JP2003131787A - Key button structure for portable equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key button structure for a portable equipment capable of preventing a key button from sinking down into the case by pushing the key button obliquely without affecting make-load of key. SOLUTION: The key button structure for the portable equipment is provided with a push piece 32 on the back side of a key button 31. When the key button 31 is depressed, the push piece 32 connects electrically a movable contact 41 made of conductive material with contacts 51a, 51b formed on a printed wiring board 5. A rib 33 is arranged annularly around the push piece 32 and the height of the rib 33 is designed to be lower than the push piece 32.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant, and more particularly to a key button structure pressed by a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A key button as an input means of a mobile phone or the like is frequently used by a user for inputting data or commands. Therefore, the key button structure needs to be designed in consideration of various ways of operations by the user. In particular, it is necessary to take care so that the key button does not get inside the case when the user pushes the button diagonally. Such a key button structure is shown in FIG.
The structures shown in (B) and (B) are possible.

FIG. 13A is a sectional view showing an example conceivable as a key button structure, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing a part of the back surface (key contact side) of the key sheet. The key sheet 3 made of an elastic material has a key button 31
Further, a pusher 32 and a plurality of columnar ribs 38 arranged in a circle are provided on the back side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the key button 3
1 is fitted in a corresponding key button hole of the case 1 so as to be vertically movable. The pusher 32 comes into contact with the movable contact 41, and when the key button 31 is pressed by the user's finger,
The movable contact 41 is a contact 51 provided on the printed wiring board 5.
A and 51b are short-circuited to make them conductive.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the key button 31 is diagonally pressed in the key button structure of FIG. 13 (A). When a force in an oblique direction is applied to the top surface of the key button as indicated by the arrow in the figure, the rib 38 comes into contact with the printed wiring board 5 via the sheet 4 and bends. Suppress the infiltration.

However, according to such a key button structure, the columnar rib 38 requires a reaction force sufficient to prevent the key button 31 from slipping in, and therefore the columnar diameter and height are required to some extent. For that purpose, it is necessary to set the rib 38 higher than the pusher 32. Therefore, before the movable contact 41 short-circuits the contacts 51a and 51b provided on the printed wiring board 5, the rib 38 first comes into contact with the printed wiring board 5 and bends to generate a reaction force. It is thought that the key making power becomes heavy and the operability is affected.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to prevent a key button from being slid into the case without affecting the make load of the key. It is to provide a key button structure of the device.

[0008]

According to the invention described in claim 1, the above-mentioned object is a key button structure for inputting to a portable device, and the key button is depressed on the back side of the key button. At this time, in the key button structure of the mobile device provided with the pusher for conducting the movable contact formed of the conductive material with the fixed contact provided on the printed wiring board, the pusher on the back side of the key button is This is achieved by a key button structure of a portable device, which is provided with a rib arranged around the ring and having a height set so as not to be higher than the pusher.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by disposing the ring-shaped rib around the pusher on the rear surface side of the key button, the key button sinks even if an oblique force is applied to the key button. Suppresses jamming and prevents it from slipping into the case. By setting the height of the rib so as not to be higher than that of the pusher, the rib may come into contact with the printed wiring board before the movable contact brings the fixed contact provided on the printed wiring board into conduction. Since it does not exist, it does not affect the key make load.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, the above-mentioned object is that a part of the rib arranged in the ring shape is cut out, and the key button of the portable device according to claim 1. Achieved by structure.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, like the first aspect of the present invention, the key button is prevented from slipping into the key button due to the oblique pressing of the key button without affecting the key making load.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, there is provided a key button structure for inputting to a portable device, wherein when the key button is pressed on the back surface side of the key button, the conductivity of the key button is reduced. In a key button structure of a portable device provided with a pusher for electrically connecting a movable contact formed of a material having conductivity to a fixed contact provided on a printed wiring board, a pusher around a pusher on the back side of the key button. This is achieved by a key button structure of a portable device, which is provided with a plurality of long plate-shaped ribs whose height is set so as not to be higher.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, like the first aspect of the invention, the key button is prevented from slipping into the key button due to the oblique pressing of the key button without affecting the key make load.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, the object is to provide a key button structure for a portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a projection is provided on a top surface of the rib. Achieved by

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, like the first aspect of the invention, the key button is prevented from slipping into the key button due to the oblique pressing of the key button without affecting the key making load, and the rib is provided with a protrusion. Prevents the key buttons from wobbling.

Further, according to the invention as set forth in claim 5, the above-mentioned object is that the key button and the pusher on the back side thereof and the key sheet provided with the rib are constituted by laminating sheets of different materials. It is achieved by the key button structure of a portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the key sheet can be easily manufactured, and the range of selection of materials can be expanded.

[0018]

1 is an exploded perspective view of a key button operation unit of a mobile phone according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, for example, a key button operation unit of a mobile phone includes a case 1 provided with a plurality of key button holes 1a, a cover 2 forming a pair with the case 1, and a key button formed of an elastic material such as rubber. A key sheet 3 having 31 and a sheet 4 having a movable contact 41 having conductivity in the dome-shaped portion, and a movable contact 41
And a printed wiring board 5 having a fixed contact 51 at a position opposed to.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the first embodiment of the key button structure of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet.

The key button 31 is fitted in the corresponding key button hole 1a of the case 1 so as to be vertically retractable.
The key sheet 3 made of an elastic material has a key button 3
A ring-shaped rib 33 that substantially conforms to the outer shapes of the pusher 32 and the key button 31 is provided on the backside 1 and the backside thereof. The rib 33 is set to be the same as the height of the pusher 32 or lower than the height of the pusher 32.
When the key button 31 is not pressed, the pusher 32
Is in contact with the apex of the movable contact 41, and the key button 3
When the user presses 1 with the finger of the user, the pusher 32 presses the movable contact 41, and the movable contact 41 short-circuits the contacts 51a and 51b provided on the printed wiring board 5 to make them conductive.

FIG. 4 shows the key button 3 in the above embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which 1 was pushed. When the key button 31 is pressed down by a normal operation with a force perpendicular to the top surface of the key button 31 (force in the direction of the arrow 401 shown in the drawing), the pusher 3
2 allows the movable contact 41 of the sheet 4 to move to the printed wiring board 5
When pressed against the upper contact 51, the two contacts 51a and 51b forming the contact 51 are short-circuited and brought into conduction.

FIG. 5 shows the key button 3 in the above embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which 1 was pushed diagonally. A force in the diagonal direction with respect to the top surface of the key button 31 (shown by an arrow 501
When a force (in the direction of the arrow) is applied, the tips of the ribs 33 come into contact with the printed wiring board 5 through the sheet 4, so that the key button 31 can be prevented from tilting and sinking. Further, the rib 33 is set to be the same as the height of the pusher 32 or lower than the height of the pusher 32, but the contact area with the printed wiring board 5 is large, and the rib 33 has a sufficient anti-reaction to suppress the key button 31 from slipping in. You can exert your power. Since the rib 33 is set to be the same as the height of the pusher 32 or lower than the height of the pusher 32 as described above, the movable contact 41 has the contact 51a provided on the printed wiring board 5,
Since the ribs 33 do not come into contact with the printed wiring board 5 before the 51b is made conductive, it is possible to prevent the key button 31 from slipping into the key button 31 obliquely without affecting the key making load, and to improve the operability. The structure can be realized.

The material of the key sheet 3 is as follows.
In addition to the rubber, an elastic material such as silicone rubber or elastomer resin can be used.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet. The rib arranged in the above-mentioned ring shape is a rib in which a part is cut out, and specifically, the rib 3 formed by two ribs 34a and 34b.
4 is provided. According to such an embodiment, the above-mentioned first
Similar to the embodiment described above, the key button 31 is prevented from slipping into the key button 31 due to the oblique pressing of the key button 31 without affecting the key making load.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet. In this embodiment, instead of the ring-shaped ribs described above, a plurality of long plate-shaped ribs 35 are appropriately arranged around the pusher 32, and like the first embodiment, the key-make load is affected. Without this, it is possible to prevent the key button 31 from slipping into the key button 31 when the key button 31 is obliquely pressed.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the key button 31 in a depressed state. In this embodiment,
A plurality of protrusions 3 are provided on the top surface of the rib 33 arranged in the ring shape.
6 is provided. By having such a protrusion 36, it is possible to prevent the key button 31 from wobbling. Further, since the rib 33 prevents the key button 31 from slipping in due to an oblique push, the protrusion 36 can be set to a size sufficient to prevent the key button 31 from wobbling. As a result, the influence on the key make load is suppressed, It is possible to realize a key button structure with good operability.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the projection 36 is provided on the ring-shaped rib 34, which is partially cut out as described above. It is possible to suppress the key button 31 from wobbling while suppressing the influence on the key button 31.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the plurality of long plate-like ribs 35 are similarly provided with protrusions 36. The key button 31 is prevented from diving due to an oblique push and the influence on the key make load is prevented. In addition, the key button 31 is prevented from wobbling.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the above-mentioned projection 36 is provided on the rib 34 which is divided into four parts by making the notches of the ring-shaped rib described above in four places. Also according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the key button 31 from slipping due to the oblique pressing of the key button 31 while suppressing the influence on the key make load, and to prevent the key button 31 from wobbling.

FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a perspective view of the key sheet 3, and (B) is a sectional view thereof. In the present embodiment, the key sheet 3 provided with the key button 31, the pusher 32 on the rear surface side thereof, and the ribs 33, 34, and 35 is configured by laminating sheets of different materials. For example, FIG. Like the key button 31, the pusher 32 and the sheet 3 having the rib 33
The key sheet 3 can be formed not only by using an elastic material such as rubber but also by using a resin molded product by attaching it to the key sheet 3.
Can be easily manufactured, and the range of choice of materials can be expanded.

In addition to the above-mentioned bonding structure, the key top portion can be formed by insert molding with a different material (resin) from the rubber portion. It is also possible to form by two-color molding.

[0032]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the key button is pressed on the back side of the key button, the movable contact formed of a conductive material is printed. In a key button structure of a portable device provided with a pusher that conducts with a fixed contact provided on a wiring board, the push button on the back side of the key button is arranged around the pusher in a ring shape and is not higher than the pusher. By providing ribs with set height, even if a diagonal force is applied to the key button, it is possible to prevent the key button from sinking and prevent it from sneaking into the case, and a movable contact is provided on the printed wiring board. Since the ribs do not come into contact with the printed wiring board until the fixed contacts that have been made electrically conductive, there is no effect on the key make load.
A key button structure with good operability can be realized.

According to the second aspect of the invention, even if a part of the rib arranged in the ring shape is cut out, the keymake load is influenced as in the first aspect of the invention. It is possible to prevent the key button from slipping in without being pushed diagonally.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, by disposing a plurality of long plate-shaped ribs instead of the ring-shaped ribs, as in the invention described in claim 1, the key make load is influenced. It is possible to prevent the key button from slipping in due to the diagonal pressing of the key button without giving it.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since the rib has a projection on the top surface, the key button is pushed obliquely without affecting the key making load as in the invention of claim 1. The key button can be prevented from slipping in and the key button can be prevented from wobbling.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, the key sheet provided with the key button, the pusher on the back side thereof, and the rib is formed by laminating sheets of different materials. Easy to manufacture,
In addition, the range of choices of materials will be expanded.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a key button operation unit of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a key button is pressed in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a key button is pushed diagonally in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back surface of the key sheet showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a back surface of a key sheet showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the back surface of a key sheet showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view showing a state where a key button is pressed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which a protrusion is provided on a ring-shaped rib that is partially cut away.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which a plurality of long plate-shaped ribs are provided with protrusions.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the ring-shaped rib has four cutouts and projections.

12A is a perspective view of a key sheet showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 13A is a sectional view showing an example of a key button structure, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view showing the back surface of the key sheet.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the key button structure shown in FIG. 13 in a state where the key button is pushed diagonally.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 case 2 cover 3 key sheet 4 seats 5 printed wiring board 31 key button 32 pusher 33, 34, 35 ribs 36 Protrusion 41 Moving contact 51a, 51b contact

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A portable device provided with a pusher for electrically connecting a movable contact formed of a conductive material to a fixed contact provided on a printed wiring board when the key button is pressed on the back surface of the key button. In the key button structure, a key is arranged around the pusher on the back side of the key button in a ring shape, and a rib whose height is set so as not to be higher than the pusher is provided. Button structure. 2. The key button structure for a portable device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the ring-shaped rib is cut out. 3. A portable device provided with a pusher for electrically connecting a movable contact formed of a conductive material to a fixed contact provided on a printed wiring board when the key button is pressed on the back side of the key button. In the key button structure, a plurality of long plate-shaped ribs whose height is set so as not to be higher than the pusher are provided around the pusher on the back side of the key button, which is a key button of a portable device. Construction. 4. The key button structure for a mobile device according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion is provided on a top surface of the rib. 5. The key sheet provided with the key button, the pusher on the back side of the key button and the rib is formed by laminating sheets of different materials. Key button structure for mobile devices in Japan.