressed is insufficient, or when the direction in which the key 12 is pressed is not appropriate, or when the pressed position on the upper surface of the key 12 is not appropriate, Even in the so-called "single-pressing" state, the substrate X
Since the plurality of conductors forming the contact pattern on the front surface are reliably contacted, even if the operation by the user is incomplete, it is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of the operation.

Further, since it is possible to reliably cope with contact patterns having various configurations, it is sufficiently possible to use a technique such as a conductor coating process in which irregularities easily occur on the surface of the substrate X. . As a result, a less expensive processing method can be widely applied, and the cost can be reduced.

Therefore, there is no need to request the user to perform a reliable operation, and erroneous operation or unstable operation can be prevented, so that operability can be improved. In particular, if the present invention is applied to a small electronic device having a large number of small keys, further effects can be obtained.

Here, a portable telephone 100 shown in FIG. 5 will be described as an example in which the present invention is applied to a small electronic device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the mobile phone 100. As shown in FIG.
00 is a case 101 in which an antenna 102 for transmitting and receiving a radio signal for wireless communication, a speaker 103 for outputting the voice of the call partner, a microphone 104 for receiving the voice of the user, and a telephone number of the call partner And a liquid crystal display 105 for displaying date and time and other information. The case 101 further includes a control system for performing various processes such as a call originating process, an incoming process, an incoming notification process, a voice synthesizing process, and a voice signal generating process. (Not shown), and is driven by a battery (not shown) incorporated in the case 101.

A call key 106 for starting an incoming call response and a call transmission is provided on the front of the case 101.
End key 10 for disconnecting a wireless communication line during a call
7, a function key 108 for executing various preset functions, a search key 109 for searching and calling data stored in advance in a control system built in the case 101, and various numeric keys. Numeric keypad 110
Is provided.

Each of the above keys is a key having the same configuration as the key switch 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. By arranging the key switch 1 on a plane, the keys related to the input of the portable telephone 100 can be obtained. Can be configured. The base 11 of each key provided in the portable telephone 100
The portions corresponding to (FIG. 1) may be configured integrally with each other. That is, by forming one flexible plate-like member as a base and integrally forming the flexible plate-like member, a plurality of bent portions (key support portions), and a plurality of keys, a large number of keys can be formed. It can be realized efficiently.

As described above, by applying the present invention to the portable telephone, the portable telephone 100 used under unstable conditions such as being used while standing or being used while walking can be obtained. Even in a state where stable and reliable operation is difficult, the presence or absence of a key operation can be reliably detected. In other words, it is possible to realize a mobile phone that operates stably by reliably detecting a key operation even when the key pressing force is weak or the key is pressed diagonally. Also, high operability can be maintained even when operating with one hand.

FIG. 6 shows a remote controller 200 as a remote control device of an electronic device as another example in which the present invention is applied to a small electronic device. This remote control 200 is a remote control device for remotely controlling a home television,
As shown in a perspective view of FIG. 6, a case 201 is provided with each part.

More specifically, a case 201 has a liquid crystal display 202 for displaying the operation contents and the current time, and an infrared transmitting / receiving window for performing wireless communication with a home television (not shown) to be remotely operated. 203, a power key 204 for turning on / off the power of the home television,
A channel key 205 for switching the channel of the home television, a volume key 206 for switching the volume of the home television, a numeric keypad 207 including various numeric keys, and an antenna input signal line of the home television.
A television / video key 208 is provided for switching between an input signal from a video tape recorder (not shown) connected to the home television and an external antenna signal connected to an outdoor antenna (not shown). Case 2
01 includes a control system for transmitting a signal from the infrared transmission / reception window 203 to the home television in response to an instruction input from each key, a battery serving as a power supply, and the like.

Each of the keys provided in the remote controller 200 shown in FIG. 6 is a key having the same configuration as the key switch 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. By arranging the key switch 1 on a plane, the remote controller A key for 200 inputs can be configured. The portion corresponding to the base 11 (FIG. 1) of each key included in the remote controller 200 may be integrally formed with each other, similarly to the portable telephone 100 (FIG. 5). That is, by forming one flexible plate-like member as a base and integrally forming the flexible plate-like member, a plurality of bent portions (key support portions), and a plurality of keys, a large number of keys can be formed. It can be realized efficiently.

As described above, by applying the present invention to the remote controller 200 as a remote control device of an electronic device,
It is often operated while looking at a device to be remotely controlled, and even in a remote control device of an electronic device for which stable and reliable operation is difficult, the presence or absence of a key operation can be reliably detected. In other words, even if the end of the key is pressed without reliably pressing the center of the key, or if the key is pressed diagonally, the key operation is reliably detected, and the remote control of the electronic device is stabilized. Erroneous operation can be significantly reduced, and high operability can be maintained.

[0061]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a key operation is performed, the key moves with respect to the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern, and the conductor having the plurality of elastic projections is formed on the substrate. Since the contact portion is in contact with the contact pattern, the portion of the conductor portion that contacts the contact pattern is easily deformed, for example, as compared with the case where the conductor portion is formed in a flat plate shape, and the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are reliably connected to each other. . This provides a key switch that can reliably detect the presence or absence of a key operation because the conduction state of the conductor of the contact pattern changes reliably even if the force or operation direction at the time of the key operation is incorrect. can do. In particular, operability can be greatly improved by applying to a small electronic device in which key operation is likely to be unstable.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the hemispherical elastic projection contacts the contact pattern and conducts the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern, when the elastic projection is deformed, the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are connected. On a larger area. This makes it possible to more reliably detect the presence or absence of a key operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since more elastic projections come into contact with the contact pattern, the conduction state of the plurality of conductors changes more reliably, and the presence or absence of a key operation can be detected.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the key and the key support are integrally formed with each other, when a large number of keys are installed in a small electronic device, the keys can be installed in a smaller volume. It is. Therefore, particularly, the operation state is likely to be unstable and can be easily installed on a small electronic device in which an inaccurate operation is easily performed. Can be easily provided.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the force or operation direction at the time of key operation is incorrect, the conduction state of the conductive wire of the contact pattern changes without fail, so that the presence or absence of the key operation can be reliably determined. A portable telephone including a key switch capable of detection can be provided. Therefore, in a portable telephone used under unstable conditions such as being used while standing or being used while walking, even if the stable and reliable operation is difficult, it is possible to operate the key securely. Can be detected. Also, high operability can be maintained even when operating with one hand.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if the force or operation direction at the time of key operation is incorrect, the conduction state of the conductive wire of the contact pattern changes without fail, so that the presence or absence of key operation can be reliably determined. It is possible to provide a remote control device for an electronic device including a key switch that can be detected. Therefore,
It is often operated while looking at the device to be remotely controlled, and the remote control device for electronic devices, which is difficult to operate stably and reliably, can reliably detect the presence or absence of key operations, thus significantly reducing erroneous operations. In addition, operability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a key switch 1 as an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the configuration of the key 12 shown in FIG. 1 in detail, wherein FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the key switch 1, and FIG.

FIG. 3 shows “one-sided pressing” in the key switch 1 shown in FIG.
3A is a cross-sectional view of the key switch 1, and FIG. 3B is a plan view illustrating a state of the hemispherical protrusions 14.

4A and 4B are diagrams showing the contact state between the hemispherical projections 14, 14,... Shown in FIG. 2 and the conductor piece 23 shown in FIG. 8 and the substrate X, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the contact state with the board | substrate X in detail, (b) is a conductor piece 23
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a contact state between the substrate and a substrate X in detail.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a portable telephone 100 as an example in which the invention is applied to a small electronic device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a remote controller 200 as an example in which the invention is applied to a small electronic device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a key switch 2 as an example of a conventional key switch structure.

8 is a diagram showing "one-sided pressing" of the key switch 2 shown in FIG.
3A is a cross-sectional view of the key 22, and FIG. 3B is a plan view illustrating a surface of a conductor piece 23.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key switch 11 Base part (key support part) 11a Bend part (key support part) 12 Key 13 Conductor part 14, 14, ... Hemispherical protrusion (elastic protrusion) A Contact part X substrate 100 Portable telephone 101 Case 102 Antenna 103 Speaker 104 Microphone 105 Liquid crystal display 106 Call key 107 End call key 108 Function key 109 Search key 110 Numeric keypad 200 Remote control 201 Case 202 Display 203 Infrared transmitting / receiving window 204 Power key 205 Channel key 206 Volume key 207 Numeric keypad 208 TV / video key

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A key switch structure which is installed together with a substrate having a contact pattern provided with a plurality of conductors on a surface thereof, comprising: a key having a conductor portion for conducting the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern to each other. A key support portion that movably supports the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor portion faces the contact pattern, further comprising: a conductor portion protruding toward the contact pattern. A key switch structure, comprising: a plurality of elastic projections. 2. The key switch structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elastic projections provided on the conductor portion is a hemispherical projection. 3. The key switch structure according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic projections provided on the conductor portion are arranged on the conductor portion such that adjacent elastic projections are in contact with each other. 4. The key switch structure according to claim 1, wherein said key and said key support are flexible members integrally formed with each other. 5. A key switch structure installed in a portable telephone together with a substrate provided with a plurality of contact patterns on a surface thereof on which a plurality of conductors are provided, wherein the plurality of conductors of the contact patterns are electrically connected to each other. A plurality of keys each including a key having a conductor portion, and a key support portion that movably supports the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor portion faces the contact pattern. Wherein each of the conductors has a plurality of hemispherical elastic projections protruding toward the contact pattern. 6. A key switch structure installed in a remote control device of an electronic device together with a substrate provided with a plurality of contact patterns on a surface on which a plurality of conductors are provided, wherein the plurality of conductors of the contact pattern are provided. A plurality of keys each having a conductor portion that conducts with each other; and a plurality of key support portions that movably support the key toward the contact pattern in a state where the conductor portion faces the contact pattern. The key switch structure, wherein the conductor portions of the plurality of keys each include a plurality of hemispherical elastic protrusions protruding toward the contact pattern.