Switch mechanism and electronic device

An exemplary embodiment provides a switch mechanism of which key top portion can be tilted with a simple mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a housing portion, a key top portion arranged such that a partial surface thereof is exposed at a peripheral portion of the housing portion, and a switch portion which is arranged in the inside of the housing portion and can be pressed in response to pressing of the partial surface of the key top portion. The housing portion includes a side support portion which tilts the key top portion by supporting the key top portion from a side when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed.

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-157432 filed on Jul. 13, 2012 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The technology herein relates to a switch mechanism and an electronic device, and particularly to a switch mechanism including a key top portion arranged in a housing portion and an electronic device including the same.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Some of portable electronic devices, controllers, and the like have conventionally been provided with a switch mechanism at an end portion such as a shoulder portion of a housing.

Exemplary embodiments provide a switch mechanism of which key top portion can be tilted with a simple mechanism and an electronic device including the same.

An exemplary embodiment provides a switch mechanism including a housing portion, a key top portion arranged such that a partial surface is exposed at a peripheral portion of the housing portion, and a switch portion which is arranged in the inside of the housing portion and can be pressed in response to pressing of the partial surface of the key top portion. The housing portion includes a side support portion which tilts the key top portion by supporting the key top portion from a side when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed.

According to the exemplary embodiment, when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed, the side support portion supports the key top portion from the side. When the partial surface exposed at the peripheral portion of the housing portion is pressed, the key top portion is obliquely pressed, and hence force pressing the key top portion acts not only in the direction of pressing the key top portion but also on the side of the key top portion. Therefore, with support of the key top portion from the side by the side support portion, the key top portion can be tilted while it is supported by the side support portion. Therefore, a switch mechanism of which key top portion can be tilted with a simple mechanism without using a pin can be implemented.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing portion is constructed such that the key top portion is tilted while a position where the side support portion and the key top portion are in contact with each other is varied when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed. Therefore, when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed, the key top portion can be tilted while a position where the side support portion and the key top portion are in contact with each other is varied. Thus, the key top portion can smoothly be tilted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing portion further includes a contact portion for supporting the key top portion from a direction of pressing of the key top portion when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed. Therefore, when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed, the contact portion can support the key top portion from the direction of pressing of the key top portion. Accordingly, displacement of the key top portion in the direction opposite to the direction of pressing can be suppressed by the contact portion. Thus, the key top portion can be tilted in a stable manner.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing portion is constructed such that the key top portion is tilted while a position where the contact portion and the key top portion are in contact with each other is varied when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed. Therefore, when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed, the key top portion can be tilted while a position where the contact portion and the key top portion are in contact with each other is varied. Thus, the key top portion can smoothly be tilted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing portion further includes a support portion for supporting the key top portion from a direction opposite to a direction of pressing the key top portion when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed. Therefore, when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed, the key top portion can be supported by the support portion from the direction opposite to the direction of pressing the key top portion. Thus, the key top portion can smoothly be tilted.

In an exemplary embodiment, the key top portion further includes an engagement portion formed to protrude sideward from the key top portion and a cover portion forming a part of the partial surface of the key top portion. The key top portion is constructed to be supported by the side support portion between the engagement portion and the cover portion. Therefore, since the side support portion lies between the engagement portion and the cover portion, falling off of the key top portion from the housing portion can be suppressed. In addition, since the cover portion can cover the side support portion, exposure of the side support portion can be suppressed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the switch portion is arranged to be pressed by the key top portion as the key top portion is tilted while the key top portion is supported by both of the side support portion and the contact portion when the partial surface of the key top portion is pressed. Thus, as the key top portion is tilted while it is supported by both of the side support portion and the contact portion, the switch portion can be pressed in.

In an exemplary embodiment, a biasing portion which is arranged between the key top portion and the switch portion and capable of biasing the key top portion in a direction opposite to the direction of pressing is further provided. A biasing member can bias the key top portion in the direction opposite to the direction of pressing. Thus, the biasing portion can return the key top portion to a position before pressing.

In an exemplary embodiment, a falling-off prevention portion provided in the key top portion is further included, and the falling-off prevention portion is locked to the housing portion. Therefore, the falling-off prevention portion can prevent the key top portion from falling off from the housing portion.

An exemplary embodiment provides an electronic device including the switch mechanism described above. Thus, an electronic device including the switch mechanism of which key top portion can be tilted with a simple mechanism can be obtained.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

Initially, a construction of a game device in an exemplary embodiment will be described. In exemplary embodiments, a case where a switch mechanism is applied to a game device will be described by way of example.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a game device1is a portable game device. Game device1is constructed to be foldable. Game device1mainly has a housing portion2and a hinge structure30. Housing portion2has a lower housing10and an upper housing20. Lower housing10and upper housing20are connected to each other by means of hinge structure30to allow opening and closing (be foldable).

Game device1is constructed to be able to be in an opened state (an open state) shown inFIG. 1and a closed state (a closed state) shown inFIG. 2as lower housing10and upper housing20are opened and closed by means of hinge structure30. A main surface10aof lower housing10and a main surface20aof upper housing20are located on an outer side in the open state and not located on the outer side in the closed state.

Lower housing10mainly has a lower front part11, a lower rear part12, a lower LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)13, a touch panel14, a cross key15a, an analog key15b, operation buttons15cto15g, a power button15h, a SELECT button15i, a HOME button15j, a START button15k, a wireless switch16, an earphone jack17, and LEDs18ato18d(Light Emitting Diodes).

Lower front part11forms main surface10aand a front side surface of lower housing10. Lower rear part12forms a back surface and a rear side surface of lower housing10. On main surface10aof lower housing10, lower LCD13, touch panel14, cross key15a, analog key15b, operation buttons15cto15f, power button15h, SELECT button15i, HOME button15j, and START button15kare arranged. Wireless switch16and LED18aare arranged on a right side surface of lower housing10, earphone jack17and LEDs18b,18care arranged on a front surface thereof, and an R button15gis arranged at a right shoulder portion of the back surface. In addition, though not shown, an L button is arranged at a position corresponding to the R button, at a left shoulder portion of the back surface. It is noted that LED18dis arranged in a lower protrusion portion11aof lower housing10which will be described later.

In addition, lower housing10has a game card unit, an SD card unit, a touch pen holder, a power supply connector, a cradle connection terminal, a sound volume switch, and the like, which are not shown. The game card unit, the SD card unit, the touch pen holder, the power supply connector, and the cradle connection terminal are arranged in the back surface of lower housing10, and the sound volume switch is arranged on a left side surface thereof. In addition, lower housing10contains a wireless communication module, a microphone, a battery, an information processing unit, and the like therein, which are not shown.

Upper housing20mainly has an upper front part21, an upper rear part22, an upper LCD23, an inner image pick-up portion24, an outer image pick-up portion25, a parallax amount adjustment switch26, a sound emission hole27, and an LED28. Upper front part21forms main surface20aof upper housing20. Upper rear part22forms a back surface and a side surface of upper housing20.

Upper LCD23, inner image pick-up portion24, and sound emission hole27are arranged on main surface20aof upper housing20. Two outer image pick-up portions25and LED28are arranged on the back surface of upper housing20. Parallax amount adjustment switch26is arranged at a corner portion of main surface20aand a right side surface of upper housing20. In addition, upper housing20contains a not-shown speaker and the like therein.

Lower housing10has lower protrusion portion11aat each of opposing end portions of an upper longer side portion, which protrudes in a direction perpendicular to main surface10aof lower housing10. Lower protrusion portion11ais provided in lower front part11so as to protrude in a direction opposite to lower rear part12. Upper housing20has an upper protrusion portion21ain a portion except for the opposing end portions of the lower longer side portion, which protrudes from a lower surface of upper housing20in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface. Upper protrusion portion21ais provided to extend along main surface20aof upper housing20.

As lower protrusion portion11aof lower housing10and upper protrusion portion21aof upper housing20are coupled to each other by means of hinge structure30, lower housing10and upper housing20are connected to each other to be foldable.

A construction of the switch mechanism of game device1will now be described in further detail. Referring again toFIG. 1, SELECT button15ihas a key top portion3a, HOME button15jhas a key top portion3b, and START button15khas a key top portion3c. Key top portions3ato3care arranged such that a partial surface S is exposed at a peripheral portion of lower front part11of housing portion2.

In succession, HOME button15jwill be described with reference toFIGS. 3 to 5. Though HOME button15jis mainly described for the sake of convenience of illustration, SELECT button15iand START button15kare also similarly constructed unless otherwise specified.FIG. 3is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion around the switch mechanism along the line inFIG. 1. Namely, it is a figure of the portion around the switch mechanism in the cross-sectional view in a direction of a shorter side of lower housing10. A switch portion4is arranged under key top portion3bof HOME button15j. Switch portion4is arranged in the inside of housing portion2. Switch portion4is constructed such that it can be pressed in response to pressing of partial surface S of key top portion3b.

Key rubber (a biasing portion)5is arranged between key top portion3band switch portion4. Key rubber (biasing portion)5is constructed to be able to bias key top portion3bin a direction opposite to the direction of pressing. Key rubber (biasing portion)5is formed of rubber which is an elastic body, and it is constructed to be able to bias key top portion3bwith elastic force of rubber.

Housing portion2has a support portion2a, a side support portion2b, and a contact portion2c. Support portion2ais constructed to support key top portion3bfrom a direction opposite to the direction of pressing key top portion3bwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Support portion2ais in a bent shape.

More specifically, lower front part11of lower housing10forming housing portion2has a restriction member11b. Restriction member11bis formed to protrude toward a side surface of key top portion3b. Restriction member11bis in a bent shape from an upper surface to a lower surface. Side support portion2band contact portion2care provided in restriction member11b. Side support portion2bis provided at a side surface of restriction member11bhaving a bent shape. Contact portion2cis provided at a lower surface of restriction member11b.

In a case where key top portion3bis arranged at a peripheral portion of housing portion2, even if an operator intends to press key top portion3bfrom above, force in a lateral direction is applied and hence that force in the lateral direction should be supported. In HOME button15jas well, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, not only vertical pressing force but also horizontal pressing force are applied to key top portion3b. Side support portion2bis constructed to support the side surface of key top portion3bto which horizontal pressing force is applied when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed.

Side support portion2bis constructed to tilt key top portion3bby supporting key top portion3bfrom a side in a direction intersecting the direction of pressing key top portion3bwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Side support portion2bis constructed to support key top portion3bfrom the direction intersecting the direction of pressing key top portion3b. Side support portion2bis constructed to restrict displacement of key top portion3btoward restriction member11b.

Then, housing portion2is constructed such that key top portion3bis tilted while a position where side support portion2band key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed.

Contact portion2cis constructed to support key top portion3bfrom the direction of pressing down key top portion3bwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Contact portion2cis constructed to be able to restrict displacement of key top portion3bin the direction opposite to the direction of pressing when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed.

Then, housing portion2is constructed such that key top portion3bis tilted while a position where contact portion2cand key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed.

In addition, switch portion4is arranged such that it is pressed by key top portion3bas key top portion3bis tilted while it is supported by both of side support portion2band contact portion2cwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed.

Each of key top portions3ato3cof respective SELECT button15i, HOME button15j, and START button15khas an engagement portion31, a falling-off prevention portion32, and a cover portion33. Engagement portion31is formed to protrude sideward in each of key top portions3ato3c. Engagement portion31is formed such that its tip end is in an arc shape in a cross-sectional view. Engagement portion31has a linear portion extending straight between the tip end and a root. Engagement portion31is arranged closer to partial surface S of key top portion3bthan support portion2a. Side support portion2band contact portion2care arranged closer to partial surface S of key top portion3bthan engagement portion31.

Referring mainly toFIGS. 4 and 5, falling-off prevention portion32is formed to protrude downward in each of key top portions3ato3c. Falling-off prevention portion32is formed to have a tip end in a claw shape. Falling-off prevention portion32is locked to lower front part11of housing portion2.

Referring mainly toFIG. 3, cover portion33forms a part of partial surface S of key top portion3b. A side surface portion having a planar shape is provided between engagement portion31and cover portion33. Restriction member11blies between engagement portion31and cover portion33. Key top portion3bis constructed to be supported by side support portion2bbetween engagement portion31and cover portion33.

Referring toFIG. 6, lower front part11has a first locking hole T1, a second locking hole T2, and an insertion hole T3. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 6, first locking hole T1is formed to open such that engagement portion31can be inserted therein. Referring toFIGS. 4 to 6, second locking hole T2is formed such that falling-off prevention portion32can be inserted therein. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, insertion hole T3is constructed such that a lower end of each of key top portions3ato3ccan be inserted therethrough.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, key top portion3aof SELECT button15i, key top portion3bof HOME button15j, and key top portion3cof START button15kare arranged at an end portion of main surface10aof lower housing10. The switch mechanism is arranged in a part of the peripheral portion of housing portion2. A locking groove10bis formed at an end portion of lower front part11. Key top portion3aof SELECT button15i, key top portion3bof HOME button15j, and key top portion3cof START button15kare inserted as aligned in locking groove10b.

First locking hole T1, second locking hole T2, and insertion hole T3are formed in an inner peripheral surface of locking groove10b. First locking hole T1is formed in a side surface of locking groove10bon a side of lower LCD13. Second locking hole T2and insertion hole T3are formed in a bottom surface of locking groove10b. Engagement portion31of each of SELECT button15i, HOME button15j, and START button15kis inserted in first locking hole T1and falling-off prevention portion32is inserted in and locked to second locking hole T2, so that key top portions3ato3care locked to lower front part11.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, key rubber (biasing portion)5is arranged on a back surface10cof lower front part11. Key rubber (biasing portion)5is arranged at an end portion of lower front part11opposite to lower protrusion portion11a. Key rubber (biasing portion)5has two engagement through holes5a. A lower protrusion portion11cformed on back surface10cof lower front part11is inserted in each of two engagement through holes5a. Key rubber (biasing portion)5is formed such that it can be pressed by each of key top portions3ato3cinserted through insertion hole T3.

A construction of key top portions3ato3cwill be described in further detail with reference toFIGS. 10 to 14. Here, key top portion3aof SELECT button15iwill be described. Partial surface S of each of key top portions3ato3chas a substantially rectangular shape.

Engagement portion31is formed at each of opposing end portions along a longitudinal direction, at the lower surface of key top portion3a. Engagement portion31has a portion extending downward from the lower surface of key top portion3aand a portion extending therefrom along a shorter side toward its one end. Namely, engagement portion31is bent. Falling-off prevention portion32is formed at each of the opposing end portions of the longitudinal direction, at the lower surface of key top portion3a. Each falling-off prevention portion32has, at its tip end, a portion extending outward along the longitudinal direction of key top portion3a.

Key top portion3bof START button15kis also similar in construction to key top portion3aof SELECT button15i. Though key top portion3bof HOME button15jis different in having one engagement portion31in a central portion of the longitudinal direction as shown inFIG. 7, it is otherwise similar in construction to key top portion3aof SELECT button15i.

An operation of the switch mechanism will now be described.

Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, before partial surface S of key top portion3bof HOME button15jis pressed, key top portion3bis placed on key rubber (biasing portion)5. Referring toFIGS. 17 and 18, when partial surface S of key top portion3bof HOME button15jis pressed with a finger40of an operator from this state, key top portion3bis pressed in in a direction X1of pressing.

Since key top portion3bis pressed in an oblique direction X2because it is provided at the peripheral portion of housing portion2, not only force F1pressing down vertically but also force F2pressing to the right in the horizontal direction are applied to key top portion3b. Though key top portion3battempts to move in a right direction owing to this force F2in the right direction, movement thereof is restricted by restriction member11b. Then, side support portion2bsupports key top portion3bfrom the side. Namely, side support portion2bsupports key top portion3bfrom a direction X3intersecting direction X1of pressing key top portion3b. Then, key top portion3bis pressed down, with side support portion2bserving as a fulcrum. Thus, key top portion3bis tilted. Accordingly, a seesaw structure is implemented as side support portion2bsupports key top portion3bfrom the side. Then, switch portion4is pressed by a lower end of key top portion3b, with key rubber (biasing portion)5being interposed.

In succession, an operation at the time when partial surface S of key top portion3bis further pressed will be described with reference toFIG. 19. In the state shown inFIG. 18, key top portion3bis supported at points of contact with side support portion2band switch portion4. When partial surface S of key top portion3bis further pressed from the state shown inFIG. 18, key top portion3bis inclined with side support portion2bserving as the fulcrum, and key top portion3bas a whole moves downward. As tilting of key top portion3bthus proceeds, key top portion3bcomes in contact with contact portion2c. Thus, key top portion3bis supported by contact portion2cin direction X1of pressing key top portion3b. Then, displacement of key top portion3bin the direction opposite to direction X1of pressing is restricted by contact portion2c.

As tilting of key top portion3bproceeds, key top portion3bis tilted while being in contact with both of side support portion2band contact portion2c. Here, key top portion3bis tilted while both of a position where key top portion3band side support portion2bare in contact with each other and a position where key top portion3band contact portion2care in contact with each other are varied. More specifically, key top portion3bis tilted while a position where key top portion3band side support portion2bare in contact with each other moves upward along the side surface of key top portion3band a position where key top portion3band contact portion2care in contact with each other moves to the right along the lower surface of restriction member11b.

Thereafter, referring toFIG. 20, when key top portion3bis further pressed in, key top portion3bis further tilted. In this state, support portion2asupports key top portion3bfrom a direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing key top portion3b.

Though a case where key top portion3areturns to a position before being pressed, owing to elastic force of key rubber (biasing portion)5has been described above, limitation thereto is not intended. The switch mechanism may be constructed such that key top portion3areturns to a position before being pressed, owing to elastic force of key top portion3b. Alternatively, the switch mechanism may be constructed such that key top portion3areturns to a position before being pressed, owing to elastic force of switch portion4.

Functions and effects of one or more exemplary embodiments described above will now be described.

The switch mechanism is applied to a button provided at the end of housing portion2. When such a button is pressed, force in the horizontal direction is applied to the button without operator's particular intention. In the switch mechanism, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, side support portion2bsupports key top portion3bfrom the side. When partial surface S exposed at the peripheral portion of the housing portion is pressed, key top portion3bis obliquely pressed, and hence force pressing key top portion3bacts not only in direction X1of pressing key top portion3bbut also on the side of key top portion3b. Therefore, with support of key top portion3bfrom the side by side support portion2b, key top portion3bcan be tilted while it is supported by side support portion2b. Therefore, a switch mechanism of which key top portion3bcan be tilted with a simple mechanism without using a pin can be implemented.

In addition, housing portion2is constructed such that key top portion3bis tilted while a position where side support portion2band key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Therefore, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, key top portion3bcan be tilted while a position where side support portion2band key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied. Thus, key top portion3bcan smoothly be tilted.

Moreover, housing portion2further includes contact portion2cfor supporting key top portion3bfrom direction X1of pressing key top portion3bwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Therefore, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, contact portion2ccan support key top portion3bfrom direction X1of pressing key top portion3b. Accordingly, displacement of the key top portion in direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing can be suppressed by contact portion2c. Thus, key top portion3bcan be tilted in a stable manner. Furthermore, housing portion2is constructed such that key top portion3bis tilted while a position where contact portion2cand key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Therefore, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, key top portion3bcan be tilted while a position where contact portion2cand key top portion3bare in contact with each other is varied. Thus, key top portion3bcan smoothly be tilted.

In addition, housing portion2further includes support portion2afor supporting key top portion3bfrom direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing key top portion3bwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Therefore, when partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed, key top portion3bcan be supported by support portion2afrom direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing key top portion3b. Thus, key top portion3bcan smoothly be tilted.

Moreover, key top portion3bfurther includes engagement portion31formed to protrude sideward from key top portion3band cover portion33forming a part of partial surface S of key top portion3b. Key top portion3bis constructed to be supported by side support portion2bbetween engagement portion31and cover portion33. Therefore, since side support portion2blies between engagement portion31and cover portion33, falling off of key top portion3bfrom housing portion2can be suppressed. In addition, since cover portion33can cover side support portion2b, exposure of side support portion2bcan be suppressed.

Furthermore, switch portion4is arranged to be pressed by key top portion3bas key top portion3bis tilted while it is supported by both of side support portion2band contact portion2cwhen partial surface S of key top portion3bis pressed. Thus, as key top portion3bis tilted while it is supported by both of side support portion2band contact portion2c, switch portion4can be pressed in.

In addition, key rubber (biasing portion)5which is arranged between key top portion3band switch portion4and capable of biasing key top portion3bin direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing is further provided. Key rubber (biasing portion)5can bias key top portion3bin direction X4opposite to direction X1of pressing. Thus, key rubber (biasing portion)5can return key top portion3bto a position before pressing.

Moreover, the switch mechanism further includes falling-off prevention portion32provided in key top portion3b, and falling-off prevention portion32is locked to housing portion2. Therefore, falling-off prevention portion32can prevent key top portion3bfrom falling off from housing portion2.

Game device1includes the switch mechanism described above. Thus, game device1including the switch mechanism of which key top portions3ato3ccan be tilted with a simple mechanism can be obtained.

In addition, the switch mechanism is arranged in a part of the peripheral portion of housing portion2. Therefore, at the peripheral portion of housing portion2, key top portions3ato3ccan be tilted outward of housing portion2. Thus, operability of key top portions3ato3ccan be improved.

Though a case where exemplary embodiments are applied to the START button, the HOME button, and the SELECT button has been described above, the exemplary embodiments can be applied, for example, also to the R button and the L button provided at the shoulder portions of the housing.

The switch mechanism is applicable to various electronic devices. For example, in addition to the game device above, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, and the like are exemplified as the electronic devices. In addition, a controller for the game device is also included in the electronic devices.