Electronic devices

Abstract

Provided is an electronic device with good design and capable of providing a user with feedback of the completion of an operation through tactile sensation. The electronic device comprises: a housing having a through hole; a switch module having a circuit substrate and a switch mounted on the circuit substrate, wherein the circuit substrate is mounted on the inner side of the housing in alignment with the through hole; a rod portion provided in the through hole of the housing and abutting against a pressing component of the switch; and a cover portion mounted on the outer side of the housing and abutting against the rod portion, wherein the pressing component is pressed via the rod portion by utilizing the deflection generated by pressing the outer surface of the cover portion, thereby switching the conduction state of the switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are electronic devices such as smartphones that have sensors installed inside the side of the housing to detect user operations. The sensors are strain gauges, electrostatic sensors, piezoelectric element sensors, etc., and the side of the electronic device is flat (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 033143 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, conventional electronic devices have a problem in that, although the electronic devices have flat sides and good design, even if the user's operation can be detected, it is difficult for the user to know whether the operation is completed.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that has good design and can provide feedback to the user through tactile sensation indicating the completion of an operation.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell having a through hole; a switch module having a circuit substrate and a switch mounted on the circuit substrate, the circuit substrate being mounted on the inner side of the shell in alignment with the through hole; a rod portion, provided in the through hole of the shell and abutting against a pressing component of the switch; and a cover portion, mounted on the outer side of the shell and abutting against the rod portion, the pressing component being pressed via the rod portion by utilizing the deflection generated by pressing the outer surface of the cover portion, thereby switching the conduction state of the switch.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] An electronic device can be provided which has good design and can provide feedback to the user on the completion of operation through tactile sensation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing push switch 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the push switch 100 .

[0015] Figure 3 The figure transparently shows the metal plates 120A and 120B embedded in the frame 110 by insert molding.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a figure which shows the metal plates 120A and 120B.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 140 .

[0018] Figure 6 Yes means Figure 1 A1-A1 section view of the device.

[0019] Figure 7 Yes means Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the B1-B1 line.

[0020] Figure 8 : is a graph showing the FS characteristics of the push switch 100 .

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing push switch 200 according to Embodiment 2.

[0022] Fig.10 is an exploded view of the push switch 200 .

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 240.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a figure which shows the structure of the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C.

[0025] Fig.13A Yes means Fig. 9 AA section view in .

[0026] Fig. 13B Yes means Fig. 9 AA section view in .

[0027] Fig. 13C Yes means Fig. 9 AA section view in .

[0028] Fig.14A Yes means Fig. 9 A cross-section diagram taken along the BB direction.

[0029] Fig. 14B Yes means Fig. 9 A cross-section diagram taken along the BB direction.

[0030] Fig. 14C Yes means Fig. 9 A cross-section diagram taken along the BB direction.

[0031] Fig.15 FS characteristics of push switch 200 are shown in FIG.

[0032] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing an electronic device 300 according to a third embodiment.

[0033] Fig.17 This is an enlarged view showing the cover 330 of the electronic device 300 and its surroundings.

[0034] Fig.18 The electronic device 300 is shown from the inside. Fig.17 Fig. of the portion shown.

[0035] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 Exploded view of the parts shown.

[0036] Fig. 20 Yes means Fig.17 A cross-section diagram in the CC direction.

[0037] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a cross section of an electronic device 300A according to a modification of the third embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining the error in the Z direction when the push switch 100A is mounted on the housing 310A.

[0039] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing a cross section of an electronic device 300B according to a modification of the third embodiment.

[0040] Fig.24 Yes Fig.23 A portion of the diagram is shown enlarged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of electronic devices to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0042] The electronic device of the embodiment includes a push switch. Hereinafter, the push switch included in the electronic device of the embodiment will be described first in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the electronic device will be described in Embodiments 3 and later.

[0043] <Implementation method 1>

[0044] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing push switch 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 1 is an exploded view of the push switch 100. Hereinafter, an XYZ coordinate system is defined for explanation. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the -Z direction side is referred to as the lower side or lower, and the +Z direction side is referred to as the upper side or upper, but this does not represent a general upper-lower relationship.

[0045] The push switch 100 includes a housing 110 , metal plates 120A and 120B, a metal contact 130A, a leaf spring 130B, a pressing member 140 , and an insulator 150 .

[0046] Below, in addition to using Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The metal plates 120A and 120B will be described. Figure 3 The figure transparently shows the metal plates 120A and 120B embedded in the frame 110 by insert molding. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing metal plates 120A and 120B. Figure 2 In addition, Figure 5 The pressing member 140 will be described. Figure 5 140 is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 140. Figure 1 The A1-A1 section Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure is described. The A1-A1 arrow view cross section is a cross section obtained by cutting along the XZ plane at the center of the Y direction of the push switch 100. In addition, the push switch 100, as an example, has a shape in which the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Y direction. Therefore, the frame 110, the pressing member 140, and the insulator 150, as an example, also have a shape in which the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Y direction.

[0047] Hereinafter, for the push switch 100, the frame 110, the pressing member 140, and the insulator 150, the X direction is the long side direction, and the Y direction is the short side direction. The X direction is an example of the first axial direction, and the Y direction is an example of the second axial direction. In addition, the end of the frame 110 in the -X direction is an example of the first end in the first axial direction, and the end of the frame 110 in the +X direction is an example of the second end in the first axial direction.

[0048] When the push switch 100 is disconnected (non-conducting state), the metal contact 130A is in contact with the metal plate 120B (peripheral fixed contacts 121B), but not in contact with the metal plate 120A (central fixed contact 121A). That is, the metal plate 120A and the metal plate 120B are not electrically connected. In addition, the push switch 100 is the following switch: by pressing the insulator 150 in the downward direction, the metal contact 130A is pressed via the pressing component 140 and the leaf spring 130B, the metal contact 130A performs a reverse action and contacts the metal plate 120A, and the metal plate 120A and the metal plate 120B are electrically connected via the metal contact 130A, thereby becoming connected (conducting state). In order to make the metal contact 130A contact with the metal plate 120A, the stroke of pressing the insulator 150 is very short, which is 0.05 mm. The operation load required to reverse the metal contact 130A is, for example, 3.3 N. This operation load is a load that makes it difficult to turn on the push switch 100 due to erroneous contact with the insulator 150. In other words, it is a load that can suppress erroneous operation.

[0049] The frame 110 is made of resin and holds the metal plates 120A and 120B. The frame 110 and the metal plates 120A and 120B are integrally manufactured by insert molding. In other words, the metal plates 120A and 120B are embedded in the frame 110 by insert molding. The frame 110 has an opening 111 and a storage portion 112 connected to the opening 111. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the +Z direction side. In addition, the frame 110 has a bottom wall 113 and a side wall 114. The bottom wall 113 is a plate-shaped portion located at the bottom of the frame 110, and the side wall 114 is a side wall extending toward the upper side around the bottom wall 113. The space surrounded by the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 is the storage portion 112.

[0050] In addition, the frame body 110 has recesses 115A and 115B at both ends in the X direction. The recess 115A is an example of a first recess and is recessed in the +X direction. The recess 115B is an example of a second recess and is recessed in the -X direction. The recesses 115A and 115B are recessed to the same length in the X direction and to the same length in the Y direction. In addition, the positions of the recesses 115A and 115B in the Y direction are also equal.

[0051] In addition, hereinafter, the parts of the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 of the frame body 110 located at the four corners when viewed from above are referred to as corners 116A and 116B. The corner 116A is located on both sides of the Y direction on the -X direction side of the frame body 110. The part on the -X direction side of the corner 116A protrudes further to the -X direction side than the recess 115A. The corner 116B is located on both sides of the Y direction on the +X direction side of the frame body 110. The part on the +X direction side of the corner 116B protrudes further to the +X direction side than the recess 115B.

[0052] The storage part 112 is formed downward from the opening and includes a storage part 112A on the -X direction side and a storage part 112B on the +X direction side. The storage part 112B is deeper than the storage part 112A, and the bottom wall 113 forms a step between the storage parts 112A and 112B.

[0053] The central fixed contact 121A of the metal plate 120A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B of the metal plate 120B are arranged at the bottom of the storage portion 112B and exposed in the storage portion 112B. In the storage portion 112B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged in this order on the upper side of the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B (see Figure 6 ), on the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B, the pressing member 140 is accommodated throughout the accommodation portions 112A and 112B.

[0054] The bottom wall 113 is a portion of the bottom of the frame 110, and is a rectangular plate-shaped portion in a plan view. The bottom wall 113 has a step difference between the storage portion 112A and the storage portion 112B. The bottom wall 113 holds the metal plates 120A and 120B, and exposes the upper surfaces of the central fixed contact 121A of the metal plate 120A and the peripheral fixed contact 121B of the metal plate 120B.

[0055] The side wall 114 is provided along the four sides of the bottom wall 113 and extends upward from the portion of the bottom wall 113 outside the storage portion 112. The extension portions 125A and 125B of the metal plates 120A and 120B are embedded in the boundaries between the four corners of the side wall 114 and the bottom wall 113.

[0056] The metal plate 120A has a central fixed contact 121A, a terminal 122A, and an extension 125A. The metal plate 120A is made of copper, for example. The central fixed contact 121A is in a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed downward (see Figure 6 ) is not in contact with the metal contact 130A, and the insulator 150 is pressed downward (refer to Figure 7 ) and contacts the metal contact 130A. The terminal 122A protrudes in the concave portion 115A of the frame body 110 toward the -X direction.

[0057] The extension portion 125A is an example of a pair of first extension portions, and is a portion of the terminal 122A extending in the Y direction, which is bent upward on both sides in the Y direction and extends obliquely upward. The extension portion 125A is embedded in the lower side of the corner portion 116A of the frame body 110 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 125A is provided over the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 in the corner portion 116A.

[0058] The metal plate 120B has a peripheral fixed contact 121B, a terminal 122B, and an extension 125B. The metal plate 120B is made of copper as an example. The peripheral fixed contact 121B is in a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed downward (see Figure 6 ) and contacts the end of the metal contact 130A on the +X direction side, and insulator 150 is pressed downward (refer to Figure 7 ) and contacts the metal contact 130A. The terminal 122B protrudes toward the +X direction side of the frame body 110 in the recess 115A.

[0059] The extension portion 125B is an example of a pair of second extension portions, and is a portion of the terminal 122B extending in the Y direction, which is bent upward on both sides in the Y direction and extends obliquely upward. The extension portion 125B is embedded in the lower side of the corner portion 116B of the frame body 110 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 125B is provided over the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 in the corner portion 116B.

[0060] The extensions 125A and 125B are provided to improve the rigidity of the push switch 100 as a whole by reinforcing the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110. The extensions 125A and the terminal 122A are provided to extend substantially the entire Y direction of the frame 110, and have a shape in which both ends of the terminal 122A extending along the Y direction are bent upward. Similarly, the extensions 125B and the terminal 122B are provided to extend substantially the entire Y direction of the frame 110, and have a shape in which both ends of the terminal 122B extending along the Y direction are bent upward. Therefore, the extensions 125A and 125B are located at the four corners of the frame 110 when viewed from above, and are located on the lower side of the corner 116B in the thickness direction.

[0061] In this way, if the extensions 125A and 125B, each having a shape in which both ends of the terminals 122A and 122B extending in the Y direction are bent upward, are embedded in the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110, even if the frame 110 is subjected to stress from the upper side, the rigidity of the frame 110 can be significantly improved due to the presence of the metal extensions 125A and 125B. In particular, the rigidity of the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110 can be significantly improved. In addition, the bending rigidity when the push switch 100 is twisted in the long side direction can be significantly improved.

[0062] In a configuration such as a conventional switch having extensions extending from both ends of the terminal 122A extending in the Y direction to the +X direction side and extensions extending from both ends of the terminal 122B extending in the Y direction to the -X direction side, such a reinforced configuration cannot be achieved because there are no extensions at the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110. Conventional switches are suitable for applications that do not require much strength, but when it is assumed that the switch is used in an environment that requires higher strength, it is effective to embed the extensions 125A and 125B at the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110.

[0063] In addition, in a structure having an extension portion extending from both ends of the Y direction of a terminal 122A extending along the Y direction toward the +X direction side, and an extension portion extending from both ends of the Y direction of a terminal 122B extending along the Y direction toward the -X direction side, as in a conventional switch, the volume of the storage portion 112 may be reduced because the extension portion is bent toward the storage portion 112 side.

[0064] In contrast, in the push switch 100 of the embodiment, the extensions 125A and 125B are embedded in the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110, so the extensions 125A and 125B are located inside the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 of the corners 116A and 116B. That is, the size of the storage portion 112 is not affected even if the extensions 125A and 125B are provided.

[0065] In particular, when the pressing member 140 using the lever principle is included, if the length of the storage portion 112 in the X direction is long, the length ratio between the fulcrum and the point of action (Japanese: point of action) in the lever principle and the length ratio between the fulcrum and the point of force can be increased. From this point of view, it is useful to provide the extension portions 125A and 125B, each having a shape in which both ends of the terminals 122A and 122B extending in the Y direction are bent upward, at the corners 116A and 116B of the frame body 110.

[0066] Furthermore, since the terminals 122A and 122B are accommodated in the recessed spaces of the recessed portions 115A and 115B of the frame body 110 , the length of the push switch 100 in the X direction can be shortened.

[0067] In addition, here, the extension parts 125A and 125B are respectively provided over the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 in the corners 116A and 116B of the frame body 110. However, the extension parts 125A and 125B may be provided on one of the bottom wall 113 and the side wall 114 in the corners 116A and 116B. For example, in the case where the bottom wall 113 is relatively thick, the extension parts 125A and 125B may be provided only on the bottom wall 113. In addition, in the case where the bottom wall 113 is relatively thin, the extension parts 125A and 125B may be provided only on the side wall 114 in the corners 116A and 116B. That is, the extension parts 125A and 125B may be provided on the bottom wall 113 and / or the side wall 114 in the corners 116A and 116B.

[0068] The metal contact 130A is a metal spring realized by a metal component, and has a dome portion 131A (see FIG. 1 ) which protrudes upward in a dome shape at the center and can perform a reverse operation. Figure 2 , 4 ). The metal contact 130A is an example of a movable contact member. The metal contact 130A is made of stainless steel as an example.

[0069] When the dome portion 131A is pressed from the upper side, the dome portion 131A reverses and bulges downward (see Figure 7 ). In this state, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, so that the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contacts 121B are connected. The metal contact 130A is silver-plated on the lower surface. This is because the lower surface contacts the central fixed contact 121A and the peripheral fixed contacts 121B through which current flows. In addition, the dome 131A performs a reverse action, which can provide an operator with an operational tactile feeling.

[0070] The metal contact 130A is manufactured as follows: a sheet metal formed into a circular shape when viewed from above is subjected to through-hole processing to manufacture a dome portion 131A, and then the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side are cut away along the X axis. Therefore, the metal contact 130A has a cut-away portion 132A cut away along the X axis on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side. The cut-away portion 132A is formed to miniaturize the push switch 100 in the Y axis direction.

[0071] The leaf spring 130B has a structure in which the silver plating is removed from the metal contact 130A. Therefore, the leaf spring 130B has a dome portion 131B and a cut-away portion 132B.

[0072] The pressing member 140 is housed throughout the interior of the housing portions 112A and 112B of the housing portion 112 (see Figure 6 The pressing member 140 is a flat metal member (see Figure 2, 3 , 4), having a main body 141, a fulcrum 142 (an example of a first fulcrum), an action point 143 (an example of a first action point), and a force point 144 (an example of a first force point). The pressing component 140 is a component that can move like a lever, and the fulcrum 142, the action point 143, and the force point 144 function as a fulcrum, an action point, and a force point of the lever, respectively. The pressing component 140 is, for example, made by sheet metal processing. The pressing component 140 is, for example, made of stainless steel.

[0073] Since the pressing member 140 utilizes the lever principle, it needs to be less flexible and has a certain degree of high rigidity. Therefore, the pressing member 140 is made of metal, has a certain degree of width in the Y-axis direction, and is also set to be thick in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] The main body 141 has a shape that is warped such that the fulcrum portion 142 and the application point portion 143 are bent downward with respect to the power point portion 144 in order to facilitate downward displacement of the application point portion 143 .

[0075] The fulcrum portion 142 is provided on the -X direction side and is in contact with the bottom surface of the storage portion 112A. The fulcrum portion 142 has a sufficient width in the Y-axis direction. This is because when the pressing member 140 is in motion, the fulcrum portion 142 is tilted in the Y-axis direction, so that the force can be efficiently transmitted to the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A. In addition, here, the fulcrum portion 142 is provided on the entire width of the pressing member 140 in the Y-axis direction, but it can also be divided into several pieces.

[0076] The fulcrum 142 protrudes toward the −Z direction. By making the fulcrum 142 protrude toward the −Z direction, the pressing member 140 can be separated from the bottom surface of the storage portion 112 toward the +Z direction, making it easy to move the pressing member 140.

[0077] The action point portion 143 is provided on the +X direction side and has a convex portion 143A (an example of a first convex portion) for pressing the metal contact 130A. Figure 5 As shown, the convex portion 143A is circular in a plan view, and its lower surface is flat and has a truncated cone shape.

[0078] The convex portion 143A is arranged in contact with the upper surface of the leaf spring 130B. When the pressing member 140 is operated by the lever principle and the action point portion 143 is pressed downward, the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A are pressed downward. When the leaf spring 130B and the metal contact 130A are reversed, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A.

[0079] The force point portion 144 is provided between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143, and has a convex portion 144A. The convex portion 144A protrudes in a hemispherical shape. When the insulator 150 is not pressed, the convex portion 144A does not contact the insulator 150, and there is a gap between them. However, when the insulator 150 is pressed downward, it contacts the convex portion 144A, and the convex portion 144A is pressed downward. This is a state in which a force is applied to the force point of the pressing member 140 using the lever principle.

[0080] The insulator 150 is made of a resin sheet, adhered to the upper surface of the frame 110, and covers the opening 111. The insulator 150 has a protrusion 151 located in the center when viewed from above (see FIG. Figure 1 , 2 4) The protrusion 151 is formed by heating a resin sheet. In addition, the insulator 150 has cutouts 155A and 155B corresponding to the recesses 115A and 115B in accordance with the shape of the frame body 110 in a plan view.

[0081] The metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressing member 140 are stored in the storage portion 112 of the frame 110, and the insulator 150 is bonded to the frame 110. Since the insulator 150 is bonded to the frame 110, the metal plates 120A and 120B, the metal contact 130A, the leaf spring 130B, and the pressing member 140 are held in the storage portion 112 without shaking.

[0082] The protrusion 151 is arranged at a position overlapping with the force point portion 144 in a plan view, and can be flexibly deformed to contact with the force point portion 144 (see Figure 7 ),exist Figure 6 In the state without bending and deformation as shown, it is separated from the force point portion 144.

[0083] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 100. The horizontal axis is the stroke (S) of pressing the insulator 150 downward, and the vertical axis is the force (F) required to press the insulator 150 downward. The force (F) is the operation load.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the insulator 150 is pushed in from the position of zero stroke, the operation load gradually increases until S1 and becomes a very small value. This indicates that the operation load required to push in the protrusion 151 of the insulator 150 is very small.

[0085] S1 is 0.1 mm. It is assumed that the push switch 100 further includes a button or the like on the insulator 150. The button is a component that is actually pressed, such as a push-button switch in a vehicle cabin or a push-button switch of an electronic device.

[0086] For example, in a product that is easily subjected to vibration, such as a portable device, if there is a gap between the insulator 150 and the button, there is a concern that when vibration is applied to the product, the vibration will also be transmitted to the button and produce an abnormal sound. Therefore, when not operated, the button is sometimes pressed against other components to suppress the generation of abnormal noise. When used in such a product, the insulator 150 is sometimes installed in a state where the button is slightly pressed in advance (in a state where pre-tension is applied) so as not to produce a gap between the button and other components. In such a case, the insulator 150 is set to a state where it is pressed to a stroke of less than S1. Therefore, when operating the push-button switch, there is also a case where the stroke starts from S1.

[0087] If the stroke reaches S1, the insulator 150 contacts the convex portion 144A of the force point portion 144. If the stroke exceeds S1, the pressing component 140 presses the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S2, the operating load becomes F3 (maximum value), and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse. At this time, the operating load begins to decrease sharply, thereby providing a click feeling to the user's fingertips. If the insulator 150 is further pressed, the operating load is reduced to F2 when the stroke reaches S3. At this time, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A, and the push switch 100 is switched to the on state.

[0088] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in order to utilize the lever principle, the push switch 100 has a distance between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 set to 2 mm, and a distance between the action point portion 143 and the force point portion 144 set to 1 mm, as an example.

[0089] Therefore, the stroke of pressing insulator 150 to turn on push switch 100 is 1 / 2 of the stroke required to press metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B alone and reverse them. “Alone” means directly pressing metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B without using pressing member 140 .

[0090] Furthermore, the operation load required to press the insulator 150 to turn on the push switch 100 is twice the operation load required to press the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone and reverse them.

[0091] Here, the stroke required to press the metal contact 130A alone and reverse it is 0.1 mm. This also applies to the state where the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are overlapped.

[0092] When the push switch 100 is in the off state, the metal contact 130A is not connected to the central fixed contact 121A, but maintains an insulated state. In this state, the interval between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A is 0.1 mm. It is known that if it is 0.1 mm, the insulated state between the metal contact 130A and the central fixed contact 121A can be maintained. If the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are reversed and moved downward by 0.1 mm, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 121A.

[0093] On the other hand, the stroke for pressing the insulator 150 to turn on the push switch 100 is 0.05 mm because it is half the stroke required for pressing the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B alone and causing them to reverse.

[0094] That is, the push switch 100 utilizes the lever principle, thereby ensuring that the stroke of the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B is only 0.1 mm, and shortening the stroke required for switching on.

[0095] Here, if the lever principle as described above is not utilized, and the stroke required to press the metal contact 130A alone and reverse it is set to 0.05 mm, then the distance between the central fixed contact 121A and the metal contact 130A when the push switch 100 is in the disconnected state becomes 0.05 mm, and the withstand voltage and insulation resistance become smaller, so there is a concern that it will be difficult to maintain the insulation state.

[0096] Furthermore, if the stroke of the metal contact 130A is set to 0.05 mm, it may be difficult to set the insulator 150 in a state where a pre-tension is applied.

[0097] Furthermore, since the operating load required to press insulator 150 to turn on push switch 100 is twice the operating load required to press and reverse metal contact 130A and leaf spring 130B alone, the click feeling when operating push switch 100 can be doubled.

[0098] As described above, since the extensions 125A and 125B, each having a shape in which both ends of the terminals 122A and 122B extending in the Y direction are bent upward, are embedded in the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110, the rigidity of the frame 110 can be significantly improved. In particular, the rigidity of the corners 116A and 116B of the frame 110 can be significantly improved. In addition, the bending rigidity when twisted with respect to the long side direction of the push switch 100 can be significantly improved.

[0099] Therefore, it is possible to provide the push switch 200 having high rigidity.

[0100] Furthermore, since the extension portions 125A and 125B, each having a shape in which both ends of the terminals 122A and 122B extending in the Y direction are bent upward, are provided at the corners 116A and 116B of the frame body 110, the length of the storage portion 112 in the X direction can be ensured. Therefore, the ratio of the length of the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 in the pressing member 140 to the length of the fulcrum portion 142 and the force point portion 144 can be made larger.

[0101] Furthermore, since the terminals 122A and 122B are accommodated in the recessed spaces of the recessed portions 115A and 115B of the frame 110, the length of the push switch 100 in the X direction can be shortened, and the push switch 100 can be miniaturized in the long-side direction. Therefore, the push member 140 using the lever principle can be effectively used in the compact push switch 100.

[0102] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, a push switch that achieves both short stroke and electrical stability can be provided. Furthermore, since the click feeling during operation can be increased, the operational feeling can be improved.

[0103] In addition, by arranging the extension portions 125A and 125B at the corner portions 116A and 116B of the frame body 110, the ratio of the length of the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 in the pressing component 140 to the length of the fulcrum portion 142 and the force point portion 144 can be made larger, thereby further increasing the click feeling during operation and achieving a further improvement in the operational feel.

[0104] Furthermore, by utilizing the lever principle, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B can easily cope with the operation load required as a push switch even if components with a small operation load are used. Generally speaking, the metal contact 130A with a heavy operation load tends to have a longer operating life than the metal contact 130A with a light operation load. That is, the operating life of the push switch 100 can be increased.

[0105] In this embodiment, in order to ensure a predetermined operating load, the leaf spring 130B is stacked on the metal contact 130A. However, if the required operating load can be lighter, the number of leaf springs 130B can be reduced (leaf spring 130B is omitted).

[0106] Furthermore, the pressing member 140 can be produced by press working a metal sheet, and thus the respective parts such as the fulcrum part 142 , the action point part 143 , and the power point part 144 can be easily formed.

[0107] In addition, the above description has been given of a mode in which the push switch 100 includes the push member 140 utilizing the lever principle, but the push member 140 may also be a configuration that does not utilize the lever principle. In other words, a push member that directly transmits the push load of the insulator 150 to the leaf spring 130B without utilizing the lever principle may be used instead of the push member 140.

[0108] In addition, the above description describes a method of setting the distance between the fulcrum portion 142 and the action point portion 143 to 2 mm and the distance between the action point portion 143 and the force point portion 144 to 1 mm. However, by adjusting these distances, the stroke and pressing load of the insulator 150 can be freely set.

[0109] Furthermore, although the push switch 100 has been described above with respect to an embodiment including the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B, it may also be configured to include only the metal contact 130A.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above, the pressing member 140 is described as including the convex portion 143A and the convex portion 144A, but the pressing member 140 may not include the convex portion 143A and / or the convex portion 144A.

[0111] <Implementation method 2>

[0112] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing push switch 200 according to Embodiment 2. Fig.10 2 is an exploded view of the push switch 200. In Embodiment 2, the same XYZ coordinate system as in Embodiment 1 is used. The X direction is an example of the first axial direction, and the Y direction is an example of the second axial direction. The -Y direction is one end side in the second axial direction, and the +Y direction is the other end side in the second axial direction.

[0113] Push switch 200 includes housing 210 , metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C, metal contact 130A, leaf spring 130B, push member 240 , and insulator 150 .

[0114] Below, in addition to using Fig.10 In addition, Fig.11 The pressing member 240 is described below. Fig.10 In addition, Fig.12 The metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C will be described. Fig.11 2 is a diagram showing the back side of the pressing member 240. Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing the structure of metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. Fig.12 In FIG. 2 , the frame 210 is shown in perspective. Fig. 9 The A2-A2 section in the Figures 13A to 13C, and the B2-B2 cross section Figures 14A to 14C , the cross-sectional structure is described. The A2-A2 arrow-viewed cross section is a cross section obtained by cutting along the XZ plane at the center of the Y direction of the push switch 200. The B2-B2 arrow-viewed cross section is a cross section obtained by cutting along the XZ plane at a position offset to the -Y side from the center of the Y direction of the push switch 200.

[0115] The push switch 200 of the second embodiment includes a push member 240 in which a spring contact 245 is added to the push member 140 of the push switch 100 of the first embodiment, and includes metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C instead of the metal plates 120A and 120B. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as those of the push switch 100 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0116] The frame 210 is made of resin and holds the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C. The end of the frame 210 in the -X direction is an example of a first end in the first axial direction, and the end of the frame 210 in the +X direction is an example of a second end in the first axial direction.

[0117] The frame 210 and the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C are integrally manufactured by insert molding. In other words, the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 220C are embedded in the frame 210 by insert molding. The frame 210 has an opening 111, a storage portion 212 connected to the opening 111, a bottom wall 213, a side wall 214, and recesses 215A and 215B. The opening 111 is formed on the surface on the +Z direction side.

[0118] The bottom wall 213 is a plate-shaped portion located at the bottom of the frame 210, and the side walls 214 are side walls extending upward from all four sides of the bottom wall 213. The space surrounded by the bottom wall 213 and the side walls 214 is the storage portion 212. The bottom wall 213 has a step between the storage portion 212A and the storage portion 212B.

[0119] The concave portion 215A is recessed in the +X direction at the end portion on the -X direction side of the frame body 210, and the concave portion 215B is recessed in the -X direction at the end portion on the +X direction side of the frame body 210. The recessed lengths of the concave portions 215A and 215B in the X direction are equal, and the lengths in the Y direction are also equal. In addition, the positions of the concave portions 215A and 215B in the Y direction are also equal.

[0120] In addition, hereinafter, the parts of the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 of the frame body 210 located at the four corners when viewed from above are referred to as corners 216A and 216B. The corner 216A is located on both sides of the Y direction on the -X direction side of the frame body 110. The part on the -X direction side of the corner 216A protrudes further to the -X direction side than the recess 215A. The corner 216B is located on both sides of the Y direction on the +X direction side of the frame body 210. The part on the +X direction side of the corner 216B protrudes further to the +X direction side than the recess 215B.

[0121] The storage part 212 is formed downward from the opening and includes a storage part 212A on the -X direction side and a storage part 212B on the +X direction side. The storage part 212B is deeper than the storage part 212A, and the bottom wall 213 forms a step between the storage part 212A and the storage part 212B.

[0122] The central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A, the peripheral fixed contacts 221B of the metal plate 220B, and the pre-sensing terminal 223B are arranged at the bottom of the storage portion 212B and exposed in the storage portion 212B. In the storage portion 212B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are arranged in this order to overlap on the upper side of the central fixed contact 221A and the peripheral fixed contact 221B (see Figures 13A to 13C ), the pressing member 240 is accommodated over the accommodating portions 212A and 212B on the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. In addition, the spring contact 245 of the pressing member 240 is located above the pre-sensing terminal 223B.

[0123] The bottom wall 213 is a portion of the bottom of the frame 210, and is a rectangular plate-shaped portion when viewed from above. The bottom wall 213 holds the metal plates 220A, 220B, and 230C, and has a step difference between the storage portion 212A and the storage portion 212B. The bottom wall 213 exposes the upper surface of the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A, the peripheral fixed contact 221B of the metal plate 220B, and the pre-sensing terminal 223B in the portion of the storage portion 212B.

[0124] The side wall 214 is provided along the four sides of the bottom wall 213 and extends upward from a portion of the bottom wall 213 that is further outside the storage portion 212. In the boundary portions of the four corners of the side wall 214 and the bottom wall 213, extension portions 225A, 225B, 225C of the metal plates 220A, 220B, 220C are embedded.

[0125] The metal plate 220A has a central fixed contact 221A, a terminal 222A, and an extension 225A (see Fig.12). The terminal 222A is an example of a first terminal. The metal plate 220A is different in planar shape from the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment due to the addition of the metal plate 220C, but is functionally the same as the metal plate 120A of the first embodiment, and the central fixed contact 221A, the terminal 222A, and the extension 225A correspond to the central fixed contact 121A, the terminal 122A, and the extension 125A of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0126] The extension portion 225A is an example of a first extension portion, and is a portion of the terminal 222A in the +Y direction that is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. In other words, the extension portion 225A is a portion that is connected to the terminal 222A in the +Y direction and extends in the +Y direction, and is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. The extension portion 225A is embedded in the lower side of the corner portion 216A on the +Y direction side of the frame 210 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 225A is provided over the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corner portion 216A on the +Y direction side.

[0127] The metal plate 220B has a peripheral fixed contact 221B, two terminals 222B, a pre-sensing terminal 223B, and an extension portion 225B (see Fig.12 ). Of the two terminals 222B, the terminal 222B on the +Y direction side is an example of a third terminal, and the terminal 222B on the -Y direction side is an example of a fourth terminal. In addition, of the two extensions 225B, the extension 225B on the +Y direction side is an example of a third extension, and the extension 225B on the -Y direction side is an example of a fourth extension.

[0128] The metal plate 220B has the following structure: the shape of the metal plate 120B of the first embodiment is changed, the number of terminals 222B is increased to two, and two pre-sensing terminals 223B are added. Therefore, the peripheral fixed contact 221B, the terminal 222B, and the extension 225B are functionally equivalent to the peripheral fixed contact 121B, the terminal 122B, and the extension 125B of the first embodiment.

[0129] The two terminals 222B extend from the ends of the peripheral fixed contact 221B on the +Y direction side and the ends on the -Y direction side to the +X direction side. In addition, the two pre-sensing terminals 223B extend from the ends of the peripheral fixed contact 221B on the +Y direction side and the ends on the -Y direction side to the -X direction side. Therefore, the metal plate 220B has an H-shaped shape when viewed from above.

[0130] The extension part 225B on the +Y direction side of the two extension parts 225B is a portion where the end of the terminal 222B in the +Y direction is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. In other words, the extension part 225B on the +Y direction side of the two extension parts 225B is a portion that is connected to the end of the terminal 222A in the +Y direction and extends in the +Y direction, and is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. The extension part 225B on the +Y direction side is embedded in the lower side of the corner part 216B on the +Y direction side of the frame 210 in the thickness direction. The extension part 225B on the +Y direction side is provided over the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corner part 216B on the +Y direction side.

[0131] The extension part 225B on the -Y direction side of the two extension parts 225B is a portion where the end of the terminal 222B in the -Y direction is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. In other words, the extension part 225B on the -Y direction side of the two extension parts 225B is a portion that is connected to the end of the terminal 222A in the -Y direction and extends in the -Y direction, and is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. The extension part 225B on the -Y direction side is embedded in the lower side of the corner part 216B on the -Y direction side of the frame 210 in the thickness direction. The extension part 225B on the -Y direction side is provided over the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corner part 216B on the -Y direction side.

[0132] The metal plate 220C has a terminal 221C, a terminal 222C, and an extension portion 225C (see Fig.12 ). The terminal 222C is an example of a second terminal. The metal plate 220C is made of copper as an example. The terminal 221C is exposed on the bottom surface of the storage portion 212A, and contacts the lower surface of the fulcrum portion 142 of the pressing member 240 inside the storage portion 212A. The terminal 222C protrudes from the -X direction side of the frame body 210. The terminal 221C is located on the +Z direction side than the terminal 222C.

[0133] The extension portion 225C is an example of a second extension portion, and is a portion of the terminal 222C that is bent upward at the end in the -Y direction and extends obliquely upward. In other words, the extension portion 225C is a portion that is connected to the end in the -Y direction of the terminal 222C and extends in the -Y direction, and is bent upward and extends obliquely upward. The extension portion 225C is embedded in the lower side of the corner portion 216A on the -Y direction side of the frame 210 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 225C is provided over the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corner portion 216A on the -Y direction side.

[0134] The pressing member 240 is housed throughout the interior of the housing portions 212A and 212B of the housing portion 212 (see Figures 13A to 13CThe pressing member 240 is an example of a first pressing member. It has a main body 241, a fulcrum 142, a point of action 143, a force point 144, and a spring contact 245. The pressing member 240 is a member that can act like a lever. The pressing member 240 is manufactured by sheet metal processing as an example.

[0135] The main body 241 is the same as the main body 141 of the pressing member 140 of the first embodiment, but spring contacts 245 are provided on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the central portion in the X-axis direction. In addition, the main body 241 has a shape that is warped such that the fulcrum portion 142 and the point of application portion 143 are bent upward relative to the force point portion 144 in order to easily obtain displacement to the lower side of the point of application portion 143.

[0136] The spring contact 245 extends from the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the central portion in the X-axis direction of the main body 241 to the +X direction side and the -Z direction side (diagonally downward). The spring contact 245 can be displaced in the Z-axis direction and exerts a restoring force against the displacement in the Z-axis direction. The spring contact 245 is an example of a first elastic piece.

[0137] In push switch 200 as described above, extension portions 225A, 225B, and 225C are provided in order to enhance the rigidity of push switch 200 as a whole by reinforcing corner portions 216A and 216B of frame body 210 , similarly to push switch 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0138] Even if the frame 210 is subjected to stress from the upper side, the presence of the metal extensions 225A, 225B, and 225C can significantly improve the rigidity of the frame 210. In particular, the rigidity of the corners 216A and 216B of the frame 210 can be significantly improved. In addition, the bending rigidity when the push switch 200 is twisted relative to the long side direction can be significantly improved.

[0139] Since the push switch 200 has the extensions 225A, 225B, 225C embedded in the corners 216A, 216B of the frame 210, the extensions 225A, 225B, 225C are located inside the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 of the corners 216A, 216B. That is, even if the extensions 225A, 225B, 225C are provided, the size of the storage portion 212 is not affected.

[0140] In particular, when the pressing member 240 using the lever principle is included, if the length of the storage portion 212 in the X direction is long, the ratio of the length between the fulcrum and the point of action and the length between the fulcrum and the point of force in the lever principle can be increased. From this point of view, it is useful to provide the extension portions 225A, 225B, and 225C at the corners 216A and 216B of the frame body 210.

[0141] Furthermore, since the terminals 222A, 222B, and 222C are housed in the recessed spaces of the recessed portions 215A and 215B of the frame body 210 , the length of the push switch 200 in the X direction can be shortened.

[0142] Here, the extension parts 225A, 225B, and 225C are respectively provided over the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corners 216A and 216B of the frame body 210. However, the extension parts 225A, 225B, and 225C may be provided on one of the bottom wall 213 and the side wall 214 in the corners 216A and 216B, respectively. For example, when the bottom wall 213 is thick to some extent, the extension parts 225A, 225B, and 225C may be provided only on the bottom wall 213. In addition, when the bottom wall 213 is relatively thin, for example, the extension parts 225A, 225B, and 225C may be provided only on the side wall 214 in the corners 216A and 216B. That is, the extension portions 225A, 225B, and 225C may be provided on the bottom wall 213 and / or the side wall 214 in the corner portions 216A and 216B.

[0143] Here, use Figures 13A to 13C as well as Figures 14A to 14C The operation of the push switch 200 will be described. Fig.13A as well as Fig.14A This is a state where the insulator 150 is not pressed and the push switch 200 is turned off.

[0144] Fig. 13B as well as Fig. 14B The insulator 150 is slightly pressed, the front end of the spring contact 245 is connected to the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are not reversed, and the metal contact 130A is not in contact with the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A.

[0145] Since the supporting point 142 of the pressing member 240 contacts the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C, in this state, the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B is connected to the terminal 221C of the metal plate 220C by the pressing member 240. That is, the terminal 222B is electrically connected to the terminal 222C.

[0146] In this way, before the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A, the front end of the spring contact 245 is connected to the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B, so although the insulator 150 is slightly pressed, it is possible to detect that the metal contact 130A is not in contact with the central fixed contact 221A.

[0147] According to this configuration, in an electronic device connected to the terminals 222A, 222B, and 222C of the push switch 200, it is possible to detect (pre-sensing) a state in which the insulator 150 is slightly pressed and the terminal 222B and the terminal 222C are conductive, but the terminal 222A and the terminal 222C are not connected (the state before the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A).

[0148] Fig. 13C as well as Fig. 14C The insulator 150 is further pressed in, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B are reversed, and the metal contact 130A is in contact with the central fixed contact 221A of the metal plate 220A. In this state, the front end of the spring contact 245 is maintained in a state of being connected to the pre-sensing terminal 223B of the metal plate 220B. In this state, the terminal 222A and the terminal 222C are conductive.

[0149] Therefore, if Fig. 13B as well as Fig. 14B As shown, push switch 200 can realize two stages of states: a state in which insulator 150 is slightly pressed to make terminal 222B and terminal 222C conduct, and a state in which insulator 150 is further pressed to make terminal 222A and terminal 222C conduct.

[0150] Fig.15 The diagram shows the FS (Force-Stroke) characteristics of the push switch 200. The interval from the stroke zero position to S21 is different from the interval from the stroke zero position to S1 in the push switch 100 of the first embodiment (see Figure 8 That is, the strokes S1 and S21 are equal, and the operating loads F21 and F1 are equal.

[0151] If the stroke exceeds S21 and reaches S22, the spring contact 245 contacts the pre-sensing terminal 223B, and the terminal 222B and the terminal 222C are connected. The operation load at this time is F23.

[0152] If the insulator 150 is further pressed in, the pressing member 240 presses the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B. When the stroke reaches S23, the operating load becomes F24 (maximum value), and the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B reverse. At this time, the operating load begins to decrease sharply, thereby providing a click feeling to the user's fingertips. If the insulator 150 is further pressed, the operating load is reduced to F22 when the stroke reaches S24. At this time, the metal contact 130A contacts the central fixed contact 221A, and the push switch 100 is switched to the on state.

[0153] Furthermore, the stroke S22 can be adjusted by adjusting the displacement amount of the spring contact 245 , and the operation load F23 can be adjusted by adjusting the elastic force of the spring contact 245 .

[0154] As described above, since the extensions 225A, 225B, and 225C provided at the terminals 222A, 122B, and 222C are embedded in the corners 216A and 216B of the frame 210, the rigidity of the frame 210 can be significantly improved. In particular, the rigidity of the corners 216A and 216B of the frame 210 can be significantly improved. In addition, thereby, the bending rigidity when twisted with respect to the long side direction of the push switch 200 can be significantly improved.

[0155] Therefore, it is possible to provide the push switch 200 having high rigidity.

[0156] According to Embodiment 2, as in Embodiment 1, it is possible to provide a push switch 200 that achieves both short stroke and electrical stability. In addition, since the click feeling during operation can be increased, the operational feeling can be improved.

[0157] Furthermore, by using spring contact 245, push switch 200 that realizes a two-stage connection state can be provided. Push switch 200 of Embodiment 2 is similar to push switch 100 of Embodiment 1, and also has effects other than those described above, and can be similarly modified.

[0158] In addition, the above description has been given of a mode in which the push switch 200 includes the push member 240 utilizing the lever principle, but the push member 240 may also be a configuration that does not utilize the lever principle. In other words, a push member that directly transmits the push load of the insulator 150 to the leaf spring 130B without utilizing the lever principle may be used instead of the push member 240.

[0159] In addition, at least one spring contact 245 is sufficient, and three or more spring contacts may be provided.

[0160] Next, electronic devices to which push switches 100 and 200 according to Embodiments 1 and 2 can be applied will be described.

[0161] <Implementation method 3>

[0162] Fig.161 is a diagram showing an electronic device 300 according to Embodiment 3. The electronic device 300 is, for example, a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. Here, the electronic device 300 is, for example, a smartphone. In addition, as an example, a method in which the electronic device 300 includes a push switch 100A is described. The push switch 100A is an example of a switch, and has a structure in which the insulator 150 is removed from the push switch 100 according to Embodiment 1. In addition, the XYZ coordinate system is common to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0163] The electronic device 300 includes a housing 310, a display panel 320, and a cover 330. The housing 310 is an outer shell of the electronic device 300 and is formed of metal and / or resin, and the display panel 320 and the cover 330 are exposed on a part of the outer surface.

[0164] The display panel 320 is a display unit such as liquid crystal, organic EL (Electroluminescence), or OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), etc. A touch panel is mounted on the display panel 320 .

[0165] As an example, the cover 330 is exposed on the side surface of the housing 310 , and the push switch 100A is provided on the inner side. The cover 330 is flush with the surface of the surrounding housing 310 , and is flat with the surface of the surrounding housing 310 .

[0166] The cover 330 has operating parts 331A and 331B. The cover 330 itself is, for example, a thin plate-shaped member made of metal, and the operating parts 331A and 331B can be deformed inside the housing 310. For example, the operating parts 331A and 331B and the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B are in the same plane and are flat. In addition, the cover 330 is not limited to metal, and can be made of resin or the like as long as it can be deformed.

[0167] In addition, as an example, when the operation parts 331A and 331B are pressed, they can be deformed inward by about 50 μm. As an example, the operation parts 331A and 331B can be used to switch the power on / off of the electronic device 300, or increase or decrease the volume. That is, the push switch 100A is used as a power switch or a switch for adjusting the volume.

[0168] As an example, a mark (mark) indicating a function such as switching on / off of the power supply or increasing / decreasing the volume may be applied to the operating parts 331A and 331B. Such a mark (mark) can be applied, for example, by printing, painting, etc. In addition, the mark (mark) can also be formed by mechanical processing such as embossing. In the case of embossing, there is a case where the operating parts 331A and 331B are recessed compared to the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B.

[0169] Fig.17 This is an enlarged view showing the cover 330 of the electronic device 300 and its surroundings. Fig.18 The electronic device 300 is shown from the inside. Fig.17 Fig. of the portion shown. Fig.19 yes Fig.17 Exploded view of the parts shown. Fig. 20 Yes means Fig.17 Here, the electronic device 300 (refer to Fig.16 ) is described in detail with respect to the structure related to the push switch 100A.

[0170] Electronic device 300 (see Fig.16 ) In addition to the housing 310, the display panel 320, and the cover 330, as shown Figures 17 to 20 As shown, the push switch 100A, a waterproof rubber 340, a stem 350, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 360, and a metal plate 370 are also included.

[0171] The housing 310 has a side portion 311 , an engaging portion 312 , a rear portion 313 , and a screw fixing portion 314 .

[0172] The side portion 311 is a portion of the housing 310 located on the side of the electronic device 300. The side portion 311 has a surface 311A, a back surface 311B, a recess 311C, and a through hole 311D. The surface 311A ​​is a surface on the +Z direction side of the side portion 311, and the back surface 311B is a surface on the -Y direction side of the side portion 311. The back surface 311B is a surface facing the inside of the housing 310. The recess 311C (see Fig.17 ) is a portion that is recessed from the surface 311A ​​toward the −Z direction side, and houses the cover 330 and a portion of the rod portion 350. The two through holes 311D penetrate the side portion 311 along the Z direction, and house the two rod portions 350, respectively.

[0173] The engagement portion 312 (see Fig.17 , Fig.18) is a thin wall-shaped portion on the surface side (−Y direction side) of the housing 310 that protrudes inward when viewed from the XZ plane of the housing 310. The end of the display panel 320 engages with the engaging portion 312.

[0174] The back surface portion 313 is a wall portion that becomes the back surface side of the housing 310. The screw fixing portion 314 is a nut that is fixed to the back surface 311B of the side portion 311 by welding or the like, and screws the screw 375 to be screwed and fixed.

[0175] The cover 330 has a front surface 331 and a back surface 332 and is a plate-shaped member having a longitudinal direction in the X direction. The front surface 331 is a surface on the +Z direction side and is provided with operation parts 331A and 331B. The back surface 332 is a surface on the opposite side of the front surface 331.

[0176] The waterproof rubber 340 is a rubber member provided to ensure the waterproofness of the cover 330. The waterproof rubber 340 has two recesses 341 (see FIG. 1 ) on the surface on the -Z direction side for accommodating the +Z direction side portion of the rod 350. Fig. 20 ).

[0177] Push switch 100A has a configuration in which insulator 150 is removed from push switch 100 of Embodiment 1, and has two protrusions 118 provided on the surface on the −Z direction side of frame 110 . Protrusions 118 are used to fix push switch 100 to FPC 360 and metal plate 370 .

[0178] The lever portion 350 is a projection 144A (see Figure 2 ) is pressed. The rod 350 is made of resin, rubber, or metal, and has a convex portion 351 on the -Z direction side of the rectangular parallelepiped member. The rod 350 is accommodated in the through hole 311D, and the portion on the +Z direction side is embedded in the concave portion 341 of the waterproof rubber 340. The convex portion 351 abuts against the convex portion 144A of the pressing member 140 of the push switch 100A.

[0179] The rod 350 is movable in the Z direction relative to the side portion 311 of the frame 310. When the operating portions 331A and 331B of the cover 330 are pressed in the -Z direction and flexed, the rod 350 moves in the -Z direction and pushes against the convex portion 144A (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is pressed. As a result, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B (see Figure 2 ) performs a reverse action, and the push switch 100A becomes conductive.

[0180] The FPC 360 is an example of a circuit board, and is a flexible board having wiring for connecting terminals 122A and 122B and having the push switch 100A mounted thereon. The push switch 100A is mounted on the FPC 360 to form a switch module. The FPC 360 is long in the X direction, and narrow in the Y direction corresponding to the thickness of the housing 310 in the Y direction. The FPC 360 has openings 361 and 362. The screw 365 is inserted through the opening 361, and the protrusion 118 of the push switch 100A is inserted through the opening 362.

[0181] The metal plate 370 is a metal plate-shaped member that is long in the X direction and narrow in the Y direction corresponding to the thickness of the housing 310 in the Y direction, similarly to the FPC 360, and has openings 371 and 372. The screw 375 is inserted through the opening 371, and the protrusion 118 of the push switch 100A is inserted through the opening 372.

[0182] The push switch 100A mounted on the FPC 360 is mounted on the housing 310 by screwing the screw 375 into the screw fixing portion 314 of the housing 310 in a state where the metal plate 370 abuts against the surface on the -Z direction side of the FPC 360. The FPC 360 is mounted on the housing 310 in a manner of being pressed from the inside to the outside of the housing 310 by screwing the screw 375 into the screw fixing portion 314.

[0183] When the screw 375 is screwed to the screw fixing portion 314, the surface of the FPC 360 on the +Z direction side abuts against the end surface of the screw fixing portion 314 on the -Z direction side. That is, by abutting the surface of the FPC 360 on the +Z direction side against the end surface of the screw fixing portion 314 on the -Z direction side, the position of the push switch 100A relative to the housing 310 in the Z direction is determined.

[0184] In this state, the tip of the screw 375 on the +Z direction side is received in the recessed portion 311B1 (see Fig. 20 ), the screw 375 does not contact the housing 310 except for the screw fixing portion 314. In this state, the push switch 100A does not contact the housing 310. There is a gap between the surface of the frame 110 of the push switch 100A on the +Z direction side and the back surface 311B of the housing 310.

[0185] In addition, the cover 330 is attached to the surface on the -Z direction side by a double-sided tape 335, and is attached to the surface on the +Z direction side of the waterproof rubber 340. The waterproof rubber 340 is bonded to the recess 311C of the housing 310 by the double-sided tape 345 in a state where the end of the +Z direction side of the rod 350 is fitted into the recess 341.

[0186] thus, Fig. 20 The cross-sectional structure shown is completed. The surface 331 of the cover 330 is flush with the surface 311A ​​of the side portion 311 of the housing 310 , and the convex portion 351 of the lever 350 abuts against the convex portion 144A of the pressing member 140 of the push switch 100A.

[0187] When the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330 of the electronic device 300 configured as described above are pressed in the -Z direction, the cover 330 and the rubber member 340 are bent, and the rod 350 moves in the -Z direction, thereby pressing the convex part 144A (see Figure 2 ) is pressed. As a result, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B (see Figure 2 ) performs a reverse action, and the push switch 100A becomes conductive.

[0188] When the convex portion 144A is pressed, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B (see Figure 2 ) performs a reverse action, thus providing a click feeling to the fingertips of the user touching the operation parts 331A and 331B. Thus, the user can detect through tactile sensation that the operation of the operation parts 331A and 331B is accepted and completed by the electronic device 300.

[0189] Furthermore, the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330 are flush with and flat with the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B. In the side view of the electronic device 300, the housing 310 and the cover 330 are flush with each other, so the design of the electronic device 300 is good.

[0190] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device 300 that has good design and can provide feedback to the user of the completion of an operation through tactile sensation.

[0191] Furthermore, since the push switch 100A utilizes the principle of a lever, the length between the fulcrum and the action point and the ratio of the length between the fulcrum and the force point can be increased, thereby further increasing the click feeling.

[0192] In the above, the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330 are described as being flush with and flat with the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B. However, the operating parts 331A and 331B may be recessed or protruded compared with the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B.

[0193] In addition, the above description has been given of a mode in which the push switch 100A includes the push member 140 using the lever principle, but the push member 140 may also be a structure that does not use the lever principle. In other words, the push load of the push member 140 may be directly transmitted to the leaf spring 130B instead of the push member 140 without using the lever principle.

[0194] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing a cross section of an electronic device 300A according to a modification of the third embodiment. Fig.21 The cross section shown is Fig. 20 The electronic device 300 has a Figures 17 to 20 The housing 310 of the electronic device 300 shown in the figure is replaced with a housing 310A. The other structures are the same as those of the electronic device 300, so the same reference numerals are attached to the same components and their description is omitted.

[0195] The housing 310A is relative to Fig. 20 The housing 300 shown in FIG. 1 has a structure in which a protrusion 315 is added. The structure of the housing 310A is the same as that of the housing 300 shown in FIG. 1 except for the protrusion 315. Fig. 20 The housings 310 shown are identical.

[0196] The protrusion 315 is provided on both sides of the through hole 311D in the rear surface 311B of the housing 310A in the X direction and protrudes in the -Z direction. The protrusion amount of the protrusion 315 is such that the end surface of the protrusion 315 in the -Z direction side abuts against the corner 116 (see Figure 3 ) in the state of the surface on the +Z direction side of the FPC 360, so that the FPC 360 is not in contact with the screw fixing portion 314.

[0197] In the electronic device 300A, regarding the push switch 100A, the surface on the +Z direction side of the corner portion 116 of the housing 110 of the push switch 100A contacts the end surface on the −Z direction side of the protrusion 315 of the housing 310A.

[0198] When the end face on the -Z direction side of the protrusion 315 of the shell 310A is in contact with the face on the +Z direction side of the corner 116 of the frame 110 of the push switch 100A, since the screw 375 is threadedly fixed to the threaded fixing portion 314, a load caused by the reaction force borne by the protrusion 315 is applied to the face on the +Z direction side of the corner 116 of the frame 110 of the push switch 100A.

[0199] The push switch 100A is formed at the corners 116A and 116B (see Figure 3 ) Since the extension portions 125A and 125B are embedded, the rigidity of the corner portions 116A and 116B is high and the load resistance in the Z direction is very high.

[0200] Therefore, the load applied from the convex portion 315 can be sufficiently received by the corner portion 116 .

[0201] Fig. 223 is a diagram for explaining the error in the Z direction when the push switch 100A is mounted on the housing 310A. Fig. 20 The electronic device 300 is shown with Fig.21 Electronic device 300A is shown for comparison purposes.

[0202] The push switch 100A causes the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B (see FIG. 1 ) to move due to the stroke of about 50 μm of the convex portion 144A of the pressing member 140. Figure 2 ) to perform a reverse action, so the error in the Z direction relative to the housing 310 or 310A is very important. This is because if the error is too large, the stroke required for the reverse action may not be ensured. In addition, generally speaking, when a component is installed on another component using a screw, the position error that may occur is at least about 100μm.

[0203] exist Fig. 20 In the electronic device 300 shown, when the FPC 360 with the push switch 100A installed is placed on the metal plate 370, the screw 375 passing through the FPC 360 and the metal plate 370 is threadedly fixed to the threaded fixing part 314 of the shell 310, thereby determining the position of the push switch 100A in the Z direction relative to the shell 310.

[0204] exist Fig. 20 In the electronic device 300 shown in FIG. 1 , since the surface of the frame 110 on the -Z direction side that is in contact with the FPC 360 becomes the reference surface when being mounted on the housing 310, the error of the position of the push switch 100A in the Z direction relative to the housing 310 in the electronic device 300 is affected by (1) the thickness of the bottom wall 113 of the frame 110 shown in FIG. 1 , and (2) the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B shown in FIG. 1 . Figure 2 ) in the Z direction and the error included in the dimension (thickness) in the Z direction of the pressing member 140 shown in (3). The dimension shown in (3) is the dimension from the position where the protrusion 143A of the pressing member 140 protrudes most toward the -Z direction side to the top of the protrusion 144A.

[0205] As described above, in electronic device 300 , the three thickness errors (1), (2), and (3) affect the position error of push switch 100A relative to housing 310 in the Z direction.

[0206] In contrast, Fig.21 In the electronic device 300A shown, since the surface on the +Z direction side of the frame 110 becomes the reference surface when installing to the shell 310, only the distance in the Z direction between the top of the protrusion 144A of the pressing component 140 shown in (4) and the surface on the +Z direction side of the frame 110 will affect the error of the installation position of the push switch 100A relative to the shell 310A.

[0207] therefore, Fig.21 The electronic device 300A shown is Fig. 20 Compared with the electronic device 300 shown in the figure, the error of the mounting position of the push switch 100A with respect to the housing 310 can be reduced, and the performance of the short-stroke type push switch 100A can be easily exerted.

[0208] and, Fig.21 The electronic device 300A shown in the figure has the same structure as that shown in the figure except that the housing 310A has a protrusion 315. Fig. 20 The electronic devices 300 shown are identical.

[0209] That is, the user of the electronic device 300A can sense by touch that the operation of the operating parts 331A and 331B is accepted and completed by the electronic device 300A. In addition, the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330 are on the same plane and flat, and the housing 310A and the cover 330 are on the same plane on the side of the electronic device 300A, so the design of the electronic device 300A is good.

[0210] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device 300A that has good design and can provide feedback to the user through tactile sensation indicating that the operation is completed.

[0211] Furthermore, it is possible to provide electronic device 300A capable of further reducing the error in the mounting position of push switch 100A.

[0212] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing a cross section of an electronic device 300B according to a modification of the third embodiment. Fig.24 Yes Fig.23 A portion of the diagram is shown enlarged. Fig.23 The cross section shown is Fig. 20 The electronic device 300B has a Figures 17 to 20 The housing 310 , the cover 330 , and the rod 350 of the electronic device 300 are replaced with the configurations of a housing 310B, a cover 330B, and a rod 350B, respectively. The electronic device 300B does not include the waterproof rubber 340 .

[0213] Electronic device 300B includes push switch 100B instead of push switch 100A of electronic device 300. Other configurations are the same as those of electronic device 300, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0214] exist Fig.23 as well as Fig.24, the state in which the operating part 331A of the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330B is pressed is shown. In this state, the push switch 100B corresponding to the operating part 331A is turned on. In addition, the stroke when the operating parts 331A and 331B are pressed in the Z direction is about 50 μm as an example. Fig.23 as well as Fig.24 The deformation caused by pressing is exaggerated in FIG.

[0215] The push switch 100B includes a push member 140 (see Figure 6 ) is configured so that the convex portion 144A becomes larger in the +Z direction. Fig.23 as well as Fig.24 As shown, the convex portion 144A greatly protrudes in the +Z direction and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as an example.

[0216] Since the electronic device 300B includes the rubber cover 330B having a waterproof function, it does not include the waterproof rubber 340. The through hole 311D of the frame body 310B is enlarged in the X direction and does not include the recessed portion 311C (see Fig. 20 ). In addition, a step portion 311D1 is provided in the through hole 311D. The step portion 311D1 is a portion where the -Z direction side of the through hole 311D becomes longer in the X direction, thereby forming a step difference with the portion on the +Z direction side of the through hole 311D.

[0217] The cover 330B is a rubber member that covers a predetermined portion of the side surface (surface on the +Z direction side) of the housing 310B. When the user presses the operation parts 331A and 331B, the metal cover 330 (see Fig. 20 ) is easier to deform than metal. This is because the elasticity is greater than that of metal. The cover 330B can be provided over the entire side of the electronic device 300B, or can be provided on a part of the side of the electronic device 300B.

[0218] The lever 350B has a recess 352, a protrusion 353, and a protrusion 354. The recess 352 is a portion recessed in the +Z direction from the surface of the lever on the -Z direction side and is provided at the center of the lever 350B in the X direction. The protrusion 144A of the push switch 100B fits into the recess 352.

[0219] The convex portion 353 is a portion protruding from both sides of the concave portion 352 in the X direction in the -Z direction on the surface of the rod portion 350B on the -Z direction side. Under normal pressing force, even if the operating portions 331A and 331B are pressed, they do not abut against the surface on the +Z direction side of the frame 110 of the push switch 100B. The normal pressing force refers to the stress set in the design stage of the electronic device 300B and applied when pressed by most users. If the operating portions 331A and 331B are pressed by a predetermined pressing force greater than the normal pressing force, they abut against the surface on the +Z direction side of the frame 110 of the push switch 100B and prevent further pressing. That is, the convex portion 353 is an emergency stopper.

[0220] The projections 354 project in the ±X direction from both sides of the rod 350B on the −Z direction side in the X direction and are received in the step 311D1 of the cover 310B. The projections 354 are provided to prevent the rod 354 from coming out in the +Z direction.

[0221] In the electronic device 300B having the above configuration, when the operation parts 331A and 331B are pressed and the convex part 144A of the push switch 100B is pressed, the metal contact 130A and the leaf spring 130B (see Figure 2 ) performs a reverse action, thereby providing a click feeling to the fingertips of the user touching the operation parts 331A and 331B. Thus, the user can detect through tactile sensation that the operation of the operation parts 331A and 331B is accepted and completed by the electronic device 300.

[0222] In addition, since the cover 330B is made of rubber, Fig.23 as well as Fig.24 As shown in the figure, the operation part 331A is easily deformed and is easier for the user to operate.

[0223] Furthermore, the operating parts 331A and 331B of the cover 330B and the parts other than the operating parts 331A and 331B are flush with each other and are flat. In the side view of the electronic device 300B, the housing 310B and the cover 330B are flush with each other, so the design of the electronic device 300B is good.

[0224] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device 300B that has good design and can provide feedback to the user through tactile sensation indicating that the operation is completed.

[0225] As mentioned above, the electronic device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0226] In addition, the present international application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-024542, filed on February 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0227] Description of Reference Numerals

[0228] 100, 200 Push switch

[0229] 110, 210 frame

[0230] 112, 212 Storage Department

[0231] 120A, 120B, 220A, 220B, 220C Metal Plate

[0232] 121A, 221A Central fixed contact

[0233] 121B, 221B Peripheral fixed contacts

[0234] 125A, 125B, 225A, 225B, 225C extension

[0235] 130A Metal Contact

[0236] 130B Leaf Spring

[0237] 131A, 131B Dome

[0238] 140, 240 Pressing parts

[0239] 142 Fulcrum Department

[0240] 143 Action point

[0241] 143A convex part

[0242] 144 Power point department

[0243] 144A convex part

[0244] 150 Insulator

[0245] 245 Spring contacts

[0246] 300, 300A, 300B Electronic Equipment

[0247] 310, 310A, 310B Housing

[0248] 330, 330B hood

[0249] 311D Through Hole

[0250] 350, 350B Rod

[0251] 360 FPC

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: A housing having a through hole; A switch module, comprising a circuit substrate and a switch mounted on the circuit substrate, wherein the circuit substrate is mounted on the inner side of the housing in alignment with the through hole; a rod portion, disposed in the through hole of the housing and abutting against the pressing component of the switch; and A cover component is installed on the outer side of the housing and abuts against the rod. The pressing member is pressed via the rod by utilizing the deflection caused by pressing the outer surface of the cover member, thereby switching the conductive state of the switch. The switch includes a frame that accommodates at least a portion of the pressing member. The frame body is in contact with the housing in a state where the circuit board is mounted inside the housing.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, The cover member has a flat outer surface.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, The circuit board is mounted so as to be pressed from the inside to the outside of the housing.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, The frame body includes: a storage portion for storing at least a portion of the pressing member, and a side wall disposed around the storage portion. The side wall of the frame body abuts against the housing in a state where the circuit board is mounted inside the housing.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, The switch includes a fixed contact member partially embedded in the side wall and / or the bottom wall by insert molding.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, The fixed contact component has: The terminal is exposed outward from an end portion of the frame in the first axial direction when viewed from above; and The extension portion is formed by bending and extending the end portion of the terminal in the second axial direction when viewed from above upward, and is embedded in the side wall and / or the bottom wall by insert molding. The portion is the extending portion.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5 or 6, The fixed contact member has a fixed contact extending into the receiving portion, The switch further includes a reversing spring type movable contact member, which is arranged in the housing portion to overlap with the fixed contact and can perform a reversing action when pressed by the pressing member.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, The frame has an opening portion opened at an upper portion of the side wall, The movable contact member has a dome portion, which is arranged inside the housing portion closer to the opening portion than the fixed contact member, protrudes toward the opening portion in a dome shape, and can perform a reverse action. The pressing member is arranged inside the storage portion closer to the opening portion than the movable contact member, and has a fulcrum portion provided at one end side and connected to the frame body, an action point portion provided at the other end side and pressing the movable contact member, and a force point portion provided between the fulcrum portion and the action point portion. When the force point portion is pressed through the opening, the convex portion of the action point portion presses the dome portion of the movable contact member to invert the dome portion, and the movable contact member comes into contact with the fixed contact member.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The through hole of the shell is formed on the side of the shell, The switch module is installed on the side of the housing.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The switch is a power switch or a switch for adjusting volume of the electronic device.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The electronic device is a smart phone or a tablet computer.

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