JP3993404B2 - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is suitably used for an input device of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, and outputs a multi-directional input that outputs an electric signal by a swing operation of a key top and outputs another electric signal by a pressing operation of the key top. Relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device, and FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory diagram of the conventional multidirectional input device.
[0003]
A conventional multidirectional input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The insulating substrate 51 is formed in a thin plate shape, and a central fixed contact 52 is formed on the upper surface thereof. Four peripheral fixed contacts 53 are formed in a cross shape on the concentric circles.
[0004]
The elastic sheet 54 is made of rubber having elasticity, and has a thin plate-like base portion 54a, a central convex portion 54b protruding integrally with the base portion 54a, and a cross shape on a concentric circle centering on the central convex portion 54b. And four peripheral convex portions 54c protruding upward. A central movable contact 55 is formed on the lower surface of the central convex portion 54b, and a peripheral movable contact 56 is formed on the lower surface of the peripheral convex portion 54c.
[0005]
Such an elastic sheet 54 is placed on the insulating substrate 51, and the central fixed contact 52 and the central movable contact 55 constitute a central switch S1, and each peripheral fixed contact 53 and the peripheral movable contact 56 are peripheral switches. S2 is configured.
[0006]
The key top 57 includes a substantially cylindrical operation portion 57a, a flange portion 57b formed to extend in a radial direction from a lower edge portion of the operation portion 57a, and a cylinder formed to extend downward from the center of the operation portion 57a. Part 57c. Such a key top 57 is disposed on the elastic sheet 54 and is held by inserting the cylindrical portion 57c into the central convex portion 54b, and the flange portion 57b and the peripheral convex portion 54c with a predetermined gap G (see FIG. (Not shown) and facing each other.
[0007]
The housing 58 is formed of a synthetic resin molded product, and includes an upper wall portion 58a, a side wall portion 58b, a storage portion 58c formed by being surrounded by the upper wall portion 58a and the side wall portion 58b, and an upper wall portion 58a. And a circular opening 58d formed. Such a housing 58 is attached to the insulating substrate 51 by means such as caulking, and the elastic sheet 54 and a part of the key top 57 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 58c, and the operation portion 57a of the key top 57 is an opening portion. It is exposed from 58d and protrudes upward.
[0008]
Next, the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device will be described. When the key top 57 is swung, the central convex portion 54b is elastically deformed, and the peripheral convex portion 54c is pressed and buckled by the flange portion 57b. The peripheral movable contact 56 and the peripheral fixed contact 53 come into contact with each other, the peripheral switch S2 is turned on, and an orientation detection signal is output. When the operating force on the key top 57 is released, the peripheral convex portion 54c and the central convex portion 54b are elastically restored, and the key top 57 is restored to the original position.
[0009]
When the key top 57 is pressed downward, the central convex portion 54b is pressed, the central movable contact 55 and the central fixed contact 52 come into contact, the central switch S1 is turned on, and a push switch signal is output. Is done. At this time, the flange portion 57b of the key top 57 is also in contact with the peripheral convex portion 54c. However, since the gap G between the lower surface of the flange portion 57b and the peripheral convex portion 54c is appropriately set, only the central switch S1 is used. Is to be operated. When the pressing force on the key top 57 is released, the central convex portion 54b is elastically restored and the key top 57 is restored to the original position.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional multidirectional input device has the above-described configuration and operation. By appropriately setting the gap G, erroneous operation of the switches S1 and S2 is prevented. However, the multidirectional input device is reduced in size. Usually required, there is a limit to prevent erroneous input with gap G accuracy. And when the rocking | fluctuation operating force to the keytop 57 is larger than expected, there exists a problem that the center convex part 54b will buckle and the center switch S1 will be operated.
[0011]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and by providing a leg portion on the key top and restricting the key top from being swung more than necessary, it is possible to ensure that the center switch is not erroneously operated. An object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device that can prevent the above.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above-described problem, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is formed with a key top held so as to be swingable and a plurality of peripheral fixed contacts arranged on the circumference. An insulating substrate and an elastic sheet on which a plurality of peripheral movable contacts contacting and separating from the peripheral fixed contact are formed, and the peripheral fixed contact and the peripheral movable contact constitute a plurality of peripheral switches, and the insulating substrate A central switch that is operated by pressing the key top is formed at a substantially central portion of the circumference between the key top and the key top, and the elastic sheet has a through portion between the peripheral movable contacts. The key top is formed with a leg portion to be inserted into the penetrating portion. When the key top swings, the peripheral switch is operated and the leg portion contacts the insulating substrate. Touch the key The swing of-up has been configured to be regulated.
[0013]
Further, as a second solving means, an engagement claw is formed on the leg portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and the engagement claw inserted into the penetration portion is the elastic sheet around the penetration portion. It was set as the structure latched by.
[0014]
Further, as a third solution, the plurality of peripheral switches of the multidirectional input device of the present invention are provided in a cross shape so as to sandwich the central switch, and the legs are arranged in the circumferential direction between the peripheral switches. It was set as the structure provided in four places in the substantially intermediate part.
[0015]
As a fourth solution, a configuration in which an operating force required to operate the central switch of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is heavier than an operating force required to operate the peripheral switch; did.
[0016]
As a fifth solution, the central switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention has a central fixed contact and a central movable contact that contacts and separates from the central fixed contact, and the central movable contact and the key A buffer member having elasticity is disposed between the tops, and the buffer member absorbs a load in the pressing direction when the key top swings.
[0017]
Further, as a sixth solution, the central switch of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is exposed from the casing, the central fixed contact and the central movable contact housed in the casing, and the casing. The switch is composed of a single switch component having a stem made of the buffer member, and the central switch is mounted on and mounted on the insulating substrate, and the stem is pressed by the key top to operate the central switch. The configuration is as follows.
[0018]
Further, as a seventh solving means, the multi-directional input device of the present invention includes a housing having an upper wall portion provided with an opening, and a storage portion partitioned by the upper wall portion, and the key top is an operation portion. And a flange portion extending in a radial direction from the operation portion, and the key top is stored in the storage portion in a state exposed from the opening portion, and the flange portion is By making contact with the rear surface of the upper wall portion, the key top is restricted from swinging.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device of the present invention as seen from another angle, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a top view of an elastic sheet according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a top view of a key top according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 7, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory views of the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
[0020]
The multi-directional input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The insulating substrate 1 is made of a rectangular rigid plate material and has four through holes 1a formed in a cross shape near the center. Yes. A peripheral fixed contact 2 is formed on the insulating substrate 1 concentrically, that is, on the circumference. In the present embodiment, four peripheral fixed contacts 2 are printed and formed in a cross shape at intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. The peripheral fixed contact 2 may be formed so as to form a triangle or an octagon.
[0021]
The central switch S3 is composed of a single switch part, and in this embodiment, a push button switch with a click feeling is used. The central switch S3 includes a synthetic resin casing 3, a central fixed contact 4 that is insert-molded and exposed on the bottom wall 3a of the casing 3, and a dome-shaped leaf spring. The center movable contact 5 is mounted on the center fixed contact 4 and outputs an electric signal so as to be able to contact with and separate from the center fixed contact 4, and a columnar stem 6 made of an elastic material, which is made of rubber in this embodiment. ing. Further, the central switch S3 increases the operating force by increasing the plate thickness of the central movable contact 5 or decreasing the diameter. Such a central switch S3 is attached to the insulating substrate 1 by being formed on the bottom wall portion 3a and a plurality of terminal portions 3b respectively conducting to the pair of central fixed contacts 4 being caulked to the insulating substrate 1.
[0022]
The elastic sheet 7 is made of a thin rubber sheet having a rectangular shape. The elastic sheet 7 is formed in a thin plate-like base portion 7a, a through hole 7b formed in the center, and four locations around the through hole 7b, and is formed integrally with the base portion 7a. The first peripheral convex portion 7c having a substantially cylindrical shape having a skirt-like portion (conical portion) and an intermediate portion in the circumferential direction between the first peripheral convex portions 7c are integrated with the base portion 7a. The second peripheral convex portion 7d having a substantially trapezoidal pyramid shape and the projections 7e formed at four locations so as to protrude downward from the outer peripheral edge of the through hole 7b. A peripheral movable contact 8 is printed on the lower surface of the first peripheral convex portion 7c, and a through portion 7f penetrating vertically is formed on the second peripheral convex portion 7d. In addition, although this penetration part 7f is formed from the through-hole in this Embodiment, you may comprise from the notch part formed by notching the elastic sheet 7. FIG. Furthermore, the elastic sheet 7 may use a material having elasticity such as a soft plastic (elastomer) in addition to the rubber sheet.
[0023]
Such an elastic sheet 7 is placed on the insulating substrate 1 in a state in which the protrusions 7e are inserted into the through holes 1a of the insulating substrate 1 to prevent lateral displacement. When the elastic sheet 7 is placed, the peripheral movable contact 8 and the peripheral fixed contact 2 face each other to form the peripheral switch S4, and the skirt-like portion (on the outer periphery of the first peripheral convex portion 7c) ( As the conical portion buckles, the peripheral movable contact 8 and the peripheral fixed contact 2 come into contact with each other to output an electrical signal. Since the peripheral switch S4 is operated by buckling the first peripheral convex portion 7c, it is operated compared to the central switch S3 operated by reversing the metal leaf spring. The operating force required for is small. The central switch S3 is disposed in the through hole 7b.
[0024]
The key top 9 includes a substantially cylindrical operation portion 9a, a flange portion 9b formed to extend in a radial direction from a lower edge portion of the operation portion 9a, and a leg portion formed to protrude downward from the flange portion 9b. 9c, and a hook-like engagement claw 9d is formed at the end of the leg portion 9c. Four leg portions 9c are provided at equal intervals (90 degree intervals) in the circumferential direction. Further, a raised portion 9e is formed at the center of the lower surface of the operation portion 9a.
[0025]
Such a key top 9 is held on the elastic sheet 7, and, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flange portion 9b is placed on the first and second peripheral convex portions 7c and 7d. The leg portion 9c is inserted into the penetrating portion 7f of the second peripheral convex portion 7d, and the engaging claw 9d is engaged with the elastic sheet 7 around the penetrating portion 7f. In this way, the key top 9 is securely held by engaging the engaging claw 9d. Further, the raised portion 9e of the key top 9 is in contact with the top surface of the stem 6 of the central switch S3.
[0026]
The housing 10 is made of a synthetic resin molding, and includes an upper wall portion 10a, a side wall portion 10b, a storage portion 10c formed by being surrounded by the upper wall portion 10a and the side wall portion 10b, and an upper wall portion 10a. And a circular opening 10d formed. Such a housing 10 is attached to the insulating substrate 1 by means of caulking or the like, and the elastic sheet 7, the central switch S3, and a part of the key top 9 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 10c. The part 9a is exposed from the opening 10d and protrudes upward.
[0027]
When the operation portion 9a of the key top 9 is swung, the key top 9 is tilted with the contact portion between the central switch S3 (stem 6) and the raised portion 9e of the key top 9 as a fulcrum, and the flange portion 9b. As a result, the first peripheral convex portion 7c buckles, the peripheral movable contact 8 and the peripheral fixed contact 2 come into contact with each other, and the peripheral switch S4 is operated to be turned on (see FIG. 11). At this time, the flange portion 9b causes the second peripheral convex portion 7d (the second peripheral convex portion 7d adjacent to the buckled first peripheral convex portion 7c, that is, at a position approximately 45 degrees apart in the circumferential direction). Also, the leg portion 9c abuts against the insulating substrate 1 so that the key top 9 does not tilt more than necessary (see FIG. 10). By doing in this way, since the key top 9 does not tilt more than necessary, the risk that the stem 6 is pressed by the raised portion 9e serving as a fulcrum and the central switch S3 is operated is reduced.
[0028]
Even if a load is applied to the stem 6 from the raised portion 9e, the operating force of the central switch S3 is larger than the operating force of the peripheral switch S4, so that the peripheral switch S4 is operated. With weighting, the central switch S3 is not operated.
[0029]
Furthermore, since the stem 6 has elasticity, even if it receives a pressing force from the raised portion 9e, the stem 6 acts as a buffer member to absorb the pressing force, and a load is directly applied to the central movable contact 5. The risk of operating the central switch S3 is further reduced. In addition, when the key top 9 is swung, the flange portion 9b in the direction opposite to the tilted direction contacts the back surface of the upper wall portion 10a of the housing 10, so that the key top 9 tilts more than the contact state. In other words, the stem 6 is pressed by the raised portion 9e, and the risk that the central switch S3 is operated is reduced.
[0030]
When the key top 9 is swung, the engaging claw 9d of the leg portion 9c opposite to the tilting direction is pulled upward together with the second peripheral convex portion 7d as shown in FIG. The leg portion 9c does not come off from the seat 7. Further, when the central portion of the key top 9 is pressed downward, the stem 6 is pressed and moved downward by the raised portion 9e, the central movable contact 5 is reversed, and the central switch S3 is operated to be turned on. It is like that. At this time, since the central movable contact 5 is constituted by a metal leaf spring, the stroke required to turn on the central switch S3 is short, so that the possibility that the peripheral switch S4 is erroneously turned on is low.
[0031]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention has the above-described configuration, and is used, for example, in an input unit of a mobile phone. For example, when the key top 9 is tilted in the direction of the peripheral switch S4, the peripheral switch S4 is turned on. At the same time, the two leg portions 9c located on the tilt side abut against the insulating substrate 1, and further tilting of the key top 9 is restricted. An electrical signal is input to a microcomputer (not shown) so that the tilt direction can be recognized. When the operating force is released, the first and second peripheral convex portions 7c and 7d are elastically restored, the flange portion 9b is pressed, and the key top 9 is restored to the original position.
[0032]
Further, when the key top 9 is pressed downward, the central movable contact 5 is reversed and the central switch S3 is turned on, so that it can be recognized that an electrical signal is input to a microcomputer (not shown) and the central switch is turned on. It is like that. Further, since the click feeling is generated when the central movable contact 5 is reversed, the operator can recognize that the central switch S3 has been reliably operated when he / she wants to operate the central switch S3. When the pressing force is released, the central movable contact 5 is reversed and the key top 9 is pressed upward to return to the original position.
[0033]
Further, when the key top 9 is tilted in the direction of the leg 9c, by appropriately setting the length of the leg 9c, the two peripheral switches S4 sandwiching the leg 9c are turned on, and the leg in the tilt direction is turned on. The portion 9c comes into contact with the insulating substrate 1, and further tilting of the key top 9 is restricted. It is also possible to input an electric signal to a microcomputer (not shown) so that the tilt direction can be recognized. When the operating force is released, the first and second peripheral convex portions 7c and 7d are elastically restored, the flange portion 9b is pressed, and the key top 9 is restored to the original position.
[0034]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention is configured and operated as described above. However, it is needless to say that the multi-directional input device is not limited to the above-described form. In the above-described embodiment, the stem 6 and the buffer member are integrated. Although described in the example, these may be configured separately. Further, although the center switch has been described as an example using a push button switch with a click feeling, a switch that does not cause a click feeling can be substituted. Furthermore, the central switch does not need to be a single switch part. Like the peripheral switch, the central fixed contact is formed on the insulating substrate, and the central movable contact made of a metal leaf spring is attached to the central switch with a holding tape or the like. You may do it. In this case, an elastic sheet that does not have the through hole 7b can be arranged on the central switch to serve as a buffer member.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
The elastic sheet of the multi-directional input device of the present invention has a penetrating portion formed between the peripheral movable contacts, and the key top has a leg portion inserted into the penetrating portion. Since the switch is operated and the leg part abuts against the insulating substrate to prevent the key top from swinging, the key top does not swing more than necessary. A highly reliable multidirectional input device can be provided by reducing the number of input devices.
[0036]
Further, since the engaging claw is formed on the leg portion of the multi-directional input device of the present invention and the engaging claw inserted into the penetrating portion is locked to the elastic sheet around the penetrating portion, the key top It is possible to provide a highly reliable multi-directional input switch by preventing the key top from falling off during the swinging motion of. In addition, since the key top can be held only by the elastic sheet, the assembly process and the like can be devised, and a multi-directional input device with high mass productivity can be provided.
[0037]
Further, the plurality of peripheral switches of the multi-directional input device of the present invention are provided in a cross shape so as to sandwich the central switch, and the leg portions are provided at approximately four intermediate portions in the circumferential direction between the peripheral switches. Therefore, the key top can be stably rocked, so that a multidirectional input device with good operability can be provided.
[0038]
In addition, since the operation force necessary for operating the central switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention is heavier than the operation force required for operating the peripheral switch, the central switch is less likely to be erroneously operated. Therefore, a highly reliable multidirectional input device can be provided.
[0039]
The central switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention has a central fixed contact and a central movable contact that contacts and separates from the central fixed contact, and an elastic buffer between the central movable contact and the key top. Since the member is arranged and the buffer member absorbs the load in the pressing direction when the key top swings, the central movable contact is less likely to be operated. A highly reliable multidirectional input device can be provided.
[0040]
Further, the central switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention is composed of a single switch component, and the central switch is mounted and mounted on an insulating substrate, and the stem is pressed by the key top so that the central switch is Since it is configured to be operated, it can be easily attached to an insulating substrate, so that it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device with good assembly and mass productivity.
[0041]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention includes a housing, the key top has an operation part and a flange part extending in a radial direction from the operation part, and the key top is exposed to the opening part from the opening part. When the key top is swung, the key top does not swing more than necessary because the key top does not swing more than necessary because the flange is in contact with the back surface of the upper wall portion. The risk of erroneous operation of the central switch is reduced, and a highly reliable multidirectional input device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention viewed from another angle. FIG. 4 is a top view of an elastic sheet according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a top view of a key top according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the conventional multidirectional input device. Operation explanation diagram of multi-directional input device 【Explanation of symbols】
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Insulation board | substrate 1a Through-hole 2 Peripheral fixed contact 3 Housing | casing 3a Bottom wall part 3b Terminal part 4 Center fixed contact 5 Center movable contact 6 Stem (buffer member)
7 elastic sheet 7a base 7b through hole 7c first peripheral convex portion 7d second peripheral convex portion 7e protrusion 7f penetrating portion 8 peripheral movable contact 9 key top 9a operation portion 9b flange portion 9c leg portion 9d engaging claw 9e raised portion DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Housing 10a Upper wall part 10b Side wall part 10c Storage part 10d Opening part S3 Central switch S4 Peripheral switch

Claims (7)

A key top held so as to be able to swing, an insulating substrate formed with a plurality of peripheral fixed contacts arranged on the circumference, and an elastic formed with a plurality of peripheral movable contacts contacting and separating from the peripheral fixed contacts The peripheral fixed contact and the peripheral movable contact constitute a plurality of peripheral switches, and between the insulating substrate and the key top, the key top is provided at a substantially central portion of the circumference. A central switch that is operated by being pressed is formed,
The elastic sheet has a penetrating portion between the peripheral movable contacts, and the key top has a leg portion inserted into the penetrating portion. When the key top swings, the peripheral switch The multi-directional input device, wherein the multi-directional input device is operated and the leg portion abuts on the insulating substrate to restrict the swing of the key top. The engagement leg is formed in the said leg part, The said engagement claw inserted in the said penetration part is latched by the said elastic sheet in the periphery of the said penetration part. Multi-directional input device. The plurality of peripheral switches are provided in a cross shape so as to sandwich the central switch, and the leg portions are provided at approximately four intermediate portions in the circumferential direction between the peripheral switches. The multidirectional input device according to 1 or 2. The multidirectional input according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operating force necessary for operating the central switch is heavier than an operating force required for operating the peripheral switch. apparatus. The central switch includes a central fixed contact and a central movable contact that contacts and separates from the central fixed contact, and an elastic buffer member is disposed between the central movable contact and the key top, The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the buffer member absorbs a load in a pressing direction when the key top swings. The central switch is composed of a single switch component that includes a housing, the central fixed contact and the central movable contact housed in the housing, and a stem that is exposed from the housing and includes the buffer member. 6. The multidirectional input device according to claim 5, wherein the central switch is mounted on and mounted on the insulating substrate, and the stem is pressed by the key top to operate the central switch. . A housing having an upper wall portion provided with an opening and a storage portion partitioned by the upper wall portion, the key top has an operation portion and a flange portion extending in a radial direction from the operation portion;
The key top is stored in the storage portion in a state of being exposed from the opening, and when the key top swings, the flange portion comes into contact with the back surface of the upper wall portion, so that the key top swings. The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein movement is restricted.

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