JP4894807B2 - Multi-directional key switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a configuration of a cross-shaped multi-directional (four-way) key switch used in electronic devices such as portable telephone devices, cordless telephone devices, slave units, home appliances, and remote controllers for game machines.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, this type of conventional four-way key switch includes an operation member integrally formed with a pressing portion (direction indicating portion) extending in four directions from a central portion in a plan view. And four rubber switch portions arranged in the main case (case) of the apparatus and corresponding to the positions of the respective pressing portions. And the collar part (contacted member, flange) protrudes in the joint base part of a center part and each press part.

  The cover that covers the main case of the device has a cross-shaped opening that exposes the central part and each pressing part on the surface, and the collar part cannot be removed because it is located on the back of the cover. ing. And the convex part which protruded and formed in the back surface of the cover downward, or the convex part which protruded and formed upward in each collar part is comprised so that it may become a fulcrum of an operation member. The four rubber switch portions provided in the main case include a downward cup-like elastic member corresponding to the position of each pressing portion, a conductive member such as carbon provided in the cup of the elastic member, and the conductive member. And a circuit board on which a switch pattern is formed. And the operation member was the structure always lifted with the elasticity of the elastic member of said four rubber switch parts.

  Furthermore, in patent document 1, it has a corner | angular part which protrudes downward in the lower surface of the center part of an operation member, and the lower surface of this corner | angular part has floated from the circuit board in the normal state (state in which an operation member is not pressed). . In addition, the corner portion has a function of urging guidance of the pressing portion when the operation member is pushed obliquely, and simultaneously preventing the elastic member from being crushed.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, the operation member (key top) has a flange portion larger than the opening of the cover (top case), and the key top four presses on the surface of the wiring board in the main case (bottom case). A rubber switch portion is provided at a position corresponding to the portion (four locations), and the key top is always supported by the four rubber switch portions. In addition, the resin shaft protruding upward from the main case (bottom case) passes through the hole of the wiring board and approaches the lower surface (back surface) of the center portion of the key top.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-243188 (see FIGS. 1 to 4) JP-A-9-171742

  However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the operation member is always supported by the four rubber switch parts, there is a problem that the elasticity of the rubber switch part deteriorates due to secular change. If a gap is provided so that the operation member when it is not pressed is not supported by the four rubber switch parts, when the main case is shaken, the end of the operation member hits the back of the cover, etc., and makes a rattling noise. There was a problem.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when the operation member is pressed, the resin shaft serves as a rotation fulcrum. However, since the operation member is supported at one point, when the side of one pressing portion is pressed, The member is inclined to the side of the pressing portion downward, and the pressing portion not instructing the operation adjacent to the pressed pressing portion is lowered, and the corresponding rubber switch portion is likely to be turned on. .

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when one pressing portion of the operating member is pressed for a certain amount of stroke, the operating member is tilted with the two convex portions provided on the opposite sides as fulcrums, and the pressed side. The elastic member of the rubber switch part is elastically deformed and brought into contact with the switch pattern of the circuit board to conduct. When the operating member is further pressed and tilted, one of the corners makes point contact or line contact with the surface of the circuit board. Since the member having the corner portion is a hard member made of plastic or the like, a large force acts on the contact portion of the corner portion, which may damage the circuit board.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-directional key switch that is less likely to malfunction and has excellent durability.

For the above purpose, the invention according to claim 1 is a cover having a front surface and a back surface and having an opening, a front surface and a back surface, a central portion, and a cross shape centering on the central portion. In the state where the projecting portion including the direction indicating portions provided corresponding to each of the four directions and the abutted portion are configured so that the front side of the abutted portion faces the back side of the cover An operation member configured such that the front side of the protruding portion is exposed from the back side of the cover through the opening to the front side, and arranged on the back side of the operation member corresponding to each direction indicating unit, and between an on state and an off state Corresponding to the switch part provided so that the state can be changed between, the case where the switch part can be supported directly or indirectly, the cover is mounted, and each direction indicating part It is provided between the back side of the cover and the front side of the contacted part. Between the abutment fulcrum part, which is a rotation fulcrum when the state of the switch part is changed between the on state and the off state, and the center part and each switch part in the projection view from the front side of each direction indicating part Elastic support means provided between the back side of each direction indicating part and the case in the region and suppressing the approach of the back side of each direction indicating part and the case, and each direction indicating part, A first direction indicator arranged corresponding to the first direction, a third direction indicator arranged corresponding to a third direction opposite to the first direction, a first direction and a third direction; A second direction indicator arranged corresponding to the second direction which is orthogonal to the second direction, and a fourth direction indicator arranged corresponding to the fourth direction which is the direction opposite to the second direction . When the switch unit arranged corresponding to the first direction indicating unit is in the ON state, Instruction unit, together with the back side of the first direction indication unit is rotated in a direction toward the case the abutment fulcrum disposed in correspondence to the third direction indicating section as a rotation supporting point, the second and fourth It is characterized in that the movement in the direction approaching the case on the back side of the second and fourth direction indicating parts is suppressed by the elastic indicating means respectively arranged corresponding to the direction indicating parts.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional key switch according to the first aspect, the contacted portion is formed along the outer periphery of the central portion and each direction indicating portion in the projection view from the front side of the operation member. The four contact fulcrum portions protrude from the back side of the cover and are configured to be able to contact the front side of the contacted portion.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional key switch according to the first aspect, the abutted portion is arranged along the outer periphery of the central portion and each of the direction indicating portions in the projection view from the front side of the operation member. In the formed flange, the four contact fulcrum portions protrude from the front side of the contacted portion and are configured to be able to contact the back side of the cover.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-directional key switch according to any one of the first to third aspects, the four elastic support means protrude from the case side as a base end, and It contacts the back side of this.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the switch part is constituted by a rubber switch which can be elastically deformed, and the elastic support means is formed integrally with the rubber switch.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the four elastic support means protrude from the back side of each direction indicating member, and the four elastic support pieces are directly or indirectly attached to the case or the case. It is characterized by being in contact with a member supported by the.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a cover having a front surface and a back surface and having an opening, a front surface and a back surface, a central portion, and a cross shape centering on the central portion are formed. The protrusion is composed of a direction indicator provided corresponding to each of the four directions, and a contacted part, and the protrusion protrudes with the front side of the contacted part facing the back side of the cover. An operation member configured to be exposed to the front side from the back side of the cover through the opening, and disposed on the back side of the operation member corresponding to each of the direction indicating units, and is turned on and off. A switch part provided so that the state can be changed between states, a case provided so as to be able to support the switch part directly or indirectly, and the cover being attached thereto, and the respective directions Corresponding to the indicator, the back side of the cover and the A contact fulcrum portion provided between the front side of each direction indicating portion and a rotation fulcrum when each switch portion is changed between the on state and the off state, and from the front side of each direction indicating portion In a region between the central portion and each switch portion in a projected view, each is provided between the back side of each direction indicating portion and the case, and the back side of each direction indicating portion and the case approach each other. Elastic support means for suppressing the above, each direction indicating portion in a third direction , which is a direction opposite to the first direction, and a first direction indicating portion disposed corresponding to the first direction a third direction indicating section which are arranged corresponding, and the second direction instruction section arranged corresponding to the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction, said second direction 4th direction indication arranged corresponding to the 4th direction which is the opposite direction If, when, when said switch section arranged corresponding to the first direction indication unit is turned on, the direction instruction section, the abutment which is arranged corresponding to the third direction indicating section The elastic indicating means that is rotated in a direction in which the back side of the first direction indicating portion approaches the case with the fulcrum portion as a rotating fulcrum, and is disposed corresponding to the second and fourth direction indicating portions, respectively. Therefore, the movement in the direction approaching the case on the back side of the second and fourth direction indicating parts is suppressed. Four contact fulcrum portions that can come into contact with the cover are provided in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the central portion and each direction indicating portion, and each of the direction indicating portions in the projection view is similarly Since the elastic support means for elastically supporting the back side of the direction indicating unit is provided, a malfunction that causes conduction other than the switch unit corresponding to the direction indicating unit does not occur.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the contacted portion is a flange formed along the outer periphery of the central portion and each of the direction indicating portions in a projection view from the front side of the operation member. The four contact fulcrum portions project from the back side of the cover and are configured to be able to contact the front side of the contacted portion. If comprised in this way, the operation member always supported by the elastic support means will not rattle. In addition, since the four contact fulcrum portions are provided on the back surface of the cover, the structure is extremely simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the contacted portion is a flange formed along the outer periphery of the central portion and each of the direction indicating portions in a projection view from the front side of the operation member. The four abutting fulcrum portions protrude from the front side of the abutted portion and are configured to be abuttable against the back side of the cover. As with the case, the operation member does not rattle. In addition, since the four contact fulcrum portions are provided on the back surface of the cover, the structure is extremely simple and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the four elastic support means protrude from the case side as a base end and are in contact with the back side of the direction indicating portions. . Therefore, it is ensured that only the switch unit corresponding to the direction indicating unit to be turned on is made conductive, and malfunction can be reliably prevented.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the switch portion is constituted by a rubber switch that can be elastically deformed, and the elastic support means is formed integrally with the rubber switch. As a result, the configuration is further simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the elastic support means is constituted by another part.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the four elastic support means protrude from the back side of each direction indicating member as a base end, and the four elastic support pieces are directly or directly on the case or the case. It is characterized by being in contact with the indirectly supported member, and this structure also simplifies the structure.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handset 1 of a telephone as an example of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a position of an operation unit viewed from the surface side of a cover 3 in the handset 1, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 is an arrangement relationship of the operation member 6, the switch portion 14, the opening portion 7, the contact fulcrum portion 15, the elastic support means 16 and the like of the multi-directional key switch (cross-shaped key switch) in the first embodiment. 5 is a rear view of the operation member 6, FIG. 6A is a partial plan view of the rubber switch 9 in which the switch portion 14 and the elastic support means 16 are integrally formed, and FIG. Similarly, FIG. 6 (C) is a perspective view, FIG. 6 (D) is an enlarged perspective view of a main part, FIG. 7 (A) is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2, and FIG. 8B is FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the action at the time of pressing shown in the same portion, and FIG. FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along line XA-XA in FIG. 9, FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken along line XB-XB in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a multidirectional key switch according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12A is a plan view showing the positional relationship among the operation member 6 of the (cross-shaped key switch), the switch portion 14, the opening 7, the contact fulcrum portion 15, the elastic support means 16, and the pressing position. XIIA-XIIA cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of the action at the time of pressing shown in the same place as FIG. 12A, FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram of the action at the time of pressing shown in the same place as FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the subunit | mobile_unit 1 combined the main case 2 and the cover 3 which covers the surface, and the housing was formed. A part of the cover 3 is formed with an opening 5 for the numeric keypad 4 and a cross-shaped opening 7 in plan view for the operation member 6 of the multidirectional key switch (cross-shaped key switch). The top surface of the numeric keypad 4 is exposed on the surface of the cover 3, and similarly, the top surface (the central portion 10 and each direction indicating portion 11) of the operation member 6 is exposed on the surface of the cover 3 through the opening 7. is doing.

  A wiring board 8 is supported on the main case 2, and a rubber switch in which a switch part (not shown) corresponding to the numeric keypad 4 and a switch part 14 corresponding to the operation member 6 are integrally formed on the front side of the wiring board 8. 9 is covered. When the four switch sections 14 are individually referred to, they are referred to as a first switch section 14A, a second switch section 14B, a third switch section 14C, and a fourth switch section 11D.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation member 6 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, and has a substantially square central portion 10 in a plan view and 4 extending from the central portion 10 in four directions. The four direction indicating portions 11 and the outer peripheral flange portion 12 surrounding the outer periphery of the four direction indicating portions 11 and the central portion 10 are provided. On the back side of the square central portion 10, a substantially concave portion 13 is formed in a plan view.

  When the four direction instruction sections 11 are individually referred to, they are referred to as a first direction instruction section 11A, a second direction instruction section 11B, a third direction instruction section 11C, and a fourth direction instruction section 11D. In the first embodiment, these direction indicating portions 11 are also substantially square in plan view. The first switch unit 14A corresponding to the first direction indicating unit 11A, the second switch unit 14B corresponding to the second direction indicating unit 11B, the third switch unit 14C corresponding to the third direction indicating unit 11C, and the fourth direction The rubber switch 9 includes a fourth switch unit 14D corresponding to the instruction unit 11D. In a projection view (hereinafter simply referred to as a projection view) viewed from the front surface side of the operation member 6, at least a part of the rear side of each direction indicating unit 11 is on the free end side far from the central portion 10. The switch part 14 is arrange | positioned so that it may overlap (refer FIG.2 and FIG.4).

  In the present invention, four abutment fulcrum portions 15 (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D when separately mentioned) that can abut against the cover 3 are provided. In addition, elastic support means 16 is provided that elastically supports the back side of each direction indicating unit 11 in the area of each direction indicating unit 11 in projection view. Four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D in the elastic support means 16 are arranged in the inner diameter side of the switch portion in the region between the central portion 10 and the direction indicating portions 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. It is what.

  In the first embodiment, the four contact fulcrum portions 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are provided so as to protrude from the back surface of the cover 3, and in the projection view, the central portion 10 and each direction indicating portion. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are provided in the vicinity of the connecting portion. More specifically, the four contact fulcrum portions 15 are configured to be able to contact the surface of the outer peripheral flange portion 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The area of each direction indicating portion 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D in the projection view refers to a portion excluding the central portion 10 and the outer peripheral flange portion 12 in the projection from the surface of the operation member 6. The outer peripheral flange portion 12 does not have to be the entire outer periphery of each direction indicating portion 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and is a connecting portion between at least the corner portion of the central portion 10 and each direction indicating portion 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D. It suffices if it is in the vicinity.

  In the first embodiment, the elastic support means 16 is a rectangular cylinder projecting upward from the flat plate portion 17 of the rubber switch 9, has a top plate portion 19, and has a cylindrical portion 18 opened downward, and a top plate portion. 19 includes four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D that protrude upward from four corners (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6). D), FIG. 7 (A) and FIG. 8 (A)).

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the range in which the four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D can elastically support the operation member 6 is the same as the central portion 10 and each direction in the projection from the surface of the operation member 6. Between the switch units 14 (in other words, the first switch unit 14A, the second switch unit 14B, the third switch unit 14C, and the fourth switch unit 11D) in the area of the instruction units 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D It is. This arrangement possible range is indicated by double hatching in FIG.

  In a natural state (a state where no load is applied to the upper surface of the operation member 6), as shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A, four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are used. The back surface of the central portion 10 of the operation member 6 is elastically supported. At this time, the four contact fulcrum portions 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are in contact with the surface of the outer peripheral flange portion 12. Therefore, the operation member 6 is stationary in the opening 7 and does not rattle. Further, in the above state, since all four of the first switch part 14A, the second switch part 14B, the third switch part 14C, and the fourth switch part 11D are separated from the back surface of the operation member 6, these switch parts 14 rubber (elastic body) is less likely to creep due to long-term use (left).

  Next, the operation and effect of electrically turning on the corresponding switch unit 14 by pressing the operation member 6 in the first embodiment will be described. For example, in FIG. 2, a case where the pressing load F acts on the load point fo on the lower left side portion in the third direction instruction portion 11C will be described. In that case, there is a load point fo below the center line xo in the X-axis direction passing through the center of gravity of the operation member 6 in plan view and on the left side of the center line yo in the Y-axis direction passing through the center of gravity.

  Due to the pressing load F applied to the load point fo, the elastic support piece 16C closest to the load point fo is largely pressed, and the third direction indicating portion 11C is inclined downward. Then, the contact fulcrum portion 15A farthest from the load point fo contacts the outer peripheral flange portion 12 below, and the operation member 6 tilts and rotates around the contact fulcrum portion 15A. In that case, the second direction indicator 11B of the operation member 6 shown in the cross-sectional view at the center line xo (FIG. 7B) tilts upward and the fourth direction indicator 11D tilts downward, and the fourth switch unit. 14D is pushed slightly, but does not contact the wiring board 8. On the other hand, when observed in a cross-sectional view at the center line yo (FIG. 8B), the elastic support piece 16C closest to the load point fo is greatly pressed, the third direction indicator 11C is inclined downward, and the load The operation member 6 tilts and rotates around the contact fulcrum 15A farthest from the point fo. When the load F is further applied to the load point fo, the outer peripheral flange 12 at the position farthest from the load point fo of the first direction indicating portion 11A comes into contact with the lower surface of the cover 3. The first direction indicator 11A cannot move further upward, and the operation member 6 is tilted and rotated around the contact portion, and the elastic support piece 16C and the cylindrical portion 18 which is an elastic body are largely buckled. Then, the third direction indicating portion 11C is greatly lowered downward, and the corresponding conductive member (not shown) of the third switch portion 14C is in contact with the switch pattern portion of the wiring board 8 to be turned on. (See FIG. 8C).

  Thus, when the pressing load F acts on the side of the third direction indicating portion 11C, the third pressing portion 14D at a position close to the load point fo is slightly pressed, but is not in a conductive state (on state). There is no malfunction. When there is a load point fo in the vicinity of the center line yo in the third direction instruction section 11C, the operation member 6 has a small turning moment that tilts in the left-right direction, and the second direction instruction section 11B and the fourth direction instruction The second switch portion 14B and the fourth switch portion 11D corresponding to the portion 11D) are not pushed, and only the third switch portion 14C is pushed down.

  9 to 13 show a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the basic form of the operation member 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but a contact fulcrum part is provided on the surface of the outer peripheral flange part 12 of the operation member 6. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, four contact fulcrum portions 15 </ b> A ′ are connected to a connecting portion (base portion) between the center portion 10 and the four 11 </ b> A, 11 </ b> B, 11 </ b> C, and 11 </ b> D. , 15B ′, 15C ′, 15D ′ are integrally formed so as to protrude upward.

  Also in the case of the second embodiment, the elastic support means 16 similar to that of the first embodiment is formed integrally with the rubber switch 9. The four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D that protrude upward in the elastic support means 16 are arranged in a range from the center portion 10 and each direction indicating portion 11A, in the projection from the surface of the operation member 6. Among the regions 11B, 11C, and 11D, it is between the switch unit 14 (first switch unit 14A, second switch unit 14B, third switch unit 14C, and fourth switch unit 11D). This possible arrangement range is indicated by double hatching in FIG.

  In this configuration, in a natural state (a state where no load is applied to the upper surface of the operation member 6), as shown in FIG. 12 (A), the operation member is formed by four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. 6, the back surface of the central portion 10 is elastically supported. At this time, the four contact fulcrum portions 15 A ′, 15 B ′, 15 C ′, and 15 D ′ are in contact with the back surface of the cover 3. Therefore, the operation member 6 is stationary in the opening 7 and does not rattle. In the above state, all four of the first switch portion 14A, the second switch portion 14B, the third switch portion 14C, and the fourth switch portion 11D are separated from the back surface of the operation member 6.

  In this configuration, for example, in FIG. 11, a case where the pressing load F acts on the load point fo on the lower left side portion in the third direction instruction portion 11C will be described. In that case, there is a load point fo below the center line xo in the X-axis direction passing through the center of gravity of the operation member 6 in plan view and on the left side of the center line yo in the Y-axis direction passing through the center of gravity.

  Due to the pressing load F applied to the load point fo, the elastic support piece 16C closest to the load point fo is largely pressed, and the third direction indicating portion 11C is inclined downward. Then, the contact fulcrum 15A ′ farthest from the load point fo contacts the back surface of the cover 3 above, and the operation member 6 tilts and rotates around the contact fulcrum 15A ′. In that case, the second direction indicator 11B and the fourth direction indicator 11D of the operation member 6 shown in the cross-sectional view at the center line xo (see FIG. 13B) tilt upward and the fourth switch 11D tilts downward. The portion 14D is pushed slightly downward, but does not contact the wiring board 8.

  On the other hand, when observed in a cross-sectional view at the center line yo (FIG. 13A), the elastic support piece 16C closest to the load point fo is greatly pressed, the third direction indicator 11C is inclined downward, and the load The operation member 6 tilts and rotates around the contact fulcrum 15A ′ farthest from the point fo. When the load F is further applied to the load point fo, the outer peripheral flange 12 at the position farthest from the load point fo of the first direction indicating portion 11A comes into contact with the lower surface of the cover 3. The first direction indicator 11A cannot move further upward, and the operation member 6 is tilted and rotated around the contact portion, and the elastic support piece 16C and the cylindrical portion 18 which is an elastic body are largely buckled. Then, the third direction indicating portion 11C is greatly lowered downward, and the corresponding conductive member (not shown) of the third switch portion 14C is in contact with the switch pattern portion of the wiring board 8 to be turned on. (See FIG. 13B).

  When the operating member 6 is largely tilted about the outer peripheral flange 12 on the distal end side of the direction indicating portion 11A, the four contact fulcrum portions 15A ', 15B', 15C ', 15D' on the upper surface of the outer peripheral flange portion 12 are It will be separated from the back surface of the cover 3 (see FIG. 13B).

  In the first and second embodiments, the four contact fulcrum portions of the elastic support means 16 are provided at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 18, but as a modified example, the base portion of the cylindrical portion 18 is used as the operating member 6. A configuration may be adopted in which the four contact fulcrum portions face downward and are elastically brought into contact with the wiring substrate 8 by being bonded and fixed to the rear surface of the center portion.

According to the present invention, the four elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D of the elastic support means 16 that elastically supports the operation member 6 are provided with the first direction indication in the projection view from the surface of the operation member 6. 11A, second direction indicating unit 11B, third direction indicating unit 11C, fourth direction indicating unit 11D, and center unit 10, first switch unit 14A, second switch unit 14B, third switch unit 14C, By arranging the switch part between the fourth switch part 11D and the switch part other than the pressed part, there is no malfunction, and the operation is elastically supported by the elastic support pieces 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D. Since the member 6 does not contact each switch part 14 in a natural state, the durability of the switch part is improved. And even when the switch part 14 is comprised by the rubber switch, this rubber switch does not carry out creep deformation. Further, when the switch portion 14 and the elastic support means 16 are integrally formed by a rubber switch, damage to the wiring board 8 when the operation member 6 is pressed can be eliminated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handset 1 of a telephone as an example of an electronic apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the location of the operation part seen from the surface side of the cover 3 in the subunit | mobile_unit 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cover 3. FIG. It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the operation member 6, the switch part 14, the opening part 7, the contact fulcrum part 15, the elastic support means 16, etc. of the multidirectional key switch (cross-shaped key switch) in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a rear view of the operation member 6. FIG. (A) is a partial plan view of the rubber switch 9 in which the switch portion 14 and the elastic support means 16 are integrally formed, (B) is a side view, (C) is a perspective view, and (D) is an enlarged perspective view of the main part. FIG. (A) is the VII-VII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 2, (B) is action explanatory drawing at the time of the press shown by the same location as (A). (A) is the VIII-VIII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 2, (B) is action explanatory drawing at the time of the press shown by the same location as FIG. 8 (A). It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the operation member 6, the switch part 14, the opening part 7, and the contact fulcrum part 15 of the multidirectional key switch (cross-shaped key switch) in 2nd Embodiment. (A) is the XA-XA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 9, (B) is the XB-XB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. The top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the operation member 6, the switch part 14, the opening part 7, the contact fulcrum part 15, the elastic support means 16, and the pressing position of the multidirectional key switch in 2nd Embodiment. It is. (A) is the XIIA-XIIA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 11, (B) is action explanatory drawing at the time of the press shown by the same location as (A). (A) is the XIIB-XIIB sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 11, (B) is action explanatory drawing at the time of the press shown by the same location as (A).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sub-unit 2 Main case 3 Cover 6 Operation member 7 Opening part 8 Wiring board 9 Rubber switch 10 Center part 11 Direction indication part 12 Outer peripheral flange part 14 Switch part 15 Contact fulcrum part 16 Elastic support means 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D Elastic support piece 17 Flat plate portion 18 Tube portion 19 Top plate portion

Claims (6)

A cover having a front surface and a back surface and having an opening;
A projecting portion having a front surface and a back surface, a center portion, and a direction indicating portion provided corresponding to each of the four directions so as to form a cross shape centering on the center portion; The operation member is configured such that the front side of the protruding portion is exposed from the back side of the cover through the opening in a state where the front side of the contacted portion is opposed to the back side of the cover. And a switch unit disposed on the back side of the operation member in correspondence with each direction indicating unit, and provided so that the state can be changed between an on state and an off state;
A case provided so as to be able to support the switch part directly or indirectly, and to which the cover is attached;
A rotation fulcrum provided between the back side of the cover and the front side of the contacted portion corresponding to each direction indicating portion, and when each switch portion changes state between the on state and the off state An abutment fulcrum portion to be,
In each of the regions between the central portion and the switch portions in projection view from the front side of the direction indicating portions, the direction indicating portions are provided between the back side of the direction indicating portions and the case, respectively. Elastic support means for suppressing the back side of the case and the case from approaching,
Each of the direction indicating units includes a first direction indicating unit arranged corresponding to the first direction, and a third direction indicating unit arranged corresponding to a third direction which is a direction opposite to the first direction. Corresponding to a second direction indicator disposed corresponding to a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction, and corresponding to a fourth direction that is opposite to the second direction. When the fourth direction indicator is arranged,
When the switch unit arranged corresponding to the first direction indicating unit is in an on state,
The direction indicating unit is rotated in a direction in which the back side of the first direction indicating unit approaches the case with the contact fulcrum portion disposed corresponding to the third direction indicating unit as a rotation fulcrum. , to be suppressed from moving in the direction to be close to the back of the case of the second and the second and fourth direction indicating portion by the fourth said resilient instruction means disposed in correspondence to the direction indicating section Features multi-directional key switch. The contacted portion is a flange formed along the outer periphery of the central portion and each direction indicating portion in a projection view from the front side of the operation member,
2. The multi-directional key switch according to claim 1, wherein the four contact fulcrum portions protrude from the back side of the cover and can contact the front side of the contacted portion. . The contacted portion is a flange formed along the outer periphery of the central portion and each direction indicating portion in a projection view from the front side of the operation member,
2. The multi-directional key switch according to claim 1, wherein the four contact fulcrum portions protrude from the front side of the contacted portion and are configured to be able to contact the back side of the cover. .   4. The multi-directional key according to claim 1, wherein the four elastic support means protrude from the case side as a base end and are in contact with the back side of each of the direction indicating portions. 5. switch.   5. The multi-direction according to claim 1, wherein the switch unit is configured by an elastically deformable rubber switch, and the elastic support means is formed integrally with the rubber switch. Key switch.   The four elastic support means protrude from the back side of each direction indicating member, and the four elastic support pieces abut against the case or a member supported directly or indirectly by the case. The multi-directional key switch according to claim 1, wherein the multi-directional key switch is provided.

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