JP2010118167A - Keytop unit, keyboard, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make excellent assemblability, to fix a keytop by the reduced number of part items, and to allow handling of unit-by-unit. <P>SOLUTION: This keytop unit 10 includes the plurality of keytops 20 constituted to make an upper face serve as a push-down face, and provided respectively, in an under face side, with a protruded part and a claw part for forming a switch circuit when pushed down, a key base with the plurality of keytops keyboard-arrayed on the upper face, and a plurality of core shafts 22 engagement-fixed disengageably and journaled with the keyboard-arrayed keytops via the claw parts, and the adjacent keytops of a prescribed number out of the plurality of keytops are fittedly fixed to the common core shaft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a key top unit having a plurality of key tops, a keyboard including the key top unit, and an electronic apparatus.

  Currently, a large number of electronic devices such as portable telephones, personal digital assistants such as PDAs, electronic dictionaries and notebook personal computers are provided. In this type of electronic device, a plurality of key tops are arranged in a keyboard (keyboard arrangement) for inputting characters, numbers, and the like. In particular, electronic dictionaries, notebook personal computers, and the like are generally provided with a larger number of keys than other electronic devices in order to handle a large amount of character information.

Currently, various types of key tops are provided, but a pantograph structure that is fixed to a key base that is a substrate via a link member and can be operated by pushing down the key tops in parallel is the mainstream ( Patent Document 1). Note that a rubber key (rubber switch) is interposed on the normal key base, and each key top is lifted upward by the elastic force of the rubber. As a result, when the key top is released, the key top is lifted naturally. A membrane key (film substrate) is interposed between the key base and the rubber key. Thus, when each key top is pressed down, the membrane key is crushed through the rubber key, and the two contact points separated from each other are conducted to form a signal circuit.
The key base, rubber key, membrane key, and a plurality of key tops constitute a keyboard unit, which can be handled in units.

  Thus, since the conventional one can be handled in units, it can be easily incorporated into the apparatus and has the advantage that it can be easily replaced. However, since each key top is fixed to the key base via the link member, the number of parts inevitably increases, resulting in an increase in cost. In addition, it is difficult to simplify the configuration, and it takes time to assemble the key top.

Therefore, it is desired to fix the key top with a structure as simple as possible. Therefore, as one of solutions to this need, there is known a keyboard structure that can fix a key top with a small number of parts and has good assemblability (see Patent Document 2).
This is a configuration in which a plurality of key tops are supported by a common axis. Therefore, compared with the pantograph structure, the number of parts can be greatly reduced and the assemblability is excellent.
Japanese Patent No. 4107785 JP 2007-179376 A

  However, the keyboard described in Patent Document 2 has the above-described advantages, but has the disadvantage that the key tops cannot be handled in units. That is, the plurality of key tops are directly fixed to the fixing portion provided in the case on the apparatus side via the shaft core. For this reason, it was impossible to handle the key tops separately from the case.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the object thereof is excellent in assemblability, can fix the key top with a small number of parts, and can be handled in units. To provide a key top unit, a keyboard having the key top unit, and an electronic apparatus.

The present invention provides the following means in order to solve the above problems.
The key top unit according to the present invention has a plurality of key tops each provided with a protrusion and a claw on the lower surface side, each of which has an upper surface as a pressing surface and outputs an input signal when pressed. The key top is keyboard-arranged on the upper surface, and is detachably fixed to the key base, and the key-top arranged on the keyboard is detachably fitted and fixed via the claw portion. And a predetermined number of adjacent key tops among the plurality of key tops are fitted and fixed to the common shaft core.

In the key top unit according to the present invention, when the key top arranged on the keyboard on the upper surface of the key base is pushed down, the key top is pushed down while rotating around the axis. Then, the protrusion provided on the lower surface side of the key top outputs an input signal. As a result, an input signal corresponding to the depressed key top can be output and used as an input device.
By the way, when assembling the key top unit, it is possible to assemble only by fixing a plurality of shaft cores to the key base and simultaneously fitting and fixing the key tops to these shaft cores via the claw portions. it can. Therefore, as compared with the conventional panda graph structure, the key top can be fixed by easily assembling with a much smaller number of parts. In particular, since a predetermined number of adjacent key tops are fitted and fixed to a common shaft core, the number of shaft cores can be greatly reduced compared to the number of key tops. In this respect as well, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Moreover, the plurality of key tops are fixed to the key base via the shaft core. Therefore, unlike the conventional one that is fixed to the case on the apparatus side, the whole can be unitized and handled in units. Therefore, it is possible to easily replace the entire unit, and convenience can be improved. In addition, since the number of parts is small, the cost can be reduced. Further, since the cost can be reduced, design variations such as the shape and color of the key top can be increased relatively easily. Therefore, it is possible to meet various design needs of users.

  Further, the key top unit according to the present invention is the key top unit according to the present invention, wherein the key top is formed with a stopper claw, and the key base has the stopper when the key top is released. A stopper receiving portion for restricting the rotation angle is formed by the contact of the claw.

  In the key top unit according to the present invention, the stopper claw abuts against the stopper receiving portion when the key top returns to the original position by releasing the depression. Thereby, a rotation angle is regulated and it positions with the same attitude | position every time. Therefore, variations in the postures of the key tops are eliminated, the appearance of the keys is improved, and the key tops can be pushed down without being caught.

  Further, a keyboard according to the present invention includes a key top unit according to the present invention, a casing in which the key top unit is detachably mounted and fixed on an upper surface, and a through hole is formed at a position facing the protrusion. A rubber switch having an upper end contacting the projection through the through-hole and a contact formed at the lower end and fixed in a state of surface contact with the lower surface of the housing; and a switch pattern A printed circuit board formed on the surface and fixed in a state of being in surface contact with the lower surface of the rubber switch, and the moving body moves in a linked manner when the key top is pressed down, and the contact and the switch The input signal is output by continuity with the pattern, and when the depression is released, the key top is pushed up by an elastic force to be restored to the original position. To.

In the keyboard according to the present invention, when the key top is pushed down, the moving body of the rubber switch whose upper end is in contact with the protrusion is connected and moved toward the printed circuit board. And the contact formed in the lower end part of a moving body contacts the switch pattern of a printed circuit board, and is conducted. As a result, an input signal corresponding to the depressed key top can be output.
On the other hand, when the depression of the key top is released, the moving body pushes up the key top through the protrusion by its own elastic force. As a result, the key top is restored to the original position.

  In particular, the key top unit can be freely attached to and detached from the housing, and the key top unit can be handled in units, so even if a failure occurs on the housing side or the key top unit side, it is within the minimum necessary range. It can be exchanged and handled easily.

  Further, a rubber switch integrally provided with a moving body is fixed to the lower surface of the housing in a state of surface contact. At this time, the rubber switch is in close contact with the housing with the moving body entering the through hole. Therefore, the through hole is in a state of being blocked by a rubber switch. And the printed circuit board in which the switch pattern was formed is being fixed to the lower surface of this rubber switch in surface contact state. Accordingly, the structure is such that dust, water droplets and the like hardly enter the inside of the housing through the through hole from the outside of the housing, and the printed circuit board can be protected from dust and water droplets. That is, the printed circuit board is dustproofed and waterproofed by the rubber switch, and is less likely to be adversely affected by dust or water droplets. Therefore, the reliability of operation can be improved and the quality can be improved.

  Further, in the keyboard according to the present invention, in the keyboard of the present invention described above, an adhesion enhancing portion that increases the degree of adhesion between the rubber switch and the housing over the other portion is provided between the rubber switch and the casing. It is provided so that it may surround.

  In the keyboard according to the present invention, the adhesion degree between the rubber switch and the casing is locally increased so as to surround the periphery of the through hole by the adhesion enhancing portion. Therefore, it has a structure in which dust, water droplets, and the like are difficult to enter from the outside of the housing through the through hole. Therefore, a more reliable dustproof and waterproof structure can be obtained.

  In the keyboard according to the present invention, in the keyboard according to the present invention, the key top and the key base are formed of an optically transparent material, provided in the casing, and mounted with the key top unit. A light emitting unit that sometimes irradiates light inside the key base and guides light to the entire key base, and a region other than the region below the key top on the upper surface of the key base is shielded and guided. And a light shielding means for intensively entering the light from the key base to the key top.

  In the keyboard according to the present invention, after the key top unit is mounted, the light emitting portion provided in the casing irradiates the inside of the key base and guides the light to the entire key base. Here, on the upper surface of the key base, areas other than the area below the key top are shielded by the light shielding means. Therefore, the light guided to the entire key base exits from the lower side of the key top to the outside and enters the key top as it is. As a result, a plurality of key tops can be surely illuminated, and even when the surroundings are dark, the key top can be depressed without making a mistake. Therefore, it becomes easier to use and the convenience can be enhanced.

  Further, in the keyboard according to the present invention, in the keyboard according to the present invention, the upper surface of the key top is shielded from light, and the light shielding is partially removed so as to display predetermined characters, numbers, or symbols. It is characterized by that.

  In the keyboard according to the present invention, the upper surface of the key top is shielded from light, and the light shielding is partially removed so as to display predetermined characters, numbers or symbols. For this reason, the entire key top does not shine, but light is transmitted only through the portions of the letters, numbers or symbols from which the light shielding is removed. Therefore, only predetermined letters, numbers or symbols can be intensively illuminated. As a result, clearer visibility can be ensured and operability can be further enhanced.

  Further, the keyboard according to the present invention is the above keyboard according to the present invention, wherein a recess for accommodating the key top unit is formed on the upper surface of the housing, and when the key top unit is attached, a plurality of the tops are mounted from the upper surface. Only the key top protrudes.

  In the keyboard according to the present invention, the key top unit can be mounted in a state of being housed in a recess formed on the upper surface of the housing, and only the key top to be pushed down projects from the upper surface of the housing. Therefore, the key top unit can be hidden as much as possible while ensuring the operability of the key top, and the design can be further enhanced.

  An electronic dictionary according to the present invention includes the keyboard according to the present invention.

  Since the electronic device according to the present invention includes the above-described keyboard, it can be a high-quality device that has dust resistance and waterproof resistance and improved operating performance.

  The key top unit according to the present invention is excellent in assemblability, can fix a plurality of key tops with a small number of parts, and can be handled in units.

  According to the keyboard of the present invention, the key top unit can be freely attached to and detached from the casing, and the key top unit can be handled in units, so that it can be replaced within the minimum necessary range in the event of a failure and is easy to deal with. Further, since the printed circuit board is dustproof and waterproof by the rubber switch, there is a low possibility of malfunction due to dust or water droplets. Therefore, the reliability of operation can be improved and the quality can be improved.

  According to the electronic device according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a high-quality device that has dust resistance and waterproof resistance and improved operating performance.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, an electronic dictionary will be described as an example of an electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic dictionary 1 according to the present embodiment is a foldable portable electronic device, and one housing 3 and the other housing 4 that are connected to each other via a hinge portion 2 so as to be opened and closed. It consists of and. Thereby, when not in use, the other casing 4 can be closed and folded, and it can be easily stored in a bag or the like in a thin and compact size.
In use, the other housing 4 is rotated with respect to one housing 3 so that the opening / closing angle of the other housing 4 can be adjusted so as to match the user's eyes. Yes.

The one casing 3 and the other casing 4 are formed in a thin box shape as a whole by appropriately using a metal material such as plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Among these, one housing 3 has a two-stage structure in which a bottom case 5 and a top case 6 overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 2, a key top unit 10 constituting the keyboard 7 is detachably fixed to one housing 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a printed circuit board 14 on which a control unit 11, a memory 12, a rechargeable battery 13, and various electronic components (not shown) are mounted is incorporated in one housing 3.

The control unit 11 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs as the electronic dictionary 1, a RAM that is a temporary storage medium, a display control unit that controls the display panel 15 described later, and the like. is doing. And the control part 11 controls each component comprehensively based on the input signal sent when the keytop 20 is pushed down, and operates various functions as the electronic dictionary 1. FIG.
Further, the control unit 11 can display various types of information (for example, the contents of the dictionary, the contents of word search, the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 13, the time and date) on the display panel 15.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the other casing 4 is provided with a display panel 15 for displaying various information input or selected by the keyboard 7 over almost the entire surface, and a transparent protective cover ( For example, it can be visually recognized through a resin cover 16 made of plastic or the like. The display panel 15 is, for example, a color or monochrome liquid crystal panel of about 5 inches. The protective cover 16 is not essential.

Next, one housing 3 will be described in detail.
As described above, one housing 3 is composed of the bottom case 5 and the top case 6. Both cases 5 and 6 are overlapped in close contact with each other, and are designed so that dust and the like do not enter inside through the overlapped gap. As shown in FIG. 2, a recess 6 a for storing the key top unit 10 is formed in most of the upper surface of the top case 6. The key top unit 10 is placed and fixed on the top case 6 while being housed in the recess 6a.
As a fixing method, for example, a not-shown claw portion on the key top unit 10 side is fixed by being fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the recess 6a. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and may be fixed in a detachable manner.

  The depth of the recess 6a is such that when the key top unit 10 is mounted, the key top 20 protrudes (projects about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm) from the upper surface of the top case 6. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to hide the key top unit 10 as much as possible at the time of mounting, and to ensure the pushability of the key top 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the key top unit 10 includes a plurality of key tops 20, a key base 21 in which the plurality of key tops 20 are arranged on the upper surface (keyboard arrangement), and are detachably fixed to the key base 21. And a plurality of shaft cores 22 that pivotally support the key top 20.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of key tops 20 each have an upper surface as a pressing surface, and a protrusion 25 and a claw 26 are provided on the lower surface side. The upper surface of the key top 20 that is the pressing surface is smoothly curved so that the belly of the finger can be easily fitted. The protruding portion 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a flat tip, and plays a role of making an input signal output by conducting a contact 44 and a switch pattern 14a, which will be described later, when the key top 20 is pushed down. .

The claw portion 26 has a bifurcated tip, and the first claw portion 26a and the second claw portion 26b are opposed to each other. Then, by pressing the shaft core 22 between the first claw portion 26a and the second claw portion 26b, the shaft core 22 can be sandwiched and fixed. Thus, the key top 20 is detachably fitted and fixed to the shaft core 22 via the claw portion 26. In addition, since the key top 20 is pivotally supported by the shaft core 22, the key top 20 is rotated about the shaft core 22 after being fitted and fixed. As a result, the key top 20 can be pushed down.
In the present embodiment, a case where two claw portions 26 are formed at intervals will be described as an example. However, the number is not limited to two, and only one or three may be formed.

  By the way, among the plurality of key tops 20, the key tops 20 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of one housing 3 (the direction of the arrow L <b> 1 shown in FIG. 4) are fixed to a common shaft core 22. Therefore, the number of the shaft cores 22 can be reduced as compared with the number of the key tops 20, and in the case of the present embodiment, the number can be four. The shaft core 22 is a cylindrical long rod or long wire made of metal or a hard material.

  Each of the key tops 20 is formed with a stopper claw 27 whose tips are formed in a hook shape. The stopper claw 27 is formed so as to extend downward from the side wall at a position opposite to the two claw portions 26 with the protrusion 25 interposed therebetween. When the key top 20 is released from being pressed down, the stopper claw 27 abuts on a stopper receiving portion 31 (to be described later) and plays a role of regulating the rotation angle.

  The key base 21 is a plate formed in a flat plate shape with a size that can be accommodated in a recess 6 a formed in the top case 6. The key base 21 is provided with an insertion hole 30 formed at a position facing the protrusion 25 and a stopper receiving portion 31 with which the stopper claw 27 abuts corresponding to the number of the key tops 20. ing. In addition, there are a plurality of fixing claws 32 for detachably fixing the four shaft cores 22 arranged in the short direction (the direction of the arrow L2 shown in FIG. 4) of the one housing 3 in the state of being along the longitudinal direction. Is formed.

  The fixed claw portion 32 is erected on the upper surface of the key base 21 and includes a first fixed claw portion 32a and a second fixed claw portion 32b facing each other. Then, by pressing the shaft core 22 between the first fixed claw portion 32a and the second fixed claw portion 32b, the shaft core 22 can be sandwiched and fixed. Thereby, the shaft core 22 is detachably fixed via the fixing claw portion 32.

  A plurality of the fixed claw portions 32 configured as described above are formed so as to be aligned in a line along the longitudinal direction of the key base 21. In the present embodiment, a case where two fixed claw portions 32 are provided at an interval below one key top 20 is taken as an example. The interval H1 between the two fixed claws 32 is formed wider than the interval H2 between the two claws 26 of the key top 20, and when the key base 21, the shaft core 22, and the key top 20 are combined. The two claw portions 26 are designed to fit between the both fixed claw portions 32.

  Further, on the key base 21, a convex pillow portion 33 for slightly lifting the shaft core 22 fixed to the fixed claw portion 32 from the key base 21 is formed adjacent to the fixed claw portion 32. That is, the shaft core 22 is fixed to the fixed claw portion 32 while being placed on the pillow portion 33. Thereby, it is considered that the claw portion 26 of the key top 20 pivotally supported by the shaft core 22 does not contact the upper surface of the key base 21.

The insertion hole 30 is a hole that penetrates the key base 21 and is formed at a position facing the protrusion 25 of the key top 20. In the present embodiment, a case where the planar shape is larger than the outer shape of the protruding portion 25 is taken as an example. However, a polygonal shape such as an elliptical shape or a square shape may be used.
The stopper receiving portion 31 has a hook-like tip and is provided so as to stand on the upper surface of the key base 21. The key top 20 is fixed to the shaft core 22 such that the tip of the stopper claw 27 enters below the tip of the stopper receiving portion 31. Therefore, when the depression of the key top 20 is released, the tip of the stopper claw 27 comes into contact with the tip of the stopper receiving portion 31 so that further rotation can be restricted.

As described above, the key top unit 10 configured as described above is detachably fixed to the top case 6 while being housed in the recess 6a as shown in FIG.
By the way, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8, the top case 6 has through holes 6 b at positions facing the protrusions 25 of the plurality of key tops 20. Therefore, when the key top unit 10 is attached to the top case 6, the insertion hole 30 and the through hole 6b of the key base 21 communicate with each other.

Further, a sheet-like rubber switch 40 is fixed to the lower surface of the top case 6 in surface contact, and the printed circuit board 14 having the switch pattern 14a formed on the lower surface of the rubber switch 40 is in surface contact. It is fixed in the state.
The rubber switch 40 and the printed board 14 are fixed to the lower surface of the top case 6 by fastening means such as screws (not shown). However, it is not limited to the fastening means, and may be fixed using an adhesive or the like.

  The rubber switch 40 is mainly configured by a flat sheet portion 41 and a plurality of moving bodies 43 formed integrally with the sheet portion 41 via a skirt portion 42. The plurality of moving bodies 43 pass through the through holes 6 b formed in the key base 21, and the upper ends thereof are in contact with the protruding portions 25 of the key top 20, and the protruding portions 25 are pushed upward by the elasticity of the skirt portions 42. ing. As a result, a space is formed between the moving body 43 and the printed circuit board 14 in a normal state, and the spaces are separated from each other.

  In addition, on the lower surface of the rubber switch 40, communication grooves (not shown) that communicate the spaces are formed in a lattice shape, for example. Further, the communication groove communicates with the internal space of one housing 3. Therefore, when the printed circuit board 14 is fixed to the lower surface of the rubber switch 40, it is designed so that air is not stored in the space.

On the other hand, when the key top 20 is pushed down, the skirt portion 42 is deformed and the moving body 43 is connected and moved downward. Thereby, the lower end part of the moving body 43 contacts the printed circuit board 14. By the way, the lower end of the moving body 43 is provided with a contact 44 in which a conductive film is formed by carbon printing or the like. Therefore, when the lower end portion of the moving body 43 comes into contact with the printed circuit board 14, the contact 44 and the switch pattern 14 a are brought into conduction, and an input signal is output to the control unit 11.
Then, when the depression of the key top 20 is released, the moving body 43 moves upward due to the elasticity of the skirt portion 42 as described above, so that the key top 20 is restored to the original position via the projection portion 25. ing.

Next, the case where the electronic dictionary 1 configured in this way is used will be described below.
First, after placing one housing 3 on a plane such as a desk, the other housing 4 is opened to a predetermined angle via the hinge portion 2 as shown in FIG. Various functions as the electronic dictionary 1 can be activated by appropriately pressing the plurality of key tops 20 of the key top unit 10 mounted on one housing 3.

Next, pressing of the key top 20 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the key top 20 is pushed down with the fingertip, it starts to rotate downward about the shaft core 22. At the same time, since the skirt portion 42 is deformed, the moving body 43 of the rubber switch 40 whose upper end portion is in contact with the protruding portion 25 is linked and moves toward the printed circuit board 14. And while the lower end part of the mobile body 43 contacts the printed circuit board 14, the contact 44 contacts the switch pattern 14a and is conducted. As a result, an input signal corresponding to the depressed key top 20 can be output to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs control based on this input signal, and activates the function as the electronic dictionary 1.

  On the other hand, when the depression of the key top 20 is released, the moving body 43 moves upward by the elastic force of the skirt portion 42, so that the moving body 43 is pushed up. As a result, the key top 20 is restored to the original position while rotating about the axis 22. Moreover, the tip of the stopper claw 27 of the key top 20 contacts the tip of the stopper receiving portion 31 of the key base 21 when the original position is restored. Therefore, the rotation angle is restricted, and the key top 20 is positioned in the same posture every time. Therefore, variations in the posture of the key top 20 are eliminated, the appearance of the key top 20 is improved, and the key top 20 can be pushed down without being caught.

  Moreover, the key top unit 10 is housed in the recess 6 a of the top case 6, and only a plurality of key tops 20 protrude from the top surface of the top case 6 as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the key top unit 10 can be hidden as much as possible while ensuring the operability of the key top 20, and the electronic dictionary 1 having excellent design can be obtained.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a rubber switch 40 is fixed to the lower surface of the top case 6 in a surface contact state. Moreover, the rubber switch 40 is fixed in a state where the moving body 43 enters the through hole 6b. For this reason, the through hole 6b is closed by the rubber switch 40. Accordingly, the structure is such that dust, water droplets and the like hardly enter the inside of the housing 3 from the outside of the top case 6 through the through hole 6b, and the printed circuit board 14 can be protected from the dust and water droplets. That is, the printed circuit board 14 is dust-proofed and waterproofed by the rubber switch 40, and is less likely to be adversely affected by dust or water droplets. Therefore, the reliability of operation can be improved and the quality can be improved.

  In addition, according to the electronic dictionary 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the key top unit 10 can be freely attached to and detached from one housing 3, and the key top unit 10 can be handled in units. . Therefore, even if a failure or the like occurs on one housing 3 side or the key top unit 10 side, replacement within the minimum necessary range is possible and easy to deal with.

By the way, when assembling the key top unit 10, as shown in FIG. 5, first, a plurality of shaft cores 22 are fixed to the key base 21. Specifically, the shaft core 22 is pushed between the first fixed claw portion 32 a and the second fixed claw portion 32 b provided on the key base 21. As a result, the shaft core 22 can be fixed by being sandwiched between the two fixing claws 32. In this way, the shaft core 22 can be fixed by a simple method of pushing in.
Subsequently, the plurality of key tops 20 are fixed to the shaft core 22. Specifically, the shaft core 22 is pushed between the first claw portion 26a and the second claw portion 26b. At this time, the tip of the stopper claw 27 is kept under the tip of the stopper receiving portion 31. As a result, the shaft core 22 can be sandwiched between the two claw portions 26, so that the key top 20 can be fixed to the shaft core 22. As described above, when the key top 20 is fixed, it can be fixed by a simple method by simply pushing it in. As a result, the key top unit 10 can be assembled.

In particular, the key top 20 can be fixed by easily assembling with a much smaller number of parts compared to the conventional pantograph structure. In addition, since the key tops 20 adjacent in the longitudinal direction are fitted and fixed to the common shaft core 22, the number of the shaft cores 22 can be greatly reduced compared to the number of key tops 20. In this respect as well, the number of parts can be reduced.
Further, the plurality of key tops 20 are fixed to the key base 21 via the shaft core 22. Therefore, unlike the conventional one that is fixed to the case on the apparatus side, as described above, the whole can be unitized and handled in units, so that replacement is easy and convenience can be improved.

  In addition, since the number of parts is small, the cost can be reduced. Since the cost can be reduced, design variations such as the shape and color of the key top 20 are relatively easy to achieve. Therefore, design variations can be easily increased, and the user can meet various design needs.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the key top 20 is configured to emit light.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the electronic dictionary 50 according to the present embodiment irradiates the key base 21 with light L when the key top unit 10 is attached to one housing 3, and The LED (light emitting unit) 51 that guides the light L to the entire base 21 and the region other than the region below each key top 20 on the upper surface of the key base 21 are shielded, and the guided light L is transmitted to the key base 21. And a light-shielding sheet (light-shielding means) 52 that intensively enters the key top 20.

As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of opening windows 6 c are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the recess 6 a formed in the top case 6 at regular intervals. As shown in FIG. 11, the LED 51 is fixed inside the top case 6 in a state of being accommodated in the opening window 6c, and is configured to irradiate the light L toward the inside of the recess 6a. Each LED 51 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 14, and the light emission timing is controlled by the control unit 11.
Since the LEDs 51 are fixed in this manner, the light L emitted from each LED 51 enters the inside of the key base 21. Here, the key base 21 of the present embodiment is formed of an optically transparent material, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Therefore, the light L incident on the inside spreads over the entire key base 21 and causes the entire surface of the key base 21 to emit light.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the light shielding sheet 52 is a black thin sheet, and plays a role of regulating the transmission of the light L. The light shielding sheet 52 is formed to be approximately the same size as the key base 21 and is fixed in a state where it is overlaid on the upper surface of the key base 21. At this time, the light shielding sheet 52 is formed with a plurality of cutout holes 52 a for exposing the fixed claw portion 32, the pillow portion 33, the insertion hole 30 and the stopper receiving portion 31 provided in the key base 21. As a result, the light L guided to the inside of the key base 21 is emitted to the upper surface side only through the notch hole 52a. Moreover, the cutout hole 52 a is sized to fit inside the outer shape line S of the key top 20. For this reason, the light L emitted through the cutout hole 52a is intensively incident on the keytop 20 from substantially directly below the keytop 20, as shown in FIG. As described above, since the light shielding sheet 52 is provided, it is possible to prevent the light L from being emitted in an unnecessary direction, and the light L incident on the key base 21 is efficiently and concentrated on each key top 20. It can be made to enter.

  Here, similarly to the key base 21, the key top 20 of the present embodiment is also formed of an optically transparent material (for example, PMMA). Therefore, since the light L incident on the key top 20 passes through the key top 20, the key top 20 itself can be illuminated. By the way, on each key top 20, a light shielding film 53 is formed by coating or the like on the upper surface which is a pressing surface, and the light shielding film 53 is partially displayed so as to display predetermined characters, numbers, symbols and the like. It has been pulled out. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the letters “A” are extracted so as to be displayed. As a result, the entire key top 20 does not emit light, but light is transmitted only through the portion where the light shielding is removed, for example, the portion of the letter “A”. Therefore, only the letter “A” can be illuminated.

According to the electronic dictionary 50 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved, and the following operational effects can be further achieved.
That is, when the electronic dictionary 50 is used in a situation where the surroundings are slightly dark, each LED 51 is caused to emit light via the control unit 11. Then, the light L emitted from each LED 51 enters the inside of the key base 21 and causes the entire key base 21 to emit light. At this time, the upper surface of the key base 21 is shielded from light by the light shielding sheet 51 except for the region below the key tops 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the light L guided to the entire key base 21 exits from the lower side of the key top 20 through the notch hole 52a and enters the key top 20 as it is. And the letter, number, or symbol assigned to each key top 20 is illuminated.

  Thereby, even when the surroundings are dark, each key top 20 can be clearly seen, and the key top 20 can be depressed without making a mistake. Therefore, it becomes easier to use and the convenience can be enhanced.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the portable electronic device has been described as an electronic dictionary, but is not limited to an electronic dictionary. For example, a desktop type or notebook type personal computer may be used.
Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the case where all the keytops 20 arranged in the longitudinal direction of one housing | casing 3 were fixed to the common shaft core 22 was mentioned as an example, it is not restricted to this case, For example, a shaft The number of cores 22 may be increased, and two or three key tops 20 may be fixed to a common shaft core 22 as a group.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an adhesion enhancing portion that increases the degree of adhesion between the rubber switch 40 and the top case 6 that is one housing 3 as compared with the other part is surrounded by the through hole 6b. May be provided.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an annular protrusion 6d surrounding the through hole 6b may be provided on the lower surface of the top case 6 as an adhesion enhancing portion. By doing in this way, the sheet | seat part 41 of the rubber switch 40 is compressed locally by being pushed by the projection part 6d. For this reason, the degree of adhesion between the rubber switch 40 and the top case 6 can be locally increased with respect to the protruding portion 6d as compared with other portions. As a result, a structure in which dust, water droplets, and the like are difficult to enter from the outside of the top case 6 through the through hole 6b is obtained. Therefore, a more reliable dustproof and waterproof structure can be obtained, which is preferable.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, you may provide the cyclic | annular protrusion part 14b which surrounds the circumference | surroundings of the through-hole 6b on the rubber switch 40 side as an adhesion | attachment reinforcement | strengthening part. Even in this case, the same effects can be achieved.

  In the second embodiment, the number of LEDs 51 may be freely selected. Furthermore, there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the color, kind, etc. of LED51, You may change suitably according to a condition. Moreover, it is not limited to LED51, If it can inject the light L in the inside of the key base 21, it can utilize as a light emission part.

In the second embodiment, the upper surface of the key base 21 is shielded using the light shielding sheet 52. However, the light shielding sheet 52 is not limited, and a light shielding film may be formed by painting or the like. Even in this case, the same effects can be achieved. In any case, as long as the area on the upper surface of the key base 21 can be shielded in advance, it may be used as a light shielding means.
In the second embodiment, the upper surface of the key top 20 is formed with the light shielding film 53 and then the light shielding film 53 is removed so as to display predetermined characters, numbers, and symbols. Instead of 53, a light shielding sheet from which characters and the like have been removed in advance may be attached. Even in this case, the same effects can be achieved. Furthermore, the upper surface of the key top 20 may not be shaded, but simply display characters and the like. Even in this case, since the entire key top 20 emits light, the key top 20 can be depressed without making a mistake even in a dark situation.

1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the key top unit from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various components mounted inside one casing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the key top unit shown in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment relationship with the key top shown in FIG. 4, an axial center, and a key base. It is a partial cross section figure of the top case which comprises one housing | casing shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the key top unit and the top case when the key top unit is mounted. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the key top unit and the top case when the key top unit is mounted. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the electronic device which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a figure of the state from which the keytop unit was removed. It is a disassembled perspective view of the key top unit of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the key top unit and the top case when the key top unit is mounted. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the light-shielding sheet | seat shown in FIG. 10, and a key base. It is a perspective view of the key top of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification which concerns on this invention, Comprising: An annular protrusion is provided in the lower surface of a top case, and is a figure when the close_contact | adherence degree of a top case and a rubber switch is raised locally. It is a figure which shows the modification which concerns on this invention, Comprising: An annular protrusion is provided in the upper surface of a rubber switch, and is a figure when the close_contact | adherence degree of a top case and a rubber switch is raised locally.

Explanation of symbols

1, 50 ... Electronic dictionary (electronic equipment)
3. One housing (housing)
4 ... The other casing (casing)
6a: Recess of housing 6b: Through hole 6d, 14b ... Projection (adhesion enhancing portion)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Key top unit 14 ... Printed circuit board 14a ... Switch pattern 20 ... Key top 21 ... Key base 22 ... Shaft core 25 ... Key top projection part 26 ... Key top claw part 27 ... Key top stopper claw 30 ... Key base Insertion hole 31 ... Key base stopper receiving part 40 ... Rubber switch 43 ... Rubber switch moving body 44 ... Moving body contact point 51 ... LED (light emitting part)
52 ... Light shielding sheet (light shielding means)

Claims (8)

A plurality of key tops each provided with a protrusion and a claw on the lower surface side, the upper surface being a depressed surface and outputting an input signal when depressed;
A key base on which a plurality of the key tops are arranged on the upper surface;
A plurality of shaft cores that are detachably fixed to the key base, and the key tops arranged on the keyboard are detachably fitted and fixed via the claw portions, and are pivotally supported;
A predetermined number of key tops adjacent to each other among the plurality of key tops are fitted and fixed to the common shaft core. The key top unit according to claim 1,
A stopper claw is formed on the key top,
The key top unit is characterized in that the key base is formed with a stopper receiving portion for restricting a rotation angle by contacting the stopper claw when the key top is released. The key top unit according to claim 1 or 2,
A casing in which the key top unit is detachably mounted and fixed on the upper surface, and a through hole is formed at a position facing the protruding portion;
A rubber switch that has a moving body in which an upper end is in contact with the protrusion through the through-hole and a contact is formed at the lower end, and is fixed in a state of being in surface contact with the lower surface of the housing;
A printed circuit board having a switch pattern formed on the surface and fixed in a state of being in surface contact with the lower surface of the rubber switch;
The moving body moves continuously when the key top is pressed down to output the input signal by conduction between the contact point and the switch pattern, and when the pressing down is released, the key top is elasticized. A keyboard characterized in that it is pushed up to restore it to its original position. The keyboard according to claim 3,
A keyboard characterized in that an adhesion-enhancing portion that increases the degree of adhesion between the rubber switch and the casing as compared with other portions is provided so as to surround the periphery of the through hole. The keyboard according to claim 3 or 4,
The key top and the key base are formed of an optically transparent material,
A light-emitting unit that is provided in the housing and irradiates light inside the key base when the key top unit is mounted, and guides light to the entire key base;
Light shielding means for shielding light from the upper surface of the key base other than the region below the key top so that the guided light is intensively incident on the key top from the key base. And the keyboard. The keyboard according to claim 5,
The keyboard is characterized in that the top surface of the key top is shielded from light, and the light shielding is partially removed so as to display predetermined characters, numbers or symbols. The keyboard according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The keyboard is characterized in that a recess for accommodating the key top unit is formed on the upper surface of the housing, and only the plurality of key tops protrude from the upper surface when the key top unit is attached.   An electronic device comprising the keyboard according to claim 3.

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