KR0129814B1 - Control key device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a casing (3,7,100) having an upper surface and a dome-shaped portion (3b) having a hole (3a) formed in the central portion in any part, and a plurality of electrical contacts (6a to 6d) installed in the casing The elastic member 5 provided on the elastic member and having a plurality of protrusions 5a to 5d at a position corresponding to the electrical contacts of the substrate. A contact pressing member 4 having a plurality of legs 4a to 4d at positions corresponding to the protrusions, and a key having fixed and inclined positions and fixed to the contact pressing member through holes formed in the dome-shaped portion of the casing ( 2) and means for preventing the key from sticking to the inclined position or an intermediate position between the inclined position and the correct position. Each of the protrusions has a conductive portion in electrical contact with one of the electrical contacts when elastically deformed. One of the legs of the contact pressing member elastically deforms one of the protrusions of the elastic member to achieve electrical contact between the conductive portion of the protrusion and one of the corresponding electrical contacts of the substrate at the inclined position of the key. . The key has a sliding surface in sliding contact with the upper surface of the domed portion of the casing when tilted to the inclined position.

Description

Operation Key Device

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a manipulation key device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the operation key device shown in FIG. 1 along the line II-II of FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment in a separated state.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment with the key tilted from the correct position.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing fixation of a key generated at an inclined position.

6 is a sectional view of an essential part of a second embodiment of an operation key device according to the present invention;

7 is a sectional view of an essential part of a third embodiment of an operation key device according to the present invention;

8 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an operation key device according to the present invention.

9 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention, the main part of which is shown along the line IX-IX in FIG.

10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment in a separated state.

11 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment.

12 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an operation key device according to the present invention.

13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment in a separated state.

14A and 14B are sectional views showing the switch operation of the operation key device according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

1: Operation Key Device 2: Key

3,7,10,100: casing 3a: hole

3b: dome shaped portion 4: contact pressing member

5: elastic member 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d: protrusion

6: board (= wiring board) 6A, 6b, 6c, 6d: electrical contact

7a: ring-shaped wall 110: button,

120,121,131,141, s, g: Key sticking prevention means

The present invention relates to an operation key device, and more particularly, to an operation key device that can be used as an input device for designating a moving direction of a character displayed on a screen of a video game machine or a portable electronic game machine.

An operation key device having improved reaction characteristics has already been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-52757. The operation key device, which has been proposed already, is a contact member having an elastic member having four protrusions with conductive parts, four leg and four spherical surfaces placed on four protrusions of the elastic member, and a spherical surface of the contact pressing member. And a key fixed to the contact pressing member through an opening formed in the dome-shaped portion and the dome-shaped portion of the casing having the bottom surface in contact. The bottom surface of the key contacts the top surface of the domed portion.

When the key is inclined in one direction from the home position, the bottom surface of the key slides on the top surface of the dome-shaped portion, and the spherical surface of the contact pressing member slides in association with the bottom surface of the dome-shaped portion. As a result, one of the legs pushes the corresponding protrusion of the elastic member, and the conductive portion of the protrusion is in electrical contact with the electrodes on the circuit board.

The movement of the key is guided by both the curved upper and inner surfaces of the domed portion while the bottom surface of the key contacts the upper surface of the dome portion and the upper surface of the contact pressing member contacts the inner surface of the dome portion. As a result, the vertical movement of the keys is limited. Therefore, tilting the key to contact the conductive portion with the electrodes on the circuit board requires a large tilting motion and a relatively strong stroke.

In addition, since the spherical surface of the contact pressing member slides with respect to the bottom surface of the dome-shaped portion of the casing, the spherical surface of the contact pressing member will stick to the bottom surface of the dome-shaped portion according to the friction between the two surfaces. This sticking phenomenon occurs especially when the spherical surface of the contact pressing member hits the edge of the bottom surface of the dome shaped portion and is held by this edge. If sticking occurs, the key will be locked to the tilted inclined position, and the operator must force the key to return to the correct position. Because the key does not return to its original position by itself.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an operation key device which eliminates the problems mentioned above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation key device having improved response characteristics which enables not only quick operation of the key but also light and smooth touch operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an operation key device which can tilt the key with a relatively small force and stroke.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an operation key device which can prevent the key from being stuck to the tilted position so that the tilted key can always be returned to its own position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a manipulation keying device in which the spacing or space formed between the top of the key and the wall of the casing surrounding the key is minimized to reduce the space required to provide the key.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an operation key device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation key device 1 includes a key 2, a casing 100, and a plurality of buttons 110. The casing 100 is composed of an upper half 3 and a lower half 7. The key 2 has protrusions 2a-2d on which the operator is pushed by a finger to tilt the key 2. When the projections 2a-3d are pushed, the key 2 designates the moving direction of the character appearing on the video game machine or the portable electronic game machine. The button 11 is operated to control modes of various functions of the video game or the electronic game.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the operation key according to the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment in a separated state. The cross section shown in FIG. 2 is shown along the line II-II of FIG.

2 and 3, the key portion of the operation keying device 1 is generally a key 2, a dome shaped portion 3b of the upper half 3, a contact pressing member 4, elasticity. The member 5 and the wiring board (or board | substrate) 6 are included. A stem portion 2e of the key 2 is fixed on the contact pressing member 4 through a hole 3a formed in the dome-shaped portion 3b of the upper half 3.

The upper half 3 has a cavity 3e, and the dome-shaped portion is supported by a flat bottom portion 3f extending from the side wall in the cavity 3e of the upper half 3. The flat bottom portion 3f floats the dome-shaped portion spaced apart from the substrate 6. The extra force exerted by the operator on top of the key 2 does not reach the substrate 6.

In the correct position of the key 2 shown in FIG. 2, the button surface 2g of the key 2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the domed portion 3b. Further, the bottom surface of the dome shaped portion 3b comes into contact with the spherical surface portion 4e of the contact pressing member 4.

Also, in the correct position of the key 2, the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 (only 4c and 4d are shown in Figs. 2 and 3) correspond thereto. On the protrusions 5a to 5d of the elastic member 5 (only 5c and 5d are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, there is a gap s between the spherical bottom surface 2g and the top surface of the domed portion 3b. A conductive portion is provided at each bottom of the protrusions 5a to 5d. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the protrusion 5c movably supports the upper portion 5c1 of the disc shape, the conductive portion 5c3 and the upper portion 5c1 provided at the bottom of the upper portion 5c1. It consists of a trapezoidal cylindrical skirt portion 5c3. On the substrate 6, a pair of contacts or electrodes 6c1 and 6c2 are provided. The conductive portion 5c3 constitutes a switch movable together with the electrodes 6c1 and 6c2. Each of the protrusions 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d has the same or similar structure and constitutes a switch together with the electrodes under the conductive portion. 10 and 13 show the arrangement of electrodes 6a1, 6a2 to 6d1, 6d2. This conductive portion is not in electrical contact with the electrical contact of the wiring board 6 at the correct position of the key 2 shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator presses the key 2 in the protruding portion 2c and the key 2 is tilted from the correct position, thereby causing the leg 4c of the contact pressing member 4 to lie. Presses the corresponding protrusion 5c. For example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the conductive portion 5c3 is in electrical contact with the corresponding electrodes 6c1 and 6c2 of the wiring board 6. As a result, the electric circuit 6c (see FIG. 10 or FIG. 13) detects the inclined direction of the key 2 based on the contact at the electrodes 6c1 and 6c2.

When the operator releases the inclined key 2 of FIG. 4, the key 2 is fixed in FIG. 2 by the elastic force of the elastic member 5, in particular the elastic force of the skirt portion 5c2 of the protrusion 5c. Return to.

When the key 2 is pushed off the top surface, the key 2 moves downward to reduce the spacing s so that the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 is the top of the domed portion 3b. It comes in contact with the face. And, when the key is inclined from the correct position shown in FIG. 2 to the inclined position shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 slides on the upper surface of the domed portion 3b, The spherical surface portion 4e of the contact pressing member 4 emerges outward from the bottom surface of the dome shaped portion 3b. The top surface and the bottom surface 2g of the domed portion 3b each have spherical surfaces that match each other. Thus, the key 2 smoothly moves on the domed portion 3b when receiving the pressing force on the upper surface. On the other hand, the contact pressing member is inclined while the upper surface of the contact pressing member is spaced apart from the bottom of the dome-shaped portion 3b. As a result, the friction between the dome-shaped portion b and the contact pressing member is reduced.

The movement of the key 2 moving downward by the force applied to the upper surface of the key 2 is such that the protrusions 5a to 5d are formed by the gap between the dome-shaped portion b and the key 2 and the circuit board 6 to be moved. Move downward to approach the electrodes on the top. The key 2 is inclined along the upper surface of the domed portion b. This movement requires less tilting movement in order for the conductive portion 5c3 to come into contact with the electrode as compared to the configuration proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-52757. According to the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication, no gap is formed between the bottom surface of the key and the top surface of the domed portion. Then, when the operator releases the pressing force, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 comes out, and the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b and the spherical surface portion 4e of the contact pressing member 4 become the key 2. ) Returns to the home position from the inclined position, and slides with respect to the inner spherical surface of the domed portion 3b. Thereby, the light and smooth touch of the operation key 2 is obtained.

However, depending on the friction between the spherical surface portion 4e and the bottom surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b, the key 2 can be fixed at an inclined inclined position or an intermediate position between the inclined position and the correct position.

For this reason, it is preferable to increase the elastic force of the elastic member 5. However, this requires more force to tilt the key 2 from its inclined position to an inclined position, and the light and smooth touch (so-called feather contact) keying hinders the quick operation of the key 2.

On the other hand, in order to increase the elastic force of the elastic member 5, it is possible to increase the distance between the conductive parts of the protrusions (5a) to (5d) and the wiring board 6 at the correct position of the key (2). In this case, it is necessary to tilt the key 2 in a large stroke in order to make electrical contact between the conductive portion and the electrodes of the wiring board 6. As a result, the keying operation of the light and smooth touch is disturbed, making quick keying difficult. In addition, in order to tilt the key 2 in a large stroke, another space for installing the key 2 on the operation key device 1 is required.

As shown in FIG. 5, in particular, in the case of pushing the spherical surface portion 4e of the contact pressing member 4 with respect to the edge 3E at the bottom of the domed portion 3b, Sticking of the same key 2 occurs. In order to ensure restoration of the pressurized protrusions 5a to 5d, it is necessary to form a gap of about 1 mm between the conductive portion of the protrusion and the wiring board 6 at the correct position of the key 2. For this purpose, the pushing force of the spherical surface portion 4e acting on the edge 3E should be limited to reduce the pushing force. In other words, the restoration of the protrusions 5a to 5d, that is, the automatic return of the inclined key 2 to the correct position, cannot be ensured if the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 5 is too weak. If the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 5 is too strong, the possibility that the spherical surface portion 4e is held by the edge 3E increases.

In the first embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention, a lubricating film 120 is provided between the spherical surface 4e and the bottom surface of the domed portion 3b. For example, grease or the like is used as lubricating oil. In addition, the lubricating film 121 can be provided between the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 and the top surface of the domed portion 3b. Lubricating film 120 and 121 will be coated on either one of the two surfaces that slide relative to each other.

According to the first embodiment in which the lubricating oil is employed, the key 2 is prevented from sticking to the intermediate position between the inclined position and the fixed position or the inclined position. In addition, the key operation of the light and smooth touch can be maintained, and the quick operation of the key 2 can be made.

As a modification of the first embodiment in which lubricating oil is employed, a material having a lubricating surface for the key domed portion 3b and the spherical portion 4e can be used. According to this modification, it is not necessary to have a lubricating film.

Lubricant properties will degrade over time. Therefore, it will be difficult to maintain a uniform lubrication film without repairing the operation key device. Therefore, the following describes another embodiment of the operation key device that can eliminate such a possible problem of the first embodiment.

6 is a cross-sectional view showing an important part of the second embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 shows the contact pressing member 4.

In the second embodiment, the cutout portion 131 is provided at the lower portion of the spherical surface portion 4e corresponding to the position of the corner 3E of the domed portion 3b shown in FIG.

According to this second embodiment, the edge 3E of the dome-shaped portion 3b is prevented from catching the spherical surface portion of the contact pressing member 4 because of the cut portion 131. As a result, the key 2 can be prevented from sticking to an intermediate position between the inclined position and the fixed position, or to the inclined position. In addition, the key operation of the light and smooth touch can be maintained, and the rapid operation of the key 2 becomes possible.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing important parts of the third embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the domed portion 3b of the upper half 3.

In this third embodiment, the curved portion 141 is provided at a position corresponding to the edge 3E of FIG. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 141 is larger than the radius of curvature of the remaining bottom surface portion of the domed portion 3b connected to the curved portion 141. As a result, the key 2 can be prevented from sticking to an intermediate position between the inclined position and the fixed position, or to the inclined position. In addition, the operation of the light and smooth touch can be maintained, and the quick operation of the key 2 becomes possible.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same parts as the corresponding parts in FIGS. 1 to 5 are shown using the same reference numerals, and some of the corresponding parts are omitted. 8 shows a fourth embodiment in which the key 2 is in an inclined position.

In this fourth embodiment, the maximum horizontality between the central axis (A) of the key 2 and the bottom line of the spherical surface portion 4e (the spherical surface portion 4e meets the legs 4a-4d). The distance d1 is set smaller than the horizontal distance d2 between the central axis CA and the inner edges of the upper portions 5a1 to 5d1 of the protrusions, respectively, and the distance d1 is the central axis A shown in FIG. ) And the elastic force exerted by the protrusion 5d is spaced apart from the edge 3E relative to the central axis A, as compared with the case shown in FIG. The lever function allows the key 2 to return smoothly to the home position.

However, as mentioned above, the distance between the conductive part of the protrusion and the corresponding electrical contact of the wiring board in the normal state in which the key is in the correct position prevents erroneous contact and ensures the return of the protrusion after being pushed by the leg of the contact pressing member. It should be set to a predetermined value in order to do so. For this reason, it is necessary to tilt the key by a predetermined amount in order to achieve electrical contact between the electrical contact and the electrical contact of the protrusion. As a result, a limitation is necessary to reduce the stroke distance of the key, and according to the stroke distance of the key, it takes time to realize the above electrical contact, and the response characteristic of the operation key device is lowered.

On the other hand, in order to enable a large stroke of the key when the key is tilted, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, between the wall of the hole 3a and the stem portion 2e, and of the casing 3 which surrounds the key abnormality portion. It is essential to make a large space between the surrounding wall and the tall part. As a result, the size of the operation key device increases. Further, by creating a large space around the key abnormality, dust particles and the like can easily enter the operation keying device, and the operator's fingertips can be caught in the large space between the key abnormality and the peripheral wall.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention that can realize rapid electrical contact and impart satisfactory reaction characteristics will be described.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 11, showing a fifth embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment in a separated state. 11 is a plan view of the fifth embodiment. In Figs. 9 to 11, the same parts as the corresponding parts in Figs. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The operation keying device 1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 includes a key 2, an upper half 3 of the casing 100, a contact pressing member 4, an elastic member 5, a wiring board 6, and the like. The lower half 7 of the casing 100. For example, the key 2 may be made of nylon resin, the upper half 3 and the lower half 7 may be made of ABS resin, and the contact pressing member 4 may be made of polyacetal resin.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the electrical contact pairs 6a, 6b and 6c, 6d are symmetrically arranged on the circumference E of the wiring board 6. Each electrical contact has a pair of electrodes 6a1, 6a2, 6b1, 6b2, 6c1, 6c2, and 6d1, 6d2, and is movable as shown in FIGS. 14a and 14b. Together with the layers constitutes an electrical switch. As also shown in FIG. 9, the upper half 3 and the lower half 7 are connected, for example, by screws (not shown), and the key portion is fixed in the casing 100. The ring-shaped wall 7a is provided on the lower half 7 at a position corresponding to the electrical contacts 6a to 6d of the wiring board 6, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the ring-shaped wall 7a supports the wiring board 6 directly under the electrical contact in the state where the operation key device 1 is separated. The extra force exerted by the operator while enjoying the game is transmitted to the substrate 6 via the operation key 4 and transmitted to the pressing member 4 and the elastic protrusion. Thereby, the substrate 6 is bent or vibrates to cause a malfunction of the switch, which is prevented by the support ring 7a.

The protrusions 5a to 5d of the elastic member 5 are arranged at positions above the corresponding electrical contacts 6a to 6d on the wiring board 6. The conductive portion is provided at the bottom of each of the protrusions 5a to 5d. Therefore, when the key 2 is inclined from the correct position and the protrusion 5c is pressed from the top to elastically deform, the conductive portion of the protrusion 5c is connected with the corresponding electrical contact 6c on the wiring board 6. Electrical contact. Thus, the electrical circuit (not shown) detects the tilting direction of the key 2 based on the contact at the electrical contact. As shown in FIG. 9, a gap g is present between the electrical contacts 5a to 5d and the corresponding conductive portions of the protrusions 5a to 5d. For example, this interval is set to 1 mm.

An electric circuit for detecting the inclined direction of the key 2 based on electrical contact between the electrical contact and the conductive portion of the protrusion is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 4-42029.

The upper half 3 generally covers the surface of the wiring board 6. The upper half 3 has a cavity 3e provided with a domed portion 3b. A hole 3a is formed in the dome-shaped portion 3b. This hole 3a is concentric with the circumference E mentioned above and shares the center line L shown in FIG. The center P of the curvature of the upper surface (outer surface) of the domed portion 3b is located approximately at the center of the vertical position of the conductive portions of the protrusions 5a to 5d.

The key 2 has a mushroom shape. That is, it has a roughly T-shaped cross section. The disc portion of the key 2 is exposed to the cavity 3e of the upper half 3, and the protrusions 2a to 2d forming the intersection are provided on the upper surface of the disc portion. In addition, the hollow cylindrical stem portion 2e extends downward from the disc portion of the key 2. A vertically extending cutout 2f is provided on the inner surface of the stem portion 2e. In addition, the sliding surface 2g is provided on the bottom of the disk of the key 2. The sliding surface 2g is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b when the pressing force is applied to the key 2 by the operator. The sliding surface 2g is formed by protrusions forming an intersection portion corresponding to the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b, or a curved or spherical surface corresponding to the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b. In the former case, the protrusions on the bottom of the disc portion of the key 2 are equipped at positions corresponding to the protrusions 2a to 2d.

The contact pressing member 4 includes legs 4a to 4d having horizontal bottom surfaces contacting the protrusions 5a to 5d of the elastic member 5, and the bottom surface of the domed portion 3b. And a spherical surface portion 4e in contact with the (inner surface). A circular hole 4f is formed in the contact pressing member, which is drilled from the upper center of the spherical surface portion 4e toward the bottom surface of the contact pressing member 4. The stem portion 2e of the key 2 is fitted into the hole 4f. The hole 4f is provided with a projection 4g that is fitted into the cutout 2f when the stem portion 2e is fitted into the hole 4f. Therefore, it is possible to fix the rotational position and the vertical position of the key 2 with respect to the contact pressing member 4.

The ring-shaped wall 3c extends downward from the outer periphery of the domed portion 3b. The ring-shaped wall 3c has a cutout corresponding to the positions of the legs 4a to 4d. Therefore, in the assembled state of the operation key device 1, the tips of the legs 4a to 4d protrude through the cutouts formed in the ring-shaped wall 3c. The legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 achieve electrical contact between the conductive portions of the protrusions 5a to 5d and the electrical contacts 6a to 6d on the wiring board 6. For this purpose, the protrusions 5a to 5d of the probe member 5 can be pushed.

Protrusions 2a to 2d forming an intersection at the top of the key 2 are arranged corresponding to the electrical contact 6a of the wiring board 6. The key 2 is connected to the contact pressing member 4 by inserting the stem portion 2e into the hole 4f of the contact pressing member 4 via the hole 3a formed in the dome-shaped portion 3b. In this connected state, the tip end of the stem portion 2e contacts the surface 4h at the bottom of the hole 4f, and the protrusion 4g is fitted into the cutout 2f. The diameter of the hole 3a is larger than the diameter of the stem portion 2e. Accordingly, the key 2 can be tilted freely in all directions.

In the correct position of the key 2 as shown in FIG. 9, a gap is formed between the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 and the upper side of the domed portion 3b. Further, the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 are placed on the protrusions 5a to 5d of the elastic member 5, and the spherical surface portion 4e of the contact pressing member 4 is disposed. Movably contacts the bottom surface of the domed portion 3b.

When the operator rests his finger on the key 2, the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 are moved downward against the elastic force exerted by the elastic member 5. As a result, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 is movably in contact with the top surface of the domed portion 3b. In this ready state of the key, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 can slide with respect to the top surface of the domed portion 3b. Further, the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 equally press the protrusions 5a of the elastic member 5. However, due to this vertical movement, the conductive portions of the protrusions 5a to 5d do not come into electrical contact with the electrical contacts 6a to 6d of the wiring board 6.

The vertical movement of the key 2 is made by a distance corresponding to the distance S. Although the conductive portions of the protrusions 5a to 5d move downward by a distance corresponding to the distance S, the conductive portions are not in electrical contact with the electrical contacts 6a to 6d. This is because the interval g is set larger than the interval S.

When attempting to tilt the key 2 in a ready state such that electrical contact between the conductive portion of the protrusion 5c and the electrical contact 6c is achieved, the operator may apply a force of 70 g to 80 g, for example, with a finger. The projection 2c must be pushed. In response to this pushing force applied to the key 2, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 slides on the upper surface of the domed portion 3b, and the contact pressing member 4 is inclined. As a result, the leg 4c of the contact pressing member 4 presses the protrusion 5c of the elastic member 5.

The center P of the curved portion of the domed portion 3c is located at the center of the vertical height of the conductive portions. Therefore, when the operating force is applied to the protrusion 2c, the upper portion of the key 2 rotates about the center of rotation which is the spherical center. Then, the leg 4c presses the protrusion 5c downward in the vertical direction. As a result, the protrusion 5c is elastically deformed, and the conductive portion of the protrusion is in electrical contact with the electrical contact 6c.

In the ready state in which the operator's finger is placed on the key 2, the key 2 is already moved downward by a distance corresponding to the distance S, and the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 is a dome-shaped portion ( In contact with the top surface of 3b). Therefore, the distance between the conductive portion of the protrusion 5c and the electrical contact 6c is reduced by the interval g-s. Therefore, when the projection 2c of the key 2 is in the ready state, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 slides on the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion 3b, and the contact pressing member 4 is a leg. (4c) is inclined to the size moving downward by the interval gs. When the contact pressing member 4 is inclined, the leg 4d is moved in the upward direction opposite to the movement direction of the leg 4c in the cutout formed in the ring-shaped wall 3c of the upper half 3.

Therefore, even if the interval g is set to ensure the automatic return of the key 2 from the home position to the inclined position, the inclination of the key 2 can be achieved by a relatively small force, thereby The required stroke is also small. This is because the key 2 is tilted from the ready state mentioned above. As a result, the response characteristic of the operation key device 1 can be improved. That is, a light and smooth touch (so-called feather contact) of the key operation is possible, and the key 2 can be operated quickly.

In addition, since the stroke required to tilt the key 2 from the ready state is small, the gap between the top of the key 2 and the side wall in the cavity 3e of the upper half 3 surrounding the key 2 is minimized. You can. This minimized spacing reduces the space required to install the key 2. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust or the like from easily entering into the operation key device 1 through the minimized gap, and to prevent the operator's fingertips from being caught in the minimized gap.

On the other hand, when the operator releases the inclined key 2, the restoring force of the protrusion 5c of the elastic member 5 pushes the leg 4c of the contact pressing member 4 upward. Therefore, the contact pressing member 4 moves upward until the spherical surface portion 4e contacts the bottom of the dome shaped portion 3b. Further, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 is separated from the top surface of the domed portion 3d, and the key 2 is returned to the home position shown in FIG.

A sixth embodiment of the operation key device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. 12 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment in a separated state. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the same parts as those shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The sixth embodiment is the same as the fifth embodiment except for the fact that the contact pressing member 4 of the sixth embodiment does not have a spherical surface portion 4e.

As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the contact pressing member 4 includes a boss portion 4k, which has a projection 4g extending in the vertical direction. The stem portion 2e of the key 2 is fitted into the boss portion 4k with the projection 4g fitted into the cutout 2f. The outer diameter of the boss portion 4k is smaller than the inner diameter of the ring-shaped wall portion 3d of the upper half 3. Thus, the key 2 can be tilted freely from the right position. In the above embodiment, the above description takes the case where a relatively large force is applied from the upper surface of the key abnormal portion so that the key abnormal portion is lowered and tilted. However, according to the magnitude of the operating force, the leg 4c of the contact pressing member 4 descends onto the protruding portion 5c of the elastic member 5. Thereby, the switch of the protrusion part 5c is closed before the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 contacts the upper surface of the dome-shaped part 3b. In this case, when the pushing force is applied to the key 2 on the side of the projection 2c in FIG. 12, the upward movement of the contact pressing member 4 is applied to the lower end of the ring-shaped wall portion 3d. Thereby pushing on the side opposite to the side receiving the pushing force. Therefore, the lower end of the ring-shaped wall portion 3d acts as a lever support. Then, the contact pressing member 4 moves the side surface of the leg 4c downward to press the protrusion 5c. By such operation, the key operation of the operation key device 1 is made light and smooth.

When the projections 2c and 2d of the key 2 are pressed simultaneously in the respective directions, the key 2 is lowered to the horizontal state. However, the bottom surface 2g of the key 2 is in contact with the top surface of the domed portion 3b which functions as a stopper, and the key 2 stops further downward movement. As a result, a malfunction in which the switches of the protrusions 5c and 5d are closed at the same time is prevented.

When the operator releases the key 2 from the inclined position, the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 are horizontal due to the action of the elastic restoring force exerted by the elastic member 5. It returns to the state. When the contact pressing member 4 returns to the horizontal state, the contact pressing member 4 is formed by the action of the cutouts of the ring-shaped wall 3c corresponding to the legs 4a to 4d. It is maintained in a central position within the cavity. The upper surface of the contact pressing member 4 contacts the lower end of the ring-shaped wall portion 3d of the upper half 3. Since the legs 4a to 4d of the contact pressing member 4 are respectively guided by cutouts formed in the ring-shaped wall 3c, the contact pressing member 4 is centered at the correct position of the key 2. Always maintained in position (middle position). In the correct position of the key 2, a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the key 2 and the top surface of the domed portion 3b.

According to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as in the case of the fifth embodiment mentioned above can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the stem portion 2e of the key 2 is fixed on the contact pressing member 4. However, the stem portion may be fixed on the contact pressing member 4, and the stem portion may be fixed on the key 2 as well.

Further, although the domed portion 3b may have a continuous surface, openings may be formed in the domed portion 3b as long as the required strength can be obtained. Similarly, openings can be formed in the spherical surface portion 4e as long as the required strength can be obtained.

In addition, although four electrical contacts are provided in the above practical example, the number of electrical contacts and the number of protrusions of the elastic member corresponding thereto are not limited to four.

In the above embodiment, the physical support point of the inclined key is not located on the wiring board (or substrate). For this reason, it is possible to prevent the external force from acting. By preventing undesirable external forces from reaching the wiring board, the possibility of damaging the wirings and the contacts provided on the wiring board can be prevented. In other words, the key is not inclined around the physical support point, but is inclined while being guided by the domed or curved surface of the casing.

It is also possible to combine the structures of the various embodiments mentioned above.

The present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

(a) a substrate 6 having a plurality of electrical contacts 6a-6d, and (b) a plurality of elastic members 5a-5d disposed on the substrate, disposed slightly away from the corresponding electrical contacts. A plurality of elastic members, each having a plurality of conductive members 5a3-5d3, whereby each of the conductive portions constitutes an electrical switch with the corresponding electrical contact, and (c) the plurality of elastic members An operation key disposed in the operation key, in which one of the switches is closed when the operation key is inclined, (d) guide means disposed below the operation key, and (e) the guide means. And a support means for supporting away from the substrate, wherein the guide means and the operation key have surfaces corresponding to each other, wherein the operation key placed in the correct position is the guide means. From being placed in a slightly dropped position, the operating key and wherein the transformation of the elastic member to lower parts of the conductivity according to the operation force applied thereto the control key. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: holding means for holding the operation key in a correct position when no operation force is applied to the operation key, wherein the holding means is adapted when the operation force is applied to the operation key. And the operation key is formed to be out of the holding means so that the operation key can be tilted. 2. The key according to claim 1, wherein the guide means comprises a dome shaped portion 3b having a hole 3a and an upper surface, wherein the operation key is a keyed upper portion having a bottom surface directed toward the upper surface of the dome shaped portion. A contact pressing member (4) disposed on the member (2) and the plurality of elastic members (5a-5d) and fixed to the upper member by way of the hole, the upper surface of the domed portion and the And said bottom surface of said key upper member constitutes said corresponding surfaces. 3. The domed portion 3b according to claim 2, wherein the domed portion 3b comprises a hole, an upper surface and a lower surface constituting the holding member, and the operation key has a bottom surface facing the upper surface of the dome shaped portion. And a contact pressing member (4) having a key upper member (2) and an upper surface facing the lower surface of the domed portion, the contact pressing member being disposed on the plurality of elastic members and passing through the hole. The key is fixed to the upper member, the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion constitutes the guide means, and the bottom surface of the key upper member is slightly away from the guide means at the correct position of the operation key, and the contact point The upper surface of the pressing member is in contact with the lower surface of the dome-shaped portion, whereby the operation key is operated when the operation force is applied to the upper member. And an at least part of said upper surface of said contact pressing member (4) falling from said lower surface of said dome-shaped portion. 3. The dome-shaped portion 3b according to claim 2, further comprising a dome-shaped portion 3b having an upper surface constituting the holding means, a hole, and the guide means, wherein the operation key is a bottom surface facing the upper surface of the dome-shaped portion. And a contact pressing member (4) having a key upper member (2) having an upper surface facing the retaining means, wherein the contact pressing member is disposed on the plurality of elastic portions and passes through the hole to the upper part of the key. Fixed to the member, the bottom surface of the key upper member being slightly away from the guide means at the correct position of the operation key, and the upper surface of the contact pressing member contacting the holding means, whereby At least a portion of the upper surface of the contact pressing member is separated from the holding means when a key is applied to the upper member; This device. The method of claim 5. The retaining means includes a wall portion 3d extending from the dome-shaped portion, and an end detachably contacting the upper surface of the contact pressing member when no operation force is applied to the key upper member. And the contact pressing member is held at a horizontal position at a fixed position of the manipulation key. (a) a substrate 6 having a plurality of electrical contacts 6a-6d arranged symmetrically, and (b) a plurality of elastic members 5a-5d disposed on the substrate, from the electrical contacts A plurality of elastic members, each having conductive portions 5a3-5d3 disposed slightly apart, whereby each conductive portion constitutes an electrical switch with the corresponding electrical contacts, and (c) a through hole ( 3a), a dome shaped portion 3b having an upper surface and holding means, (d) supporting means for supporting the dome shaped portion away from the substrate, and (e) the upper portion of the domed portion; An operation key having a key upper member 2 having a bottom surface facing to a surface and a contact pressing member 4 fixed to the key upper member via the through hole, wherein the contact pressing member faces the holding means. Disposed on an upper portion and the plurality of elastic members Has a portion, whereby one of the electrical switches is closed when the operation key is inclined, and the operation key is provided with the holding means and the plurality of elastic members when no operation force is applied to the upper member. An operation key device comprising an operation key, which is held at a fixed position by a key, characterized in that the key further comprises an anti-seizure means for preventing the fixation at the inclined position when the upper member is separated from the inclined position. Operation key device. 8. The operation key device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said fixing means comprises lubrication means provided between said bottom surface of said key upper member and said upper surface of said dome shaped portion. The dome-shaped part has a spherical lower surface constituting the holding means, and the contact pressing member is in the lower portion disposed on the spherical upper surface 4e, the plurality of elastic members. And a cutout 131 formed at a periphery of the spherical upper surface of the leg 4a-4d and the contact pressing member, whereby a corner line is formed at the surface of the cutout that meets the upper surface of the leg. And an operation key device which is spaced apart from the spherical lower surface of the dome-shaped portion. 8. The operation key device as set forth in claim 7, wherein an edge portion (141) on the spherical lower surface of the dome-shaped portion that meets the holding means is curved. 8. The maximum horizontal distance d1 between the edge portion of the spherical lower surface of the dome-shaped portion which meets the holding means and the central axis CA of the operation key is inside the elastic member. Operation key device, characterized in that less than the horizontal distance (d2) between the edge and the central axis. (a) a substrate 6 having a plurality of electrical contacts 6a-6d, and (b) a plurality of elastic members 5a-5d disposed on the substrate, disposed slightly away from the corresponding electrical contacts. A plurality of elastic members, each having a plurality of conductive members 5a3-5d3, whereby each of the conductive portions constitutes an electrical switch with the corresponding electrical contact, and (c) the plurality of elastic members An operation key disposed in the operation key, wherein one of the switches is closed when the operation key is inclined, and (d) guide means disposed away from the substrate between the operation key and the substrate. And the guide means and the operation key have surfaces corresponding to each other, the operation key device comprising: disconnecting a central portion of the substrate from the force applied to the operation key and returning to the substrate Further comprising a first supporting means (3f) for supporting the guide means and a second supporting means (7a) for supporting the substrate at portions where the contact pressing member is formed. Key device. (a) a substrate 6 having a plurality of electrical contacts 6a-6d, and (b) a plurality of elastic members 5a-5d disposed on the substrate, disposed slightly away from the corresponding electrical contacts. A plurality of elastic members, each having a plurality of conductive members 5a3-5d3, whereby each of the conductive portions constitutes an electrical switch with the corresponding electrical contact, and (c) the plurality of elastic members An operation key disposed in the operation key, wherein one of the switches is closed when the operation key is inclined, and (d) disposed between the operation key and the substrate and protruding toward the bottom of the operation key. An operation key device comprising a casing having a protruding member and (e) a fixing means 3f for fixing the protruding member at a predetermined position, wherein the operation key is provided with an operating force applied to an upper portion of the operation key. Persecution The bottom surface of the operation key is fixed by the elastic member so as to be slightly separated from the protruding member, and inclined according to the operation force applied to the operation key, and deforming the elastic member to lower the conductive parts. Operation key device characterized in that. 14. The casing according to claim 13, wherein the casing consists of an upper half (3) and a lower half (7), the upper half comprising a cavity (3e), and the protruding member and the fixing means (3f) define the cavity. And a side wall and constituting an integral member extending from the side wall.