JP2015050048A - Key switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch device which is less likely to cause operational failures even if highly viscous liquid is spilt.SOLUTION: A key switch device 100 comprises a switch SW having: an operable key top 1; a contact member capable of switching an electrical connection in accordance with the operation of the key top 1; and an elastic member for biasing the key top 1. The key top 1 has a first lateral face 1a which is formed by planar surface parallel to the vertical direction. An opposite member OP aligned with the key top 1 has a second lateral face OPa which is formed by planar surface parallel to the vertical direction. The key top 1 and the opposite member OP are arranged such that the first lateral face 1a and the second lateral face OPa are opposed to each other with a small gap defined therebetween. At least one of the first lateral face 1a and the second lateral face OPa is provided with a liquid flow guide part LG which is arranged to extend downward.

Description

  The present invention relates to a key switch device, and more particularly to a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a highly viscous liquid is spilled.

  Some mobile phones, portable information terminals, portable audio devices, and the like use a key switch in which adjacent key tops are arranged with minute gaps as operation keys. As such a key switch device in which adjacent key tops are arranged with a minute gap, a key switch device described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

  Hereinafter, the key switch device described in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the key switch device 900 described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG.

  In the key switch device 900 described in Patent Document 1, the mask sheet (: light shielding plate) 940 is made of a conductive material such as stainless steel (SUS), and the key top 950 and the reference potential wiring film 908 are formed on the mask sheet 940. A spring portion 944 and a spring portion 946 that are always in contact with the surface are provided, and the mask sheet 940 itself is formed to form a guide path that guides the static electricity induced by the key top 950 to the reference potential electrode of the wiring board.

JP 2007-294246 A

  As a situation where the operator operates the key switch device 900 described in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the operator operates while drinking a high-viscosity beverage containing sugar or the like, and accidentally spills the beverage on the key top 950. Is done. When such a situation occurs, there is a concern that the beverage that has entered between the key tops 950 and could not be removed dries and solidifies to bridge between the key tops 950, and the key top 950 does not move. The

  The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a key switch device that is less likely to cause malfunction even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  In the key switch device according to claim 1, an operable key top, a contact member capable of switching electrical connection in accordance with the operation of the key top, an elastic member for biasing the key top, The key top has a first side surface formed in a plane parallel to the vertical direction, and the opposing members arranged side by side on the key top are planes parallel to the vertical direction. The key top and the facing member have the first side surface and the second side surface opposed to each other, and the first side surface and the second side surface have a minute gap. And at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is provided with a liquid flow guide portion extending downward.

  The key switch device according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of the switches and a case member, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged side by side, and the case member surrounds the plurality of switches arranged side by side. And the opposing members are the case member and the key top.

  The key switch device according to a third aspect is characterized in that the liquid flow guide portion is formed in a plurality of rib shapes.

  The key switch device according to claim 4 is characterized in that the rib shape is formed to have a predetermined length from the first side surface or the second side surface.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the liquid flow guide portion extends downward, the liquid flowing between the key top and the opposed member does not stay between the key top and the opposed member, The liquid easily flows down along the part. That is, the amount of liquid that remains between the key top and the opposing member is reduced, and even if the key top and the opposing member are cross-linked by a dry liquid, the operation of the key top is hardly hindered. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a highly viscous liquid is spilled.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least one of the key tops is provided with the liquid flow guide portion, and at least one of the key top and the case member is provided with the liquid flow guide portion. That is, even in a key switch device in which a plurality of switches and case members are arranged at a narrow pitch, it is difficult for liquid to accumulate in the gap between the key tops and the gap between the key top and the case member. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a highly viscous liquid is spilled.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the liquid flow guide portion is formed into a plurality of rib shapes, and the lower surface side of the key top and the opposing member (case member and key top) is formed into an uneven shape. Can be prevented from occurring due to the thickness of the molded part being too thick. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that has a better appearance and is less likely to cause malfunctions even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ribs have a predetermined length in accordance with the sizes of the key top and the opposing member, and are generated in the key top and the opposing member when processed by injection molding. Warping phenomenon can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the sink phenomenon and the occurrence of the warp phenomenon. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that has a better appearance and that is less likely to cause malfunction even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

It is a model perspective view which shows the structure of the key switch apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the key switch apparatus 100 in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic cross section which shows switch SW in the cross section BB shown to Fig.2 (a). It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the keytop 1 in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the key switch apparatus 900 of patent document 1. FIG.

[First Embodiment]
The key switch device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, the configuration of the key switch device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a key switch device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the key switch device 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the key switch device 100 in a state viewed from the Z1 direction shown in FIG. FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section AA shown in FIG. In FIG. 2 (a), the opposing member OP is set with reference to the key top 1 disposed on the X2 direction side and the Y2 direction side, and in FIG. 2 (b), the opposed member OP is disposed on the X2 direction side. The opposing member OP is set with the key top 1 as a reference. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the switch SW in the cross-section BB shown in FIG. 2A, and only the key top 1 is not a cross-section. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of the key top 1 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the key top 1 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the Y2 direction side. 4 (b) is a schematic view showing a state in which the key top 1 shown in FIG. 4 (a) is viewed from the X2 direction side, and FIG. 4 (c) is a diagram showing the key top 1 shown in FIG. 4 (b) on the Z2 direction side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state seen from. 1 to 4 are all schematic views, and there are some differences from the actual product in terms of structure, arrangement position, size, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the key switch device 100 includes four switches SW, and includes a switch SW, a wiring board 8, and a case member 4 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the switch SW includes a key top 1, a contact member 2, an elastic member 3, an actuator 5, a housing 6, and a cover member 7.

  The housing 6 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a storage portion 6a that is a hollow space whose upper side (Z1 direction side) is open.

  The contact member 2 includes a first fixed contact member 2a, a second fixed contact member 2b, and a movable contact member 2c, and each is formed from a metal plate. The first fixed contact member 2a and the second fixed contact member 2b are formed integrally with the housing 6 and exposed from the inner bottom surface of the storage portion 6a. The first fixed contact member 2a is formed at the center of the inner bottom surface of the storage portion 6a, and the second fixed contact member 2b is formed at two positions facing each other on the outer peripheral side of the inner bottom surface of the storage portion 6a. The first fixed contact member 2a and the second fixed contact member 2b are electrically insulated. The movable contact member 2c is formed in a dome shape with the center portion protruding, is sized to be housed in the housing portion 6a of the housing 6, and has elasticity. When the central portion of the movable contact member 2c is pressed from the protruding side, it is bent in the pressed direction, and when the pressing is released, the state before pressing is restored. In the present embodiment, the movable contact member 2 c also functions as the elastic member 3.

  The cover member 7 is formed of a metal plate, and has a top plate portion 7 a formed to have a size capable of covering the upper portion of the housing portion 6 a of the housing 6. The cover member 7 has a circular opening 7b at the center of the top plate portion 7a, and side walls 7c extending downward at the outer peripheral end of the top plate portion 7a. Have.

  The actuator 5 is made of a synthetic resin material and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The actuator 5 has an operation portion 5a formed in a columnar shape, and a flange portion 5b formed in a disk shape outwardly along the circumferential surface at one end (end in the Z2 direction) of the operation portion 5a. Have Moreover, it has the projection part 5c protruded and formed in the end surface of the one side of the operation part 5a. In addition, the diameter of the operation part 5a is formed in the magnitude | size which can be inserted in the opening part 7b of the cover member 7. FIG.

  The key top 1 is made of a synthetic resin material and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. The key top 1 has a first side surface 1a formed in a plane parallel to the vertical direction (Z1-Z2 direction) in four directions, and a liquid flow extending downward (Z2 direction) on the first side surface 1a. Part LG is provided. Moreover, the liquid flow guide part LG is formed in a plurality of rib shapes, and the rib shape is formed to have a predetermined length suitable for the size and shape of the key top 1 from the first side surface 1a. The plurality of liquid flow guide portions LG formed in a rib shape intersect with each other to form a lattice shape when viewed from below. The key top 1 has a pressing portion 1b that protrudes downward from the center portion of the lower surface and is formed in a columnar shape. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, one liquid guide part LG is provided on the first side surface 1a on the Y1 direction side, and each first side surface 1a is provided on the first side surface 1a other than the Y1 direction side. Two are provided for each, but FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram. Therefore, when the liquid flow guide LG is actually provided, it is desirable to provide an appropriate number in consideration of the size and shape of the key top 1. . Further, in the present embodiment, the width dimension of the liquid guide part LG on the Y1 direction side is formed smaller than the interval between the two liquid guide parts LG provided on the first side surface 1a other than the Y1 direction side. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the switch SW composed of the above-described components has a movable contact member 2 c disposed inside the housing 6 a of the housing 6. The movable contact member 2c is arranged with the center protruding side upward, and the outer peripheral end of the movable contact member 2c is arranged on the second fixed contact member 2b, and the movable contact member 2c and the second fixed contact are arranged. The member 2b is always electrically connected. The movable contact member 2c and the first fixed contact member 2a are not electrically connected when not being operated, but can be electrically connected when the movable contact member 2c bends downward. The actuator 5 is disposed inside the housing portion 6a of the housing 6 so that the protruding portion 5c contacts the movable contact member 2c, and is urged upward by the movable contact member 2c. The cover member 7 is disposed so as to cover the top of the housing 6 with the operation portion 5a of the actuator 5 inserted through the opening 7b, and the side wall of the housing 6 is covered with the side wall portion 7c. Locked. The key top 1 is disposed so as to be operable in the vertical direction so as to overlap the actuator 5 so that the operation portion 5a protruding from the opening 7b of the cover member 7 and the pressing portion 1b come into contact with each other. Note that the key top 1 is biased upward via an actuator 5 by a movable contact member 2 c which is an elastic member 3. In this way, the switch SW is formed.

  When the switch SW presses the key top 1 downward, the key top 1 moves downward, and the actuator 5 is pressed downward to move downward. The actuator 5 moved downward presses the movable contact member 2c downward, the movable contact member 2c bends downward, and contacts the first fixed contact member 2a. Thus, the first fixed contact member 2a and the second fixed contact member 2b are electrically connected via the movable contact member 2c. When the pressing on the key top 1 is released, the switch SW returns to the state before the operation, and the electrical connection between the first fixed contact member 2a and the second fixed contact member 2b is released. In this way, switching of the electrical connection between the first fixed contact member 2a and the second fixed contact member 2b, that is, switching of the electrical connection of the contact member 2 becomes possible with the operation of the key top 1. Functions as a switch.

  The case member 4 is made of a synthetic resin material, and has a decorative plate 4a formed in a rectangular flat plate shape as shown in FIG. 2, and an outer wall portion extending downward (Z2 direction) from four sides of the decorative plate 4a. 4b, the lower part is open, and the inside is hollow. Further, the case member 4 has an operation port 4c opened in a rectangular shape at the center of the decorative plate 4a. The case member 4 has a guide wall 4d extending downward from the opening end of the operation port 4c. 4 d of guide walls are formed over the perimeter of the opening edge part of the operation port 4c, and are formed in the plane parallel to an up-down direction. The operation port 4c is formed in such a size that allows four key tops 1 of the switch SW arranged in a matrix to be inserted.

  The wiring board 8 is a glass epoxy board formed in a rectangular shape, and is provided with a wiring pattern. The wiring board 8 is formed in a size that can be accommodated in the opening on the lower side of the case member 4.

  Next, the structure of the key switch device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, four switches SW are arranged in a matrix at the center of the wiring board 8. The four key tops 1 of the switch SW arranged in a matrix form face each other with the first side surfaces 1a facing each other, and the first side surfaces 1a are disposed with a minute gap. The case member 4 is arranged so as to cover the switches SW with the key tops 1 of the four switches SW projecting from the operation ports 4c so as to surround the four switches SW arranged in a matrix. And is locked to the wiring board 8. The first side surface 1a of the key top 1 disposed in the operation port 4c and the guide wall 4d of the case member 4 face each other, and the first side surface 1a and the guide wall 4d are disposed with a minute gap. ing. In this way, the key switch device 100 is formed. Although not shown, the wiring board 8 or the case member 4 is provided with a discharge unit capable of discharging the liquid that has entered the key switch device 100 by mistake.

  Here, the facing member OP will be described. The opposing member OP is a member arranged side by side on the key top 1, and the opposing member OP has a second side surface OPa formed by a plane parallel to the vertical direction. Further, the key top 1 and the facing member OP make the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa face each other, and the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa are arranged with a minute gap. The liquid flow guide part LG may be extended downward from the second side face OPa, and the liquid flow guide part LG extended downward from the second side face OPa is formed in a plurality of rib shapes, The shape may be formed to have a predetermined length from the second side surface OPa. That is, at least one of the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa is provided with a liquid flow guide portion LG extending downward, and the liquid flow guide portion LG is the first side face 1a or the second side face OPa. And having a predetermined length to form a rib shape. The opposing member OP defined in this way corresponds to the key top 1 other than the case member 4 and the key top 1 serving as a reference when the arbitrary key top 1 is used as a reference in the present embodiment. The second side surface OPa corresponds to the first side surface 1 a of the key top 1 and the guide wall 4 d of the case member 4. In the case of a key switch device having a configuration different from the key switch device 100 in the present embodiment, component parts other than the key top and the case member may correspond to the facing member OP.

  Further, the liquid flow guide portions LG arranged at the opposing positions do not form a minute gap between the surfaces of the liquid flow guide portion LG that are continuously formed on the first side surface 1a and the second side surface OPa. Is arranged. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the keytop 1 is configured such that the surface on which one liquid guide portion LG is formed and the surface on which two liquid guide portions LG are formed face each other. The surfaces of the liquid flow guide portion LG that are continuously formed on the first side surface 1a and the second side surface OPa do not form a minute gap.

  Next, regarding the operation of the key switch device 100, as described in the description of the switch SW, by pressing the key top 1, the electrical connection state of the contact member 2 arranged in the switch SW is switched. When the pressing operation is stopped, the electrical connection state of the contact member 2 returns to the state before the pressing operation. Thus, input operation can be performed by switching the electrical connection state of the contact member 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the effect by having set it as this embodiment is demonstrated.

  In the key switch device 100 of the present embodiment, an operable key top 1, a contact member 2 capable of switching electrical connection in accordance with the operation of the key top 1, and an elastic member 3 that biases the key top 1, , The key top 1 has a first side surface 1a formed in a plane parallel to the vertical direction, and the opposing member OP arranged side by side on the key top 1 is in the vertical direction. The key top 1 and the opposing member OP have the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa opposite to each other, and the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa have a second side face OPa formed in a parallel plane. Is arranged with a minute gap, and at least one of the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa is provided with a liquid flow guide LG extending downward.

  Thereby, since the liquid flow guide portion LG is extended downward, the liquid flowing between the key top 1 and the facing member OP does not stay between the key top 1 and the facing member OP, and the liquid flow guide portion. The liquid easily flows down along the LG. That is, the amount of liquid remaining between the key top 1 and the opposing member OP is reduced, and even if the key top 1 and the opposing member OP are cross-linked by a dry liquid, the operation of the key top 1 is hardly hindered. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a highly viscous liquid is spilled.

  Further, the key switch device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of switches SW and a case member 4. The plurality of switches SW are arranged side by side, and the case member 4 surrounds the plurality of switches SW arranged side by side. This is a device, and the opposing member OP is a case member 4 and a key top 1.

  Thus, the liquid flow guide part LG is provided in at least one of the key tops 1, and the liquid flow guide part LG is provided in at least one of the key top 1 and the case member 4. That is, even in a key switch device in which the plurality of switches SW and the case member 4 are arranged at a narrow pitch, it is difficult for liquid to accumulate in the gap between the key tops 1 and the gap between the key top 1 and the case member 4. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less likely to cause a malfunction in operation even when a highly viscous liquid is spilled.

  In the key switch device 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid flow guide portion LG is formed in a plurality of rib shapes.

  Thereby, the liquid flow guide part LG is formed in a plurality of rib shapes, and the key top 1 and the opposing member are formed by making the lower surfaces of the key top 1 and the opposing member OP (the case member 4 and the key top 1) uneven. When OP is processed by injection molding using a synthetic resin material, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a sink phenomenon that occurs when the thickness of the molded part is too thick. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that has a better appearance and is less likely to cause malfunctions even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  Further, the key switch device 100 of the present embodiment is configured such that the rib shape has a predetermined length from the first side surface 1a or the second side surface OPa.

  Thereby, the warp generated in the key top 1 and the opposing member OP when processed by injection molding by setting the length of the rib to a predetermined length according to the size of the key top 1 and the opposing member OP. The phenomenon can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the sink phenomenon and the occurrence of the warp phenomenon. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that has a better appearance and that is less likely to cause malfunction even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  Further, in the key switch device 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid guide portions LG arranged at the opposing positions are formed continuously with the first side surface 1a and the second side surface OPa of the liquid guide portion LG. The surfaces are arranged so as not to form a minute gap.

  If there is a minute gap formed by the surfaces continuously formed on the first side face 1a and the second side face OPa, liquid spilled into the minute gap is likely to stay due to capillary action. Since it is arranged so as not to form, the liquid spilled accidentally flows down more reliably along the liquid flow guide LG. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a key switch device that is less prone to malfunction in operation even when a liquid with high viscosity is spilled.

  As described above, the key switch device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is possible. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows, and these embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[Modification 1]
In the first embodiment, the switch SW is described as a switch that can be input by pressing the operation unit 5a. However, a switch or a rotary operation type switch that can be input by sliding the operation unit in a plane direction is described. Even with a switch or the like, the same effect can be obtained.

[Modification 2]
In the first embodiment, the first side surface 1a and the second side surface OPa are formed as flat surfaces, but may be curved surfaces.

[Modification 3]
In the first embodiment, the liquid guide part LG is not provided on the guide wall 4d which is the second side face OPa of the case member 4 which is the opposing member OP, but the liquid guide part LG is provided on the guide wall 4d. Also good. When the liquid guide part LG is provided on the guide wall 4d, the liquid guide part LG may not be provided on the first side face 1a disposed to face the guide wall 4d. Further, the liquid flow guide part LG may be provided on both the guide wall 4d and the first side face 1a. At that time, similarly to the liquid flow guide portion LG formed on the guide wall 4d and the liquid flow guide portion LG formed on the key top 1, a surface formed continuously with the first side surface 1a and the second side surface OPa. They do not form minute gaps.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key top 1a 1st side surface 1b Press part 2 Contact member 2a 1st fixed contact member 2b 2nd fixed contact member 2c Movable contact member 3 Elastic member 4 Case member 4a Decorative plate 4b Outer wall part 4c Operation port 4d Guide wall 5 Actuator 5a Operation part 5b Gutter part 5c Projection part 6 Case 6a Storage part 7 Cover member 7a Top plate part 7b Opening part 7c Side wall part 100 Key switch device LG Liquid conduction part OP Opposing member OPa Second side SW switch

Claims (4)

An operable key top,
A contact member capable of switching electrical connection in accordance with the operation of the key top;
An elastic member for biasing the key top;
In a key switch device comprising a switch having
The key top has a first side surface formed by a plane parallel to the vertical direction,
The opposing member arranged side by side on the key top has a second side surface formed by a plane parallel to the vertical direction,
The key top and the facing member are arranged such that the first side surface and the second side surface are opposed to each other, and the first side surface and the second side surface are arranged with a minute gap,
The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface is provided with a liquid flow guide portion extending downward. A plurality of the switches and a case member;
A plurality of the switches are arranged side by side, and the case member surrounds the plurality of switches arranged side by side,
The key switch device according to claim 1, wherein the facing members are the case member and the key top.   The key switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid flow guide portion is formed in a plurality of rib shapes.   The key switch device according to claim 3, wherein the rib shape has a predetermined length from the first side surface or the second side surface.