JP6444187B2 - Key device and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key device that operates a switch by depressing a key top, and an electronic device including the key device.

  In recent years, various key devices have been developed that are capable of pressing a switch disposed below the key top by pressing the key top. Examples of documents disclosing such a key device include Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-257279 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-93075 (Patent Document 2).

  The key device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a central key top and a plurality of peripheral key tops arranged around the central key top, and by pressing these key tops, the switches arranged below are operated. be able to. The central key top is elastically supported by a central hinge portion extending from a central frame provided outside the central key top. The peripheral key top is disposed above the central frame and is elastically supported by a peripheral hinge portion extending from the peripheral frame provided outside the peripheral key top.

  The key device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a single support plate, printed with contacts and pattern conductors, integrated with at least one foil disposed on the support plate, and a large number of keys connected to the support plate. And a guide device. This key device has at least one contact foil at the time of operation of the push button and the free end of the slide bar so that the key is operated and guided in the guide device against the restoring force perpendicular to the plane of the support plate. It is comprised so that a contact may be formed.

  A single contact foil is provided so as to include a pattern conductor, a fixed contact, and a switching contact. To correspond to each key, at the lower part of the slide bar, a tongue that is bent approximately 180 ° inward in a substantially U shape from the contact foil is punched out. The tongue is provided in contact with the free end of the slide bar, and a fixed contact and a switching contact are arranged in a region where the bent tongue and the flat foil face each other.

JP 2003-257279 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-93075

  In recent years, with the reduction in weight and thickness of electronic devices, the key devices attached thereto are also required to be thin. In addition, excellent design is also required.

  In Patent Document 1, the central hinge portion and the peripheral hinge portion that elastically support the central key top and the peripheral key top are connected to the central frame and the peripheral frame on one end side, and the outer surface of the central key top on the other end side. Connected to the outer surface of the surrounding key top. For this reason, a gap is formed between the central frame and the central key top and between the peripheral frame and the peripheral key top. In order to improve the design, a panel cover that is a separate member from the key top is required in order to hide the gap, and the structure becomes complicated.

  In the key device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the key is composed of a key top and a slide bar. The key is stably moved in the vertical direction by guiding the movement of the slide bar using the guide device. Let For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the key device disclosed in Patent Document 2.

  In order to reduce the thickness, it is possible to omit the slide bar and the guide device and interpose the rubber key between the flat key top and the switch. There is a problem that the key top is displaced in the horizontal direction at the top.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to have a simple configuration and realize a thin shape, while preventing a lateral shift of the key top during key input, An object of the present invention is to provide a key device capable of reliably performing key input and an electronic apparatus equipped with the key device.

A key device according to the present invention includes a substrate, a switch provided on the substrate, a key top provided above the switch, and an opening that accommodates the substrate and in which the key top is disposed. A resin-made key top support part that supports the key top, and the key top support part extends from the periphery of the opening part into the opening part, and A plate portion that is connected to the tip of the beam portion, and is provided so as to be positioned between the switch and the key top, and the key top has a raised position when the beam portion is bent and deformed. The key top support part is supported by the key top support portion so as to be movable up and down with respect to the lowered position, and the switch is moved down in conjunction with the downward movement of the key top when the key top is pressed. Is pressed by the supporting portion, the key top is fitted to the plate portion. The key top support portion is inclined so that the tip side approaches the key top before the key top is pressed. The key top includes a hook portion that is hooked on an inner surface of the casing located around the opening.

  In the key device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the beam portion has a cantilever structure in which one end located on the side opposite to the plate portion side is connected to the peripheral edge of the opening. .

  In the key device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plate portion has a substantially circular shape.

  In the key device according to the present invention, the key top preferably has a substantially rectangular shape.

  In the key device according to the present invention, the key top protrudes from the main surface toward the plate portion and is sandwiched between the main surface and the plate portion. And a protruding portion as a spacer provided on the substrate. In this case, it is preferable that the protrusion is provided on the inner side of the outer edge so as not to reach the outer edge of the plate portion.

  In the key device according to the present invention, the protrusion is preferably similar to the outer shape of the key top when viewed from the normal direction of the main surface, and the outer edge of the key top. It is preferable that it is provided in a region centered on the center position of the main surface.

  In the key device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the key top has a substantially rectangular shape, and it is preferable that the protruding portion is provided on a diagonal line of the region.

  In the key device according to the present invention, a plurality of the key tops may be provided in a row so as to be adjacent to each other in the opening. In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of the key top support portions are provided corresponding to the plurality of key tops. Further, each of the plurality of key top support portions may be provided so as to extend from the peripheral edge of the opening in the direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of key tops are arranged toward the opening. preferable.

  In the key device according to the present invention, each of the plurality of key tops preferably has a fitting portion having a different shape from each other, and each of the plurality of key top support portions has the fitting portion. It is preferable to have a fitted part that fits in the case. In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of fitted portions have shapes corresponding to the corresponding fitted portions.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes any of the key devices described above and a display unit that displays an image based on information input from the key device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it has a simple structure, implement | achieves thickness reduction, prevents the horizontal shift | offset | difference of a key top at the time of key input, and an electronic apparatus provided with the same Can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic dictionary according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the electronic dictionary along the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the electronic dictionary along the III-III line | wire shown in FIG. It is a perspective sectional view of the electronic dictionary which shows the detailed structure of a key apparatus. It is a figure which shows the front surface side of the front case shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the back surface side of the front case shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the surface side of a some key top. It is a figure which shows the back surface side of a some key top. It is a figure which shows the side surface side of a key top. It is a figure which shows the back surface side of the key top of the key apparatus with which the electronic dictionary which concerns on Embodiment 2 is equipped. It is a figure which shows the front surface side of the front case with which the electronic dictionary which concerns on Embodiment 3 is equipped.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an electronic dictionary will be described as an example of an electronic device. In the following embodiments, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic dictionary according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic dictionary along the line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic apparatus along the line III-III shown in FIG. An electronic dictionary 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an electronic dictionary 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first housing 10 that houses a display unit 11, a key device 2a as a power switch, and various key devices as function keys. 2b to 2i, a second casing 20 provided with character keys 3a, cursor keys 3b, and decision keys 3c, a substrate 50 provided with switches corresponding to various keys, and a hinge mechanism 15. .

  The first housing 10 is coupled by a hinge mechanism 15 and can be opened and closed. The display unit 11 displays an image based on information input from various keys including the key devices 2b to 2i. The second housing 20 includes a front case 21 and a rear case 22. The second housing 20 accommodates the substrate 50 therein.

  The front case 21 includes openings 23, 24, 25 a, 25 b, 25 c having a substantially rectangular shape, and a separation part 26 that separates the opening 23 and the opening 24. In the opening 23, the key top 30a of the key device 2a is disposed. In the opening 24, key tops 30b to 30i of the key devices 2b to 2i are arranged. The plurality of key tops 30b to 30i are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to each other. Further, each of the plurality of key tops 30b to 30i has a shape having substantially the same size when viewed in plan. In the openings 25a, 25b, and 25c, character keys 3a, cursor keys 3b, and key tops 40a, 40b, and 40c of the determination key 3c are arranged.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective sectional view of the electronic dictionary showing the detailed configuration of the key device. A detailed configuration of the key device 2e will be described with reference to FIG. Since the key devices 2a to 2i have substantially the same configuration, the detailed configuration will be described by paying attention to the key device 2e.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the key device 2e includes a substrate 50, a switch 54, a key top 30e, and a key top support portion 27e. The board 50 is configured by a wiring board on which various electronic components are mounted. A switch 54 is provided on the substrate 50.

  The switch 54 includes a dome-shaped metal dome 52 provided on the metal plate 51 disposed on the substrate 50, and a fixed contact 53 provided on the substrate 50 corresponding to the metal dome 52. A plurality of switches 54 are provided on the substrate 50 corresponding to the key devices 2a to 2i.

  The key top 30e is provided above the switch 54. The key top 30e is made of a resin member. As the resin member, ABS resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin, or the like can be used.

  The key top 30e has a substantially rectangular shape. The key top 30e is disposed in the opening 24 so as to cover the key top support portion 27e. The key top 30e is fitted to the key top support portion 27e.

  The key top support portion 27e is provided between the switch 54 and the key top 30e. The key top support portion 27e supports the key top 30e. The key top support portion 27 e is provided at the periphery of the opening 24 provided in the second housing 20.

  The key top support portion 27e is made of a resin member. As the resin member, ABS resin, PC (polycarbonate) resin, or the like can be used. The key top support portion 27e is preferably formed integrally with the second casing 20 by injection molding or the like.

  The key top support portion 27e includes a beam portion 27e1 (see FIG. 5) and a plate portion 27e2 (see FIG. 5). The beam portion 27e1 is provided so as to extend from the periphery of the opening portion 24 into the opening portion 24. One end side of the beam portion 27e1 is connected to the periphery, and the other end side is connected to the plate portion 27e2. The beam portion 27e1 preferably has a cantilever structure in which one end located on the side opposite to the plate portion 27e2 side is connected to the periphery of the opening 24.

  The plate portion 27e2 is connected to the other end side (the tip end side of the beam portion 27e1) located on the opposite side to the one end side of the beam portion 27e1. A projection 29 that protrudes downward (on the switch 54 side) is provided at a substantially central portion of the lower surface 27e4 of the plate portion 27e2.

  A plate-like portion 21c that constitutes a part of the front case 21 is provided around the plate portion 27e2. The plate-like portion 21c is disposed in the opening 24 and has a cutout portion that accommodates the plate portion 27e2. Thereby, a gap is formed between the plate portion 27e2 and the plate-like portion 21c.

  The side peripheral surface of the plate portion 27e2 is provided so as to incline upward with respect to the notch surface of the plate-like portion 21c located around the plate portion 27e2. That is, the key top support portion 27e is provided so as to be inclined so that the tip side thereof approaches the key top 30e.

  By configuring the key top support portion 27e to be inclined in this way, the plate portion 27e2 can be pressed toward the key top 30e side when the key top 30e is fitted and fixed as will be described later. Thereby, the wobbling of the key top 30e can be eliminated and stably fixed.

  The key top 30e is supported by the key top support portion 27e so that it can be raised and lowered between the raised position and the lowered position by bending and deforming the beam portion 27e1. When the key top 30e is pressed, the plate portion 27e2 of the key top support portion 27e is also lowered in conjunction with the lowering operation of the key top 30e. As a result, the switch 54 is pressed by the keytop support portion 27e.

  At this time, the protruding portion 29 of the key top support portion 27e presses the vicinity of the apex portion of the metal dome 52, whereby the metal dome 52 is elastically deformed. When the deformation amount of the metal dome 52 exceeds a certain level, a part of the metal dome 52 is recessed and becomes convex toward the lower side. As a result, the metal dome 52 and the fixed contact 53 come into contact with each other, and a key signal is input.

  When the pressing of the key top 30e is completed and the load on the key top 30e is removed, the metal dome 52 returns to the original dome shape, and the bending deformation of the beam portion 27e1 also returns to the state before the bending. Thereby, the position of the key top 30e rises from the lowered position where a part of the metal dome 52 comes into contact with the fixed contact 53, so that the protrusion 29 of the key top support portion 27e and the metal dome 52 are not in contact with each other. Return to position.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing the front side of the front case shown in FIG. 6 is a view showing the back side of the front case shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the detailed structure of the keytop support parts 27a-27i is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front case 21 has a front surface 21a and a back surface 21b. The openings 23, 24, 25a, 25b, and 25c are provided so as to penetrate from the front surface 21a to the back surface 21b.

  The opening 23 and the opening 24 are separated by a separation unit 26, and the opening 24 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction of the second housing 20. The key top support portion 27 a is provided in a portion located on the rear side (hinge side) of the opening end surface of the second housing 20 that is the periphery of the opening portion 23. The key top support portion 27 a is provided in the middle region in the vertical direction on the opening end surface on the rear side that defines the opening 23.

  The plurality of key top support portions 27 b to 27 i are provided so as to be connected to a portion located on the rear side (hinge side) of the opening end surface of the second housing 20 that is the periphery of the opening portion 24. The plurality of key top support portions 27 b to 27 i are provided in an intermediate region in the vertical direction on the opening end surface on the rear side that defines the opening 24. The plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i may be provided so as to be connected to the front side (opposite the hinge side) of the opening end surface of the second housing 20.

  The plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i are provided so as to be arranged in a row corresponding to the plurality of key tops 30b to 30i. The plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i are provided so as to be arranged at intervals in the left-right direction of the second housing 20 (the direction in which the opening 24 extends). Each of the plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i is provided so as to extend from the periphery of the opening portion 24 in the direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i are arranged toward the opening portion 24. ing.

  The key top support portions 27 a to 27 i include beam portions 27 a 1 to 27 i, plate portions 27 a 2 to 27 i 2, and protrusions 29. The protruding portion 29 is provided so as to protrude downward from the substantially central portion of the lower surfaces 27a4 to 27i4 of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 of the key top support portions 27a to 27i. As described above, the protrusion 29 is provided so as to press the metal dome 52.

  The beam portions 27a1 to 27i have a substantially rectangular shape. The plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 have a substantially circular shape. The substantially circular shape means a circular shape such as a perfect circle or an ellipse.

  The width of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 extend is larger than the width of the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 extend. ing.

  The boundary between the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 and the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 is preferably curved. Specifically, the boundary is such that the width of the boundary portion in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 extend increases toward the inside of the opening 24 in the direction in which the beam portions 27a1 to 27i1 extend. The part is preferably curved.

  Each of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 of the key top support portions 27a to 27i has an upper surface (main surfaces 27a3 to 27i3) facing the lower surfaces (main surfaces 32a to 32i) of the key tops 30a to 30i, and these main surfaces 27a3 to 27i3. It has through holes 28a1 to 28i1 and 28a2 to 28i2 as engaged portions provided on the top.

  In other words, each key top support portion has an engaged portion constituted by two through holes. The two through holes are preferably provided at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to a substantially central position of the plate portion of the key top support portion. The combination of the shapes of the two through holes of each key top support portion is different. Thereby, each keytop support part has the to-be-engaged part which has a mutually different shape.

  These through holes 28a1 to 28i1, 28a2 to 28i2 have shapes corresponding to fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1 and 34a2 to 34i2 (see FIG. 8) as fitting portions to be described later that the key tops 30a to 30i have. The through holes 28a1 to 28i1 and 28a2 to 28i2 are fitted to the fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1 and 34a2 to 34i2.

  As described above, the fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1 and 34a2 to 34i2 of the key tops 30a to 30i are fitted into the through holes 28a1 to 28i1 and 28a2 to 28i2, so that the key tops 30a to 30i It fits in 27a-27i. The through holes 28a1 to 28i1 and 28a2 to 28i2 also function as positioning when the key tops 30a to 30i are arranged, and the key tops 30a to 30i can be stably arranged at predetermined positions.

  Furthermore, the key top support portions 27a to 27i and the key tops 30a to 30i are made of resin members. Compared with the case where the key top is disposed on the key top support portion made of rubber, even when the key tops 30a to 30i are obliquely pressed, the key top support portions 27a to 27 formed of a resin member are used. Since 27i does not extend like rubber, lateral displacement of the key tops 30a to 30i can be prevented.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the surface side of a plurality of key tops. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the back side of a plurality of key tops. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a side surface side of the key top. FIG. 9 illustrates a side surface of one key top among the plurality of key tops illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. A detailed configuration of the key tops 30a to 30i will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the key tops 30 a to 30 i include lower surfaces (main surfaces 32 a to 32 i) facing the plate portions 27 a 2 to 27 i 2 of the key top support portions 27 a to 27 i, projecting portions 33 a to 33 i, It includes fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1 and 34a2 to 34i2 as fitting parts, and a hook part 35.

  The protrusions 33a to 33i protrude from the main surfaces 32a to 32i toward the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2, and are provided so as to be sandwiched between the main surfaces 32a to 32i and the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2. The protrusions 33a to 33i function as spacers. The protrusions 33a to 33i are provided on the inner side of the outer edges of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 so as not to reach the outer edges of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2 of the key top support portions 27a to 27i from the central positions of the main surfaces 32a to 32i. ing.

  By providing the protrusions 33a to 33i as spacers, the distance between the main surfaces 32a to 32i and the substrate 50 increases. Thereby, when the key tops 30a to 30i are pressed so as to be inclined with respect to the substrate 50, the degree of inclination until the key tops 30a to 30i come into contact with the substrate 50 is further increased as compared with the case where there is no spacer. Can be bigger.

  Moreover, even when the key tops 30a to 30i are inclined by providing the protrusions 33a to 33i on the inner side of the outer edges of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2, the protrusions 33a to 33i can be connected to the key top support portions 27a to 27i. It can prevent being caught by the plate-shaped part 21c of the front case 21 located in the periphery at a gap. Thereby, even if the end part of the key tops 30a to 30i is pushed or the center part is pushed, it can be moved stably in the same manner, and the key structure is easy to operate and easy to push for the user.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the switch 54 from being pressed when the key tops 30 a to 30 i are pressed so as to be inclined with respect to the substrate 50.

  Furthermore, the protrusions 33a to 33i are similar to the outer shape of the key tops 30a to 30i when viewed from the normal direction of the main surfaces 32a to 32i, and are located inside the outer edges of the key tops 30a to 30i. And it is preferable to be provided in the region 33R centering on the center position of the main surfaces 32a to 32i. In the present embodiment, since the key tops 30a to 30i have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, the region 33R also has a rectangular shape.

  In this way, by specifying the region where the protrusions 33 a to 33 i are provided, it is possible to finely adjust the degree of inclination until the key tops 30 a to 30 i come into contact with the substrate 50.

  In addition, the protrusions 33a to 33i are preferably provided on the diagonal line of the region 33R. In this case, the volume of the protrusions 33a to 33i can be reduced, and the weight can be further reduced. Further, for example, even when the corner of the key tops 30a to 30i that is the farthest from the center position of the key tops 30a to 30i is pressed, the corner and the substrate 50 are moved before the switch 54 is pressed. Contact can be prevented.

  The fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1 and 34a2 to 34i2 as the fitting portions are provided on the main surfaces 32a to 32i of the key tops 30a to 30i.

  In other words, each key top has a fitting portion constituted by two fitting protrusions. The two fitting protrusions are preferably provided at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the center position of the main surface of the key top. The combination of the shapes of the two fitting protrusions of each key top is different. Thereby, each key top has the fitting part which has a mutually different shape.

  These fitting protrusions 34a1 to 34i1, 34a2 to 34i2 are fitted into the through holes 28a1 to 28i1 and 28a2 to 28i2 of the key top support portions 27a to 27i as the fitted parts described above.

  As described above, when the key top having a similar external shape is fitted to the key top support portion due to the different shapes of the fitting portions, the key top becomes the key top support portion with the mounting position being wrong. It can be prevented from being mounted.

  The hook portion 35 included in the key top 30 a is provided so as to be hooked on the inner surface (the back surface 21 b of the front case 21) of the second housing 20 positioned around the opening 23. The hook portions 35 included in the key tops 30 b to 30 i are provided so as to be hooked on the inner surface (the back surface 21 b of the front case 21) of the second housing 20 positioned around the opening 24. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the key tops 30a to 30i from being easily detached from the second casing 20.

  As described above, the key devices 2a to 2i according to the present embodiment are provided with the key top support portions 27a to 27i that can be bent and deformed, and the key top support portions 27a to 27i so as to cover the key top support portions 27a to 27i. The key tops 30a to 30i are fitted to each other. For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare a panel cover that is a separate member from the key tops 30a to 30i and cover the key top support portions 27a to 27i. Therefore, the structure of the key devices 2a to 2i, and thus the electronic dictionary 1 provided with the same. The structure can be simplified.

  In addition, since the key devices 2a to 2i have a configuration in which the key tops 30a to 30i are fitted to the key top support portions 27a to 27i, the key devices 2a to 2i and the electronic dictionary 1 including the same are easily manufactured. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a movement guide part for guiding the downward movement of the key tops 30a to 30i, it is possible to reduce the thickness.

  Further, the key top support portions 27a to 27i are made of a resin member. As a result, even when the key tops 30a to 30i are pressed obliquely, the key top support portions 27a to 27i do not extend like rubber, and thus the lateral displacement of the key tops 30a to 30i can be prevented. it can. As a result, key input can be performed reliably.

  Further, when the plurality of key top support portions 27b to 27i are arranged so as to be arranged in a row, the key tops 30b to 30i fitted to these are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to each other. Thereby, the clearance gap between the keytops 30b-30i can be narrowed, a frame can be narrowed, and design property can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the back side of the key top of the key device provided in the electronic dictionary according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the hook portion is omitted for the sake of convenience. With reference to FIG. 10, the key devices 2A to 2I provided in the electronic dictionary according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the key devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> I according to the present embodiment are substantially circular in shape when compared with the key devices 2 a to 2 i according to the first embodiment. The point is different. Other configurations are almost the same. In this case, the region 33R is also similar to the outer shape of the key tops 30A to 30I, and has a substantially circular shape.

  Even in such a configuration, the key devices 2A to 2I are provided with a key top support portion that can be flexibly deformed, and the key top is fitted to the key top support portion so as to cover the key top support portion. It has the structure made. For this reason, even in the key devices 2A to 2I according to the present embodiment and the electronic dictionary including the same, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a front surface side of a front case provided in the electronic dictionary according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 11, key devices 2A1 to 2I1 provided in the electronic dictionary according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when compared with the key devices 2a to 2i according to the first embodiment, the key devices 2A1 to 2I1 according to the present embodiment are substantially rectangular in the shape of the plate portions 27a2 to 27i2. The point is different. Other configurations are almost the same.

  Even in the case of such a configuration, the key devices 2A1 to 2I1 are provided with a key top support portion that can be flexibly deformed, and the key top is fitted to the key top support portion so as to cover the key top support portion. It has the structure made. For this reason, even in the key devices 2A1 to 2I1 and the electronic dictionary including the same according to the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the case where the electronic device is an electronic dictionary has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. A personal computer, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, a small television receiver, a Blu-ray It may be a displayer and a navigation system.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the boundary portion between the beam portion and the plate portion is curved in the key top support portion has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plate portion is the beam portion. It may be arranged in a row so as to be orthogonal to the beam portion at the tip of the. If the boundary between the beam and the plate is curved, the stress acting on the boundary between the plate and the beam is restrained from being concentrated in part, and the stress is relaxed. Can do. For this reason, even when it is repeatedly pressed, the key top support portion can be prevented from being damaged, and the durability of the key top support portion can be improved.

  In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the fitting portion provided on the key top side for fitting the key top and the key top supporting portion is a protrusion and is provided on the key top supporting portion side. Although the case where the to-be-fitted part was a through-hole was illustrated and demonstrated, it is not limited to this, The to-be-fitted part may be comprised by the fitting recessed part. Furthermore, the fitting part may be constituted by a concave part, and the fitted part may be constituted by a protruding shape.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and includes meanings equivalent to the terms of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

  1 Electronic Dictionary, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 2i, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2I, 2A1, 2B1, 2C1, 2D1, 2E1, 2E1, 2F1, 2G1, 2H1, 2I1 Key device, 3a character key, 3b cursor key, 3c enter key, 10 housing, 11 display unit, 15 hinge mechanism, 20 housing, 21 front case, 21a front surface, 21b back Surface, 21c Plate-shaped part, 22 Rear case, 23, 24, 25a, 25b, 25c Opening part, 26 Separating part, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f, 27g, 27h, 27i Key top support part, 27a1 27b1, 27c1, 27d1, 27e1, 27f1, 27g1, 27h1, 27i1 Beams, 27a2, 27b2, 27c2, 2 d2, 27e2, 27f2, 27g2, 27h2, 27i2 Plate part, 27a3, 27b3, 27c3, 27d3, 27e3, 27f3, 27g3, 27h3, 27i3 Main surface, 27a4, 27b4, 27c4, 27d4, 27e4, 27f4, 27g4, 27h4 27i4 Lower surface, 28a1, 28b1, 28c1, 28d1, 28e1, 28f1, 28g1, 28h1, 28i1, 28a2, 28b2, 28c2, 28d2, 28e2, 28f2, 28g2, 28h2, 28i2 Through hole, 29 Protrusion, 30a, 30b, 30c , 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h, 30i, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H, 30I key top, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f, 2g, 32h, 32i main surface, 33R region, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 33f, 33g, 33h, 33i protrusion, 34a1, 34b1, 34c1, 34d1, 34e1, 34f1, 34g1, 34h1, 34i1, 34a2 , 34b2, 34c2, 34d2, 34e2, 34f2, 34g2, 34h2, 34i2 Fitting protrusion, 35 hook part, 50 substrate, 51 metal plate, 52 metal dome, 53 fixed contact, 54 switch.

Claims (10)

A substrate,
A switch provided on the substrate;
A key top provided above the switch;
A resin-made key top support portion that is provided in a housing that houses the substrate therein and includes an opening in which the key top is disposed, and that supports the key top;
The key top support portion includes a beam portion extending from the periphery of the opening portion into the opening portion, and
Including a plate portion continuously provided at the tip of the beam portion, provided to be positioned between the switch and the key top,
The key top is supported by the key top support portion so as to be movable up and down between an ascending position and a descending position by bending and deforming the beam portion,
The switch is pressed by the key top support portion that is lowered in conjunction with the downward movement of the key top when the key top is pressed,
Said key top, Ri it is fitted to the plate portion,
The key top support portion is inclined so that the tip side approaches the key top in a state before the key top is pressed,
The key top includes a hook unit that is hooked to an inner surface of the casing located around the opening .   2. The key device according to claim 1, wherein the beam portion has a cantilever structure in which one end located on the side opposite to the plate portion side is connected to the peripheral edge of the opening.   The key device according to claim 1, wherein the plate portion has a substantially circular shape.   The key device according to claim 1, wherein the key top has a substantially rectangular shape. The key top includes a main surface facing the plate portion, and a protrusion as a spacer provided so as to protrude from the main surface toward the plate portion and to be sandwiched between the main surface and the plate portion. ,
5. The key device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is provided on an inner side of the outer edge so as not to reach an outer edge of the plate portion. 6.   The protrusion is similar to the outer shape of the key top when viewed from the normal direction of the main surface, is located on the inner side of the outer edge of the key top, and has a center position on the main surface. The key device according to claim 5, wherein the key device is provided in a central area. The key top has a substantially rectangular shape,
The key device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion is provided on a diagonal line of the region. A plurality of the key tops are provided in a row so as to be adjacent to each other in the opening,
A plurality of the key top support portions are provided corresponding to the plurality of key tops,
Each of the plurality of key top support portions is provided so as to extend from the peripheral edge of the opening in the direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of key tops are arranged toward the opening. 8. The key device according to any one of 1 to 7 . Each of the plurality of key tops has a fitting portion having a shape different from each other,
Each of the plurality of key top support portions has a fitted portion that fits into the fitting portion,
The key device according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of fitted portions have shapes corresponding to the corresponding fitting portions. A key device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
An electronic apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays an image based on information input from the key device.

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