JP3970181B2 - Operation switch - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a double-stoke switch, button, key, and the like.
[Prior art]
  In recent portable terminals, browser functions, e-mail functions, etc. typified by NTT DoCoMo, Inc.'s i-mode service have been strengthened, and highly functional ones have appeared. . Along with such improvements in functions, a variety of operation switches have been developed and added to portable terminals.
  On the other hand, such portable terminals are strongly demanded to be small and light. For this reason, it is difficult to further add operation switches and keys more than those currently installed in the mobile terminal. Therefore, some portable terminals are shipped with limited functions. In addition, there is a portable terminal that provides a function by a combination key operation that is operated by combining operation switches and keys.
  As described above, in a small and lightweight device such as a portable terminal, there is a demand for providing a new function inexpensively and reliably without increasing the number of operation switches and keys.
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the conventional technology. That is, the present invention is to provide an operation switch suitable for a small and lightweight device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation switch that operates inexpensively and reliably in a small and lightweight device.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
  That is, the present inventionFirst, second and third push switches that switch under load A first load distribution section that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch, and the first push switch and the second push switch are not connected via the first load distribution section. A first pressing section that applies a load uniformly, a second load distribution section that distributes the load to the second pressing switch and the third pressing switch, and a second load distribution section via the second load distribution section. It is an operation switch provided with the 2nd press part which applies a load non-uniformly to a press switch and a 3rd press switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
  << First Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.
  FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure and operating principle of the operation switch according to the first embodiment. 4 and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the operation switch. 6 is a diagram showing a control flow by this operation switch. 7 to FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing example of a driver program for detecting an operation to the operation switch. 11 and FIG. 12 is a graph obtained by measuring the operation accuracy rate (non-error operation probability) when the stroke load of the operation switch is changed. 13 and FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a modified example of the operation switch.
  <Structure and operating principle>
FIG. 1 shows the structure (standby state) of this operation switch. This operation switch is installed on the substrate 1 to be operated and detects a 2-stroke pressing operation. Two strokes mean that a two-stage state is detected by a single pressing operation. Therefore, the first stroke and the subsequent second stroke are generated by a single pressing operation.
  Here, the board | substrate 1 is the housing | casing outer wall etc. of a portable terminal, for example. However, the board | substrate 1 may be a board | substrate which comprises the operation switch independent of such a housing | casing. In that case, what is necessary is just to fix the board | substrate 1 to housing | casings and board | substrates, such as a portable terminal, by methods, such as screwing, a fitting, and adhesion | attachment, for example.
  This operation switch includes contact switches 5A and 5B embedded in the substrate 1, dome reversal springs 2A and 2B covering these contact switches 5A and 5B, and a bridge component 3 that bridges between the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B. And button portions 4A and 4B provided on the bridge part 3.
  The contact switches 5A and 5B each have two contacts that come into contact when pressed. The dome reversal springs 2A and 2B are so-called disc springs, and when pressed with a predetermined load, the dome portion is depressed. The combination of the contact switch 5A (or 5B) and the dome reversal spring 2A (or 2B) constitutes a switch that opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of a predetermined load.
  The bridge component 3 has a function of distributing the load received by itself to the two dome reversal springs 2A and 2B. The button units 4A and 4B provide a function of clearly indicating a position where the user presses the operation switch and receiving a load caused by the user's pressing operation. This load is transmitted to the bridge component 3 as it is.
  For example, FIG. 1, the button portion 4A is installed on the bridge component 3 at a position where a line segment connecting the center of the dome reversal spring 2A and the center of the dome reversal spring 2B is internally divided by a: b. For this reason, the load on the button portion 4A is distributed to the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B at a ratio of b: a.
  FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shows the state of the operation switch when the button unit 4A is pressed. Hereinafter, the operation principle of this operation switch will be described assuming that a <b.
  When the operator presses the button part 4A on the bridge part 3, as described above, the two dome reversal springs 2A and 2B are subjected to a force that pushes down unevenly. That is, a force that is b / a times that of the dome reversing spring 2B acts on the dome reversing spring 2A close to the pressed button portion 4A.
  When this force exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2A is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the first stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5A is turned on (FIG. 2).
  When the operator further increases the load on the button portion 4A, the load position on the inverted dome reversal spring 2A (the position indicated by (C) in FIG. 2) is a fulcrum. A counterclockwise rotational force toward 2 is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the second stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 3).
  Thus, FIG. 1 to FIG. In the operation switch shown in FIG. 3, an unbalanced load is applied to the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B depending on the installation position of the button portion 4A (the position dividing the line connecting the center of the dome reversal spring 2A and the center of 2B). Join. For this reason, the contact switches 2A and 2B are turned on in two strokes. The same applies to the case where the button unit 2B is pressed.
  FIG. In the operation switch 1 (and FIG. 2, FIG. 3), pressing members 3A and 3B are provided on the bridge component 3 at the pressing portions to the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B. By the pressing members 3A and 3B, the vicinity of the center of the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B can be reliably pressed. However, even when there is no such pressing members 3A and 3B, the operation switch of this embodiment can be functioned.
  <Circuit configuration example>
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration example of the operation switch. FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is an example in which the contact switch 5A (referred to as contact A) and the contact switch 5B (referred to as contact B) shown in FIG. 3 are applied to two independent circuits.
  In addition, FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. In other words, the circuit is configured by sharing the ground line 1 (GND) between the two circuits.
  <Control flow>
FIG. FIG. 6 shows a control flow diagram when the control target is controlled using the operation switch of the present embodiment. Now assume that the operating switch is connected to a system.
  For example, when the operator presses the button 4A in a standby state (a state where both the contacts A and B are opened), the contact A is first turned on in the first stroke (arrow A-ON). Thereby, the system to which the operation switch is connected detects the first stroke of the operator to the button 4A and executes the operation A1. This first stroke is referred to as stroke A1.
  When the contact A is on and the operator releases the press of the button 4A, the state returns to the standby state (arrow A-OFF). On the other hand, when the operator further increases the load on the button 4A while the contact A is on, the contact B is turned on in addition to the contact A (arrow B-ON). Thereby, the system to which the operation switch is connected detects the second stroke of the operator to the button 4A and executes the operation A2. This second stroke is referred to as stroke A2.
  When the operator weakens the pressing of the button 4A while the contacts A and B are on, the contact B is first opened. As a result, the system returns to the state in which only the contact A is turned on (arrow B-OFF). Further, when the operator weakens the pressing of the button 4A, the contact A is subsequently opened. As a result, the system returns to the standby state (arrow A-OFF).
  The change in the state of the operation switch due to the pressing of the button 4A has been described above. The change in state caused by pressing the button 4B and the operation of the system to which the operation switch is connected are the same. Further, the first and second strokes for the button 4B are referred to as stroke B1 and stroke B2.
  As described above, with this operation switch, the first stroke is always detected first, and then the second stroke is detected. Therefore, when a system is configured using this operation switch, even if the process by the first stroke (A1 or B1 in FIG. 6) is executed before the process by the second stroke (A2 or B2 in FIG. 6). It is necessary to assign functions that are not problematic.
  For example, when this operation switch is adopted as a scroll key of a portable terminal, a line scroll may be assigned as the first stroke and a page scroll may be assigned as the second stroke.
  Further, for the first stroke, only the detection of the stroke and the state transition of the internal state (transition from the standby state to the contact A being turned on) are retained, and the contact is released by releasing the button 4A or the like (A in the figure). The operation of the system may be executed by a transition from the ON state to the standby state by the arrow A-OFF).
<Action and effect>
FIG. 7 to FIG. 10 shows processing of a driver program for detecting an operation on the operation switch of this embodiment. This driver program detects a change in signal level (HI and LO) input to the CPU port via this operation switch.
  The driver program first initializes state variables A and B to 0 (S1). This state is shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the standby state. Next, the driver program waits for input (S2).
  When there is an input, the driver program determines whether or not the contact switch 5A (contact A) is an ON input (S3). When the contact switch 5A is turned on, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable A is 0 (S4). When the state variable A is not 0, the driver program returns the control to S2 as it is. This is because the ON input of the contact switch A is already recorded in the state variable.
  On the other hand, when the state variable A is 0 in the determination of S4, the driver program further determines whether or not the state variable B is 0 (S5). When the state variable B is 0, the driver program sets the state variable A to 1 (S6). Then, the driver program reports to the system OS (not shown) that the stroke A1 has been detected (S7). This is because the contact switch 5A is short-circuited in the first stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  If it is determined in S5 that the state variable B is not 0, the driver program sets the state variable A to 1 (S8). Then, the driver program reports to the system OS (not shown) that the stroke B2 has been detected (S9). This is because the contact switch 5A is short-circuited in the second stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  FIG. 7, when the contact switch 5A (contact A) is not an ON input, the driver program determines whether or not the contact switch 5A (contact A) is an OFF input (S10 in FIG. 8).
  If the contact switch 5A is turned off, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable A is 0 (S11). When the state variable A is 0, the driver program returns the control to S2. This is because the contact switch 5A has already been turned off.
  On the other hand, when the state variable A is not 0 in the determination of S11, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable B is 0 (S12). When the state variable B is 0, the driver program sets the state variable A to 0 (S13). Then, the driver program reports the release of the stroke A1 to the OS (S14). This is because the contact switch 5A is opened in the first stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  When the state variable B is not 0 in the determination of S12, the driver program sets the state variable A to 0 (S15). Then, the driver program reports the release of the stroke B2 to the OS (S16). This is because the contact switch 5A is opened in the second stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  FIG. 8, when the contact switch 5A (contact A) is not an OFF input, the driver program determines whether or not the contact switch 5B (contact B) is an ON input (S20 of FIG. 9).
  When the contact switch 5B is turned on, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable B is 0 (S21). When the state variable B is not 0, the driver program returns the control to S2. This is because the ON input of the contact switch B is already recorded in the state variable.
  On the other hand, when the state variable B is 0 in the determination of S21, the driver program further determines whether or not the state variable A is 0 (S22). If the state variable A is 0, the driver program sets the state variable B to 1 (S23). Then, the driver program reports to the system OS that the stroke B1 has been detected (S24). This is because the contact switch 5B is short-circuited in the first stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  If it is determined in S22 that the state variable A is not 0, the driver program sets the state variable B to 1 (S25). Then, the driver program reports to the system OS that the stroke A2 has been detected (S26). This is because the contact switch 5B is short-circuited in the second stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  FIG. 9, if the contact switch 5B (contact B) is not an ON input, the driver program determines whether the contact switch 5B is an OFF input (S30 in FIG. 10).
  When the contact switch 5B is turned off, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable B is 0 (S31). When the state variable B is 0, the driver program returns the control to S2. This is because the state of the contact switch B has already been turned off.
  On the other hand, when the state variable B is not 0 in the determination of S31, the driver program determines whether or not the state variable A is 0 (S32). When the state variable A is 0, the driver program sets the state variable B to 0 (S33). Then, the driver program reports the release of the stroke B1 to the OS (S34). This is because the contact switch 5B is opened in the first stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  When the state variable A is not 0 in the determination of S32, the driver program sets the state variable B to 0 (S35). Then, the driver program reports the release of the stroke A2 to the OS (S14). This is because the contact switch 5B is opened in the second stroke. Thereafter, the driver program returns the control to S2.
  <Measurement of operation accuracy rate>
  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 shows a graph of measurement results obtained by measuring the operator's operation accuracy rate in the system using this operation switch. Here, the operation correct answer rate means a probability of not performing an erroneous operation (non-incorrect operation rate).
  FIG. The graph of 11 shows the average value of the correct answer rate obtained by executing a two-stroke selective operation test for six subjects. Here, the two-stroke use operation test refers to a test in which a first stroke and a second stroke are input in accordance with test specifications within a predetermined time.
  In this test specification, instructions for inputting the first stroke and the second stroke are repeated at random. The system to which the operation switch was connected detected the stroke from the subject's input, and compared the detection result with the specification of the test specification.
  FIG. The value of 11 on the horizontal axis is the magnification of the load necessary for the second stroke with respect to the load necessary for the first stroke (150 g). In addition, the value on the vertical axis is the operation accuracy rate when each load is set.
  FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, when the load required for the second stroke is about 1.67 times or more, the correct answer rate is 96% or more, and in particular, it becomes a stable value at 2.5 times or more. However, when the load necessary for the second stroke exceeds three times, the subject feels the weight of the stroke. Therefore, the second stroke cannot be increased without limitation.
  FIG. 12 is the result of the operation accuracy rate test for one subject. FIG. In the test of 12, the load necessary for the first stroke is changed to 100 g, 150, and 250 g, and the test is executed by changing the load of the second stroke for each.
  In this test, the measurement of 3-4 times was performed for every load of each 1st stroke, and the average value of the correct answer rate was computed. FIG. 12 is a graph plotting the average value. FIG. 12, when the load required for the first stroke is 100 g, the load of the second stroke is about three times that, and when the load required for the first stroke is 150 g and 250 g, the load of the second stroke is If it is set to about 2.5 times, the accuracy rate will be stable in the vicinity of 100%.
  In any case, when the second stroke is about 1.67 times or less than the load required for the first stroke, the correct answer rate is rapidly decreased.
  As described above, according to the operation switch of the present embodiment, two strokes can be detected by the single button portion 4A. Moreover, it is possible to transition from the standby state to the four states by combining such button portions 4A and 4B.
  Moreover, according to the operation switch of this embodiment, FIG. By adjusting the installation position (the ratio of a: b inside the straight line connecting the dome reversing springs 2A and 2B) of the button portion 4A (or 4B) shown in FIG. 1, the load necessary for the first stroke and the first The ratio of load required for two strokes can be set steplessly.
  In the operation switch of this embodiment, the ratio of the load required for the first stroke and the load required for the second stroke is generally in the range of 1.7 to 5. When two loads are set at a ratio in this range, the correct answer rate is stable near 100%, and the second stroke does not become extremely heavy.
  <Modification>
In the above embodiment, the dome reversal spring 2A (and 2B) is used for the spring portion. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. FIG. FIG. 13 shows an example of an operation switch when other components are used.
  FIG. 13, the operation switch 20 is an example in which a rubber contact is used instead of the dome reversal spring 2A (and 2B) and the contact switch 5A (and 5B). The operation principle of the operation switch 20 is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. This is the same as the case shown in FIG. Even if a rubber contact switch is used, FIG. 1 to FIG. As in the case where the dome reversal spring shown in FIG. 3 is used, the repulsive force of the spring and the operational feeling with a click feeling can be obtained.
  FIG. The operation switch 21 is an example in which a tact switch is used instead of the dome reversal spring 2A (and 2B) and the contact switch 5A (and 5B). Even when a tact switch is used, FIG. 1 to FIG. As in the case where the dome reversal spring shown in FIG. 3 is used, the repulsive force of the spring and the operational feeling with a click feeling can be obtained.
  FIG. 13 is an example in which a leaf spring is used in place of the dome reversal spring 2A (and 2B), and the contact is composed of an open contact 23 and a metal contact 24. As described above, the operation switch according to the present embodiment can be manufactured by combining generally easily available parts.
  FIG. An operation switch 25 of 13 is a modification of the operation switch 22 and is configured by integrating a leaf spring 26 with the bridge component 3. With this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced.
  In the above embodiment, two buttons 4A and 4B are provided as buttons operated by the operator. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. FIG. Reference numeral 14 denotes a configuration example of an operation switch having one button portion 4A (without the button portion 4B). This operating principle is shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. This is the same as the case where one button 4A (or 4B) is used with the operation switch having the two button portions 4A and 4B described in 3.
  << Second Embodiment >>
  A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a view showing the structure (standby state) of the operation switch according to the second embodiment. 16 is a diagram showing the state of the operation switch during the first stroke, FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state during the second stroke.
  In the first embodiment, the mounting position of the button part 4A (or 4B) on the bridge part 3 is set so that the load on the dome reversal spring 2A or 2B via the bridge part 3 becomes a predetermined ratio. . That is, the position where the straight line connecting the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is internally divided at a predetermined ratio is set as the attachment position of the button portion 4A (or 4B). As a result, the load applied to the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is made uneven, and a two-stroke operation switch is realized.
  In the present embodiment, instead of the buttons 2A and 2B, a lever that swings around a predetermined axis is used to realize a two-stroke operation switch. In the present embodiment, two strokes mean that the first stroke and the second stroke are included in one operation (operation in one rotation direction) on the lever. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  FIG. 15 shows the structure of this operation switch. FIG. Reference numeral 15 denotes a standby operation switch that has not been operated yet. As described above, this operation switch is provided with the lever 6 having the lever rotation shaft 7 (hereinafter simply referred to as the rotation shaft) on the bridge component 3. The rotating shaft 7 is fixed to the substrate 1, and the lever 6 swings around the rotating shaft 7.
  Further, the rotating shaft 7 may be fixed to the bridge component 3. However, in that case, FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, when the rotary shaft 7 is fixed to the bridge part 3 with the bottom part of the lever 6 (hereinafter referred to as the lever bottom part 6B) placed on the bridge part 3, the lever 6 and the bridge part 3 Can not move relative.
  As a result, when the lever 6 is operated, the lever 6 and the bridge component 3 are easily lifted from the substrate 1. In order to prevent such lifting, a cover that holds both ends of the bridge component 3 in the direction of the substrate 1 may be provided. An uneven load can be applied to the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B by the rotational force of the lever 6 with the contact position between such a cover and the end of the bridge part 3 as a fulcrum, and can be reversed in two stages.
  Further, a gap may be provided between the lever 6 (lever bottom 6B) and the bridge part 3 to fix the rotating shaft 7 to the bridge part 3. In this case, the lever 6 and the bridge part 3 are so-called “rattle” until the operation part 6 </ b> A is rotated in one direction with respect to the rotation shaft 7 and the bridge bottom part 6 </ b> B contacts the bridge part 3. Is in a state. In this state, the lever 6 and the bridge part 3 can move relative to each other. Further, after the bridge bottom portion 6B comes into contact with the bridge part 3, the lever 6 and the bridge part 3 are integrated with the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B (and the setting switches 5A and 5B) in the operation in the rotation direction. Works. In this case as well, the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B can be reversed in two steps by providing a cover for preventing the bridge component 3 from being lifted up.
  Further, the rotation shaft 7 may be fixed to the lever, and a bearing (not shown) may be provided so that the lever 6 and the rotation shaft rotate integrally. The bearing may be fixed to the substrate 1. However, the bearing may be fixed to the bridge component 3 and a cover for preventing the bearing from being lifted may be provided at both ends of the bridge component 3.
  The lever includes an operation unit 6A operated by an operator and a lever bottom 6B that rotates together with the operation unit 6A and presses the bridge part 3. When the operator rotates the operation portion 6A of the lever 6 with respect to the rotation shaft, the turning force is converted into a pressing force for the bridge component 3 at the bridge bottom portion 6B, and the bridge component 3 is pressed.
  When this pressing force becomes a predetermined value or more, the dome reversing spring 2A close to the pressing portion (FIG. 16 (b)) is reversed. Thereby, the switch of the first stroke switch is completed, and the contact switch 5A is turned on (FIG. 16).
  When the operator further increases the load on the lever 6, the inverted dome reversal spring
The load position to 2A (the position indicated by (C) in FIG. 16) is a fulcrum of FIG. A counterclockwise rotational force toward 16 is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the second stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 17).
  As described above, according to the operation switch of the present embodiment, two strokes can be detected with respect to the turning operation by the lever 6.
  << Third Embodiment >>
  A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. This will be described with reference to 20 drawings. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the structure (standby state) of the operation switch according to the third embodiment. 19 is a diagram showing the state of the operation switch during the first stroke, FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state during the second stroke.
  In the first embodiment, the two-stroke operation switch is realized by the button portion 4A provided on the bridge component 3 and the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B. That is, the button portion 4A (or 4B) is attached at a position where a straight line connecting the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is internally divided at a predetermined ratio.
  As a result, the load applied to the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is made uneven, and a two-stroke operation switch is realized. However, in this configuration, when the button unit 4A is pressed and both the dome reversal buttons 2A and 2B are inverted, the button unit 4B moves in the same direction as the button 4A even though the button unit 4B is not pressed. (For example, when the button portion 4A is pressed down, the button 4B is also pressed down).
  In the present embodiment, a description will be given of an operation button that seems to maintain the position of the button 4B even when the button portion 4A is depressed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  FIG. 18 shows the structure of this operation switch. FIG. Reference numeral 18 denotes a standby operation switch that has not been operated yet. This operation switch has a structure in which a bridge component 8 is further stacked on the bridge component 3. The bridge component 8 is in contact with the bridge component 3 at a predetermined contact surface. The bridge component 8 is provided with two button portions 4A and 4B.
  Further, this operation button is covered with a case part (hereinafter referred to as a housing 10) having openings 11A and 11B. The button portions 4A and 4B are exposed through the openings 11A and 11B of the housing 10.
  FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 shows the state of the operation switch when the button unit 4A is pressed. Hereinafter, the operation principle of this operation switch will be described.
  The bridge component 8 is in contact with the housing 10 at a contact position (a position indicated by (a) in FIG. 19) on the upper surface of the end portion close to the button portion 4B. For this reason, when the operator presses the button portion 4A exposed from the opening portion 11A, the bridge component 8 rotates clockwise with respect to the paper surface with the contact position (a) as a fulcrum.
  As a result, the load due to the operation is transmitted to the bridge component 3 at the load point (b) from the bridge component 8 to the bridge component 3. The load at the load point (b) presses the dome reversal springs 5A and 5B non-uniformly in the same manner as the position of the button portion 4A in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the pressing load on the button portion 4A by the operator exceeds a predetermined value, first, the dome reversal spring 5A is reversed (FIG. 19). As a result, the contact switch 5A is turned on.
  When the operator further increases the pressing load, a rotational force is applied to the bridge component 3 with the position (c) of the dome reversal spring 2A as a fulcrum and the load point (b) as a power point. When the pressing load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the contact switch 5B is turned on.
  As described above, the operation of the operation switch of the present embodiment is the same as that of the operation switch of the first embodiment in that the contact switches 5A and 5B are turned on with two strokes by pressing the button 4A.
  However, FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, even when the bridge part 8 rotates clockwise with the fulcrum (a) as a fulcrum by pressing the button part 4A, the position of the button 4B near the fulcrum (a) is substantially maintained. The Therefore, unlike the case of the first embodiment, when the button 4A is moved by a pressing operation, the button 4B is not moved at the same time. For this reason, in the operation switch in this embodiment, the unnatural movement of the button which is not operated can be reduced with respect to the operation of the operator.
  << 4th Embodiment >>
  A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the structure (standby state) of the operation switch according to the fourth embodiment. 22 is a diagram showing the state of the operation switch during the first stroke. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state during the second stroke.
  In the first embodiment, the mounting position of the button part 4A (or 4B) on the bridge part 3 is set so that the load on the dome reversal spring 2A or 2B via the bridge part 3 becomes a predetermined ratio. . That is, the position where the straight line connecting the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is internally divided at a predetermined ratio is set as the attachment position of the button portion 4A (or 4B). As a result, the load applied to the dome reversal spring 2A and the dome reversal spring 2B is made uneven, and a two-stroke operation switch is realized.
  In the operation switch of the first embodiment, the FIG. The load by the counterclockwise rotational force was applied to the dome reversal spring 2B with the load position (the position indicated by (C) in FIG. 2) to the dome reversal spring 2A shown in FIG.
  In the present embodiment, the rotational force of the second stroke is generated using the fulcrum part 13A or 13B provided at the end of the bridge part 3 as a fulcrum. In the present embodiment, a spring is further provided between the bridge component 3 and the dome reversal spring 2A (and 2B).
  Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  FIG. 21 shows the structure of this operation switch. FIG. Reference numeral 21 denotes a standby operation switch that has not been operated yet. As described above, this operation switch has the fulcrum portions 13 </ b> A and 13 </ b> B at both ends of the bridge component 3.
  This operation switch has a spring part 12A between the bridge part 3 and the dome reversal spring 2A. Similarly, this operation switch has a spring part 12B between the bridge part 3 and the dome reversal spring 2B.
  The repulsive force of these spring parts 12A and 12B is stronger than the repulsive force of the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B.
  When the operator presses the button portion 4A, an unequal load is applied to the two dome reversal springs 2A and 2B according to the same principle as the operation principle described in the first embodiment (FIG. 1 to FIG. 3). When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2A is reversed. As a result, the contact switch 5A is turned on (FIG. 22).
  When the operator further increases the load on the button portion 4A, a counterclockwise rotational force is applied to the dome reversing spring 2B with the fulcrum 13A contact point (d)) to the substrate 1 as a fulcrum. Is done.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. As a result, the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 23). At this time, the spring component 12A provided between the bridge component 3 and the dome reversal spring 2A and the spring component 12B provided between the bridge component 3 and the dome reversal spring 2B are respectively compressed. The operation of the operation switch is the same when the operator presses the button 4B.
  As described above, according to the operation switch of the present embodiment, the two-stroke button operation can be stably realized by the action of the fulcrum portion 13A (13B).
  << 5th Embodiment >>
  The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. This will be described with reference to 25 drawings. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the structure of the operation switch according to the fifth embodiment. 25, FIG. It is the figure which expanded the front view 200 of 24. FIG.
  In the first embodiment, the configuration including two sets of two-stroke operation switches using the button portions 4A and 4B and the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B provided on the bridge component 3 has been described.
  In this embodiment, the bridge part is rectangular, and includes four button portions 4A to 4D, four dome reversal springs 2A to 2D, and four contact switches 5A to 5D, and can detect four operations. The operation switch will be described. In the operation switch, for example, four types of commands, for example, movement in four directions on the screen, can be instructed to the information device or the like in response to the four operations. Therefore, this operation switch is called a four-way key.
  Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  FIG. 24 shows the structure of this four-way key. As described above, in the four-way key, the contact switches 5A to 5D and the dome reversal springs 2A to 2D covering the contact switches are arranged at the positions of the four vertexes of the rectangular area on the substrate 1.
  The four-way key has a rectangular bridge part 3 that covers a rectangular region formed by the dome reversal springs 2A to 2D and is placed on the dome reversal springs 2A to 2D. The bridge part 3 contacts the dome reversal springs 2A to 2D in the vicinity of the apexes of the four corners.
  Button parts 4A to 4D are provided in the vicinity of the four sides of the bridge component at positions where line segments formed by the two sets of dome reversal springs are internally divided at a predetermined ratio.
  FIG. 25 is a front view focusing on the contact switches 5A and 5B, the dome reversal springs, 2A and 2B, the bridge portion 3 and the button portion 4B (enlarged front view 200 of FIG. 24). is there.
  FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, the positional relationship of these components is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the operation when the button unit 4B is operated is the same as that in the first embodiment.
  FIG. 24 four-way key is FIG. The components shown in FIG. 25 are arranged point-symmetrically every 90 degrees. Therefore, the operator can turn on the contact buttons 5A to 5D by the first stroke with respect to the button portions 4A to 4D, respectively.
  Similarly, the operator can turn on the contact buttons 5D, 5A, 5B, or 5C by the second stroke for the buttons 4A, 4B, 4C, or 4D, respectively. Thus, the four-way key can detect eight types of operations.
  Note that a fifth contact switch and a dome reversal spring may be provided at the center of the four-way key (near the center of the rectangle formed by the four contact switches 2A to 2D in FIG. 24). This fifth contact switch may be used as an enter key.
  << 6th Embodiment >>
  A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 26 to FIG. This will be described with reference to 30 drawings. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal according to the sixth embodiment. 27 to FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the present embodiment.
  This portable terminal detects a display unit 30 that displays information, push buttons 31 and 32 that operate the displayed information, and user operations on the push buttons 31 and 32, and does not switch display contents on the display unit 30. The illustrated control unit is included.
  The display unit 30 displays various types of information, for example, menus, tables, text information, web pages, etc., according to instructions from the control unit. The display unit 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescence panel.
  The buttons 31 and 32 are the buttons 4A and 4B of the operation switch described in the first embodiment or the third to fifth embodiments. As described in the above embodiment, the user can perform a two-stroke pressing operation on each of the buttons 31 and 32.
  A control unit (not shown) includes a CPU, a memory, an LCD driver / controller, and the like. Since these structures and operations are generally known, the description thereof is omitted.
  In this portable terminal, the button 31 is used for scrolling up and the button 32 is used for scrolling down. Further, in buttons 31 and 32, the first stroke is used for a movement command of a selection item (corresponding to one line shown on screen 30 in FIG. 26).
  For example, FIG. In the state of 26, when the user presses the button 32 (down scroll) to the first stroke and maintains it as it is, the screen moves to the lower selection items (rows) one after another, and downward line scrolling is executed.
  In the buttons 31 and 32, the second stroke is used for the page feed command. For example, FIG. In the state of 26, when the user presses the button 31 (upward scroll) to the second stroke, it moves to the upper page, and if it is maintained as it is, the screen moves to the upper page one after another, and the upper page Scrolling is executed.
  Thus, according to the portable terminal of this embodiment, item scrolling (or line scrolling) and page scrolling can be specified with one button. For this reason, an installation area such as a button can be effectively used while improving operability in the portable terminal.
  <Modification>
In the said embodiment, the example which uses the operation switch shown in 1st Embodiment or 3rd Embodiment-5th Embodiment as a scroll key of a portable terminal was shown. As this operation switch, you may use what is provided with the lever 6 shown in 2nd Embodiment. The lever 6 may be arranged on the portable terminal housing so as to be operated up and down, and scrolled down when the lever is pulled down and scrolled up when pulled up.
  <Application examples to mobile phones>
In the said embodiment, the example which applies the operation switch shown in 1st Embodiment to 5th Embodiment to the portable terminal was shown. This operation switch may be applied to a mobile phone.
  FIG. 27, FIG. 26 is an example of a mobile phone having buttons 31 and 32 similar to those in FIG. In this mobile phone, for example, when searching a phone book, the button 31 is used for scrolling up. The button 32 is used for scrolling down.
  In both the buttons 31 and 32, the first stroke is used for moving the selection item (name field), and the second stroke is used for page turning. However, instead of using the second stroke for page feed, the second stroke may be used for continuous scroll operation, unit feed in units of lines, lines, etc., or group feed in groups defined in predetermined units. .
  In this mobile phone, the buttons 31 and 32 may be used for the operation of a website using the i-mode service or the like. Then, the first stroke may be used for cursor movement on the web page, and the second stroke may be used for page feed and scroll.
  In this cellular phone, the buttons 31 and 32 may be used for selecting other items. Then, the first stroke may be used for moving items and the second stroke may be used for page feed.
  <Examples of application to video equipment, audio equipment, and television>
In the said embodiment, the example which applies the operation switch shown in 1st Embodiment to 5th Embodiment to the portable terminal was shown. This operation switch may be applied to a remote controller of a video apparatus, audio equipment, or television.
  FIG. 28, FIG. This is an example of a remote controller having a plurality of buttons 31 and 32 similar to those in FIG. In this remote controller, for example, when a television channel is selected, the button 31 is used for a channel number increase command. The button 32 is used for a channel number decrease command.
  In both buttons 31, 32, the first stroke is changed to the channel number.
Further, the second stroke is used for page feed of a channel list including a plurality of channels. However, instead of using the second stroke for page feed, unit search in units of continuous channel search, terrestrial, BS, CS, external input, etc., broadcast station name in units such as line, line, etc. It may be used for unit movement and group (genre) feed in which program genres are distinguished.
  In this remote controller, the buttons 31 and 32 may be used for volume operation. For example, the first stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for increasing the volume, and the first stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for decreasing the volume. Further, the second stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for mute (MUTE), and the second stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for returning from the mute.
  Further, the buttons 31 and 32 of the remote controller may be used for video operation. For example, the first stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for fast-forwarding, and the first stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for rewinding. Further, the second stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for feeding the index, and the second stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for returning the index.
  The buttons 31 and 32 of the remote controller may be used for CD (compact disc) or MD (mini disc) operations. For example, the first stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for music feeding, and the first stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for returning music. Further, the second stroke of the upward button 31 may be used for feeding to the next disk, and the second stroke of the downward button 32 may be used for returning to the previous disk.
  Further, the buttons 31 and 32 of the remote controller may be used for various setting operations such as a video apparatus, an audio device, and a television. For example, the first stroke may be used for setting item movement and the second stroke may be used for page feed.
  <Application examples for air conditioners and lighting equipment>
In the said embodiment, the example which applies the operation switch shown in 1st Embodiment to 5th Embodiment to the portable terminal was shown. You may apply this operation switch to an air conditioner or a lighting fixture. In that case, you may incorporate in the remote controller of an air-conditioner or a lighting fixture, and may be incorporated in the remote controller of an air-conditioner or a lighting fixture.
  FIG. 29, FIG. 26 is an example in which buttons 31 and 32 similar to those of No. 26 are incorporated into a remote controller of an air conditioner. In this remote controller, for example, the first stroke is used for temperature adjustment operation (temperature rise and fall). The second stroke is used for rapid cooling and rapid heating. When the second stroke is released, the normal adjustment operation may be restored.
  In the operation of the lighting fixture, for example, the first stroke is used for adjusting the brightness (increasing or decreasing the light amount). Further, the second stroke of the upward button 31 is used for setting the maximum light amount, and the second stroke of the downward button 32 is used for turning off the light. When the second stroke is released, the normal brightness adjustment may be restored.
  <Example of application to watches>
In the said embodiment, the example which applies the operation switch shown in 1st Embodiment to 5th Embodiment to the portable terminal was shown. You may apply this operation switch to the time setting of a clock or a timer.
  FIG. 30 is shown in FIG. This is an example in which buttons 31 and 32 similar to those of No. 26 are incorporated into a watch. In this remote controller, for example, the first stroke may be used to increase and decrease in minutes. Moreover, what is necessary is just to use a 2nd stroke for the increase and decrease of a time unit.
  Further, for example, the first stroke may be used for low speed feeding and the second stroke may be used for high speed feeding.
  << 7th Embodiment >>
  A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an operation switch according to the seventh embodiment. 32 is a diagram showing a standby state of the operation switch. 33 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the operation switch is pressed. 34 is a diagram showing a state when the second stroke is pressed, and FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a standby state of the operation switch in the modified example of the seventh embodiment. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the operation switch of this modification is pressed, FIG. 37 shows a state when the second stroke is pressed.
  In the second embodiment, an example has been shown in which a lever 6 that swings about a predetermined axis is used to realize a two-stroke operation switch. In this embodiment, a seesaw key that swings about a predetermined axis is used instead of the lever 6 shown in the second embodiment. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to sixth embodiments. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  FIG. 31 is a perspective view of this operation switch. This operation switch has dome reversal springs 2A and 2B placed on the substrate 1, a bridge part 3 that bridges between the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B, and a seesaw key 8 provided on the bridge part 3. Yes. In the present embodiment, the pressing members 3A and 3B are provided at contact portions with the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B at the lower end of the bridge component 3.
  Seesaw key 8 is shown in FIG. It has a bearing hole portion 9 that penetrates from the vicinity of the front center of the key shown in FIG. The rotating shaft 7 is bent in an L shape and is fixed to the substrate 1 at the base portion 7A. As a result, the seesaw key 8 swings around the rotary shaft 7 with the relative distance between the center of the bearing hole 9 and the substrate 1 fixed, and the bottom of the seesaw key 8 (hereinafter referred to as key bottom 8C), The dome reversal springs 2A and 2B are pressed through the bridge part 3 and the pressing member 3A (or the fulcrum part 3B).
  The rotary shaft 7 may be fixed to the seesaw key 8 and a bearing (not shown) may be provided so that the seesaw key 8 and the rotary shaft 7 swing together. The bearing may be fixed to the substrate 1.
  FIG. 32 shows the standby state of this contact switch. As described above, this operation switch has the seesaw key 8 having the rotating shaft 7 provided on the bridge part 3. The rotating shaft 7 is fixed to the substrate 1, and the seesaw key 8 swings around the rotating shaft 7.
  This seesaw key 8 is integrated with a pressing portion 8A (and a pressing portion 8B for operating in the opposite direction to the pressing portion 8A across the rotating shaft 7) and a pressing portion 8A (8B) operated by an operator. And a key bottom portion 8 </ b> C that presses the bridge part 3. When the operator presses the pressing portion 8A (8B) of the seesaw key 8, turning force is generated around the rotation shaft 7, and the turning force is converted into a pressing force against the bridge component 3 at the key bottom portion 8C. Press.
  When this pressing force becomes a predetermined value or more, the dome reversing spring 2A close to the pressing portion (FIG. 33 (b)) is reversed. Thereby, the switch of the first stroke switch is completed, and the contact switch 5A is turned on (FIG. 33).
  When the operator further increases the load on the pressing portion 8A, the load position on the inverted dome reversal spring 2A (the position indicated by (C) in FIG. 16) is a fulcrum. A counterclockwise rotational force toward 33 is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the second stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 34). The operation of the operation switch is the same when pressing the pressing portion 8B.
  As described above, according to the operation switch of this embodiment, two strokes can be detected with respect to the pressing operation of the seesaw key 8. Compared with the case where the lever 6 described in the second embodiment is used, the seesaw key 8 forms a two-stroke switch by generating a rotating action by the rotary shaft 7 in the operation unit having a shape close to the key of the keyboard. be able to.
  <Deformation of key bottom 8B>
In the seventh embodiment, the operation switch that realizes the 2-stroke operation with the seesaw key 8 and the bridge component 3 has been described. In the above embodiment, the entire lower surface of the seesaw key 8 (key bottom portion 8B) is in contact with the bridge component 3 in the standby state (FIG. 33) of the operation switch. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to such a shape. For example, a structure in which a part of the lower surface of the key bottom portion 8B is in contact with the bridge component 3 may be employed. FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 shows the structure and operation of such an operation switch. As shown in these drawings, the seesaw key 8 has legs 8D and 8E at the contact point with the bridge component 3 on the lower surface.
  When the operator rotates the pressing portion 8A (8B) of the seesaw key 8 with respect to the rotation shaft, the turning force is converted into a pressing force against the bridge component 3 at the leg portion 8D (8E), and the bridge component 3 is pressed down. To do. The operation is the same as that of the key bottom portion 8C of the seventh embodiment.
  <Other variations>
In the seventh embodiment, the rotating shaft 7 is fixed to the substrate 1. Instead of this, the rotating shaft 7 may be fixed to the bridge component 3. However, in that case, as described for the lever 6 of the second embodiment, the seesaw key 8 acts on the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B as an integral part of the bridge part 3. In this case, an unbalanced load is applied to the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B by the pressing to the pressing portions 8A and 8B. As a result, the operation switch of this embodiment functions in the same manner as the operation switch of the first embodiment.
The mechanism for generating the two-stage stroke is the same as that described in the first embodiment.
  In the said 7th Embodiment, the press members 3A and 3B were provided in the contact location with the dome inversion springs 2A and 2B of bridge | bridging component 3 lower surface edge part. However, as described in the first embodiment, the pressing members 3A and 3B are not necessarily required in the implementation of the present invention.
  << Eighth Embodiment >>
  An eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 38 to FIG. This will be described with reference to 44 drawings. FIG. 38 is a structural diagram (standby state) of the operation switch according to the eighth embodiment. 39 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the button portion 4A of the operation switch is pressed. 40 is a diagram showing a state when the second stroke of the button unit 4A is pressed. 41 is a diagram showing a state when the button portion 4B in the center of the operation switch is pressed. 42 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the button portion 4C of the operation switch is pressed. 43 is a diagram showing a state when the second stroke of the button portion 4C is pressed. 44 is a structural diagram of an operation switch according to a modification of the eighth embodiment.
  In the first embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, or the seventh embodiment, an example in which a two-stroke operation switch is realized by two contact switches has been described. In this embodiment, an example in which two sets of two-stroke operation switches are realized by three contact switches. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
  In the present embodiment, a three-button two-stroke switch is configured using three contacts arranged on a substantially straight line.
  FIG. FIG. 38 is a structural diagram of the operation switch according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 38, the operation switches include contact switches 5A, 5B and 5C embedded in the substrate 1, dome reversal springs 2A, 2B and 2C covering these contact switches 5A, 5B and 5C, and dome reversal. On the bridge part 3-1, the bridge part 3-1 that bridges between the springs 2A and 2B, the bridge part 3-2 that engages with the bridge part 3-1 and bridges between the dome reversal springs 2B and 2C, and It has button portions 4A and 4B provided and a button portion 4C provided on the bridge component 3-2.
  Among these, the button portions 4A and 4C at both ends provide a two-stroke operation function. The center button 4B provides a normal one-stroke operation function. Of the three contact switches 5A, 5B, and 5C, the bridge component 3-1 is placed on 5A and 5B (dome reversal springs 2A and 2B).
  The engaging part 3-2A of the bridge part 3-2 is engaged with the engaging part 3-1A of the bridge part 3-1. By this engagement, the bridge part 3-2 has a structure in which the contact switch 5C (dome reversal spring 2C) and the bridge part 3-1 are bridged. This engagement can be constituted by a gentle combination of a concave portion and a convex portion, for example. However, instead of the combination of the concave and convex portions, the end of the bridge part 3-1 and the end of the bridge part 3-2 can be attached by a common swinging shaft and can swing around the swinging shaft. You may combine in a state.
  In the operation switch of the present embodiment, when the operator presses the button portion 4A, the dome reversal spring 2A is first reversed and then the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed, similarly to the operation switch described in the first embodiment. . As a result, the contact switches 2A and 2B are turned on in this order, and a two-stroke operation is detected. At this time, since the bridge components 3-1 and 3-2 are engaged by a gentle combination of the concave portion and the convex portion (or coupled so as to be swingable around the swing shaft), The dome reversal spring 2C and the contact switch 5C are not affected by the operation on the button portion 4A.
  Similarly, when the operator depresses the button portion 4C, first, the dome reversal spring 2C is moved via the engaging portions 3-2A and 3-1A, similarly to the operation switch described in the first embodiment. Thus, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. As a result, the contact switches 2C and 2B are turned on in this order, and a two-stroke operation is detected. Also in this case, the dome reversal spring 2A and the contact switch 5A are not affected by the operation on the button portion 4C. Thus, the operation switch of this embodiment provides two sets of two-stroke switch functions that operate independently of each other. This operation switch below is called a three-contact switch.
  FIG. 39 to FIG. 43 shows a change in state due to an operation on the button portions 4A to 4C of the three-contact switch. As described above, FIG. Reference numeral 38 denotes a standby state of the three-contact switch. In the standby state, no pressing force is applied to any of the button portions 4A to 4C. In this state, none of the dome reversal springs 2A to 2C is reversed. Accordingly, all of the contact switches 5A to 5C are in an off state.
  FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 shows a state when the button unit 4A is pressed. When the operator presses the button part 4A on the bridge part 3-1, the pressing force is applied to the two dome reversing springs 2A and 2B in an unequal manner as in the operation switch of the first embodiment. 2A is inverted. Thereby, the switch of the first stroke switch is completed, and the contact switch 5A is turned on (FIG. 39).
  When the operator further increases the load on the button portion 4A, the load position on the inverted dome reversal spring 2A is set as a fulcrum in FIG. A clockwise rotational force toward 39 is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the second stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 40). In this way, the contact switches 2A and 2B are turned on in two strokes due to an unbalanced load on the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B.
  FIG. 41 shows a state when the center button portion 4B is pressed. In the three-contact switch of the present embodiment, the button portion 4B is located at the end portion of the bridge component 3-1 (the right end portion as viewed in FIG. 41 in FIG. 41). Therefore, when the operator depresses the button portion 4B, most of the depressing force is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B located almost immediately below the button portion 4B. When the pressing force exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed.
  Furthermore, even if the pressing force is increased, the dome reversal spring 2A is not reversed. The bridge part 3-1 and the bridge part 3-2 are engaged with each other, but can swing with respect to each other. For this reason, the pressing force to the button part 4B does not act on the dome reversal spring 4C.
  FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 shows a state when the button unit 4C is pressed. When the operator presses the button part 4C on the bridge part 3-2, the pressing force acts on the two dome reversal springs 2C and 2B unevenly via the engaging parts 3-2A and 3-1A. The dome reversal spring 2C is reversed. Thereby, the switch of the first stroke switch is completed, and the contact switch 5C is turned on (FIG. 42).
  When the operator further increases the load on the button portion 4C, the load position on the inverted dome reversal spring 2C is set as a fulcrum in FIG. A counterclockwise rotational force toward 42 is applied to the dome reversal spring 2B.
  When the load exceeds a predetermined value, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed. Thereby, the switching of the switch of the second stroke is completed, and the contact switch 5B is turned on (FIG. 43). In this way, the contact switches 2C and 2B are turned on in two strokes due to an unbalanced load on the dome reversal springs 2C and 2B.
  As described above, according to the three-contact switch of the present embodiment, a switch in which two two-stroke switches that are independent of each other can be configured. If such a three-contact switch is used for a mobile phone or an information device, for example, in a list item selection operation, the upward (rightward) movement is the button part 4A, and the downward (leftward) movement is a button. It can be assigned to part 4C. When each operation of the first stroke is detected, the cursor may be moved at a normal speed (low speed movement) on the list, and may be moved at a high speed (or page movement) at the second stroke. Further, the button unit 4B may be assigned to a determination key for confirming the selection operation. Thus, the operability of the device can be improved with a small installation area by the three-contact switch of the present embodiment.
  <Example of configuring three 2-stroke switches>
FIG. 44 shows a structure of a three-contact switch according to a modification of the present embodiment. In the said 8th Embodiment, the example which comprises two 2 stroke switches and one 1 stroke switch by the three button parts 4A-4C was shown. Instead of this, all the three button portions 4A to 4C may be configured to operate as two-stroke switches.
  FIG. 44, the FIG. Unlike the cases of 38 to 43, the button 4B is not located at the end of the bridge component 3-1. For this reason, the action of the button part 4B is the same as that of the operation switch of the first embodiment, and acts as a two-stroke switch by the dome reversal springs 2A and 2B and the contact switches 5A and 5B.
  In addition, when the pressing force is applied to the button portions 4A and 4C, the operation shown in FIG. This is the same as the case described in 39-43.
  The engaging parts of the bridge parts 3-1 and 3-2 are the same as in the eighth embodiment. That is, the concave portion and the convex portion may be gently bitten. Further, the end 3-2A of 3-2 may be configured in a claw shape and placed on the end of the bridge component 3-1. Further, the bridge components 3-1 and 3-2 may be pivotally mounted around the shaft member constituting the swing shaft so as to be swingable.
  <Other variations>
In the eighth embodiment, the button portion 4A is provided on the bridge part 3-1 at a position close to the dome reversal spring 2B and 2A, and the dome reversal spring 2A is reversed by the first stroke by the button portion 4A, and then The dome reversal spring 2B is configured to be reversed by two strokes.
  Further, the button part 4C is provided on the bridge part 3-2 at a position closer to 2C than the dome reversing spring 2B, the dome reversing spring 2C is reversed by the first stroke by the button part 4C, and then the dome reversing by the second stroke. The spring 2B is configured to be reversed.
  However, the position of the spring that reverses in each of these strokes can be appropriately selected depending on the position of the button portion 4A or 4C. For example, the button portion 4A is provided on the bridge part 3-1 at a position close to the dome reversal spring 2A or 2B, the dome reversal spring 2B is reversed by the first stroke by the button portion 4A, and then the dome reversal by the second stroke. You may comprise so that the spring 2A may reverse.
  Further, the button part 4C is provided on the bridge part 3-2 at a position closer to 2B than the dome reversing spring 2C, and the dome reversing spring 2B is reversed by the first stroke by the button part 4C, and then the dome reversing by the second stroke. You may comprise so that the spring 2C may reverse. That is, in the three-contact switch of this embodiment, the positions of the button portions 4A to 4C may be appropriately selected according to the target to be used, and the opening / closing order of the contact switches 5A to 5C may be appropriately defined.
  《Industrial applicability>>
  The present invention can be used in the switch manufacturing industry, the manufacturing industry of various devices incorporating switches, and the service industry using such devices.
<< Others >> This embodiment includes the following aspects.
(Aspect 1) First and second push switches that switch in response to a load;
A load distribution unit that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch;
A pressing unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the load distribution unit;
An operation switch in which a first pressing switch is switched by a first load applied to the pressing unit, and a second pressing switch is switched by a second load exceeding the first load.
(Aspect 2) The operation switch according to aspect 1, wherein the second load is in a range of approximately 1.7 times or more and 5 times or less with respect to the first load.
(Aspect 3) The first push switch and the second push switch are installed on a substrate,
The load distribution part has a base material laid between the first push switch and the second push switch, and a fulcrum part provided at an end of the base material,
The first pressing switch is switched by the first load on the pressing portion, the fulcrum portion contacts the substrate surface, and the second load causes the base material to swing around the fulcrum portion to be second. The operation switch according to aspect 1, wherein the push switch is switched.
(Aspect 4) The pressing unit distributes the load evenly in the load distribution unit, the first pressing unit provided at a predetermined distance in the first pressing switch direction from the load center position, The operation switch according to aspect 1 or 2, further comprising a second pressing portion provided at a predetermined distance from the load center position in the second pressing switch direction.
(Aspect 5) The first push switch and the second push switch are installed on a substrate,
The load distribution unit includes a base material provided between the first press switch and the second press switch, and a first fulcrum part provided at an end of the base on the first press switch side. And a second fulcrum provided at the end of the base on the second push switch side,
The first pressing switch is switched by a first load applied to the first pressing portion, the first fulcrum portion contacts the substrate surface, and the first load is exceeded by the second load exceeding the first load. The base material swings around the fulcrum of the second switch and the second push switch is switched,
The second pressing switch is switched by a third load applied to the second pressing portion, the second fulcrum portion contacts the substrate surface, and the second load exceeds the third load by the second load. The operation switch according to aspect 4, wherein the base material swings around a fulcrum portion of the first pivot switch and the first push switch is switched.
(Aspect 6) Further comprising an outer wall member having first and second openings for projecting the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion,
Maintaining the protrusion of the second pressing portion at the time of switching between the first and second pressing switches due to the load on the first pressing portion;
The operation switch according to aspect 4 or 5, wherein the protrusion of the first pressing portion is maintained when the first and second pressing switches are switched by a load applied to the second pressing portion.
(Aspect 7) It further includes a support member that is placed on the load distribution unit and supports the first and second pressing parts,
The support member has an end on the second pressing portion side brought into contact with the inner surface of the outer wall member on the second opening side, and the second pressing portion side is loaded by the load on the first pressing portion. Oscillating around the end of the load distribution portion, pressing the contact position in the vicinity of a predetermined distance from the load center position of the load distribution portion toward the first push-down portion, 1 is contacted with the inner surface of the outer wall member on the opening side, and the load on the second pressing portion swings with the end portion on the first pressing portion side as a fulcrum, so The operation switch according to aspect 6, wherein the contact position in the vicinity of a predetermined distance from the position toward the second pressing portion is pressed.
(Aspect 8) First and second push switches that switch in response to a load;
A load distribution unit that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch;
An operation unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first push switch and the second push switch via the load distribution unit;
The operating portion includes a swing shaft, a swing portion that swings around the swing shaft upon receiving a load, and a first push switch and a first switch that are linked to the swing portion via the load distribution portion. 2 and an action part for applying a load non-uniformly to the push switch,
The first push switch is switched by a first load in the first swing direction with respect to the swing part, and the second press switch is switched by a second load exceeding the first load,
An operation switch in which the second push switch is switched by a third load in the second swing direction with respect to the swing unit, and the first press switch is switched by a fourth load exceeding the third load.
(Aspect 9) Four push switches provided in the vicinity of the vertex position constituting the rectangle;
A load distribution unit for pressing one of the four push switches or any two adjacent sets;
Four operation parts that apply a load non-uniformly through the load distribution part to the two adjacent push switches,
An operation switch in which a first push switch is switched by a first load applied to any one of the operation units, and a second push switch is switched by a second load exceeding the first load.
(Aspect 10) A portable device provided with an operation switch having two strokes,
A first and a second push switch that switches in response to a load;
A load distribution unit that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch;
A pressing unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the load distribution unit;
A portable device in which a first press switch is switched by a first load applied to the press unit, and a second press switch is switched by a second load exceeding the first load.
(Aspect 11) A control device connected to a switch that switches in response to a load,
Means for detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
Means for detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
A control device comprising: means for making a transition from the first state to the second state, and further executing a predetermined process when making a transition to the first state.
(Aspect 12) A method for detecting a change in the switching state of a switch and providing a predetermined function.
Detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
Detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
A method of transitioning from the first state to the second state, and further executing a predetermined process when transitioning to the first state.
(Aspect 13) A program for causing a computer to detect a change in the switching state of a switch and to provide a predetermined function.
Detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
Detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
A program for executing a procedure for making a transition from the first state to the second state and executing a predetermined process when the state is further changed to the first state.
(Aspect 14) A control device connected to a switch that switches in response to a load,
Means for detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
Means for executing the first process when a transition from the first state to the second state is detected;
Means for detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
A control device comprising: means for executing a second process in which the first process is enhanced when a transition from the second state to the third state is detected.
(Aspect 15) A method for detecting a change in the switching state of a switch and providing a predetermined function.
Detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
A procedure for executing the first process when a transition from the first state to the second state is detected;
Detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
And a procedure for executing a second process in which the first process is enhanced when a transition from the second state to the third state is detected.
(Aspect 16) A program for causing a computer to detect a change in the switching state of a switch and to provide a predetermined function.
Detecting a transition between a first state and a second state of the switch;
A procedure for executing the first process when a transition from the first state to the second state is detected;
Detecting a transition between a second state and a third state of the switch;
A program for executing a procedure for executing a second process in which the first process is enhanced when a transition from the second state to the third state is detected.
(Aspect 17) The swinging portion includes a first pressing surface that receives a load in the first rotation direction and a second pressing surface that receives a load in the second rotation direction with respect to the swinging shaft. The operation switch according to aspect 8, which has lever portions serving as back surfaces.
(Aspect 18) The rocking portion includes a first pressing portion that receives a load in the first rotation direction with respect to the rocking shaft, and a second pressing portion that receives a load in the second rotation direction. The operation switch according to aspect 8, comprising:
(Aspect 19) First, second, and third push switches that switch in response to a load;
A first load distribution unit that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch;
A first pressing unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the first load distribution unit;
A second load distribution section for distributing a load to the second push switch and the third push switch;
Non-uniformly between the second push switch and the third push switch via the second load distribution section An operation switch comprising a second pressing portion for applying a load.
(Aspect 20) One of the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch is switched by the first load applied to the first pressing portion, and the first pressing switch is switched by the second load exceeding the first load. Or the other of the second push switch switches,
One of the second push switch and the third push switch is switched by a third load applied to the second push part, and the second push switch or the third push switch is switched by a fourth load exceeding the third load. The operation switch according to aspect 19, wherein the other of the push switches is switched.
(Aspect 21) The operation switch according to Aspect 19 or 20, further comprising a third pressing part that selectively applies a load to the second pressing switch via the first load distribution part.
(Aspect 22) The operation switch according to Aspect 19 or 20, further comprising a third pressing part that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the first load distribution part. .
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, an operation switch suitable for a small and lightweight device can be provided. Further, it is possible to provide an operation switch that operates inexpensively and reliably in a small and lightweight device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure (standby state) of an operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of a first stroke of a switch.The
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of a second stroke of the switch.The
FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration example (1) of a switch.The
FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration example (2) of the switch.The
FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram.The
FIG. 7 is a flowchart (1) showing driver program processing;The
FIG. 8 is a flowchart (2) showing driver program processing;The
FIG. 9 is a flowchart (3) showing driver program processing;The
FIG. 10 is a flowchart (4) showing driver program processing;The
FIG. 11 is a measurement result (1) obtained by measuring an operation accuracy rate.The
FIG. 12 is a measurement result (2) of measuring the operation accuracy rate.The
FIG. 13 is a modified example of the operation switch.The
FIG. 14 is a configuration example of an operation switch having one button portion 4;The
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a structure (standby state) of an operation switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of the operation switch during the first stroke;The
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of the operation switch at the second stroke.The
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a structure (standby state) of an operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state at the time of the first stroke of the operation switch.The
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state of the operation switch during the second stroke.The
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a structure (standby state) of an operation switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state at the time of the first stroke of the operation switch.The
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state at the time of a second stroke of the operation switch.The
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of an operation switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 25 is a front view of the operation switch.The
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mobile terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 27 is an example of a mobile phoneThe
FIG. 28 is an example of a remote controllerThe
FIG. 29 shows an example of an air conditioner remote controller.The
FIG. 30 is an example of a watchThe
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an operation switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.The
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a standby state.The
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke is pressed.The
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a state when a second stroke is pressed.The
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a standby state of an operation switch according to a modification of the seventh embodiment.The
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke is pressed;The
FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state when the second stroke is pressed.The
FIG. 38 is a structural diagram (standby state) of an operation switch according to an eighth embodiment.The
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the button unit 4A is pressed.The
FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a state when the second stroke of the button unit 4A is pressed.The
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a state when the button unit 4B is pressed.The
FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a state when the first stroke of the button unit 4C is pressed.The
FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a state when the second stroke of the button unit 4C is pressed.The
FIG. 44 is a structural diagram of an operation switch according to a modification of the eighth embodiment.The

Claims (4)

First, second and third push switches that switch under load,
A first load distribution unit that distributes a load to the first push switch and the second push switch;
A first pressing unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the first load distribution unit;
A second load distribution unit for distributing a load to the second push switch and the third push switch;
An operation switch comprising a second push-down unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the second push-down switch and the third push-down switch via the second load distribution unit. One of the first push switch and the second push switch is switched by a first load applied to the first push unit, and the first push switch or the second push switch is switched by a second load exceeding the first load. The other of the push switches changes,
One of the second push switch and the third push switch is switched by a third load applied to the second push part, and the second push switch or the third push switch is switched by a fourth load exceeding the third load. The operation switch according to claim 1 , wherein the other of the push switches is switched. The operation switch according to claim 1 , further comprising a third pressing portion that selectively applies a load to the second pressing switch via the first load distribution portion. 3. The operation switch according to claim 1 , further comprising a third pressing unit that applies a load non-uniformly to the first pressing switch and the second pressing switch via the first load distribution unit.

Images