JP2005322586A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch device having a good stability of operating means, capable of obtaining a good operating feeling, and capable of thinning. <P>SOLUTION: A pushing means 14 has an operating through hole 23 in which an operating member 18 penetrates and is provided in sheet shape so as to press a keytop 13 elastically in a second direction Y2. Accordingly, as the operator operates the keytop 13, the operating member 18 displaces a movable part 17 and can switch from a first switching mode to a second switching mode. Since the keytop 13 is pressed elastically by the pushing means 14, it can be displaced easily from a second position to a first position. Since the keytop 13 can be provided without separating from the pushing means 14, the switch device 10 can be made thinner in size than that of the conventional technology. Since the operating member 18 displaces the movable part 17, the operating member 18 is constructed of a material having hardness, thereby the operator can obtain a good click feeling. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device that switches a switching mode.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the key switch 1 of the first prior art as viewed from the front side. The first conventional technique is described in Patent Document 1. A key switch 1 of a small electronic device described in Patent Document 1 includes a keypad rubber 3 on which a key button 2 is formed, and a click dome 4 that is inverted to press a contact. The key button 2 is provided with a protrusion at a position facing the click dome 4 and a plurality of legs at a position not facing the click dome 4. By depressing such a key switch 1, the click dome 4 is pressed and electrically connected.

  Since the entire key button 2 is made of rubber, when the key button 2 is pressed, the click dome 4 is pressed after the key button 2 is deformed. Accordingly, there is a problem that the feeling of depression of the key button 2 occurs until the clickability is exhibited when the operator presses the key button 2, and the feeling of operation, in other words, the feeling of clicking is impaired.

  A second conventional technique for solving such a problem is described in Patent Document 2. In the switch device described in Patent Literature 2, a rubber sheet is interposed between the key button and the switch. Therefore, the switch can be pressed without deforming the key button.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-20251 JP 2001-43768 A

  In the first and second conventional techniques, the key button and the switch are hermetically sealed, so that the key button may be attracted to the switch due to a pressure difference or the like. Further, when the key button is pressed by the air sealed between the key button and the switch, the sealed air is compressed, and a large load is required to press the key button, and the operational feeling is impaired.

  In the second conventional technique, the key button is displaced with respect to the case in a natural state, and the stability of the key button is poor. In addition, with the miniaturization of electronic devices in which switch devices are used, such as information terminal devices, it is desired to reduce the thickness of switch devices.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device in which the key buttons have good stability, a good operational feeling can be obtained, and the thickness can be reduced.

The present invention includes a switch unit having a switch unit capable of switching a switching mode;
The first direction from the first position toward the second position and the second position to the first position over the first position where the switching means is in the first switching mode and the second position where the switching means is in the second switching mode. An operating means which is provided so as to be freely displaceable in the second direction toward which it goes and has an operating piece for switching the switching mode of the switch section;
A switch interposed between the switch means and the operation means, having a through-hole through which the operation piece penetrates, and including a sheet-like pressing means for elastically pressing the operation means in the second direction Device.

  According to the present invention, the pressing means has a through hole through which the operation piece passes, and is provided in a sheet shape that elastically presses the operation means in the second direction. Therefore, the operator can switch from the first switching mode to the second switching mode by operating the operating means. Since the operating means is elastically pressed by the pressing means, it can prevent undesired displacement from the first position to the second position and can easily be displaced from the second position to the first position. Can do. Since the operation means can be provided without being separated from the pressing means, the switch device can be made thinner than the conventional technique. Further, by configuring the operation piece from a material having rigidity, the operator can obtain a good click feeling.

Further, the present invention provides a switch means having a switch unit capable of switching the switching mode,
The first direction from the first position toward the second position and the second position to the first position over the first position where the switching means is in the first switching mode and the second position where the switching means is in the second switching mode. An operating means provided so as to be freely displaceable in the second direction toward which it is switched, and for switching the switching mode of the switch unit;
A sheet-like pressing means that covers the switch portion and is interposed between the switch means and the operating means, presses the operating means in a second direction, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed. It is a switch device characterized by including.

  According to the present invention, the pressing means has a through hole through which the operation piece passes, and is provided in a sheet shape that elastically presses the operation means in the second direction. Therefore, the operator can switch from the first switching mode to the second switching mode by operating the operating means. Since the operating means is elastically pressed by the pressing means, it can be easily displaced from the second position to the first position. Since the operation means can be provided without being separated from the pressing means, the switch device can be made thinner than the conventional switch device.

  The pressing means covers the switch portion and is interposed between the switch means and the operating means, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed. By forming the air vent hole, air can move from the air vent hole between the pressing means and the switch part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air between the pressing unit and the switch unit from being sealed. This can prevent problems caused by the air being sealed. Further, since the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction, the thickness dimension of the pressing means can be made smaller than when the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the thickness direction. As a result, the switch device can be thinned.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the pressing means is provided so as to cover the switch portion, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the pressing means.

  According to the present invention, the pressing means is interposed between the switch means and the operating means, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed. By forming the air vent hole, air can move from the air vent hole between the pressing means and the switch part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air between the pressing unit and the switch unit from being sealed. This can prevent problems caused by the air being sealed. Further, since the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction, the thickness dimension of the pressing means can be made smaller than when the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in a direction substantially orthogonal to the thickness direction. This can further reduce the thickness of the switch device.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by including a restricting means for restricting the operating means from being displaced in the second direction from the first position.

  According to the present invention, the operating means is restricted by the restricting means from being displaced from the first position in the second direction. Further, since the operating means is elastically pressed in the second direction by the pressing means, the operating means is maintained in the first position in the natural state. Therefore, even when the switch device vibrates due to an external force, the operating means is maintained in the first position, and the operating means can be prevented from being undesirably displaced. Undesirable switching of the switching mode of the switch unit due to undesired displacement of the operating means can be prevented.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the pressing means,
An annular fixing portion fixed to the switch means at a position surrounding the switch portion;
A thin annular deformed portion connected to the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion and spaced apart from the switch means;
Continuing to the inner peripheral part of the deforming part, and having a thick pressing part that presses the operating means,
The air vent hole is formed in the deformed portion.

  According to the present invention, since the air vent hole is formed in the deformed portion, the air vent hole can be easily formed. Moreover, since it is not necessary to form an air vent hole in a press part by forming an air vent hole in a deformation | transformation part, an air vent hole can be formed in a press part and it can prevent that the intensity | strength of a press part becomes small.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the pressing means,
An annular fixing portion fixed to the switch means at a position surrounding the switch portion;
A thin annular deformed portion that is connected to the inner periphery of the fixed portion and is spaced apart from the switch means;
Continuing to the inner peripheral part of the deforming part, and having a thick pressing part that presses the operating means,
The air vent hole is formed in the pressing portion.

  According to the present invention, since the air vent hole is formed in the pressing portion, it is not necessary to form the air vent hole in the deformed portion. Since the deformed portion generates a resilient force, it is easily damaged by fatigue. However, since the air vent hole is not formed in the deformed portion, it is possible to prevent the fatigue strength from being lowered by forming the air vent hole in the deformed portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the life of the pressing means from being shortened.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the operating means and the pressing means is formed with a rotation preventing portion that prevents the operating means from rotating.

  According to the present invention, the rotation preventing portion that prevents the operating means from rotating is formed in at least one of the operating means and the pressing means. This prevents the operating means from rotating relative to the pressing means. Therefore, operability can be improved. Further, the rotation preventing portion can prevent the pressing means from being undesirably rotated with respect to the operating means.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the operating means is held elastically by the pressing means.

  According to the present invention, the operating means is held elastically by the pressing means. Therefore, the operating means can be easily attached to the pressing means. Further, it is possible to prevent the operating means from being undesirably displaced with respect to the pressing means.

Furthermore, the present invention includes a restricting means that locks the outer peripheral portion of the operating means and restricts the operating means from being displaced from the first position in the second direction,
A portion of the pressing means that opposes the outer peripheral portion of the operating means is formed to be thin.

  According to the invention, the restricting means locks the outer peripheral portion of the operating means to restrict the operating means from being displaced from the first position in the second direction. The portion of the pressing means that faces the outer periphery of the operating means is formed thin. Since the portion facing the outer peripheral portion of the operation means is thin, the switch device can be made thinner than when the facing portion is formed thick.

  According to the present invention, since the operation means can be provided without being separated from the pressing means, the switch device can be made thinner than the conventional technique. Further, by configuring the operation piece from a material having rigidity, the operator can obtain a good click feeling.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the operation means can be provided without being separated from the pressing means, the switch device can be made thinner than the conventional switch device. Moreover, the malfunction which arises when air is sealed can be prevented. Since the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction, the thickness direction dimension of the pressing means can be made smaller than when the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction. As a result, the switch device can be thinned.

  Furthermore, according to this invention, the malfunction which arises when air is sealed can be prevented. Further, since the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction, the dimension in the thickness direction of the pressing means can be made smaller than the case where the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction. . This can further reduce the thickness of the switch device.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when the switch device is vibrated by an external force, the operating means is maintained in the first position, and the operating means can be prevented from being undesirably displaced. Undesirable switching of the switching mode of the switch unit due to undesired displacement of the operating means can be prevented. Therefore, the switching state can be prevented from being switched by an undesired external force such as vibration. The stability of the operating means can be ensured.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to form an air vent hole in the pressing portion by forming an air vent hole in the deformed portion, so that an air vent hole is formed in the pressing portion and the strength of the pressing portion is reduced. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the air vent hole is formed in the pressing portion, it is not necessary to form the air vent hole in the deformed portion. Since the deformed portion generates a resilient force, it is easily damaged by fatigue. However, since the air vent hole is not formed in the deformed portion, it is possible to prevent the fatigue strength from being lowered by forming the air vent hole in the deformed portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the life of the pressing means from being shortened.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operating means is prevented from rotating with respect to the pressing means. Therefore, operability can be improved. Further, the rotation preventing portion can prevent the pressing means from being undesirably rotated with respect to the operating means. Therefore, assembly workability can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operating means can be attached to the pressing means. Further, it is possible to prevent the operating means from being undesirably displaced with respect to the pressing means. Since the operating means can be easily attached to the pressing means, it is possible to prevent the operating means and the pressing means from being undesirably separated.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the portion facing the outer peripheral portion of the operating means is thin, the switch device can be made thinner than when the facing portion is formed thick.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 10 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the switch device 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the switch device 10. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the electronic device 11 including the switch device 10. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 10 as viewed from the s1-s1 cut plane line of FIG. 4, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 10 as viewed from the s2-s2 cut plane line of FIG. The switch device 10 includes a switch unit 12, a key top 13, a pressing unit 14, and a housing 15. The switch means 12 includes a circuit board 16 and a movable portion 17 which is a switch portion capable of switching the switching mode, and the switching mode can be switched by the displacement of the movable portion 17. The movable portion 17 is provided on the one end surface portion 16 a in the thickness direction of the circuit board 16. The movable portion 17 is formed in a convex shape that is convex in one direction in the thickness direction, for example. The convex portion of the movable portion 17 is displaced by an external force, and the inside of the convex portion abuts against the surface portion 16a of the circuit board 16, thereby switching the switching mode. In the present embodiment, the projecting portion of the movable portion 17 is brought into contact with the circuit board 16 so that the insulating state can be changed to the conducting state, and the electronic device 11 including the switch device 10, for example, an information portable terminal (Personal Digital Assistants (abbreviated as PDA), an electronic dictionary or a control signal for controlling a mobile phone device.

  The key top 13 is an operating means, and the first direction Y1 and the second direction span the first position where the switch means 12 is in the first switching mode and the second position where the switch means 12 is in the second switching mode. It is provided in Y2 so as to be displaceable. The first direction Y1 is a direction from the first position toward the second position, and the second direction Y2 is a direction from the second position toward the first position. In the present embodiment, the first direction Y1 is a direction in which the movable portion 17 is displaced, and is the other thickness direction of the circuit board 16. The second direction Y2 is one of the thickness directions of the circuit board 16. In the present embodiment, in the first switching mode, the movable part 17 and the circuit board 16 are in an insulated state, and in the second switching mode, the movable part 17 and the circuit board 16 are in a conductive state. The key top 13 is made of a hard material.

  The key top 13 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, a disk shape. The key top 13 has an operation piece 18 for changing the switching mode by displacing the movable portion 17. The operation piece 18 is formed on the other end surface portion 13a in the thickness direction of the key top 13 so as to protrude to the other side in the thickness direction. The operation piece 18 is formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is arranged such that the axial direction of the operation piece 18 is substantially parallel to the thickness direction of the key top 13. When the key top 13 is pressed and displaced in the second direction Y <b> 2, the operation piece 18 comes into contact with the movable portion 17 and applies a pressing force to the movable portion 17. The key top 13 is formed with a protruding piece 19 that restricts displacement relative to the housing 15. The protruding piece 19 is the other end surface portion in the thickness direction of the key top 13 and is formed on the outer peripheral portion thereof so as to protrude outward in the radial direction.

  The housing 15 is provided so as to cover the circuit board 16. The housing 15 is formed with a housing through hole 20 that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the movable portion 17. The casing 15 is provided with a restriction portion 21. The restricting unit 21 is a restricting unit that restricts the key top 13 from being displaced from the first position in the second direction Y2. The restricting portion 21 is provided on a surface portion facing the housing through-hole 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as “inner peripheral portion of the housing through-hole 20”), and at one end in the thickness direction of the inner peripheral portion of the housing through-hole 20. A housing locking piece 22 protruding inward is formed in the housing through hole 20. The protruding piece 19 of the key top 13 is locked to the casing locking piece 22 of the casing 15. As a result, the key top 13 is restricted from being displaced in the first position thickness direction.

  The pressing means 14 is interposed between the switch means 12 and the key top 13 and has an operation through hole 23 through which the operation piece 18 passes. The pressing means 14 is formed in a sheet shape that elastically presses the key top 13 in the second direction Y2. The pressing means 14 is formed with an air vent hole 24 penetrating in the thickness direction. The air vent holes 24 are opened at both end portions in the thickness direction of the pressing means 14, and are formed so that the gas moves in the thickness direction through the air vent holes 24. The pressing means 14 is provided so as to cover the movable portion 17. The pressing means 14 is made of, for example, silicon rubber.

  The key top 13 is elastically sandwiched and held by the pressing means 14. The outer diameter D1 of the operation piece 18 is slightly smaller than the maximum dimension D2 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the surface facing the operation through hole 23 in the natural state. As a result, when the operation piece 18 of the key top 13 is passed through the operation through hole 23, the operation piece 18 is elastically held by the pressing means 14.

  The pressing unit 14 includes a base body 25, a deforming part 26, and a pressing part 27. The base body 25 has a flat plate shape and is provided so as to cover the one end surface portion 16 a in the thickness direction of the circuit board 16. In the base body 25, a base body through hole 29 that penetrates in the thickness direction is formed in the fixed section 28 that is a position corresponding to the movable section 17. The fixed portion 28 is annular and is fixed to the switch means 12 at a position surrounding the movable portion 17. The deforming portion 26 is annular, is connected to the inner peripheral portion 28 a of the fixing portion 28, and is disposed away from the switch means 12. The deformation part 26 is formed thin. The pressing portion 27 is connected to the inner peripheral portion of the deforming portion 26 and presses the key top 13. The pressing part 27 is formed thick.

  The pressing portion 27 is annular, and the other end surface in the thickness direction is formed so that the thickness dimension decreases inward in the radial direction. The operation through hole 23 is formed through the central portion of the pressing portion 27 in the thickness direction. The outer diameter of the pressing part 27 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the movable part. The thickness dimension of the press part 27 formed thickly is larger than the thickness dimension of the deformation part 26 formed thinly. The thickness dimension of the fixed portion 28 is formed to be larger than the thickness dimension of the deformable portion 26. The air vent hole 24 is formed in the deformed portion 26. The deformation part 26 is a part in the pressing means 14 that mainly generates a pressing force.

  A portion of the pressing means 14 facing the outer peripheral portion of the key top 13 is formed thin. The portion of the pressing means 14 that faces the protruding piece 19 of the key top 13 is constituted by a deformed portion 26 that is formed thin.

  At least one of the key top 13 and the pressing means 14 is formed with a rotation preventing portion 30 that prevents the key top 13 from rotating. In the present embodiment, the rotation preventing unit 30 is realized by a blocking pin 31 formed on the key top 13 and a blocking recess 32 formed on the pressing means 14. The blocking pin 31 is formed on the other end surface in the thickness direction of the key top 13 so as to protrude to the other side in the thickness direction. The blocking recessed portion 32 is realized by a recessed portion that is recessed in the thickness direction one end surface portion 27a of the pressing portion 27 of the pressing means 14 in the other thickness direction. The blocking pin 31 is formed at a position where the blocking pin 31 is fitted into the blocking recess 32.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch device 10 as seen from the front side, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the key top 13 is in the second position. When the operator operates the switch device 10 to switch the switching mode, the operator presses the key top 13 in the first direction Y1. The operator presses the key top 13 so as to be displaced in the first direction Y1, so that the key top 13 is displaced from the first position in the first direction Y1 against the elastic force applied from the pressing means 14. To do. When the key top 13 is displaced in the first direction Y1, the operation piece 18 presses and deforms the movable portion 17. When the movable portion 17 is deformed and the inner peripheral portion thereof is displaced, the inner peripheral portion of the movable portion 17 comes into contact with the surface portion 16a of the circuit board 16 and switches to the second switching mode. When the movable portion 17 is displaced, the operator can obtain an operation feeling, in other words, a click feeling. Further, the air between the pressing means 14 and the movable portion 17 communicates with the external space by the air vent hole 24 even if the key top 13 is displaced in the first direction Y1 and the arrangement space becomes small. Therefore, it can prevent that air is compressed.

  When the key top 13 is arranged at the second position in this way, the movable portion 17 and the circuit board 16 come into contact with each other and can be brought into a conductive state. In a state where the key top 13 is in the second position, the movable portion 17 elastically presses the key top 13 in the second direction Y2. The pressing means 14 elastically presses the key top 13 in the second direction Y2. Therefore, when the pressing force applied to the key top 13 by the operator is released, the key top 13 is moved from the second position to the second direction Y2 by the elastic force applied from the movable portion 17 and the pressing means 14 in the first position. Displace up to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the pressing means 14 has the operation through hole 23 through which the operation piece 18 passes, and is provided in a sheet shape that elastically presses the key top 13 in the second direction Y2. Therefore, when the operator operates the key top 13, the operation piece 18 can displace the movable portion 17 to switch from the first switching mode to the second switching mode. Since the key top 13 is elastically pressed by the pressing means 14, it can be easily displaced from the second position to the first position. Further, since the key top 13 can be provided without being separated from the pressing means 14, the switch device 10 can be made thinner than the conventional technique. Moreover, since the operation piece 18 displaces the movable part 17, the operator can obtain a good click feeling by configuring the operation piece 18 from a material having rigidity.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the press means 14 covers the movable part 17, is interposed between the switch means 12 and the key top 13, and the air vent hole 24 penetrated in the thickness direction is formed. By forming the air vent hole 24, air can move from the air vent hole 24 between the pressing means 14 and the movable portion 17. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air between the pressing means 14 and the movable portion 17 from being sealed. This can prevent problems caused by the air being sealed. Further, since the air vent hole 24 is formed so as to penetrate in the thickness direction, the thickness dimension of the pressing means 14 can be made smaller than when the air vent hole is formed so as to penetrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction. it can. Thereby, the switch device 10 can be thinned.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the key top 13 is controlled by the control part 21 formed in the housing | casing 15 from displacing from the 1st position to the 2nd direction Y2. Further, since the key top 13 is elastically pressed in the second direction Y2 by the pressing means 14, the key top 13 is maintained in the first position in the natural state. Therefore, even when the switch device 10 is vibrated by an external force, the key top 13 is maintained in the first position, and the key top 13 is prevented from being undesirably displaced, for example, vibrated with respect to the housing 15. be able to. As a result, the displacement of the movable portion 17 due to an undesired displacement of the key top 13 can be prevented. Moreover, since the undesired displacement of the key top 13 can be prevented, the key top 13 can be prevented from being damaged by colliding with the housing 15. The stability of the key top 13 can be ensured.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, since the air vent hole 24 is formed in the deformation | transformation part 26, the air vent hole 24 can be formed easily. In addition, by forming the air vent hole 24 in the deformable portion 26, it is not necessary to form the air vent hole 24 in the pressing portion 27. Therefore, the air vent hole 24 is formed in the pressing portion 27 and the strength of the pressing portion 27 is reduced. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the press part 27 is cyclic | annular, Comprising: A thickness direction other end surface part is formed so that a thickness dimension may become small toward radial inside. As a result, even when the key top 13 is displaced to the second position, the pressing portion 27 can be prevented from coming into contact with the movable portion 17. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pressing portion 27 from coming into contact with the movable portion 17 and impairing the operational feeling. Moreover, since the thickness dimension of the press part 27 can be made small, a switch apparatus can be reduced in thickness. In addition, the pressing portion 27 is desirably large in thickness in order to stably hold the key top 13, but in order to reduce the thickness while stably holding the key top 13, the pressing portion 27 is inclined inward in the radial direction. Formed as follows. Thereby, the pressing part 27 can contribute to thickness reduction, hold | maintaining the keytop 13 stably. The outer diameter of the pressing part 27 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the movable part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressing portion 27 from coming into contact with the movable portion 17 by the deformation portion 26 being undesirably deformed.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation preventing portion 30 that prevents the key top 13 from rotating is formed in at least one of the key top 13 and the pressing means 14. This prevents the key top 13 from rotating with respect to the pressing means 14. Therefore, operability can be improved. Further, the pressing means 14 can be positioned with respect to the key top 13 by the rotation preventing portion 30. As a result, the key top 13 can be prevented from being undesirably rotated with respect to the pressing means 14. Therefore, assembly workability can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the key top 13 is elastically sandwiched and held by the pressing means 14. Therefore, the key top 13 can be easily provided on the pressing means 14. Further, the key top 13 can be prevented from being undesirably displaced, for example, rotated with respect to the pressing means 14. Further, since the key top 13 can be easily attached to the pressing means 14, it is easy to attach and remove. Further, it is possible to prevent the key top 13 from being undesirably detached from the pressing means 14 and to improve the handleability. Further, by holding the operation piece 18 elastically, it is possible to prevent the operation piece 18 from being undesirably displaced when the key top 13 is pressed. Therefore, when the pressing means elastically holds the operation piece 18, the movable portion 17 can be reliably pressed and the switching mode can be switched.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the part facing the outer peripheral part of the keytop 13 in the press means 14 is formed thinly. Since the portion facing the outer peripheral portion of the key top 13 is thin, the switch device 10 can be made thinner than when the facing portion is formed thick.

  In the present embodiment, the key top 13 is provided by a member different from the pressing means 14. Therefore, it is possible to easily form various appearances by processing the one end surface portion 13b in the thickness direction of the key top 13 by painting, plating, printing or the like. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the switch device 10 can be improved. Further, the key top 13 is made of plastic or the like instead of rubber or the like, so that a high-class feeling can be given to the operator.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch device 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch device 40 as viewed from the front side, and shows a state where the key top 13 is in the second position. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the switch device 40. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the switch device 40. The switch device 40 of the present embodiment is similar to the switch device 10 of FIGS. 1 to 6 described above, and the configuration of the present embodiment is given the same reference numerals as the corresponding configuration of the switch device 10 described above. In addition, only different configurations will be described, and description of similar configurations will be omitted. In the switch device 40 of the present embodiment, the air vent hole 41 is formed in the pressing portion 27 of the pressing means 14.

  One end of the air vent hole 41 opens to the other end surface portion 27 b in the thickness direction of the pressing portion 27, and the other end opens to the radially outer peripheral portion 27 c of the pressing portion 27. Accordingly, the opening of the air vent hole 41 is not blocked by the key top 13. Thus, since the air vent hole 41 is formed in the pressing part 27, it is not necessary to form the air vent hole 41 in the deformation part 26. Since the deformed portion 26 generates a resilient force, it is easily damaged by fatigue. However, since the air vent hole 41 is not formed in the deformable portion 26, the formation of the air vent hole 41 in the deformed portion 26 prevents a decrease in fatigue strength. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the life of the pressing means 14 from becoming shorter. Therefore, the switch device 40 of the present embodiment can achieve the same effect as the switch device 10 of the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch device 50 according to still another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. The switch device 50 of the present embodiment is similar to the switch device 50 of FIGS. 1 to 10 described above, and the configuration of the present embodiment has the same reference as the corresponding configuration of the switch devices 10 and 40 described above. Only a different configuration will be described with reference numerals, and description of similar configurations will be omitted. The switch device 50 of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the rotation prevention unit 51.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation preventing portion 51 has a blocking recess 52 formed in the key top 13 and a blocking pin 53 formed in the pressing means 14. The blocking recess 52 is realized by a recess that is recessed in one thickness direction at the other end surface in the thickness direction of the key top 13. The blocking pin 53 is formed on one end surface portion in the thickness direction of the pressing unit 14 so as to protrude in one direction in the thickness direction. The blocking pin 53 is formed at a position where the blocking pin 53 is fitted into the blocking recess 52. Such a fitting structure also prevents the key top 13 from rotating with respect to the pressing means 14. Therefore, the switch device 50 of the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as the switch devices 10 and 40 of the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch device 60 according to still another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the front side. The switch device 60 of the present embodiment is similar to the switch devices 10, 40, 50 of FIGS. 1 to 11 described above, and the configuration of the present embodiment corresponds to the switch devices 10, 40, 50 of the above described embodiment. The same reference numerals are assigned to the components to be described, and only different components will be described, and description of similar components will be omitted. The switch device 60 of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the key top 61 and the pressing means 62.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation blocking portion 30 is realized by the blocking pin 31 formed on the key top 61 and the blocking recess 32 formed on the pressing means 62 in the present embodiment. The operation piece 18 is gently fitted into the operation through hole 23. The blocking pin 31 is held in a resilient manner by the blocking recess 32. The inner diameter of the blocking recess 32 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the blocking pin 31. Thus, when the blocking pin 31 is fitted by the blocking recess 32, it is elastically held by the pressing means 62. Therefore, the switch device 60 of the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as the switch devices 10, 40, and 50 of the above-described embodiments.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch device 70 according to still another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. The switch device 70 of the present embodiment is similar to the switch devices 10, 40, 50, 60 of FIGS. 1 to 12 described above, and the configuration of the present embodiment has the above-described switch devices 10, 40, 50. , 60 are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the corresponding components, only different components will be described, and description of similar components will be omitted. The switch device 70 of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the key top 71.

  In the present embodiment, the dimension of the operation piece 18 in the axial direction is formed to be equal to the thickness dimension of the pressing portion 27. When the operation piece 18 is displaced from the first position in the first direction Y1, the head of the operation piece 18 contacts the movable portion 17. Thus, by setting the dimension of the operation piece 18 in the axial direction, the thickness dimension of the switch device 70 can be reduced, and the thickness can be reduced.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the switch unit is realized by a movable unit, but is not limited thereto. The switch unit may be realized by, for example, a key contact printed on a circuit board. The switching mode can be switched by displacing the operation piece with respect to such a key contact so that the operation piece and the key contact are brought into contact with and separated from each other.

  The present invention can also be suitably used for a mobile phone device. The mobile phone device is configured such that the key top emits light, but also in the switch device of the present invention, by providing a sheet body including a light emitting diode so as to be laminated in the thickness direction of the base of the pressing means, The key top can emit light.

It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 10 of one Embodiment of this invention seeing from the front side. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device 10 as viewed from the right side surface. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a switch device 10. 1 is a plan view showing a switch device 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an electronic device 11 including a switch device 10. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 10 from the front side, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows the state which has the keytop 13 in a 2nd position. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 40 of other form of implementation of this invention seeing from the front side. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 40 seeing from the front side, Comprising: The state which has the keytop 13 in a 2nd position is shown. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a switch device 40. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a switch device 40. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 50 of other form of implementation of this invention seeing from the front side. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 60 of other form of implementation of this invention seeing from the front side. It is sectional drawing which shows the switch apparatus 70 of further another form of implementation of this invention seeing from the front side. It is sectional drawing which shows the key switch 1 of the 1st prior art from the front side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 40, 50, 60, 70 Switch apparatus 12 Switch means 13 Key top 14 Press means 17 Movable part 18 Operation piece 21 Control part 24, 41 Air vent hole 26 Deformation part 27 Press part 28 Fixing part 30 Rotation prevention part

Claims (9)

Switch means having a switch unit capable of switching the switching mode;
The first direction from the first position toward the second position and the second position to the first position over the first position where the switching means is in the first switching mode and the second position where the switching means is in the second switching mode. An operating means which is provided so as to be freely displaceable in the second direction toward which it goes and has an operating piece for switching the switching mode of the switch section;
A switch interposed between the switch means and the operation means, having a through-hole through which the operation piece penetrates, and including a sheet-like pressing means for elastically pressing the operation means in the second direction apparatus. Switch means having a switch unit capable of switching the switching mode;
The first direction from the first position toward the second position and the second position to the first position over the first position where the switching means is in the first switching mode and the second position where the switching means is in the second switching mode. An operating means provided so as to be freely displaceable in the second direction toward which it is switched, and for switching the switching mode of the switch unit;
A sheet-like pressing means that covers the switch portion and is interposed between the switch means and the operating means, presses the operating means in a second direction, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed. A switch device comprising:   The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing means is provided so as to cover the switch portion, and an air vent hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the pressing means.   The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a restricting means for restricting the operating means from being displaced from the first position in the second direction. The pressing means is
An annular fixing portion fixed to the switch means at a position surrounding the switch portion;
A thin annular deformed portion connected to the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion and spaced apart from the switch means;
Continuing to the inner peripheral part of the deforming part, and having a thick pressing part that presses the operating means,
4. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein the air vent hole is formed in the deformed portion. The pressing means is
An annular fixing portion fixed to the switch means at a position surrounding the switch portion;
A thin annular deformed portion connected to the inner peripheral portion of the fixed portion and spaced apart from the switch means;
Continuing to the inner peripheral part of the deforming part, and having a thick pressing part that presses the operating means,
The switch device according to claim 2, wherein the air vent hole is formed in the pressing portion.   The rotation prevention part which prevents that an operation means rotates is formed in at least any one of an operation means and a press means, The any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Switch device.   The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation means is held elastically by the pressing means. Including a restricting means for locking the outer peripheral portion of the operating means to restrict the operating means from being displaced in the second direction from the first position;
The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a portion of the pressing means facing the outer peripheral portion of the operating means is formed thin.

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