JP2012174622A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device having a printed circuit board, a base part, a key top part and a skirt part; having plural key top parts with different height to a top surface; and capable of preventing false recognition of an input operation.SOLUTION: A tape printing device 1 has a rubber key member 45, and a key input part 40 constituted by a printed circuit board P having an electrode formation surface, at a curved portion of a body housing 10. The rubber key member 45 is constituted by key top parts 46, skirt parts 48, and base parts 49, and is located on the electrode formation surface of the printed circuit board P. Each of the key top parts 46 is formed such that a mass of a portion positioned above a portion connected with the skirt part 48 at a bottom end of the key top part 46 is identical. The base part 49 positioned around each of the key top parts 46 is constituted in thickness corresponding to the curved portion of the body housing 10, and therefore, the top surface of each of the key top parts 46 is positioned at a height projecting from the curved portion by a predetermined amount.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device having a printed circuit board and a rubber key member having a base portion, a key top portion, and a skirt portion.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an input device has a plurality of input keys used for various input operations, and is arranged in a key arrangement portion formed on a casing. As an aspect of these input devices, an input device including a printed circuit board and a rubber key member is known. For example, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, the rubber key member includes a key top portion that constitutes each input key, a flat base portion, and a thin-film skirt portion formed on the lower peripheral edge of the key top portion. Are integrated with a synthetic resin and placed on a printed circuit board.

  In the input device, when the key top portion is pressed, the key top portion moves toward the printed circuit board surface while deforming the surrounding skirt portion. Thereby, the contact of the key top part comes into contact with the electrode formed on the surface of the printed circuit board, so that a control signal related to the input operation related to the key top part can be output. Therefore, it is desirable that the upper part of the key top part protrudes from the surface of the casing constituting the key arrangement part because the key top part is pressed. When released from the force of pressing the key top portion, the key top portion is configured to return to the normal position based on the elastic force of the skirt portion.

  Here, the key arrangement part formed in the housing is not limited to a part formed in a flat plate shape, but may be formed in a curved surface shape. Even in this case, it is desirable that the upper portion of the key top portion protrudes by a predetermined dimension from the surface of the casing constituting the key placement portion. That is, in order to project from the curved housing surface by a predetermined dimension, the top surface height of the key top portion must be different depending on the position on the curved housing surface.

  The invention described in Patent Document 2 is known as an input device having key top portions with different top heights, and a keypad assembly is described as an input device according to a mobile phone. The keypad assembly includes a flat base portion and a plurality of keytops integrally formed of synthetic resin. And in the said keypad assembly, the aspect from which the top | upper surface height of a key top part differs is implement | achieved by making the height of the key top part standingly arranged from a base part differ. In the keypad assembly described in Patent Document 2, a thin-film skirt portion is not formed between the key top portion and the base portion.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-096654 JP 2003-319055 A

  Here, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a rubber key member having a base portion, a key top portion, and a skirt portion, and an input device having a printed circuit board, in order to make the top height of the key top portion different, Patent Document 2 Consider the case of using the following configuration. As described above, in Patent Document 2, since the height of the top surface of the key top portion is made different by making the height of the key top portion different, the mass of the key top portion is the height of the key top portion. It will differ depending on the size.

  Since each key top portion is supported by the thin film skirt portion so as to be able to be pressed with respect to the base portion, the load applied to the skirt portion differs depending on the height dimension of the key top portion. Since the load applied to the skirt part greatly affects the deformation of the skirt part accompanying the pressing operation of the key top part, the behavior of the key top part accompanying the pressing operation differs depending on the height dimension of the key top part. It will be. As a result, the input device having the configuration has a different behavior of the key top portion due to the pressing operation, which causes a misrecognition of the input operation by the user. In addition, the input device having the above configuration gives the user a sense of incompatibility when the key top portion is pressed due to the difference in the behavior of the key top portion accompanying the pressing operation.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and relates to an input device having a printed circuit board and a rubber key member having a base portion, a key top portion, and a skirt portion, and has different heights to the top surface. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that has a plurality of key top portions and can prevent erroneous recognition of an input operation.

  An input device according to an aspect of the present invention is a flat printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes, a base portion disposed on the surface of the printed circuit board, and positioned above the plurality of electrodes. A rubber key member integrally formed of a synthetic resin, a plurality of key top portions projecting upward from the base portion, and a thin-film-like skirt portion connecting the lower peripheral edge of each key top and the base portion; The rubber key member is provided with a contact portion that contacts the electrode when the key top portion is moved in the direction of the printed circuit board on a surface facing the printed circuit board, and the skirt portion. A first key top portion having an upper portion formed in a predetermined shape from a connection portion with the contact portion on the surface facing the printed circuit board, and an upper portion from the connection portion with the skirt portion A second key top portion having the same shape as the planar outer shape of the first key top portion and having the same mass, and the top surface of the second key top portion has the first key top It is located in a position higher than the top surface of the part.

  The input device includes a flat printed board and a rubber key member. The rubber key member is integrally formed of a synthetic resin with a base portion, a plurality of key top portions, and a thin skirt portion, and is disposed on the surface of the printed board. Therefore, in the input device, when the key top portion is moved in the direction of the printed circuit board, the key top portion moves while deforming the skirt portion formed in a thin film shape, and the electrode formed on the surface of the printed circuit board is moved. On the other hand, a contact part can be made to contact. In the input device, the rubber key member has a first key top portion and a second key top portion. The first key top portion is formed in a predetermined shape from the connection portion with the skirt portion, and has a contact portion on the surface facing the printed circuit board. The second key top portion has the same shape as the planar outer shape of the first key top portion from the connecting portion with the skirt portion, and is formed with the same mass and faces the printed board. The contact surface is provided on the surface to be used. The top surface of the second key top portion is positioned higher than the top surface of the first key top portion. In the input device, the first key top part and the second key top part have the same shape as the planar outer shape and are formed with the same mass, so that the skirt around the first key top part is formed. A substantially equivalent load is applied to both the skirt portion and the skirt portion around the second key top portion. As a result, the input device can prevent erroneous recognition of the input operation based on the difference in the load on the skirt portion even in the key top portion having a different height to the top surface. Further, according to the input device, the user can operate these keys without a sense of incongruity even if the key top portions have different heights up to the top.

  An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein the base portion is higher than a height of a base portion located around the first key top portion. By providing a step portion formed high around the second key top portion, the top surface of the second key top portion is positioned higher than the top surface of the first key top portion. Features.

  In the input device, the stepped portion has a thickness of a base portion located around the second key top portion larger than a thickness of the base portion located around the first key top portion, and the first key. It is configured by being formed integrally with a base portion located around the top portion. Therefore, by forming the step portion with this configuration, the input device can reliably make the top surface height of the first key top portion different from the top surface height of the second key top portion.

  An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the second aspect, wherein the second key is connected to the skirt portion around the second key top portion. The height of the top portion to the top surface is equal to the height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the first key top portion to the top surface of the first key top portion.

  In the input device, each of the first key top portion and the second key top portion is formed with an equal height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around each key top portion to the top surface of the key top portion. ing. Accordingly, in the input device, since the height of the skirt portion around the first key top portion and the skirt portion around the second key top portion are equal, the top surface height of the first key top portion is The height of the top surface of the 2 key top part can be surely varied. As a result, the input device can prevent erroneous recognition of the input operation based on the difference in the load on the skirt portion even in the key top portion having a different height to the top surface. Further, according to the input device, the user can operate these keys without a sense of incongruity even in the key top portions having different heights up to the top.

  An input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein the second key is connected to the skirt portion around the second key top portion. The height of the top portion to the top surface is formed to be greater than the height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the first key top portion to the top surface of the first key top portion, The key top portion has a lightening portion in which an inner portion of the second key top portion is reduced as compared with an inner portion of the first key top portion, thereby connecting the skirt portion in the second key top portion. The mass of the upper part from the part is formed to be equal to the mass of the upper part from the connection part with the skirt part in the first key top part.

  In the input device, the height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the second key top portion to the top surface of the second key top portion is the skirt portion around the first key top portion. And a height from the connecting portion to the top surface of the first key top portion. Therefore, according to the input device, the top surface height of the first key top portion and the top surface height of the second key top portion can be reliably made different. The second key top portion is configured such that the upper portion from the connection portion with the skirt portion has the same shape as the planar outer shape of the first key top portion, and the inner portion of the second key top portion is the first portion. 1 It has a reduced thickness portion that is less than the inner portion of the key top portion. Therefore, in the input device, the mass of the second key top portion from the connection portion to the skirt portion is equal to the mass of the first key top portion from the connection portion to the skirt portion. obtain. As a result, in the input device, a substantially equal load is applied to both the skirt portion around the first key top portion and the skirt portion around the second key top portion. Even in the key top portion having different heights up to the top surface, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of the input operation based on the difference in the load on the skirt portion. Further, according to the input device, the user can operate these keys without a sense of incongruity even if the key top portions have different heights up to the top.

  An input device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second key top portion has a contact portion and the second key. The distance between the electrode on the printed circuit board below the top part is the distance between the contact part of the first key top part and the electrode on the printed circuit board below the first key top part. It is characterized by being equal.

  In the input device, the distance between the contact portion and the electrode on the printed board is the same in both the first key top portion and the second key top portion. In other words, even the key top portions having different heights to the top surface have the same distance to move until the contact portion contacts the electrode in accordance with the input operation. Thereby, according to the said input device, even if it is a key top part from which the height to a top surface differs, the user can operate these keys without a sense of incongruity.

  An input device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the input device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the key arrangement is formed in a curved shape protruding toward the outside of the device. A main body housing having a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of key top portions are inserted, and the second key top portion has a curved surface rather than an insertion hole through which the first key top portion is inserted. An insertion hole located near the protruding portion of the key arrangement portion is inserted.

  The input device includes a main body housing having a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of key top portions are inserted in a key arrangement portion formed in a curved shape protruding toward the outside of the device. And in the said input device, the said 2nd key top part has penetrated the penetration hole located near the protrusion part in a curved-surface-like key arrangement | positioning part rather than the penetration hole into which the said 1st key top part is penetrated. . That is, in the key arrangement portion formed in a curved surface, the input device can be in a state in which any key top portion protrudes by a certain amount with respect to the surface of the main body housing.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of a tape printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure of a tape printer. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the key input part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the key input part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment (first embodiment) in which an input device according to the present invention is embodied in a tape printer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The tape printer 1 is configured such that a user can perform desired text input, printing, etc. while holding the tape printer 1 with one hand.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tape printer 1 is composed of a main body mechanism portion M and a grip portion G. The main body mechanism part M constitutes an upper part in the longitudinal direction of the tape printer 1 and is formed in a slightly round shape in horizontal view. The main body mechanism M accommodates a liquid crystal display 11, a thermal head 31, a control board 20, and the like which will be described later.

  The grip portion G is formed to be slightly narrower than the left-right width dimension of the main body mechanism portion M in a substantially lower half side portion of the main body housing 10 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the gripping portion G is formed so that its thickness is gradually smaller than that of the main body mechanism portion M. Therefore, the tape printer 1 is configured so that the user can easily perform operations such as inputting a desired text and printing on the printing tape T while the user holds the grip portion G with one hand.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape printer 1 includes a main body housing 10 made of synthetic resin and a back cover 15, and the main body mechanism portion M and the grip portion G are respectively provided in the main body housing 10. And a back cover 15. The main body housing 10 houses therein a liquid crystal display 11 and a key input unit 40 which is an example of an input device according to the present invention. The back cover 15 is a synthetic resin cover member that covers the entire back surface of the main body housing 10 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the user when the tape printer 1 is used). It is detachably attached to the back surface of the body 10.

  A liquid crystal display 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the main body mechanism portion M on the front surface portion of the main body mechanism portion M (that is, the main body housing 10 side). The liquid crystal display 11 displays various information such as an input result by the key input unit 40.

  And the cutter lever 12 is provided in the left side part of the main body housing | casing 10 which comprises the main body mechanism part M so that rotation operation is possible. The cutter lever 12 slides the cutting blade 13 disposed inside the main body mechanism M in accordance with the turning operation. Therefore, the user can cut the printing tape T extending to the tape discharge port 14 to be described later with the cutting blade 13 by rotating the cutter lever 12 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, a control board 20 and a drive motor 25 are disposed inside the main body casing 10 constituting the main body mechanism portion M. The control board 20 has a control circuit unit including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control circuit unit plays a central role in various controls in the tape printer 1 and controls the tape printer 1 by executing a known control program or the like. The drive motor 25 is a drive source for transporting the printing tape T, which is a recording medium in the tape printer 1, to the tape discharge port 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cassette housing portion 30 is formed on the back side of the main body casing 10 constituting the main body mechanism portion M. The cassette housing portion 30 is formed in a substantially square shape with a horizontal section that is substantially the same as the outer shape of the tape cassette C, and is configured to be detachable from the tape cassette C (see FIG. 3). The tape cassette C incorporates a printing tape T that is a recording medium in the tape printer 1. The printing tape T is composed of an image receiving paper having a printing surface on which one surface is printed and an adhesive layer on the other surface, and a release paper that protects the adhesive layer.

  A thermal head 31 is erected on the bottom surface in the vicinity of the edge portion on the cutter lever 12 side so as to be along the longitudinal direction of the main body housing 10 inside the cassette housing portion 30. The thermal head 31 has a plurality of heating elements (for example, 64 heating elements) arranged in a row, and controls the heat generation of each heating element (not shown), thereby printing tape T Characters etc. are printed on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a platen holder 32 is disposed at a position facing the heating element disposition surface of the thermal head 31 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The platen holder 32 presses the printing surface of the printing tape T against each heating element of the thermal head 31 when performing printing on the printing tape T.

  A key input unit 40 corresponding to the input device according to the present invention is disposed on the front surface of the grip portion G (that is, the main body housing 10 side). The key input unit 40 includes a plurality of input keys such as a character input key, a space key, a cursor key, a power key, and a print key arranged in a matrix. Various types of keys for the control circuit unit of the tape printer 1 are provided. Used to input instructions. The configuration of the key input unit 40 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

  The character input key is operated when inputting a character constituting the text to be printed. The space key is operated when a blank is entered in the text. The cursor key is operated when moving the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 11 to the left and right. The power key is operated when switching on / off the power supply to the tape printer 1. The print key is operated when the input text is printed on the print tape T by the thermal head 31.

  And the battery storage part 35 (refer FIG. 3) is formed in the back side of the main body housing | casing 10 which comprises the holding part G. As shown in FIG. The battery storage unit 35 stores a dry battery B which is a driving power source of the tape printer 1.

  Next, the configuration of the key input unit 40 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 4, the key input unit 40 includes a printed circuit board P and a rubber key member 45. In addition, in the main body housing 10, the portion where the key input unit 40 is disposed (that is, the front surface side of the grip portion G) is formed in a curved shape that bulges outward from the main body housing 10 (see FIG. 2). . That is, the arrangement part of the key input unit 40 has a curved shape in which the upper end side of the gripping part G (the main body mechanism part M side) bulges to the front side from the lower end side of the gripping part G. A plurality of insertion holes 10 </ b> A are formed in the arrangement portion of the key input unit 40 by drilling the front side of the main body housing 10 according to the arrangement position of each input key.

  The printed circuit board P is a board having a plurality of electrodes E on one surface side, and is disposed in the main body housing 10 so as to correspond to the portion where the key input unit 40 is disposed. Each electrode E is formed on the surface of the printed circuit board P so as to correspond to the position where each input key is disposed (that is, below the insertion hole 10A). In the first embodiment, the surface of the printed board P on which the plurality of electrodes E are formed is referred to as an “electrode formation surface”.

  The rubber key member 45 is formed of a resin such as soft rubber, and is placed on the electrode formation surface of the printed circuit board P. The rubber key member 45 integrally includes a key top portion 46, a skirt portion 48, and a base portion 49.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the key top portion 46 is a portion that is pressed by the user when performing an input operation of each input key, and is formed into a column shape having the same horizontal sectional shape by a resin such as soft rubber. Is formed. Each key top portion 46 is inserted through each insertion hole 10 </ b> A and is located on the electrode E on the printed circuit board P. Each key top portion 46 has a contact portion 47 on a surface facing the electrode E on the printed circuit board P. The contact portion 47 is formed by projecting a part of the surface on the printed board P side of the key top portion 46 toward the printed board P (that is, the electrode E) side by a predetermined amount. The contact portion 47 comes into contact with the electrode E formed on the surface of the printed circuit board P when the key top portion 46 moves in the direction of the printed circuit board P in accordance with the input operation of the input key. That is, in the tape printer 1, the input operation of the input key related to the key top portion 46 has been performed based on energization due to the contact between the contact portion 47 of the key top portion 46 and the electrode E of the printed circuit board P. Can be detected and control based on this can be performed.

  The skirt portion 48 is formed of a thin film-like soft rubber, and connects the outer peripheral edge at the lower end of the key top portion 46 and the upper surface of the base portion 49 (that is, the surface on the main body housing 10 side) (FIG. 4). reference). That is, the skirt portion 48 is formed of a thin-film-like soft rubber in a tapered cylindrical shape having a small outer peripheral edge at the lower end of the key top portion 46 and a large diameter at a connection portion with the base portion 49. When the input operation of the input key is performed, the skirt portion 48 is elastically deformed as the key top portion 46 moves in the direction of the printed circuit board P. Further, in the normal state (that is, in a state in which no external force is applied to the key top portion 46), the skirt portion 48 has an upper portion of the key top portion 46 (the top surface side of the key top portion 46) away from the insertion hole 10A. The key top portion 46 is supported so as to protrude quantitatively.

  The base portion 49 is formed in a plate shape from soft rubber or the like, and is placed on the electrode formation surface of the printed board P. The base portions 49 each have a step portion 50 around a predetermined key top portion 46 (see FIG. 4). Therefore, the upper surface of the base portion 49 around the key top portion 46 is positioned at different heights from the surface of the printed circuit board P due to the step portion 50.

  A specific configuration of the key input unit 40 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an XX cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the key input unit 40 in the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the XX cross section is a cross section along the longitudinal direction of the tape printer 1.

  In the following description, among the input keys (key top portions 46) arranged in a matrix, three input keys (first key top portions 46A to 46A to 46A) arranged along the XX section are arranged. The configuration of the key input unit 40 will be described using the third key top portion 46C) as an example (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The first key top part 46A to the third key top part 46C are arranged in the order of the first key top part 46A, the second key top part 46B, and the third key top part 46C from the lower end side of the grip part G in the XX cross section. It is lined up along.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first key top portion 46A is formed in a column shape having a first key top height HA from a resin such as soft rubber, and is inserted through the insertion hole 10A. The first key top height HA means “the height from the connection portion with the skirt portion 48 at the outer peripheral edge of the first key top portion 46A to the top surface of the first key top portion 46A”. In the vicinity of the first key top portion 46A, the base portion 49 is formed to have a thickness of the first base thickness DA.

  Further, the contact portion 47 related to the first key top portion 46A projects a part of the surface of the first key top portion 46A on the printed circuit board P side by a predetermined amount toward the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode E) side. Is formed. The surface of the contact portion 47 related to the first key top portion 46A is usually located at a position separated from the electrode E located below the first key top portion 46A by the first contact distance LA. The first contact distance LA means “a distance from the surface of the contact portion 47 of the first key top portion 46A to the electrode E positioned below the surface”.

  The second key top portion 46B is formed in a column shape having a second key top height HB from a resin such as soft rubber, and is inserted through the insertion hole 10A. The second key top height HB means “the height from the connecting portion of the skirt portion 48 to the top surface of the second key top portion 46B at the outer periphery of the lower end of the second key top portion 46B”. It shows the same height as the top portion 46A. The second key top portion 46B has the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the first key top portion 46A described above. Accordingly, the second key top portion 46B has the same shape as the first key top portion 46A except for the configuration of the contact portion 47.

  In addition, the contact portion 47 related to the second key top portion 46B projects a part of the surface of the second key top portion 46B on the printed circuit board P side by a predetermined amount toward the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode E). Is formed. The surface of the contact portion 47 related to the second key top portion 46B is usually located at a position separated from the electrode E positioned below the second key top portion 46B by the second contact distance LB. The second contact distance LB means “a distance from the surface of the contact portion 47 of the second key top portion 46B to the electrode E positioned below the second contact top portion 46B”, and indicates the same distance as the first contact distance LA.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a step portion 50 is formed around the second key top portion 46B. The step portion 50 around the second key top portion 46B is formed by setting the thickness of the base portion 49 to a second base thickness DB larger than the first base thickness DA. Therefore, the upper surface of the base portion 49 in the vicinity of the second key top portion 46B is a predetermined amount (that is, the second base thickness DB−the first base thickness DA) than the upper surface of the base portion 49 in the vicinity of the first key top portion 46A. It is located higher by the minute.

  The third key top portion 46C is formed in a column shape having a third key top height HC from a resin such as soft rubber, and is inserted into the insertion hole 10A. The third key top height HC means “the height from the connecting portion of the skirt portion 48 to the top surface of the third key top portion 46C at the outer periphery of the lower end of the third key top portion 46C”. It shows the same height as the top part 46A and the second key top part 46B. The third key top portion 46C has the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B described above. Accordingly, the third key top portion 46C has the same shape as the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B, except for the configuration of the contact portion 47.

  Further, the contact portion 47 related to the third key top portion 46C projects a part of the surface of the second key top portion 46B on the printed circuit board P side by a predetermined amount toward the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode E). Is formed. The surface of the contact portion 47 related to the third key top portion 46C is usually located at a position separated from the electrode E located below the third key top portion 46C by the third contact distance LC. The third contact distance LC means “a distance from the surface of the contact portion 47 of the third key top portion 46C to the electrode E positioned below it”, and is the same as the first contact distance LA and the second contact distance LB. Indicates distance.

  Then, a step 50 is formed around the third key top portion 46C in the same manner as the second key top portion 46B (see FIG. 4). Here, the step portion 50 around the third key top portion 46C is formed by setting the thickness of the base portion 49 to a third base thickness DC that is larger than the first base thickness DA and the second base thickness DB. . Accordingly, the upper surface of the base portion 49 around the third key top portion 46C is positioned higher than the upper surface of the base portion 49 around the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B.

  Here, in the tape printer 1, the key input unit 40 is disposed on the front side of the grip portion G. Further, on the front side of the gripping part G, the main body housing 10 has a curved surface in which the upper end side of the gripping part G (the main body mechanism part M side) bulges to the front side from the lower end side of the gripping part G. The printed circuit board P has a flat plate shape and is disposed inside the main body housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the distance from the surface of the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode formation surface) to the front surface of the main body housing 10 (for example, the insertion hole 10 </ b> A) increases toward the main body mechanism M side.

  In the key input unit 40 according to the first embodiment, the base unit 49 has a thickness of the first base thickness DA to the third base thickness DC around the first key top unit 46A to the third key top unit 46C, respectively. It is formed with. Since the first base thickness DA, the second base thickness DB, and the third base thickness DC are larger in this order, the base portion 49 has a stepped portion 50. The base portion 49 around the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C is based on the electrode formation surface of the printed circuit board P as the periphery of the key top portion 46 located on the body mechanism portion M side by the step portion 50. It is located at a high position (see FIG. 4).

  Since the first key top height HA, the second key top height HB, and the third key top height HC indicate the same height, the first key top portion 46A, the second key top portion 46B, the third The key top portion 46C has the same height with respect to the height from the connection portion of the skirt portion 48 to the top surface of the key top portion 46 at the outer periphery of the lower end of the key top portion 46.

  The skirt portions 48 that support the key top portions 46 (for example, the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C) are all formed in the same shape. Accordingly, in any of the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C, the heights of the skirt portions 48 are the same.

  Accordingly, the heights of the top surfaces of the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C depend on the thickness of the base portion 49 around each key top portion 46, and have different heights. And as shown in FIG. 4, since it shows large thickness in order of 1st base thickness DA-3rd base thickness DC, the height from the electrode formation surface of the printed circuit board P to the key top part 46 top surface is as follows. The first key top portion 46A, the second key top portion 46B, and the third key top portion 46C are arranged in a higher order in this order.

  Accordingly, in the tape printer 1, the first base thickness DA, the second base thickness DB, and the third base thickness DC are distances from the surface of the electrode E related to the corresponding key top portion 46 to the insertion hole 10A. The first key top portion 46A, the second key top portion 46B, and the third key top portion 46C are all disposed in a state of protruding by a predetermined amount from the respective insertion holes 10A. obtain.

  Here, since each key top portion 46 is supported by the skirt portion 48, the mass of each key top portion 46 acts on the skirt portion 48, and the skirt portion 48 of the skirt portion 48 at the time of an input operation to the input key. Affects elastic deformation. That is, the mass of each key top portion 46 affects the behavior of the key top portion 46 during an input operation.

  As described above, the first key top portion 46A, the second key top portion 46B, and the third key top portion 46C are all formed in a column shape from soft rubber, and have the same height dimension and the same horizontal level. It has a cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the first key top portion 46A, the second key top portion 46B, and the third key top portion 46C all have substantially the same mass. Accordingly, in the tape printer 1, the masses of the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C have the same influence on the elastic deformation of the skirt portion 48, respectively. The part 46A to the third key top part 46C exhibit a substantially constant behavior in accordance with the input operation.

  Since the key top portion 46 is connected to the base portion 49 by a skirt portion 48 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lower end of the key top portion 46, the key top portion 46 is within a certain range with the connection portion with the skirt portion 48 as an axis. Can be swung. Therefore, the top surface of the key top portion 46 can be positioned in a wider range as the dimension of the connection portion (the outer peripheral edge at the lower end of the key top portion 46) between the top surface of the key top portion 46 and the skirt portion 48 is larger. When an input operation is performed, the key top portion 46 is easy to move in the direction connecting the connection portion between the current position and the skirt portion 48. Accordingly, the moving direction of the key top portion 46 in accordance with the input operation is such that the larger the dimension between the top surface of the key top portion 46 and the skirt portion 48 (the outer peripheral edge at the lower end of the key top portion 46) is, Deviation can occur.

  In this respect, the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C are all dimensioned from the top surface of the key top portion 46 to the connecting portion with the skirt portion 48 (that is, the first key top height HA to the first key top portion 46C). 3 key top high HC) is the same. Therefore, according to the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment, if any input key having a different height from the electrode forming surface to the top surface of the key top portion 46 is operated in the same manner as other input keys. The contact portion 47 and the electrode E are in contact with each other, and an input operation can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C, the distances from the respective contact portions 47 to the electrodes E are the first contact distance LA, the second contact distance LB, and the third It is the contact distance LC and shows the same dimension. The first contact distance LA to the third contact distance LC mean the amount of movement in the direction of the electrode E necessary to complete the input operation in the first key top portion 46A to the third key top portion 46C. Therefore, according to the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment, any input key having a different height from the electrode forming surface to the top surface of the key top portion 46 is operated to move in the same manner as other input keys. By doing so, the contact portion 47 and the electrode E are in contact with each other, and an input operation can be performed.

  In the first embodiment, the stepped portion 50 has a thickness of the flat plate-like base portion 49 according to the arrangement position of each key top portion 46 (first base thickness DA, second base thickness DB, first thickness 3 base thickness DC). Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the rubber key member 45 is manufactured, if a resin such as soft rubber is put in a predetermined mold and manufactured, the step portion is formed together with the key top portion 46, the skirt portion 48, and the base portion 49. 50 can be formed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an embodiment (second embodiment) different from the above-described first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the tape printer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and only the configuration of the key input unit 40 is different. Therefore, a description of the basic configuration of the tape printer 1 is omitted, and the configuration of the key input unit 40 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX showing the configuration of the key input unit 40 in the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment. Similarly to FIG. 4, the input keys (keys) arranged in a matrix are shown. The configuration of the key input unit 40 is illustrated by exemplifying two input keys (first key top unit 46A and second key top unit 46B) arranged along the XX cross section in the top unit 46). This will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 5). The first key top portion 46A is arranged in a row at the lower end side of the grip portion G with respect to the second key top portion 46B along the XX cross section.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the key input unit 40 according to the second embodiment includes a printed circuit board P and a rubber key member 45. The printed circuit board P according to the second embodiment is a board having an electrode formation surface on which electrodes E corresponding to the positions of the input keys are formed, as in the first embodiment described above. The rubber key member 45 according to the second embodiment includes a key top portion 46, a skirt portion 48, and a base portion 49.

  In the second embodiment, the first key top portion 46A is formed in a column shape having a first key top height HA from a resin such as soft rubber, and is inserted through the insertion hole 10A (see FIG. 5). In the vicinity of the first key top portion 46A, the base portion 49 is formed to have a thickness of the first base thickness DA.

  The second key top portion 46B is formed in a column shape having a second key top height HB from a resin such as soft rubber, and is inserted through the insertion hole 10A. In the second embodiment, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the second key top portion 46B is the same as that of the first key top portion 46A described above. The second key top height HB is larger than the first key top height HA in the first key top portion 46A, as shown in FIG. Further, the base portion 49 around the second key top portion 46B according to the second embodiment has a thickness of the second base thickness DB, and the second base thickness DB is around the first key top portion 46A. Is the same as the base thickness (that is, the first base thickness DA).

  The skirt portions 48 that support the key top portions 46 (for example, the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B) are all formed in the same shape. Therefore, the heights of the skirt portions 48 are the same in both the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B. That is, in the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B according to the second embodiment, the thickness of the base portion 49 is the same and the height of the skirt portion 48 is also the same. The top surface of the top portion 46B is positioned at a position higher than the top surface of the first key top portion 46A by an amount corresponding to “the difference between the second key top height HB and the first key top height HA”.

  Also in the second embodiment, the key input unit 40 is disposed on the front side of the gripping part G, and the main body housing 10 relating to the disposed part is on the gripping part G upper end side (main body mechanism part M side). Forms a curved surface that bulges to the front side rather than the lower end side of the grip portion G. The printed circuit board P has a flat plate shape and is disposed inside the main body housing 10. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the distance from the surface of the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode formation surface) to the front surface of the main body housing 10 (for example, the insertion hole 10 </ b> A) increases toward the main body mechanism M side.

  Therefore, in the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment, the first key top height HA and the second key top height HB are distances from the surface of the electrode E related to the corresponding key top portion 46 to the insertion hole 10A. As a result, the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B can be disposed in a state of protruding by a certain amount from the respective insertion holes 10A.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the contact portion 47 related to the first key top portion 46A has a part of the surface of the first key top portion 46A on the printed circuit board P side located on the printed circuit board P (that is, electrode E) side. It is formed by protruding a certain amount. The surface of the contact portion 47 related to the first key top portion 46A is usually located at a position separated from the electrode E located below the first key top portion 46A by the first contact distance LA.

  In addition, the contact portion 47 related to the second key top portion 46B projects a part of the surface of the second key top portion 46B on the printed circuit board P side by a predetermined amount toward the printed circuit board P (that is, the electrode E). Is formed. The surface of the contact portion 47 related to the second key top portion 46B is usually located at a position separated from the electrode E positioned below the second key top portion 46B by the second contact distance LB. Here, the protrusion amount of the contact portion 47 related to the second key top portion 46B is the protrusion amount of the contact portion 47 related to the first key top portion 46A by the difference value between the first key top height HA and the second key top height HB. The value is larger than the amount. Accordingly, the second contact distance LB indicates the same distance as the first contact distance LA.

  The second key top portion 46 </ b> B according to the second embodiment has a lightening portion 55 around the contact portion 47. The lightening portion 55 is configured by reducing the resin constituting the second key top portion 46B and forming a space around the contact portion 47 of the second key top portion 46B. The space constituting the lightening portion 55 corresponds to a volume that increases when the first key top portion 46A according to the second embodiment is set to the second key top height HB. Since the first key top part 46A and the second key top part 46B are both made of the same resin, the second key top part 46B has the same mass as the first key top part 46A.

  Here, since each key top portion 46 is supported by the skirt portion 48, the mass of each key top portion 46 acts on the skirt portion 48, and the skirt portion 48 of the skirt portion 48 at the time of an input operation to the input key. Affects elastic deformation. Therefore, in the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment, the masses of the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B have the same influence on the elastic deformation of the skirt portion 48, respectively. Since both the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B have the same mass, the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B are substantially constant with the input operation. If any of the input keys having different heights from the electrode formation surface to the top surface of the key top portion 46 is operated in the same manner as the other input keys, the contact portion 47 and the electrode E come into contact with each other. , Accurate input operation can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B, the distances from the contact portions 47 to the electrodes E are the first contact distance LA and the second contact distance LB, respectively. Show dimensions. The first contact distance LA and the second contact distance LB mean the amount of movement in the direction of the electrode E necessary to complete the input operation at the first key top portion 46A and the second key top portion 46B. Therefore, according to the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment, any input key having a different height from the electrode formation surface to the top surface of the key top portion 46 is operated to move in the same manner as other input keys. By doing so, the contact portion 47 and the electrode E are in contact with each other, and an input operation can be performed.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the input key portions arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tape printer 1 are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to input key portions arranged along the short direction of the tape printer 1.

  Further, the configuration of the lightening portion 55 according to the second embodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG. That is, if the mass of the second key top portion 46B can be made the same as the mass of the first key top portion 46A by forming a space in the second key top portion 46B, the lightening portion 55 can be changed to various types. It can be a shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 10 Main body housing | casing 10A Insertion hole 40 Key input part 45 Rubber key member 46 Key top part 47 Contact part 48 Skirt part 49 Base part 50 Step part 55 Thickening part P Printed circuit board

Claims (6)

A flat printed board having a plurality of electrodes;
A base portion disposed on the surface of the printed circuit board; a plurality of key top portions located above the plurality of electrodes and projecting above the base portion; a lower peripheral edge of each key top; and the base portion A rubber key member integrally formed of a synthetic resin, and a thin film skirt portion for connecting the
The rubber key member is
When the key top portion is moved in the direction of the printed circuit board, a contact portion that contacts the electrode is provided on a surface facing the printed circuit board, and an upper portion is formed in a predetermined shape from a connection portion with the skirt portion. A first key top;
A second key comprising the contact portion on a surface facing the printed circuit board, and having an upper portion from the connection portion with the skirt portion having the same shape as the planar shape of the first key top portion and having the same mass A top portion, and
The input device, wherein the top surface of the second key top portion is positioned higher than the top surface of the first key top portion. The input device according to claim 1,
The base portion is
The top surface of the second key top portion is formed by providing a step portion formed higher than the height of the base portion located around the first key top portion around the second key top portion. An input device, wherein the input device is positioned higher than the top surface of the first key top portion. The input device according to claim 2,
The height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the second key top portion to the top surface of the second key top portion is from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the first key top portion. An input device having the same height as the top of the first key top portion. The input device according to claim 1,
The height from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the second key top portion to the top surface of the second key top portion is from the connection portion with the skirt portion around the first key top portion. , Formed higher than the height to the top surface of the first key top portion,
The second key top portion is
By having a lightening portion in which the inner portion of the second key top portion is reduced as compared with the inner portion of the first key top portion, the upper portion of the second key top portion is connected to the skirt portion. The input device is characterized in that the mass is formed to be equal to the mass of the upper portion from the connecting portion of the first key top portion to the skirt portion. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The distance between the contact part of the second key top part and the electrode on the printed circuit board below the second key top part is the distance between the contact part of the first key top part and the first key top part. An input device characterized by being equal to the distance between the electrodes on the printed circuit board underneath. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The key arrangement portion formed in a curved shape protruding toward the outside of the apparatus includes a main body housing having a plurality of insertion holes through which the plurality of key top portions are respectively inserted.
The second key top portion is
An input device, wherein an insertion hole positioned closer to the protruding portion of the curved key arrangement portion is inserted than an insertion hole into which the first key top portion is inserted.

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