JP2007066809A - Button, operation part provided with the button, and electronic device provided with the operation part - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a button which can make a switching contact on, even if an outer edge of a keytop is pressed, an operation part provided with the button, and to provide an electronic device provided with the operation part. <P>SOLUTION: The button is composed of a sheet 210 having a switching contact 211 which switches on/off by elastic deformation, a key rubber 220 having a projected contact part 225 which makes the switching contact on/off by elastic deformation, a keytop 230 which covers the key rubber and can push down the key rubber, and a keytop inclining control part 232 which controls an inclination of the keytop. As a result, whichever arbitrary point of the keytop is pushed, the keytop will not incline, and the projected contact part can be made to contact the switching contact without fail. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a button having a structure including at least a switch and a key rubber, an operation unit including the button, and an electronic apparatus including the operation unit.

  A plurality of operation buttons are arranged on a main body case of a remote controller such as an electronic device. These buttons are integrally formed so that a cylindrical key top having a conductive portion can be elastically deformed to a plate-like key rubber affixed on the circuit board, and is disposed above the key rubber. It has a structure guided by ribs that protrude from the main body case. When operating a remote controller having a button having such a configuration, the user holds the main body case and presses the key top. As a result, the conductive portion of the key top comes into contact with the contact portion of the circuit board, so that the switch corresponding to the key top can be turned on (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-154189

  Since the key top needs to be elastically deformed along the rib, the button described above has a clearance between the key top and the rib. For this reason, there is no particular problem when the user presses the center of the key top. However, when the user presses the outer edge of the key top, the key top may be tilted by the clearance. When the key top is tilted, a gap is opened between the conductive portion of the key top and the contact portion of the circuit board. Even if the key top is pressed further, the conductive portion of the key top and the contact portion of the circuit board are separated. It stops touching. Therefore, the switch corresponding to the key top cannot be turned on. This tendency becomes more prominent as the button diameter increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the various problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a button that can turn on a switch contact even when an outer edge of a key top is pressed, an operation unit including the button, and An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device including the operation unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the button of the present invention, a switch having a switch contact that is turned on / off by elastic deformation, a key rubber having a contact protrusion that turns the switch contact on / off by elastic deformation, and the key rubber are covered. The key top is provided with a key top inclination restricting portion for restricting the inclination of the key top, the key top being provided with a key top capable of pressing the key rubber. . Thereby, even if an arbitrary place on the key top is pressed, the key top does not tilt, and the contact protrusion of the key rubber can be reliably brought into contact with the switch contact of the switch.

  The key top tilt restricting portion is formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key top, and the button case is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key top. Thereby, the clearance between the key top and the button case can be reduced, so that the tilt of the key top can be suppressed even when the outer edge of the key top is pressed. In addition, a predetermined gap is provided between an end surface of the key top tilt restricting portion and a surface of the button case facing the end surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the collision sound from being generated by preventing the collision between the end surface of the key top tilt restricting portion and the surface of the button case facing the end surface when the key top is released.

  Further, a key rubber inclination restricting portion for restricting the inclination of the key rubber is provided in the key rubber. Thereby, even if an arbitrary place on the key top is pressed, the key rubber does not tilt together with the key top, and the contact protrusion of the key rubber can be reliably brought into contact with the switch contact of the sheet. The key rubber tilt restricting portion is formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key rubber so as to face the key top tilt restricting portion and leave a predetermined gap, and the outer peripheral portion of the collar is elastically deformed. It is characterized by being formed as a part. As a result, even when the outer edge of the key top is pressed, the pressing force can be distributed to the contact protrusion and elastic deformation portion of the key rubber, so that the key rubber does not tilt together with the key top, and the key rubber contact protrusion The part can be reliably brought into contact with the switch contact of the switch.

  Further, the key rubber tilt restricting portion is formed based on a moment applied to an elastic deformation portion of the key rubber tilt restricting portion and a switch contact contact portion of the contact protrusion due to a pressing force applied to an outer edge of the key top. It is a feature. Thus, even when the outer edge of the key top is pressed, the pressing force can be distributed to the contact protrusions at an arbitrary ratio without being concentrated on the elastic deformation portion of the key rubber.

  A button having a two-layer structure including a switch having a switch contact that is turned on / off by elastic deformation and a key rubber having a contact protrusion that turns the switch contact on / off by elastic deformation, wherein the key rubber is inclined. The key rubber inclination restricting part for restricting the movement is provided in the key rubber. Thereby, even if an arbitrary place of the key rubber is pressed, the key rubber does not tilt, and the contact protrusion of the key rubber can be reliably brought into contact with the switch contact of the switch.

  The key rubber inclination restricting portion is formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key rubber, and the button case is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key rubber. Thereby, since the clearance between the key rubber and the button case can be reduced, even when the outer edge of the key rubber is pressed, the inclination of the key rubber can be suppressed.

  The key rubber tilt restricting portion is formed based on a moment applied to an elastic deformation portion of the key rubber tilt restricting portion and a switch contact contact portion of the contact protrusion due to a pressing force applied to an outer edge of the key rubber. It is said. Thus, even when the outer edge of the key rubber is pressed, the pressing force can be distributed to the contact protrusions at an arbitrary ratio without concentrating the pressing force on the elastic deformation portion of the key rubber.

  The switch is provided with an opening through which air enters and exits when the key rubber is elastically deformed. Thereby, a user's touch when the contact protrusion part of a key rubber is made to contact the switch contact of a switch can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the operation unit of the present invention is characterized by including the above buttons. In addition, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including the operation unit. Thereby, the operation part and electronic device which have said each effect can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. Absent.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a button according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of its main parts as seen from the back side, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a printer panel component incorporating the button of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the button 200 has a structure in which a sheet (switch) 210, a key rubber 220, and a key top 230 are laminated in order from the bottom.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet 210 is formed of an elastic member such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and covers a contact portion (not shown) corresponding to the button 200 formed on the circuit board 240. Be joined. That is, the sheet 210 is integrally formed with an embossed portion (switch contact) 211 that can be brought into contact with or not in contact with the contact portion on the circuit board 240. The embossed portion 211 is formed in a shape that rises from a flat sheet surface into a circular dome shape.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, carbon printing is applied to the circular dome inner surface 212 of the embossed portion 211. A ring-shaped portion 213 around the embossed portion 211 on the back surface of the sheet that continues from the inner surface 212 of the circular dome and a line-shaped portion 214 that follows the ring-shaped portion 213 are formed as air escape grooves. Although not shown, the sheet 210 has a three-layer structure of an embossed portion 211, a sheet with an adhesive, and an air escape sheet.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the sheet 210 has a circular air vent (opening) 215 formed therein. Two air holes 215 are formed on both sides of the embossed portion 211 with a predetermined interval. The operation of the vent hole 215 will be described later. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet 210 is arranged and bonded so that the circular dome inner surface 212 of the embossed portion 211 covers the contact portion on the circuit board 240.

  According to such a configuration, the embossed portion 211 is pressed from the outer surface side of the circular dome and elastically deformed, whereby the inner surface 212 of the circular dome contacts the contact portion on the circuit board 240 and becomes conductive. Can be turned on. On the other hand, by releasing the pressing of the embossed portion 211, the inner surface 212 of the circular dome is separated from the contact portion on the circuit board 240, so that the contact portion on the circuit board 240 can be turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the key rubber 220 is formed of an elastic member such as silicon rubber, and is joined so as to cover the embossed portion 211 of the sheet 210 from the outer side of the circular dome. That is, the key rubber 220 includes a cylindrical key rubber body 221, a brim-shaped key rubber base portion (key rubber inclination regulating portion) 222 formed integrally with the outer peripheral portion on the bottom surface side of the key rubber body 221, and the key rubber base portion. A hollow frustoconical skirt portion (elastically deforming portion) 223 formed integrally with the outer peripheral portion on the bottom surface side of 222 and a key rubber base 224 formed in a plate shape having the same shape as the seat 210 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the key rubber base 224 has a hole having the same shape as the edge shape on the bottom surface side of the skirt portion 223, and the bottom surface side of the skirt portion 223 is formed on the edge portion of the hole. Are integrally formed. A contact protrusion 225 that can be pressed and released from the outer surface of the circular dome with respect to the embossed portion 211 of the sheet 210 is formed in a protruding manner at the center of the bottom side of the key rubber base 222. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the key rubber 220 is disposed and joined so that the contact protrusion 225 comes into contact with the outer surface of the circular dome of the embossed portion 211 of the sheet 210. The operation of the key rubber base 222 will be described later.

  According to such a configuration, when the key rubber main body 221 is pressed from the upper surface side, the skirt portion 223 is elastically deformed, and the contact protrusion 225 presses the embossed portion 211 of the sheet 210 from the outer side of the circular dome. Therefore, the circular dome inner surface 212 can be brought into contact with the contact portion on the circuit board 240. On the other hand, by releasing the pressing of the key rubber body 221, the pressing of the embossed portion 211 is also released, so that the circular dome inner surface 212 can be separated from the contact portion on the circuit board 240.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the key top 230 is formed of, for example, hard plastic or the like, and is joined so as to cover the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 220 from the upper surface. That is, the key top 230 includes a cylindrical key top main body 231 and a collar-shaped key top base (key top inclination regulating portion) 232 formed integrally with the outer peripheral portion on the bottom surface side of the key top main body 231. I have. As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical hole 233 that can substantially cover the key rubber main body 221 is formed in the center of the bottom surface side of the key top base 232, and the key rubber main body 221 is formed in the hole 233. The upper surface of the hole 233 and the upper surface of the key rubber body 221 are joined. The operation of the key top base 232 will be described later.

  According to such a configuration, by pressing the key top body 231 from the upper surface side, the pressing force is transmitted to the key rubber body 221, so that the circular dome inner surface 212 is used as a contact portion on the circuit board 240. Can be contacted. On the other hand, by releasing the pressing of the key top body 231, the pressing of the key rubber body 221 is also released, so that the circular dome inner surface 212 can be separated from the contact portion on the circuit board 240.

  Next, the vent hole 215 of the sheet 210, the key rubber base portion 222 of the key rubber 220, and the key top base portion 232 of the key top 230 will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the sheet 210, the key rubber 220, and the key top 230 configured as described above are stacked on the circuit board 240 and guided as a button 200 by being guided by the button case 250. .

  However, as described in the background art, the button 200 needs to move the key top 230 along the button case 250, so that a clearance is provided between the key top 230 and the button case 250. For this reason, there is no particular problem when the user presses the center of the key top 230. However, when the user presses the outer edge of the key top 230, the key rubber 220 may be tilted together with the key top 230 by the clearance. When the key rubber 220 is tilted, a gap is formed between the contact protrusion 225 and the embossed portion 211 of the key rubber 220, and the embossed portion 211 is pressed from the outer side of the circular dome even when the key top 230 is pressed further. The elastic dome cannot be elastically deformed, and the circular dome inner surface 212 cannot be brought into contact with the contact portion of the circuit board 240.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the key top 230 is provided with the key top base portion 232. Since the key top base 232 is formed in a collar shape as described above, the outer peripheral surface of the key top 230 has a stepped shape. Therefore, the button case 250 that guides the outer peripheral surface of the key top 230 has a shape with a reverse step so that the clearance between the key top 230 and the button case 250 is reduced so as not to become larger than necessary. Yes.

  Therefore, even when the outer edge of the key top body 231 of the key top 230 is pressed, the upper end surface 232a of the key top base portion 232 and the surface 250a of the button case 250 facing the upper end surface 232a come into contact with each other first. Since the outer peripheral surface 231a of the top main body 231 and the surface 250b of the button case 250 facing the outer peripheral surface 231a are not in contact with each other, the key top 230 can be moved in a substantially vertical direction while suppressing the tilt of the key top 230. At the same time, since the backlash (sway) of the key top 230 can be suppressed, the contact protrusion 225 of the key rubber 220 and the contact portion of the circuit board 240 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  Further, the clearance C1 (see FIG. 5) between the upper end surface 232a of the key top base portion 232 and the surface 250a of the button case 250 facing the upper end surface 232a is when the key top 230 returns from the pressed state. The size is set such that the upper end surface 232a of the key top base portion 232 and the surface 250a of the button case 250 do not collide, for example, 0.4 mm. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the unpleasant sound by the said collision after canceling the press of the keytop 230 can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the key rubber 220 is provided with a key rubber base portion 222. The diameter R22 (see FIG. 5) of the key rubber base 222 is formed to be larger than the diameter R31 (see FIG. 5) of the key top main body 231. In the present embodiment, the diameter R22 of the key rubber base 222 is substantially the same as the diameter R32 (see FIG. 5) of the key top base 232, for example, φ36 mm (the diameter R31 at this time is φ32 mm, for example).

  Further, the clearance C2 (see FIG. 5) between the upper end surface 222a of the key rubber base portion 222 and the lower end surface 232b of the key top base portion 232 facing the upper end surface 222a is when the key top 230 is pressed. The size is set such that the lower end surface 232b of the key top base portion 232 does not contact the upper end surface 222a of the key rubber base portion 222, for example, 0.3 mm.

  Thus, when the outer edge of the key top body 231 of the key top 230 is pressed, the pressing force does not contact the lower end surface 232 b of the key top base portion 232 and the upper end surface 222 a of the key rubber base portion 222, so the key rubber main body 221 of the key rubber 220. Is transmitted to the outer edge. In this case, the point P1 (see FIG. 5) of the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 220 and the point of action P2 (see FIG. 5) of the pressing force at the contact protrusion 225 are the radius R21 / of the key rubber body 221. 2 (see FIG. 5, the diameter R21 at this time is, for example, φ28.5 mm) is separated, the point P1 (see FIG. 5) of the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 220 and the pressing force at the skirt 223 The action point P3 (see FIG. 5) is different from the radius R22 / 2 (see FIG. 5) of the key rubber base 222 and the radius R21 / 2 (see FIG. 5) of the key rubber body 221.

  Therefore, the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 220 is distributed to the pressing force at the contact projection 225 and the pressing force at the skirt portion 223 from the balance of moments. As described above, by appropriately setting the separation distance, even when the outer edge of the key top main body 231 of the key top 230 is pressed, the key top 230 can be moved in the substantially vertical direction while suppressing the inclination of the key rubber 220. Therefore, the contact protrusion 225 of the key rubber 220 and the contact portion of the circuit board 240 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  In the present embodiment, a vent hole 215 is formed in the sheet 210. As described above, the key rubber base portion 222 is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the key top base portion 232, which is larger than the diameter of the key top main body portion 231, so that the lower surface 222b of the key rubber base portion 222 and the upper surface of the sheet 210 are formed. The space formed with 210a also becomes large. For this reason, if the escape of the air in the space is insufficient when the button 200 is pressed, a poor click feeling of the button 200 occurs. Therefore, by making the vent hole 212 in the sheet 210 having a sufficient space, it is possible to make a hole having a sufficiently large diameter, so that the air in the space when the button 200 is pressed can be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, the click feeling of the button 200 can be improved.

  6 and 7 are cross-sectional views showing a cross-sectional view of a printer panel component in which another form of the button 200 is incorporated, corresponding to FIG. 4, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. . In the button 200 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the key rubber 220 and the key top 230 of the button 200 shown in FIG. 4 have the same configuration, but the seat 210 serving as a switch has a different configuration.

  That is, in the button 200 shown in FIG. 6, a flat spacer 216 is joined on the circuit board 240 instead of the sheet 210 of the button 200 shown in FIG. 216 is cut through, a metal tact plate (switch contact) 217 is disposed, and a sheet 218 is bonded onto the spacer 216. Further, the button 200 shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration in which the sheet 210 of the button 200 shown in FIG. 4 is removed and a tact switch (switch contact) 219 is provided at the position where the embossed portion 211 is provided.

  Even the metal tact plate 217 and the tact switch 219 constituting the switch as described above have the same effects as the embossed portion 211 of the sheet 210 shown in FIG. The switch contact is not limited to the metal tact plate 217 or the tact switch 219, and may be any switch contact that is turned on / off by elastic deformation.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the entire external configuration of an ink jet type multi-function peripheral which is one of recording apparatuses having buttons according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ink jet type multifunction peripheral 100 has a printer function capable of recording on, for example, a JIS standard L size, A6 size to A4 size cut sheet or postcard, a JIS standard size A4 size original, Equipped with a scanner function that can read originals up to US standard letter size, and a copy function that can copy to JIS standard L size, 2L size, B5 size, A4 size, six cuts, postcard size paper ing.

  The ink jet type multifunction peripheral 100 is entirely covered with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, and has a configuration in which a printer 110 is disposed in a lower stage and a scanner 120 is disposed in an upper stage. A paper feeding unit 130 is disposed on the back side, and a paper feeding / discharging unit 140 is disposed on the front side. Since the user can select one or both of the paper feeding unit 130 on the rear side and the paper feeding / discharging unit 140 on the front side as the setting direction of the paper before recording, the degree of freedom of the installation position of the inkjet multifunction peripheral 100 Can be increased. Furthermore, since the paper after recording is always discharged from the paper supply / discharge section 140 on the front side, the user can easily take out the paper.

  A rectangular flat plate-like scanner cover 102 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 101. The scanner cover 102 has a handle 103 formed at the front, and is attached so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow a in the figure around a rotation axis at the rear. When using the scanner 120, the user can open and close the scanner cover 102 by inserting a finger into the handle 103, so that the user can easily put in and out the document.

  On both sides of the front surface of the housing 101, cartridge storage portions 104 into which a plurality of ink cartridges are inserted and removed are formed. Each ink cartridge stores ink of each color for recording. Each cartridge housing portion 104 is covered with a transparent or translucent cartridge cover 105. The cartridge cover 105 is attached so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow b shown in the figure around a rotation shaft at the lower part thereof. Even if the user does not lift the entire heavy scanner 120 and open the inside of the printer 110 as in the prior art, the ink cartridge can be released by simply pressing the cartridge cover 105 to release the locking portion and opening the cartridge storage portion 104. Since 10 replacement operations and the like can be performed, work efficiency can be improved.

  In front of the scanner cover 102 on the upper surface of the housing 101, an operation unit 106 having a printer 110, a scanner 120, and buttons 60 for instructing each copy operation is disposed. The operation unit 106 displays buttons 60 such as a power system for turning on / off power, an operation system for operating cueing of paper or operating ink flushing, a processing system for performing image processing, and the like. A liquid crystal panel 107 and the like are provided. The user can operate the button 60 while looking at the liquid crystal panel 107 for confirmation.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the button 60 of the operation unit 106, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main components as seen from the back side. The button 60 includes a plurality of types of buttons for improving the assembling property of the ink jet type multifunction peripheral 100. As with the button 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one button 61 and one key rubber are used. 62 and nine key tops 63 are stacked in order from the bottom.

  That is, nine embossed portions (switch contacts) 611 that can be brought into contact with or not in contact with the contact portions on the circuit board are integrally formed on the sheet 61. Each embossed portion 611 is formed in a shape that rises from a flat sheet surface into a circular dome shape. Carbon printing is applied to the circular dome inner surface 612 of each embossed portion 611. And the ring-shaped part 613 around the embossed part 611 of the sheet | seat back surface continued from each circular dome inner surface 612, and the line-shaped part 614 following each ring-shaped part 613 are formed as an air escape groove. Although not shown, the sheet 61 has a three-layer structure of an embossed portion 611, an adhesive-attached sheet, and an air escape sheet. And the sheet | seat 61 is arrange | positioned so that the circular dome inner surface 612 of each embossing part 611 may cover each contact part on a circuit board, and is joined. Further, the sheet 61 is formed with a circular air vent (opening) 615 in the large button 60.

  The key rubber 62 includes nine key rubber bodies 621, a brim-shaped key rubber base portion (key rubber inclination restriction portion) 622 that is integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion on the bottom surface side of each key rubber body 621, and the bottom surface side of each key rubber base portion 622. A hollow frustoconical skirt portion (elastically deforming portion) 623 formed integrally with the outer periphery of the sheet 61 and a key rubber base 624 formed in the same shape as the sheet 61 are provided.

  The key rubber base 624 has holes having the same shape as the bottom surface side of each skirt portion 623, and the bottom surface side of each skirt portion 623 is integrally formed at the edge of each hole. A contact protrusion 625 that can be pressed and released from the outer surface of the circular dome with respect to each embossed portion 611 of the sheet 61 is formed to protrude from the center portion on the bottom surface side of each key rubber base portion 622. The key rubber 62 is arranged and joined so that each contact protrusion 625 is in contact with the circular dome outer surface of each embossed portion 611 of the sheet 61.

  Of the key tops 63, only one large key top 63 is a key-top main body 631 and a collar-like key-top base (key top) integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion on the bottom surface side of the key-top main body 631. The other eight small key tops 63 include only the key top body 631. In the case of the small key top 63, even when the outer edge of the key top main body 631 is pressed, the key top base part (key top inclination regulating part) 632 is not necessary because it is difficult to tilt. Holes that can substantially cover the key rubber main body 621 are formed in the center portion on the bottom surface side of the key top base 632 and each key top main body 631, and the key rubber main body 621 is inserted into these holes, and the upper surface of the hole And the upper surface of the key rubber body 621 are joined.

  According to such a configuration, by pressing the key top body 631 from the upper surface side, the pressing force is transmitted to the key rubber body 621, so that the circular dome inner surface 612 contacts the contact portion on the circuit board. Can be made. On the other hand, by releasing the pressing of the key top body 631, the pressing of the key rubber body 621 is also released, so that the circular dome inner surface 612 can be separated from the contact portion on the circuit board.

  And in the case of the large button 60, since the key top base part 632 is formed in the collar shape as mentioned above, the outer peripheral surface of the key top 63 becomes a stepped shape. Therefore, the operation panel 65 that guides the outer peripheral surface of the key top 63 has a shape with a reverse step so that the clearance between the key top 63 and the operation panel 65 is reduced so as not to become larger than necessary. Yes.

  Therefore, even when the outer edge of the key top body 631 of the key top 63 is pressed, the upper end surface of the key top base portion 632 and the surface of the operation panel 65 facing the upper end surface come into contact first, and the key top body 631. Since the key top 63 can be moved in a substantially vertical direction while suppressing the tilt of the key top 63, the outer surface of the key top 63 can be moved in a substantially vertical direction. Since the play (sway) can be suppressed, the contact protrusion 625 of the key rubber 62 and the contact part of the circuit board can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  Further, the clearance between the upper end surface of the key top base portion 632 and the surface of the operation panel 65 facing the upper end surface is the same as the upper end surface of the key top base portion 632 when the key top 63 returns from the pressed state. The size of the operation panel 65 is set so as not to collide. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the unpleasant sound by the said collision after canceling the press of the keytop 63 can be prevented.

  Further, the key rubber base portion 622 is formed to have a collar shape larger than the diameter of the key top main body portion 631. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the key rubber base portion 622 is substantially the same as the diameter of the key top base portion 632. Furthermore, the clearance between the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622 and the lower end surface of the key top base portion 632 facing the upper end surface is such that the lower end surface of the key top base portion 632 is when the key top 63 is pressed. The size is set so as not to contact the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622.

  Thus, when the outer edge of the key top body 631 of the key top 63 is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the outer edge of the key rubber 62 because the lower end surface of the key top base portion 632 and the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622 do not contact each other. . In this case, the point of action of the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber main body 621 of the key rubber 62 and the point of action of the pressing force at the contact protrusion 625 are separated from each other by the radius of the key rubber main body 621, and at the outer edge of the key rubber main body 621 of the key rubber 62. The point of action of the pressing force and the point of action of the pressing force at the skirt portion 623 are different from each other by the difference between the radius of the key rubber base portion 622 and the radius of the key rubber body 621.

  Therefore, the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 621 of the key rubber 62 is distributed to the pressing force at the contact protrusion 625 and the pressing force at the skirt 623 from the moment balance type. As described above, by appropriately setting the separation distance, in the case of the large button 60, even when the outer edge of the key top body 631 of the key top 63 is pressed, the tilt of the key rubber 62 is suppressed and the key top 63 is made substantially vertical. Since it can be moved in the direction, the contact protrusion 625 of the key rubber 62 and the contact portion of the circuit board can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  Further, as described above, the key rubber base portion 622 is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the key top base portion 632, which is larger than the diameter of the key top main body portion 631, so that the lower surface of the key rubber base portion 622 and the sheet 61 are The space formed between the upper surface is also increased. For this reason, if the escape of the air in the space is insufficient when the button 60 is pressed, a poor click feeling of the button 60 occurs. Therefore, by forming the vent hole 615 in the sheet 61 having a sufficient space, it is possible to make a hole having a sufficiently large diameter, so that the air in the space when the button 60 is pressed can be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, the click feeling of the button 60 can be improved.

  On the other hand, in the case of the small button 60, the key top base portion 632 is not formed as described above, and the diameter of the key rubber base portion 622 is formed substantially the same as the diameter of the key top main body portion 631. However, the clearance between the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622 and the lower end surface of the key top main body portion 631 facing the upper end surface is such that the lower end surface of the key top main body portion 631 is when the key top 63 is pressed. The size is set so as not to contact the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622.

  As a result, when the outer edge of the key top body 631 of the key top 63 is pressed, the pressing force does not contact the lower end surface of the key top body portion 631 and the upper end surface of the key rubber base portion 622, so the outer edge of the key rubber body 621 of the key rubber 62. Is transmitted to. In this case, the point of action of the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber main body 621 of the key rubber 62 and the point of action of the pressing force at the contact protrusion 625 are separated from each other by the radius of the key rubber main body 621, and at the outer edge of the key rubber main body 621 of the key rubber 62. The point of action of the pressing force and the point of action of the pressing force at the skirt portion 623 are different from each other by the difference between the radius of the key rubber base portion 622 and the radius of the key rubber body 621.

  Therefore, the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 621 of the key rubber 62 is distributed to the pressing force at the contact protrusion 625 and the pressing force at the skirt 623 from the moment balance type. As described above, by appropriately setting the separation distance, in the case of the small button 60, even if the key top base portion 632 is not formed and the outer edge of the key top body 631 of the key top 63 is pressed, the key rubber is used. Since the key top 63 can be moved in the substantially vertical direction while suppressing the tilt of the key 62, the contact protrusion 625 of the key rubber 62 and the contact part of the circuit board can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view of a printer panel part incorporating a button according to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to FIG. 4, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. To do. The button 200 shown in FIG. 11 has a configuration in which the key rubber 220 and the key top 230 of the button 200 shown in FIG. 4 are integrated. Since the key rubber base 222 of the key rubber 226 is formed in a collar shape, the outer peripheral surface of the key rubber 226 has a stepped shape. Accordingly, the button case 250 that guides the outer peripheral surface of the key rubber 226 has a shape with a reverse step, and thereby the clearance between the key rubber 226 and the button case 250 is reduced so as not to become larger than necessary.

  Therefore, even when the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 226 is pressed, the upper end surface 222a of the key rubber base portion 222 and the surface 250a of the button case 250 facing the upper end surface 222a come into contact with each other first. Since the outer peripheral surface 221a and the surface 250b of the button case 250 facing the outer peripheral surface 221a are not in contact with each other, the key rubber 226 can be moved in a substantially vertical direction while suppressing the tilt of the key rubber 226, and the backlash of the key rubber 226 is reduced. Since (shake) can be suppressed, the contact protrusion 225 and the contact portion of the circuit board 240 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

  Further, the pressing point P1 at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 226 and the pressing point P2 at the contact projection 225 are the radius R21 / 2 of the key rubber body 221 (the diameter R21 at this time is, for example, φ28. 5 mm), the point of action P1 of the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 226 and the point of action P3 of the pressing force at the skirt 223 are the radius R22 / 2 of the key rubber base 222 and the key rubber body 221. The difference from the radius R21 / 2 is separated.

  Therefore, the pressing force at the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 226 is distributed to the pressing force at the contact projection 225 and the pressing force at the skirt 223 from the balance of moments. As described above, by appropriately setting the separation distance, even when the outer edge of the key rubber body 221 of the key rubber 226 is pressed, the key rubber 226 can be moved in a substantially vertical direction while suppressing the tilt of the key rubber 226. The protrusion 225 and the contact portion of the circuit board 240 can be reliably brought into contact with each other. In the case of the button 200 shown in FIG. 11, a metal tact plate 217, a tact switch 219, etc. as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used.

  As described above, the buttons 200 and 60 of the present embodiment include the sheets 210 and 61 having the embossed portions 211 and 611 that are turned on and off by elastic deformation, the metal tact plate 217, the tact switch 219, and the like, and the embossed portions by elastic deformation. 211, 611 or key rubbers 220, 62 having contact protrusions 225, 625 for turning on and off the metal tact plate 217, the tact switch 219, etc., and key tops that are covered with the key rubbers 220, 62 and can press the key rubbers 220, 62 The key top base portions 232 and 632 for restricting the inclination of the key tops 230 and 63 are provided on the key tops 230 and 63, so that the key tops 230 and 63 have a three-layer structure. The key tops 230 and 63 are tilted even if any place is pressed Rather a, it can reliably contact with the contact projections 225,625 of the key rubber 220,62 the embossed portions 211,611 of the sheet 210,61.

  The key top base portions 232 and 632 are formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key tops 230 and 63, and the button case 250 or the operation panel 65 is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key tops 230 and 63. Therefore, the clearance between the key tops 230 and 63 and the button case 250 or the operation panel 65 can be reduced, and the inclination of the key tops 230 and 63 can be suppressed even when the outer edges of the key tops 230 and 63 are pressed. it can.

  In addition, since a predetermined gap is provided between the end surface of the key top base portions 232 and 632 and the surface of the button case 250 or the operation panel 65 facing the end surface, the pressing of the key tops 230 and 63 is released. In this case, the collision between the end surface of the key top base portions 232 and 632 and the surface of the button case 250 or the operation panel 65 opposed to the end surface can be prevented, and the generation of the collision sound can be eliminated.

  In addition, since the key rubber base portions 222 and 622 for restricting the inclination of the key rubbers 220 and 62 are provided on the key rubbers 220 and 62, the key tops 230 and 63 can be pressed even if an arbitrary place on the key tops 230 and 63 is pressed. At the same time, the key rubbers 220 and 62 are not inclined, and the contact protrusions 225 and 625 of the key rubbers 220 and 62 can be reliably brought into contact with the embossed portions 211 and 611 of the sheets 210 and 61.

  The key rubber base portions 222 and 622 are formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key rubbers 220 and 62 so as to face the key top base portions 232 and 632 and have a predetermined gap therebetween. However, even if the outer edges of the key tops 230 and 63 are pressed, the pressing force is distributed to the contact protrusions 225 and 625 of the key rubbers 220 and 62 and the skirts 223 and 623. The key rubbers 220 and 62 are not inclined together with the key tops 230 and 63, and the contact protrusions 225 and 625 of the key rubbers 220 and 62 are reliably brought into contact with the embossed portions 211 and 611 of the sheets 210 and 61. be able to.

  In addition, the key rubber base portions 222 and 622 are contact portions of the skirt portions 223 and 623 of the key rubber base portions 222 and 622 and the embossed portions 211 and 611 of the contact protrusion portions 225 and 625 by the pressing force applied to the outer edges of the key tops 230 and 63. Therefore, even when the outer edges of the key tops 230 and 63 are pressed, the pressing force is not concentrated on the skirt portions 223 and 623 of the key rubbers 220 and 62, and the contact is made at an arbitrary ratio. The protrusions 225 and 625 can be distributed.

  Further, the sheet 210 or the metal tact plate 217 or the tact switch 219 having the embossed portion 211 that is turned on / off by elastic deformation, and the contact point for turning on or off the embossed portion 211 or the metal tact plate 217 or the tact switch 219 by elastic deformation. It has a two-layer structure including a key rubber 226 having a protrusion 225, and a key rubber base 222 that regulates the tilt of the key rubber 226 is provided on the key rubber 226, so that any position of the key rubber 226 is pressed. However, the key rubber 226 is not inclined, and the contact protrusion 225 of the key rubber 226 can be reliably brought into contact with the embossed portion 211, the metal tact plate 217, the tact switch 219, or the like.

  Further, the key rubber base portion 222 is formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key rubber 226, and the button case 250 is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key rubber 226, so the clearance between the key rubber 226 and the button case 250 is formed. Even when the outer edge of the key rubber 226 is pressed, the inclination of the key rubber 226 can be suppressed.

  Further, the key rubber base portion 222 is formed based on the moment applied to the contact portion of the skirt portion 223 of the key rubber base portion 222 and the embossed portion 211 of the contact projection portion 225 by the pressing force applied to the outer edge of the key rubber 226. Even when the outer edge of 226 is pressed, the pressing force can be distributed to the contact protrusion 225 at an arbitrary ratio without being concentrated on the skirt 223 of the key rubber 226.

  In addition, since the seats 210 and 61 are provided with air holes 215 and 612 through which air flows when the key rubbers 220, 226 and 62 are elastically deformed, the contact protrusions 225 and 625 of the key rubbers 220, 226 and 62 are provided. It is possible to enhance the user's feeling when contacting the embossed portions 211 and 611 of the sheets 210 and 61.

  The buttons 200 and 60 of the above-described embodiment have been described with respect to circular buttons, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, buttons having any shape such as a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, and a polygonal shape can be used. The same can be applied.

  Any recording apparatus provided with a button can be applied to, for example, a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, a scanner, and the like. In addition to a recording apparatus, the meaning of a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid corresponding to its use from a liquid ejecting head onto an ejected medium instead of ink and attaches the liquid to the ejected medium is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like Color material jet head used for manufacturing color filters, electrode material (conductive paste) jet head used for electrode formation for organic EL display and surface emitting display (FED), bio-organic jet head used for biochip manufacturing, precision pipette The present invention can also be applied to an apparatus equipped with a sample ejection head or the like.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the button which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the button of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the main components of FIG. 2 from the back side. It is sectional drawing which looked at the button of FIG. 1 from the side. It is a figure which shows the main dimensions of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the printer panel component incorporating another form of the button of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the printer panel component incorporating another form of the button of this invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an overall appearance configuration of an ink jet type multifunction peripheral that is one of recording apparatuses including a button according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the button of the operation part of the inkjet type multifunction device of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the main components of FIG. 9 from the back side. It is sectional drawing of the printer panel component incorporating the button which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

60, 200 button, 61, 210 sheet, 611, 211 Embossed part, 615, 215 Vent, 62, 220, 226 Key rubber, 621, 221 Key rubber body, 622, 222 Key rubber base part, 623, 223 Skirt part, 624 224 Key Rubber Base, 625, 225 Contact Protrusion, 63, 230 Key Top, 631, 231 Key Top Body, 632, 232 Key Top Base, 65 Operation Panel, 240 Circuit Board, 250 Button Case, 100 Inkjet Multifunction Machine , 101 housing, 110 printer, 120 scanner, 130 paper feed unit, 140 paper feed / discharge unit

Claims (12)

A switch having a switch contact that is turned on and off by elastic deformation;
A key rubber having a contact protrusion for turning the switch contact on and off by elastic deformation;
A button having a three-layer structure including a key top that is placed on the key rubber and capable of pressing the key rubber;
A key top inclination restricting portion for restricting the inclination of the key top is provided on the key top. The key top tilt restricting portion is formed in a collar shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key top, and the button case is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key top. Button. The button according to claim 2, wherein a predetermined gap is provided between an end surface of the key top inclination restricting portion and a surface of the button case facing the end surface. The button according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a key rubber inclination restricting part for restricting the inclination of the key rubber is provided in the key rubber. The key rubber inclination restricting portion is formed in a flange shape on the outer peripheral portion of the key rubber so as to face the key top inclination restricting portion and have a predetermined gap, and the outer peripheral portion of the rib is an elastic deformation portion. The button according to claim 4, wherein the button is formed. The key rubber tilt restricting portion is formed based on a moment applied to an elastic deformation portion of the key rubber tilt restricting portion and a switch contact contact portion of the contact protrusion due to a pressing force applied to an outer edge of the key top. The button according to claim 4 or 5. A switch having a switch contact that is turned on and off by elastic deformation;
A two-layered button comprising a key rubber having a contact protrusion for turning on and off the switch contact by elastic deformation,
A key rubber inclination restricting portion for restricting the inclination of the key rubber is provided on the key rubber. The button according to claim 7, wherein the key rubber inclination restricting portion is formed in a collar shape on an outer peripheral portion of the key rubber, and a button case is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the key rubber. The key rubber inclination restricting portion is formed based on a moment applied to an elastic deformation portion of the key rubber inclination restricting portion and a switch contact contact portion of the contact protrusion due to a pressing force applied to an outer edge of the key rubber. The button according to any one of claims 7 to 8. The button according to claim 1, wherein an opening through which air enters and exits when the key rubber is elastically deformed is provided in the switch. An operation unit comprising the button according to claim 1. An electronic apparatus comprising the operation unit according to claim 11.

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