Controller and key structure

Abstract

This controller provides an improved operability of the keycaps. [Solution] The controller of the present invention comprises a first wall, a second wall facing the first wall, a keytop pivotably housed in the space between the first wall and the second wall such that at least a portion of it protrudes from the second wall, and an elastic member provided between the keytop and the first wall. The keytop comprises a shaft portion extending toward the first wall and an extension portion provided at the tip of the shaft portion, the extension portion having a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion when viewed from the thickness direction of the first wall. The first wall or the second wall has an opening whose minimum width is greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion and whose minimum width is smaller than the maximum width of the extension portion, and the shaft portion is positioned within the opening such that the extension portion is located between the opening and the first wall, thereby providing a restricting portion that restricts the pivoting of the keytop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller and a key structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of controller, for example, a controller described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-339082) is known. Patent Document 1 describes a controller provided with a cross switch (also referred to as a key top).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the controller of Patent Document 1, the cross switch is disposed on a substrate via a rubber body, and the center boss of the cross switch is located away from the substrate. When the center boss is located away from the substrate (in the air), when one of the four finger pressing portions of the cross switch is pressed, the swing center of the cross switch moves to the side of the finger pressing portion opposite to the pressed finger pressing portion. In this case, the pressing amount (stroke) of the pressed finger pressing portion becomes large, and it may happen that the finger pressing portion adjacent to the pressed finger pressing portion is unintentionally pressed (half-pressed). For example, when the right key of the cross switch is pressed, the swing center of the cross switch moves to the left key side, and the up and down keys may become half-pressed.

[0005] Therefore, in the conventional controller, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving the operability of the key top.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide a controller and key structure that can improve the operability of the keytops. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention may employ, for example, the following configurations (1) to (8).

[0008] (1) One example of the controller configuration of the present invention includes a first wall provided with a plurality of contacts, and a second wall facing the first wall, A key top is pivotably housed in the space between the first wall and the second wall such that at least a portion of it protrudes and is exposed from the second wall, An elastic member provided between the keytop and the first wall, having conductive portions at positions opposite each contact, and being pressed by the keytop when the keytop swings, such that one of the plurality of contacts and the conductive portion corresponding to that contact become electrically connected; A controller equipped with, The aforementioned keytop is A shaft portion extending toward the first wall, The shaft portion is provided at the tip of the shaft portion and comprises an extension portion whose maximum width is greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion when viewed from the thickness direction of the first wall, The first or second wall has an opening whose minimum width is greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion and whose minimum width is smaller than the maximum width of the expansion portion, and the shaft portion is positioned within the opening such that the expansion portion is located between the opening and the first wall, thereby providing a restricting portion that restricts the swinging of the key top.

[0009] According to the configuration described in (1), the regulating part can position the pivot point of the keytop near the expansion part. This improves the operability of the keytop.

[0010] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the expansion portion may have a convex spherical surface, and the restricting portion may have a concave spherical surface on which the convex spherical surface of the expansion portion slides when the key top swings.

[0011] According to the configuration described in (2) above, the pivot point of the keytop can be positioned at the center of the convex spherical surface of the extension. This further improves the operability of the keytop.

[0012] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the first wall may include a support portion that protrudes toward the expansion portion and supports the expansion portion.

[0013] According to the configuration of (3) above, since the expansion portion is supported by the support portion, even if the elastic member deforms due to aging, the position of the expansion portion in the thickness direction of the first wall can be maintained. This suppresses the shifting of the pivot center of the key top and further improves the operability of the key top.

[0014] (4) In the configuration of (3) above, the expansion portion may have a convex spherical surface, and the support portion may have a concave spherical surface on which the convex spherical surface of the expansion portion slides when the key top swings.

[0015] According to the configuration described in (4), it becomes easier to position the pivot point of the keycap at the center of the convex spherical surface of the extension. This further improves the operability of the keycap.

[0016] (5) In any one of the configurations described in (1) to (4) above, the shaft portion and the extension portion may be made of different materials.

[0017] According to the configuration described in (5) above, the shaft portion and the expansion portion can be made of materials suitable for each. For example, the expansion portion can be made of a material with excellent wear resistance and sliding properties. The shaft portion can be made of a material with high rigidity.

[0018] (6) In any one of the configurations (1) to (5) above, the extension part may be formed in a spherical shape.

[0019] According to the configuration of (6) above, it becomes easier to position the swing center of the key top at the center of the spherical surface of the extension part. Thereby, the operability of the key top can be further improved.

[0020] (7) One configuration example of the key structure of the present invention includes a base material provided with a plurality of contacts, a key top disposed swingably above the base material, an elastic member provided between the key top and the base material, the elastic member having a conductive portion having conductivity at a position facing each contact, and when the key top swings, being pressed by the key top so that any one of the plurality of contacts and the conductive portion corresponding to the contact are electrically connected, and the key top has a shaft portion extending toward the base material, and an extension portion provided at the tip of the shaft portion, the maximum width of the extension portion being larger than the maximum width of the shaft portion when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material, above the base material, there is an opening whose minimum width is larger than the maximum width of the shaft portion and whose minimum width is smaller than the maximum width of the extension portion, and the shaft portion is disposed in the opening so that the extension portion is located between the opening and the base material, whereby a regulating portion for regulating the swing of the key top is provided.

[0021] According to the configuration of (7) above, the regulating portion can position the swing center of the key top in the vicinity of the extension portion. Thereby, the operability of the key top can be improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to one configuration example of the controller and the key structure of the present invention, the operability of the key top can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the controller shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the keycaps of the controller. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the controller, showing the state in which the keytop is oscillating. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a controller according to a first modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the controller's keytop in a oscillating state. [Figure 7] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a controller according to a second modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the controller's keytop in a oscillating state. [Figure 9] This is a plan view of the keytop of a controller according to a third modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a controller according to a third modified embodiment of the present invention, cut diagonally. [Figure 11] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a controller according to a third modified embodiment of the present invention, cut in the transverse direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the applications or uses of the present invention. The drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., do not necessarily correspond to those of reality. In addition, components having similar functions in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0025] Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the following uses terms indicating direction, such as "up" and "down," assuming the conditions during normal use. However, these terms do not mean to limit the usage conditions of the controller of the present invention.

[0026] (Embodiment) The configuration of the controller, including the key structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the controller according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the controller in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the key top of the controller in Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the controller 1 according to this embodiment comprises a housing 2 and a key top 3.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 comprises a lower housing member 5 and an upper housing member 6.

[0029] Between the lower housing member 5 and the upper housing member 6, there is a lower wall 51 which is an example of a first wall and a base material. The lower wall 51 is provided with a plurality of contacts 52. In this embodiment, the lower wall 51 is provided with four contacts 52.

[0030] The upper housing member 6 has an upper wall 61, which is an example of a second wall facing the lower wall 51. As shown in Figure 3, the lower wall 51 is provided with a plurality of bosses 53 that protrude toward the upper wall 61. In this embodiment, the lower wall 51 is provided with four cylindrical bosses 53 that protrude toward the upper wall 61. The housing 2 is assembled by screwing fastening members (not shown), such as screws, into the upper wall 61 from below the lower wall 51 through these four bosses 53.

[0031] A circular through-hole 62 is provided in the upper wall 61 of the upper housing member 6. A recess 63 for accommodating the top plate 7 is provided on the upper surface of the upper wall 61 of the upper housing member 6. The top plate 7 is housed in the recess 63 and fixed to the upper wall 61 with adhesive or the like. The top plate 7 is provided with a cross-shaped opening 71 so that a portion of the key top 3 protrudes and is exposed.

[0032] The key top 3 is pivotably housed in the space between the lower wall 51 and the upper wall 61 such that at least a portion of it protrudes and is exposed from the upper wall 61. The key top 3 is also pivotably positioned above the lower wall 51. In this embodiment, the key top 3 is a cross switch. The key top 3 is positioned inside the through hole 62 in the upper wall 61 such that it protrudes and is exposed from the opening 71 in the top plate 7.

[0033] The keytop 3 comprises a keytop body 31, a shaft portion 32, and an extension portion 33. The keytop body 31 has a cross shape and a portion that protrudes and is exposed from the opening 71 of the top plate 7. The keytop body 31 is made of, for example, resin.

[0034] The shaft portion 32 is positioned to extend toward the lower wall 51. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 32 is composed of the shaft portion of a screw. The tip of the screw shaft portion is screwed into the keytop body 31, thereby integrating the keytop body 31 and the upper end (base end) of the shaft portion 32.

[0035] The expansion portion 33 is provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 32. As shown in Figure 2, the expansion portion 33 is formed to have a maximum width W2 that is larger than the maximum width W1 of the shaft portion 32 when viewed from the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the lower wall 51. In this embodiment, the expansion portion 33 is formed in a spherical shape and has a through hole 33A that penetrates the center of the sphere in the vertical direction. The expansion portion 33 and the shaft portion 32 are integrated by screwing a screw into the through hole 33A of the expansion portion 33.

[0036] The shaft portion 32 and the extension portion 33 are made of different materials. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 32 is made of a material with high rigidity. The extension portion 33 is made of a material with better wear resistance and sliding properties than the material of the shaft portion 32.

[0037] The upper housing member 6 is provided with a restricting portion 64 that restricts the movement of the keytop 3. The restricting portion 64 is located inside the through hole 62. The restricting portion 64 has an opening 64A in which the minimum width W3 is greater than the maximum width W1 of the shaft portion 32 and the minimum width W3 is smaller than the maximum width W2 of the expansion portion 33. Furthermore, the restricting portion 64 is formed so that its width decreases towards the surface side of the keytop 3 in the thickness direction. The restricting portion 64 restricts the movement of the keytop 3 by positioning the shaft portion 32 within the opening 64A such that the expansion portion 33 is located between the opening 64A and the lower wall 51. The restricting portion 64 also functions as a retainer to prevent the keytop 3 from coming out of the housing 2.

[0038] The extension portion 33 has a convex spherical surface 33B on the side connected to the shaft portion 32. A convex spherical surface is a spherical surface that bulges outward. The regulating portion 64 has a concave spherical surface 64B on which the convex spherical surface 33B of the extension portion 33 slides when the key top 3 swings. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, when the key top 3 swings, the pivot point of the key top 3 can be positioned at the center of the spherical surface of the extension portion 33.

[0039] The extension portion 33 is supported from below by a support portion 54 provided on the lower wall 51. The support portion 54 protrudes toward the extension portion 33 and is formed to support the extension portion 54 from below. The extension portion 33 has a convex spherical surface 33C on the side supported by the support portion 54. The support portion 54 has a concave spherical surface 54A on which the convex spherical surface 33C of the extension portion 33 slides when the key top 3 swings. A concave spherical surface is a spherical surface that is concave inward. As a result, as shown in Figure 4, when the key top 3 swings, it becomes easier to position the center of oscillation of the key top 3 at the center of the spherical surface of the extension portion 33.

[0040] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the keytop body 31 is in contact with the elastic member 4 when stationary. As a result, the keytop 3 is biased upward by the elastic force of the elastic member 4 so that the convex spherical surface 33C of the expansion portion 33 and the concave spherical surface 64B of the restricting portion 64 are in contact.

[0041] The elastic member 4 is an elastic member provided between the key top 3 and the lower wall 51. The elastic member 4 has conductive portions 41 that are electrically conductive at positions facing each contact 52 provided on the lower wall 51. In this embodiment, four conductive portions 41 are provided corresponding to the four contacts 52. As shown in Figure 4, when the key top 3 swings, the elastic member 4 is pressed by the key top 3, and is provided so that one of the four contacts 52 and the conductive portion 41 corresponding to that contact 1 become electrically connected.

[0042] In this embodiment, the elastic member 4 is provided with four cylindrical pressure-receiving portions 42. Each pressure-receiving portion 42 is positioned to contact each finger-pressing portion 31A of the cross-shaped keytop body 31 from below. A conductive portion 41 is provided on the bottom surface of each pressure-receiving portion 42. When any one of the finger-pressing portions 31A of the keytop body 13 is pressed downward, the pressure-receiving portion 42 pressed by that finger-pressing portion 31A moves downward, and the conductive portion 41 provided on the pressure-receiving portion 42 comes into contact with the contact 52 corresponding to the conductive portion 41, resulting in electrical conductivity.

[0043] The elastic member 4 has a through hole 43 in its central portion surrounded by four pressure-receiving portions 42. The support portion 54 of the lower housing member 5 is provided so as to contact the expansion portion 33 through the through hole 43.

[0044] The controller 1 according to this embodiment has a restricting part 64 having an opening 64A in which the minimum width W3 is greater than the maximum width W1 of the shaft portion 32 of the keytop 3 and the minimum width W3 is smaller than the maximum width W2 of the extension portion 33. The restricting part 64 restricts the oscillation of the keytop 3 by positioning the shaft portion 32 within the opening 64A such that the extension portion 33 is located between the opening 64A and the lower wall 51. With this configuration, the restricting part 64 can position the pivot point of the keytop 3 near the extension portion 33. This improves the operability of the keytop 3.

[0045] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the extension portion 33 has a convex spherical surface 33B, and the regulating portion 64 has a concave spherical surface 64B on which the convex spherical surface 33B of the extension portion 33 slides when the key top 3 swings. With this configuration, the pivot point of the key top 3 can be positioned at the center of the convex spherical surface 33B of the extension portion 33. This further improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0046] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the lower wall 51 protrudes toward the expansion portion 33 and is provided with a support portion 54 that supports the expansion portion 33. With this configuration, since the expansion portion 33 is supported by the support portion 54, even if the elastic member 4 deforms due to aging, the position of the expansion portion 33 in the thickness direction of the lower wall 51 can be maintained. This suppresses the shifting of the pivot center of the key top 3 and further improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0047] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the extension portion 33 has a convex spherical surface 33C, and the support portion 54 has a concave spherical surface 54A on which the convex spherical surface 33C of the extension portion 33 slides when the key top 3 swings. With this configuration, it becomes easier to position the pivot point of the key top 3 at the center of the convex spherical surface 33C of the extension portion 33. This further improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0048] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the shaft portion 32 and the extension portion 33 are made of different materials. This configuration makes it possible to use materials suitable for each of the shaft portion 32 and the extension portion 33. For example, the extension portion 33 may be made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the shaft portion 32.

[0049] Furthermore, in the controller 1 according to this embodiment, the extension portion 33 is formed in a spherical shape. This configuration makes it easier to position the pivot center of the key top 3 at the center of the spherical surface of the extension portion 33. This further improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0050] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, although the expansion portion 33 is formed in a spherical shape as described above, the present invention is not limited to this. The expansion portion 33 only needs to have a maximum width W2 that is larger than the maximum width W1 of the shaft portion 32 when viewed from the thickness direction of the lower wall 51. For example, as shown in the first modified example in Figures 5 and 6, the expansion portion 33 may have a rectangular cross-section (for example, a disc shape). The regulating portion 64 only needs to have an opening 64A whose minimum width W3 is larger than the maximum width W1 of the shaft portion 32 and smaller than the maximum width W2 of the expansion portion 33. Even with such a configuration, the regulating portion 64 can position the pivot center of the key top 3 near the expansion portion 33. This improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in the second modified example in Figures 7 and 8, the expansion portion 33 may be formed in a hemispherical shape. With this configuration as well, the regulating portion 64 can position the pivot center of the key top 3 near the expansion portion 33. This improves the operability of the key top 3.

[0052] Furthermore, although the regulating portion 64 is provided on a part of the upper housing member 6, which is an example of the second wall, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the regulating portion 64 may be provided on the lower housing member 5, which is an example of the first wall. The regulating portion 64 may be composed of one or more parts independent of the first wall or the second wall.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above-mentioned support portion 54 has a concave spherical surface 54A on which the convex spherical surface 33C of the expansion portion 33 slides when the key top 3 swings, the present invention is not limited to this. The support portion 54 only needs to be able to support the expansion portion 33. For example, the support portion 54 may be a flat surface.

[0054] Furthermore, while the above assumes that the expansion portion 33 and the shaft portion 32 are integrated by screwing a screw into the through hole 33A of the expansion portion 33, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shaft portion 32 and the expansion portion 33 may be integrated by adhesive.

[0055] Furthermore, although the shaft portion 32 and the extension portion 33 are assumed to be made of different materials as described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shaft portion 32 and the extension portion 33 may be an integrated part made of the same material.

[0056] Furthermore, although the above assumes that the upper housing member 6 and the top plate 7 are separate parts, the present invention is not limited to this. The upper housing member 6 and the top plate 7 may be a single integrated part made of the same material.

[0057] Furthermore, although the lower wall 51 provided between the lower housing member 5 and the upper housing member 6 is given as an example of the first wall and base material in the above description, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first wall and base material may be a wall provided by the lower housing member 5.

[0058] Furthermore, the elastic member 4 does not need to be elastic throughout. The elastic member 4 only needs to be a member that biases the key top 3 upward so that the convex spherical surface 33C of the expansion portion 33 and the concave spherical surface 64B of the restricting portion 64 come into contact. For example, the elastic member 4 may be a member that is elastic only around the four conductive portions 41.

[0059] Furthermore, although the above assumes that the entire upper part of the cross-shaped keycap body 31 is exposed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cross-shaped intersection portion of the keycap body 31 does not need to be exposed. That is, it is sufficient that each finger-pressing portion 31A of the keycap body 31 is exposed, and the cross-shaped intersection portion (center) of the keycap body 31 may be covered by, for example, the top plate 7.

[0060] Furthermore, although the above description states that the keytop 3 has an extended portion 33 provided at the tip of the shaft portion 32, and that the extended portion 33 has a convex spherical surface 33B, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the keytop 3 may be configured as in the third modified example shown in Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a plan view of the keytop of the controller according to the third modified example. As shown in Figure 9, a convex spherical surface 31B may be provided around the cross-shaped intersection of the keytop body 31. Figure 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the controller according to the third modified example, cut diagonally (passing through the two convex spherical surfaces 31B). Figure 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the controller according to the third modified example, cut laterally (passing through the two finger-pressing portions 31A). Also, as shown in Figure 10, a concave spherical surface 62A on which the convex spherical surface 31B of the keytop body 31 slides may be provided on the inner surface of the through hole 62 in the upper wall 61. With this configuration, the concave spherical surface 62A functions similarly to the regulating portion 64, allowing the pivot point of the keytop 3 to be positioned at the center of the convex spherical surface 31B of the keytop body 31. This further improves the operability of the keytop 3. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] The controller and key structure according to the present invention can improve the operability of keycaps, and is therefore useful, for example, for game controllers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 1 Controller 2 Housing 3 Keycaps 31 Keycap Body 31A Finger-pressing section 32 Shaft section 33 Expansion section 33A through hole 33B Convex curved surface 33C Convex curved surface 4 Elastic members 41 Conductive part 42 Pressed part 43 Through holes 5 Lower housing member 51 Lower wall 52 contacts 53 Boss 54 Support part 54A concave spherical surface 6 Upper housing member 61 Upper wall 62 through holes 62A concave spherical surface 63 recess 64 Regulatory Department 64A opening 64B Concave spherical surface 7 Top plate 71 Opening W1,W2 Maximum width W3 Minimum width

Claims

1. The first wall has multiple contact points, A second wall opposite the first wall, A key top is pivotably housed in the space between the first wall and the second wall such that at least a portion of it protrudes and is exposed from the second wall, An elastic member provided between the keytop and the first wall, having conductive portions at positions opposite each contact, and being pressed by the keytop when the keytop swings, such that one of the plurality of contacts and the conductive portion corresponding to that contact become electrically connected; A controller equipped with, The aforementioned keytop is A shaft portion extending toward the first wall, The shaft portion is provided at the tip of the shaft portion and comprises an extension portion whose maximum width is greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion when viewed from the thickness direction of the first wall, The first or second wall has an opening whose minimum width is greater than the maximum width of the shaft portion and whose minimum width is smaller than the maximum width of the expansion portion, and the shaft portion is positioned within the opening such that the expansion portion is located between the opening and the first wall, thereby providing a restricting portion that restricts the swinging of the key top. controller.

2. The aforementioned expanded portion has a convex spherical surface, The controller according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion has a concave spherical surface on which the convex spherical surface of the expansion portion slides when the key top swings.

3. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wall includes a support portion that protrudes toward the expansion portion and supports the expansion portion.

4. The aforementioned expanded portion has a convex spherical surface, The controller according to claim 3, wherein the support portion has a concave spherical surface on which the convex spherical surface of the expansion portion slides when the key top swings.

5. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft portion and the extension portion are made of different materials.

6. The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the expanded portion is formed in a spherical shape.

7. A substrate with multiple contact points, A key top is pivotably positioned above the substrate, An elastic member provided between the keytop and the base material, having conductive portions at positions opposite each contact, and being pressed by the keytop when the keytop swings, such that one of the plurality of contacts and the conductive portion corresponding to that contact become electrically connected; Equipped with, The aforementioned keytop is A shaft portion extending toward the substrate, The shaft portion is provided at the tip of the shaft portion and comprises an extended portion that has a maximum width greater than the shaft portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the base material, Above the base material, there is a regulating portion that restricts the swinging of the key top by having an opening that has a minimum width greater than the shaft portion and a minimum width smaller than the expansion portion, and the shaft portion is positioned within the opening such that the expansion portion is located between the opening and the base material. Key structure.

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