JP2007242358A - Sliding operation type key sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sliding operation type key sheet in which, although a key top has a support leg which makes the key top hard to sink when sliding operation is done, a required pushing load to the key top for pushing operation is as small as that to a key top not having a support leg. <P>SOLUTION: A sliding operation type key sheet 3 can perform pushing operation without making a ring 6 compress when a key top 4 is pushed because a thin floating support 5c made of a rubber-like elastic body is deformed in a push operation direction, consequently, a smaller pushing load than that obtained by conventional techniques can be achieved in spite of having the ring 6. Additionally, a clearance is provided between a key top 4 and a base sheet 5 by forming a base portion 7 on the surface 5a of the base sheet 5, then a key top 4 is not touched to the base sheet 5 when the key top is pushed, consequently, a required pushing load to the key top for pushing operation is as small as that to a key top not having the ring 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slide operation key sheet used in various electronic devices such as portable information terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs, remote controllers, AV devices, and game machines.

  Various electronic devices are becoming more and more functioning year by year, and switching operations such as display screen switching and cursors are not limited to a single function selection in input operations using switches. That is, not only a pressing operation but also a sliding operation has been demanded.

The switch for performing the pressing operation and the sliding operation in this manner is configured by, for example, covering a slide operation key sheet on a substrate on which contact switches are arranged. Among these, one conventional example of the slide operation key sheet includes a key top, a base sheet, and a magnet. In this slide operation key sheet, the magnet moves with the slide operation of the key top, and the magnetic sensor on the substrate detects the movement direction and the movement amount of the magnet, and the input of the slide operation is performed. (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-62447 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-347042

  In order to enable the direction operation by such a slide movement, the surface of the key sheet facing the substrate is mounted slightly above the substrate surface (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). Its purpose is to slide the key top with a light touch, but it is difficult to slide the key top only to the side. Actually, the key top moves to the side while sinking close to the board. It is normal to go. Then, there is a problem that an erroneous input is caused by accidentally turning on the contact switch on the substrate by the key top.

  In order to avoid this problem, Patent Document 1 describes that a thick supporting leg (FIG. 9: convex portion 32) is formed on the surface of the base sheet facing the substrate. The support legs serve as legs that support the base sheet on the substrate, and prevent sinking when the key top is slid sideways. However, although the sinking of the key top can be prevented, the thick support leg portion must be compressed when the key top is pressed to make the contact switch conductive, which causes a new problem that the pressing load becomes heavy.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the prior art as described above. That is, the object of the present invention is to provide a support leg portion that makes it difficult to sink the key top during the slide operation, but can reduce the pressing load in the same manner as the support leg portion is not provided during the key top pressing operation. The object is to provide a slide operation key sheet.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

  That is, the present invention provides a key top and a base sheet having a support leg that supports the back surface above the substrate facing the back surface opposite to the front surface, with the key top fixed to the surface on the operation surface side. The slide operation key sheet includes a pedestal part that forms a gap between the outer edge of the back surface of the key top and the surface of the base sheet on at least one of the key top and the base sheet, and the pedestal part in the base sheet Provided is a slide operation key sheet having a floating support portion that elastically supports a key top in a pressing operation direction toward a substrate between the support leg portions.

  In this invention, it has the floating support part which elastically supports the key top in the press operation direction which goes to a board | substrate between the base part and support leg part in a base sheet. That is, the floating support portion is deformed in the pressing operation direction. For this reason, when the key top is pressed, the floating support part is deformed, and the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the support leg part. Therefore, it is possible to realize a lighter pressing load than the prior art while providing the support leg.

  At this time, at least one of the key top and the base sheet has a pedestal portion that forms a gap between the back surface of the key top and the surface of the base sheet. That is, even if the key top is pressed, the back surface thereof does not press contact with the surface of the portion of the base sheet supported by the support legs. For this reason, while having a support leg portion that makes it difficult for the key top to sink in the slide operation, the pressure load is the same as that without the support leg portion when the key top is pressed, and a lighter load than the conventional technology can be realized. .

  The pedestal portion of the present invention can be configured as a protrusion formed on the base sheet. For this reason, the back surface of the key top can be flattened, and the back surface can be decorated such as printing.

  The base part of the present invention can be configured as a protrusion formed on the back surface of the key top. For example, when the base sheet is made of a rubber-like elastic body and the key top is made of a hard material harder than the base sheet, the thickness of the hard material that easily transmits the pressing load in the pressing operation direction becomes thick, and the rubber-like elasticity that buffers the pressing load. The body becomes thinner. For this reason, the operation load when the key top is pressed is easily transmitted to the operator, and a light pressing feeling can be realized.

  In the present invention, the key top tilt restricting projection is provided on at least one of the back surface of the key top and the surface of the base sheet. For this reason, when pressing the key top, it can be pressed straight in the pressing operation direction, and input errors due to oblique pressing can be prevented. Further, when the key top is slid, the key top is difficult to tilt, and for example, frictional resistance due to contact with other members such as a casing covering the key top can be prevented. Therefore, a smooth slide operation can be realized. If such a tilt restricting projection is provided at a position that does not overlap the support leg in the pressing operation direction, the tilt can be pressed without compressing the support leg.

  In the present invention, the support leg is a separate member from the base sheet, and the rear surface of the base sheet has a protruding or concave positioning part for positioning the support leg. For this reason, even if a support leg part is a member different from a base sheet, it can be attached to an exact position with respect to a base sheet.

  Further, in the present invention in which the support leg is a separate member from the base sheet, the pusher portion that presses the contact switch of the substrate is a separate member from the base sheet, and the pusher portion is integrally formed on the support leg portion. Can be configured. Since the pusher part is often a small member, it is difficult to perform accurate positioning mounting work with only the pusher part in the prior art, and it is difficult to firmly fix the base sheet firmly with a small fixing area. . However, according to the present invention, the attachment work can be performed with the support leg portion larger than the pusher portion. Therefore, unlike the above-described prior art, it is not necessary to mount only a small pusher unit alone, and the mounting operation can be easily performed. And since the fixing area also becomes large, it can fix firmly. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Each of the above inventions can be further configured as follows.

  The base sheet of the present invention can be formed of a rubber-like elastic material or a resin film, and the support legs can be formed of a resin material. For this reason, the floating support part of the base sheet can be deformed in the pressing operation direction, and the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the support leg part. Further, by configuring the support leg portion with a resin material, the friction coefficient is small, the slidability (slidability) with respect to the substrate can be increased, and the key top can be slid smoothly.

  The base sheet of the present invention can be formed of a rubber-like elastic material or a resin film, and the support leg can be made of a rubber-like elastic material. For this reason, the floating support part of the base sheet can be deformed in the pressing operation direction as described above, and the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the support leg part. In addition, the support leg portion softly contacts the substrate surface, and damage to the substrate surface due to sliding of the support leg portion can be prevented. For example, if the base sheet and the support leg are integrally formed of the same rubber-like elastic material, the number of parts can be reduced.

  The support leg part of the present invention can be formed in an annular shape centering on the pusher part. By making the ring shape in this way, it is possible to press straightly in the pressing operation direction when pressing the key top, and it is possible to prevent input errors due to oblique pressing. In addition, the back surface of the base sheet can be evenly supported and the key top can be hardly tilted with respect to the sliding operation of the key top in all directions of 360 degrees.

  The support leg part of the present invention can be configured as a plurality of divided pieces arranged in an annular position centered on the pusher part. Thus, by making it a division | segmentation piece, the contact area of a support leg part and a board | substrate surface becomes small, and the friction of a support leg part and a board | substrate surface can be made small. Therefore, a smooth slide operation can be realized.

  The support leg part of the present invention can be configured to have a pusher part and a connecting part that supports the pusher part in a cantilever shape. For this reason, when the key top is pressed, the bending load of the connecting portion that is deformed together with the floating support portion of the base sheet is small, and the increase in the pressing load can be reduced.

  The support leg part of the present invention can be configured to have a pusher part and a plurality of connecting parts that extend in an equiangular radial direction around the pusher part and support the pusher part. For this reason, when the key top is pressed, the bending load of the connecting portion that is deformed together with the floating support portion of the base sheet is equally applied to the periphery of the pusher portion, and the oblique pressing can be prevented.

  According to the slide operation key sheet of the present invention, when the key top is pressed, the floating support portion is deformed, and the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the support leg portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize a lighter pressing load than the prior art while providing the support leg.

  Further, even if the key top is pressed, the back surface thereof does not press contact with the surface of the portion of the base sheet supported by the support legs. For this reason, the slide operation has a support leg that makes it difficult to sink the key top, but at the time of pressing the key top, the same load is applied as when the support leg is not provided. A key sheet can be realized.

  Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which is common in each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the following embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is applied to a slide operation key sheet incorporated in the inside of the housing 2 of the mobile phone 1.

First Embodiment [FIGS. 1 to 4]
The slide operation key sheet 3 according to the first embodiment includes a key top 4, a base sheet 5, and a ring 6 as a “support leg”.

  The key top 4 for sliding operation is formed in a disk shape made of hard resin, and an annular flange 4a protruding outward is provided at the lower end of the side surface. The back surface 4b of the key top 4 is formed flat and has a decorative printing layer (not shown).

  The base sheet 5 is formed into a thin sheet by a rubber-like elastic body such as a thermoplastic elastomer. A cylindrical pedestal portion 7 is formed on the surface 5a on the operation surface side of the base sheet 5, and an opposing surface portion of the back surface 4b of the key top 4 is fixed to the upper surface thereof with an adhesive not shown. It is. Further, on the back surface 5b, a pusher portion 8 is formed in a columnar shape for each pedestal portion 7. The pusher portion 8 is a portion that presses the contact switch 10 formed of a disc spring of the substrate 9.

  The ring 6 is formed with a larger diameter than the pedestal portion 7 by a resin material separate from the base sheet 5. The surface of the ring 6 facing the base sheet 5 is formed flat, and is fixed to the back surface 5b of the base sheet 5 with an adhesive (not shown) so that the pusher portion 8 is located at the center. Further, the surface of the ring 6 facing the substrate 9 is formed in a semicircular cross section, and the arc-shaped end is in contact with the substrate surface 9a.

  Next, an embodiment of the mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment will be described. The cellular phone 1 includes at least a slide operation key sheet 3 and a substrate 9 inside a housing 2 made of hard resin.

  The slide operation key sheet 3 is used by covering the substrate 9 so as to cover the contact switch 10 and the like disposed on the substrate 9. Specifically, the contact switch 10 and the pusher portion 8 are aligned, and the base sheet 5 is supported above the substrate 9 by a ring 6 surrounding them. And the thin part between the ring 6 and the base part 7 in the base sheet 5 is a floating support part 5c that elastically supports the key top 4 and the base part 7 in the pressing operation direction. On the other hand, the casing 2 is covered above the slide operation key sheet 3, and the key top 4 is exposed from the operation opening 2a (FIG. 2). Further, on the key top 4, the base sheet 5, the substrate 9, etc., electronic elements, sensors and the like not shown in the figure are attached in order to detect a sliding operation. This slide detection device can be realized by, for example, a combination of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, or a combination of a magnet and a Hall element.

  Here, the material of each member which comprises this embodiment is demonstrated. In addition, the following description is common also to each below-mentioned embodiment.

  The material of the “hard resin” of the key top 4 is preferably a thermoplastic resin or a reaction curable resin because of required performance such as mechanical strength and durability, and weight reduction. For example, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, polyacryl copolymer resin, polyolefin resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, polyester resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, silicone resin and the like can be used. Furthermore, when considering the processability with these hard resins, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, polyacryl copolymer resin, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin are preferable, and considering high hardness, polymethyl methacrylate resin, polyacryl copolymer resin, Epoxy resins can be preferably used.

  The material of the “resin” of the ring 6 is preferably a thermoplastic resin or a reaction curable resin having a small friction coefficient. For example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polycarbonate resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin and the like can be preferably used.

  The material of the “rubber-like elastic body” of the base sheet 5 is preferably a thermosetting elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer with good rebound. For example, silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, styrene thermoplastic elastomer, ester thermoplastic elastomer, urethane thermoplastic elastomer, olefin thermoplastic elastomer, amide thermoplastic elastomer A butadiene-based thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene-vinyl acetate-based thermoplastic elastomer, a fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomer, an isoprene-based thermoplastic elastomer, a chlorinated polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomer, or the like can be used. Further, silicone rubber is preferable in consideration of the temperature dependence of these rubber-like elastic bodies, and styrene thermoplastic elastomers and ester thermoplastic elastomers can be used in consideration of durability.

  Finally, the operation and effect of the slide operation key sheet 3 of this embodiment will be described.

  In the slide operation key sheet 3, when the key top 4 is pressed, the thin floating support portion 5c made of a rubber-like elastic body is deformed in the pressing operation direction. For this reason, the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the ring 6. Therefore, it is possible to realize a pressing load lighter than that of the prior art while the ring 6 is provided.

  Further, in such a slide operation key sheet 3, a gap is formed between the back surface 4 b of the key top 4 and the surface 5 a of the base sheet 5 by the pedestal portion 7 on the surface 5 a of the base sheet 5. For this reason, when the key top 4 is pressed to input the contact switch 10, the back surface 4 b of the key top 4 does not press contact with the front surface 5 a of the base sheet 5. Therefore, while having the ring 6 that makes it difficult to sink the key top 4 during the sliding operation, the pressing load is the same as when the key top 4 is not pressed, and a lighter pressing load than the prior art can be realized. .

  Since the base portion 7 is a protrusion formed on the base sheet 5, the back surface 4b of the key top 4 can be flattened and can be decorated by printing or the like. Therefore, it is possible to realize design diversity more easily than when the back surface 4b of the key top 4 has an uneven shape.

  Since the ring 6 is formed of a resin material, the friction coefficient with respect to the substrate surface 9a of the ring 6 is reduced, and the slidability can be improved. Therefore, a smooth slide operation can be performed.

  Further, since the ring 6 is provided with the pusher portion 8 as the center, the ring 6 can be pressed straight in the pressing operation direction when the key top 4 is pressed, and input errors due to oblique pressing can be prevented. Further, the back surface 5b of the base sheet 5 can be supported evenly with respect to the sliding operation of the key top 4 in all 360 degrees, and the key top 4 can be made difficult to tilt.

Second Embodiment [FIGS. 5 and 6]
The slide operation key sheet 11 of the second embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the ring 6 and the pedestal portion 7. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment. The mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 11 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The ring 6 of this embodiment is composed of four arc-shaped divided pieces 6a. These divided pieces 6 a are arranged at an annular position with the pusher portion 8 as the center.

  The pedestal portion 7 is formed as a projection protruding in a cylindrical shape on the back surface 4 b of the key top 4. That is, the pedestal portion 7 of the first embodiment is made of a rubber-like elastic material, whereas the pedestal portion 7 of the second embodiment is made of a hard resin.

  The slide operation key sheet 11 of the second embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  According to the slide operation key sheet 11, since the pedestal portion 7 is formed of a hard resin, the thickness of the hard material in which the pressing load is easily transmitted in the pressing operation direction is increased, and the rubber-like elastic body that cushions the pressing load is formed. The wall thickness becomes thin. Therefore, when the key top 4 is pressed, the pressing load is easily transmitted to the operator, and a light pressing feeling can be realized.

  Since the ring 6 is composed of four divided pieces 6a, the contact area between the ring 6 and the substrate surface 9a can be reduced. Therefore, the sliding friction with respect to the board | substrate 9 of the ring 6 can be made small, and the smooth sliding operation of the keytop 4 is realizable.

Third Embodiment [FIGS. 7 and 8]
The slide operation key sheet 12 of the third embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the key top 4. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment. The mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 12 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The key top 4 is provided with an annular protrusion 4c as an “inclination restricting protrusion” on the outer edge of the back surface 4b of the flange 4a. The lower end of the protrusion 4 c is in contact with the surface 5 a of the base sheet 5. And it is provided so that it may be located on the outer side with a larger diameter than the ring 6 so as not to overlap the ring 6 in the pressing operation direction.

  The slide operation key sheet 12 of the third embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  In the slide operation key sheet 12, since the protrusion 4c that makes the key top 4 difficult to wobble is provided on the back surface 4b of the key top 4, the key top 4 can be pressed straight in the pressing operation direction when the key top 4 is pressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an input error due to the key top 4 being pushed obliquely. Further, when the key top 4 is slid, the key top 4 is difficult to tilt, and frictional resistance due to contact with the housing 2 can be prevented. Therefore, smooth slide operation can be realized.

  Moreover, since the protrusion 4c is in a position that does not overlap the ring 6 with the base sheet 5 interposed therebetween, the base sheet 5 is bent when the key top 4 is pressed, but the ring 6 is not compressed (FIG. 8). . Therefore, it is possible to realize a pressing load lighter than that of the prior art while the ring 6 is provided.

Modification of Third Embodiment [FIG. 9]
In the slide operation key sheet 12 of the third embodiment, the ring 6 as a “support leg” is separated from the base sheet 5, and the “tilt regulating protrusion” that makes the key top 4 difficult to wobble is provided on the back surface 4 b of the key top 4. Although provided, both can be provided integrally with the base sheet 5. That is, a protrusion 5d that makes the key top 4 difficult to wobble is provided on the front surface 5a of the base sheet 5, and a support leg 5e that supports the base sheet 5 above the substrate 9 can be formed on the back surface 5b. Thus, by using the support leg portion 5e made of a rubber-like elastic body, the substrate 9 can be softly contacted and the substrate surface 9a can be prevented from being damaged due to the sliding of the support leg portion 5e. Also, the number of parts can be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment [FIGS. 10 and 11]
The slide operation key sheet 13 of the fourth embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the base sheet 5. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment. The mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 13 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  An annular rib 5 f is formed on the back surface 5 b of the base sheet 5 as a “positioning portion” of the ring 6. The ring 6 is fixed to the base sheet 5 so that the outer surface of the ring 6 is in contact with the inner surface of the rib 5f.

  The slide operation key sheet 13 of the fourth embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  Since the slide operation key sheet 13 has the rib 5f for positioning the ring 6, the ring 6 can be attached to the base sheet 5 at an accurate position.

Fifth Embodiment [FIGS. 12 and 13]
The slide operation key sheet 14 of the fifth embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the base sheet 5 and the ring 6. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment. The mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The back surface 5b of the base sheet 5 is formed flat without the pusher portion 8. Instead, the pusher portion 8 is formed integrally with the ring 6. The pusher portion 8 is positioned coaxially with the ring 6 and is supported in a cantilevered manner by the connecting portion 15.

  The slide operation key sheet 14 of the fifth embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  Since the slide operation key sheet 14 has the pusher portion 8 integrally with the ring 6, the mounting operation can be performed with the ring 6 larger than the pusher portion 8. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach only the small pusher portion 8 to the base sheet 5 alone, and the attaching operation can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the fixing area becomes larger than when only the pusher portion 8 is attached alone, it can be firmly fixed. The ring 6 and the pusher portion 8 are not prepared separately, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  Further, since the pusher portion 8 is supported in a cantilever shape by the connecting portion 15, the bending load of the connecting portion 15 that is deformed together with the floating support portion 5 c of the base sheet 5 when the key top 4 is pressed can be reduced. Therefore, an increase in the pressing load can be reduced, and a pressing load lighter than that of the prior art can be realized.

First Modification of Fifth Embodiment [FIG. 14]
In the slide operation key sheet 14 of the fifth embodiment, the pusher portion 8 is supported in a cantilever shape by one connecting portion 15. However, the four connecting portions 15 are extended in a conformal radial direction to push the pusher. It is possible to support the part. For this reason, when the key top 4 is pressed, the bending load of the connecting portion 15 which is deformed together with the floating support portion 5c of the base sheet 5 is evenly applied around the pusher portion 8, and the oblique pressing can be prevented.

Second Modification of Fifth Embodiment [FIG. 15]
In the slide operation key sheet 14 of the fifth embodiment, the base sheet 5 made of a rubber-like elastic material is used. However, the base sheet 5 made of a resin film is used, and the pedestal 7 is formed in a columnar shape on the back surface 4 b of the key top 4. It is possible to form. With the slide operation key sheet having such a configuration, the floating support portion 5c of the base sheet 5 can be deformed in the pressing operation direction like the base sheet 5 made of rubber-like elastic material, and the pressing operation can be performed without compressing the ring 6. it can. Further, since the operator can press the contact switch 10 without using a rubber-like elastic body, a good operational feeling can be realized without buffering the pressing load.

  Next, the mobile phone 1 incorporating the element for detecting the slide operation will be described by taking the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment as a representative example. The same applies to the slide operation key sheet other than the first embodiment. It is of course possible to make changes.

Sixth Embodiment [FIG. 16]
The slide operation key sheet 16 of the sixth embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in that the base sheet 5 includes a magnet 17. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment.

  An annular magnet 17 that surrounds the ring 6 is fixed to the back surface 5 b of the base sheet 5. The thickness of the magnet 17 in the pressing operation direction is smaller than the thickness of the ring 6.

  Next, an embodiment of the mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 16 of the sixth embodiment will be described. The mobile phone 1 includes at least a slide operation key sheet 16 and a substrate 9 inside the housing 2. Similarly to the slide operation key sheet 3, the slide operation key sheet 16 covers the substrate 9 and exposes the key top 4 from the operation opening 2 a of the housing 2. A ring 6 supports the base sheet 5 on the substrate 9. In the present embodiment, the Hall element 18 for detecting the magnetic force generated by the magnet 17 is disposed on the substrate 9.

  Here, the material of the magnet 17 of this embodiment is demonstrated. The magnet 17 is preferably one that generates a stable magnetic force over a long period of time. For example, an alnico magnet, a ferrite magnet, a samarium-cobalt magnet, a neodymium magnet, or a plastic magnet obtained by filling a resin with these powders can be used.

  The slide operation key sheet 16 of the sixth embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  In the slide operation key sheet 16, a gap is formed between the surface of the magnet 17 facing the substrate 9 and the substrate surface 9a by the support of the ring 6, and the magnet 17 and the substrate 9 do not contact each other. For this reason, breakage and wear of the magnet 17 caused by contact with the substrate 9 during the pressing operation and the sliding operation can be avoided. Therefore, accurate slide operation input can be realized by continuously exerting a stable magnetic force.

Seventh Embodiment [FIG. 17]
The slide operation key sheet 19 of the seventh embodiment is different from the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment in that the magnet 17 as an “inclination restricting protrusion” is provided in the gap between the key top 4 and the base sheet 5. is there. The remaining configuration and its operation and effect are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The magnet 17 has an annular shape larger than the ring 6 and has a thickness equivalent to that of the pedestal portion 7. The surface of the magnet 17 facing the key top 4 is fixed to the outer edge of the back surface 4 b of the flange 4 a of the key top 4 with an adhesive 20. On the other hand, the surface of the magnet 17 facing the base sheet 5 is fixed to the surface 5 a of the base sheet 5 with an adhesive 20.

  Next, an embodiment of the mobile phone 1 including the slide operation key sheet 19 of the seventh embodiment will be described. The mobile phone 1 includes at least a slide operation key sheet 19 and a substrate 9 inside the housing 2. Similarly to the slide operation key sheet 3, the slide operation key sheet 19 covers the substrate 9 and exposes the key top 4 from the operation opening 2 a of the housing 2. A ring 6 supports the base sheet 5 on the substrate 9. In the present embodiment, the Hall element 18 for detecting the magnetic force generated by the magnet 17 is arranged on the substrate 9 as in the sixth embodiment.

  The slide operation key sheet 19 of the seventh embodiment can exhibit the same operations and effects as the slide operation key sheet 3 of the first embodiment, and further exhibits the following operations and effects.

  In the slide operation key sheet 19, the magnet 17 makes it difficult for the key top 4 to wobble, so that when the key top 4 is pressed, it can be pressed straight in the pressing operation direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an input error due to the key top 4 being pushed obliquely. Further, when the key top 4 is slid, the key top 4 is difficult to tilt, and frictional resistance due to contact with the housing 2 can be prevented. Therefore, a smooth slide operation can be realized.

  Further, since the magnet 17 is in a position that does not overlap the ring 6 with the base sheet 5 interposed therebetween, the base sheet 5 is bent when the key top 4 is pressed, but compression of the ring 6 can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to realize a pressing load lighter than that of the prior art while the ring 6 is provided.

  In the seventh embodiment, the magnet 17 is fixed to both the key top 4 and the base sheet 5. However, if the magnet 17 is fixed to at least one of the key top 4 or the base sheet 5, the key top 4 can be made difficult to wobble. . However, when the magnet 17 is fixed to both the key top 4 and the base sheet 5, there are the following advantages. That is, if the magnet 17 is fixed only to the base sheet 5 and the key top 4 is slid, the base sheet 5 is slightly bent, and the movement of the magnet 17 is delayed from the movement of the key top 4, or the magnet 17 There may be a deviation that the movement amount is smaller than the movement amount of the key top 4. However, if the magnet 17 is fixed to the key top 4, the magnet 17 and the key top 4 move together, so that such a slight shift can be prevented and an accurate input of a slide operation can be realized.

Modifications common to each embodiment Modifications common to the slide operation key sheet of each embodiment will be described below.

First modification (FIG. 18)
In each of the above-described embodiments, nothing is provided on the surface of the flange 4a of the key top 4 that faces the housing 2, but a protrusion 4d that forms a gap between the flange 4a and the housing 2 is provided here. It is possible. Providing the protrusions 4d in this way prevents the operation surface side of the collar portion 4a from coming into contact with the inner surface of the housing 10 when the key top 4 is slid. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in aesthetics due to scratches caused by the operation surface side of the collar portion 4a appearing as the appearance of the mobile phone 1 coming into contact with the housing 2.

Second Modification In the above-described embodiments, the example in which the collar portion 4a is formed on the side surface of the key top 4 has been described. However, the collar portion 4a may be eliminated. The key top 4 can also be made of metal other than hard resin, glass, or the like.

The external view of a mobile telephone provided with the slide operation key sheet of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line SA-SA in FIG. 1. The principal part bottom view of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing when pressing the slide operation key sheet of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the principal part of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 2nd Embodiment. The principal part bottom view of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 2nd Embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the slide operation key sheet of a 3rd embodiment. Explanatory drawing when the slide operation key sheet | seat of 3rd Embodiment is pressed. The principal part sectional drawing of the modification of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 3rd Embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the slide operation key sheet of a 4th embodiment. The principal part bottom view of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 4th Embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the slide operation key sheet of a 5th embodiment. The principal part bottom view of the slide operation key sheet of 5th Embodiment. The principal part bottom view of the 1st modification of the slide operation key sheet | seat of 5th Embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the 2nd modification of the slide operation key sheet of a 5th embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the slide operation key sheet of a 6th embodiment. The principal part sectional view of the slide operation key sheet of a 7th embodiment. Sectional drawing of the principal part of the 1st modification common to the slide operation key sheet | seat of each embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 2 Case 2a Operation opening 3 Slide operation key sheet (1st Embodiment)
4 key top 4a collar 4b back surface 4c protrusion 4d protrusion 5 base sheet 5a front surface 5b back surface 5c floating support portion 5d protrusion 5e support leg portion 5f rib 6 ring 7 base portion 8 pusher portion 9 substrate 9a substrate surface 10 contact switch 11 Slide operation key sheet (second embodiment)
12 Slide operation key sheet (third embodiment)
13 Slide operation key sheet (fourth embodiment)
14 Slide operation key sheet (fifth embodiment)
15 connecting portion 16 slide operation key sheet (sixth embodiment)
17 Magnet 18 Hall element 19 Slide operation key sheet (seventh embodiment)
20 Adhesive

Claims (6)

A slide operation key comprising: a key top; and a base sheet having a support leg portion that supports the back surface above the substrate facing the back surface opposite to the front surface. In the sheet,
At least one of the key top and the base sheet has a pedestal that forms a gap between the back surface of the key top and the surface of the base sheet,
A slide operation key sheet having a floating support portion that elastically supports a key top in a pressing operation direction toward a substrate between a base portion and a support leg portion of the base sheet.   The slide operation key sheet according to claim 1, wherein the pedestal is a protrusion formed on the base sheet.   The slide operation key sheet according to claim 1, wherein the pedestal is a protrusion formed on the back surface of the key top.   The slide operation key sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a key top tilt restricting protrusion is provided on at least one of a back surface of the key top and a front surface of the base sheet.   The slide operation key according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support leg is a separate member from the base sheet, and a rear surface of the base sheet has a protruding or recessed positioning part for positioning the support leg. Sheet.   6. The slide operation key sheet according to claim 5, wherein a pusher portion that presses the contact switch of the board is a separate member from the base sheet, and the pusher portion is integrally provided on a support leg portion.

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