JP2012243633A - Key mounting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key mounting structure hard to cause backlash and light leakage since an operation key can be easily fitted to a panel frame from the front side.SOLUTION: When the operation key 1 is fitted to the panel frame 2 from the front side, a pair of elastic arm pieces 12 are inserted in corresponding cutout portions 22, and the hook-like tip parts 12a of both elastic arm pieces 12 are made to abut on regulating projections corresponding to the tip parts. Thereby, a positioning wall 26 regulates horizontal movement of both elastic arm pieces 12, the regulating projections 23 regulate movement of both elastic arm pieces 12 toward the front side, movement of the operation key 1 toward the back side is regulated by the peripheral fringe part of the opening 20 of the panel frame 2, and movement of a stopper claw 14 toward the front side is regulated by a regulating wall 25. After temporarily holding the operation key 1 in this way, the vicinity of the tip parts 12a of both elastic arm pieces 12 are vertically held between the upper movement regulating part 27 of the panel frame 2 and the protruding piece 60 of a support member 6, and the operation key 1 is thereby supported in a cantilever form with the held spot acting as a fulcrum part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a key attachment structure that is attached to a panel frame so that an operation key can be pressed, and in particular, a key attachment in which an operation key is supported in a cantilever manner by being assembled to the panel frame from the front side. Concerning structure.

  In in-vehicle audio equipment, etc., a panel unit with a display screen such as a liquid crystal display device is placed on the front of the equipment body, and the media insertion slot normally covered with the panel unit is exposed only when necessary. A front panel device adapted to be used is widely adopted. In this type of in-vehicle front panel device, a plurality of operation keys are arranged in parallel along the lower side of the panel frame surrounding the display screen, and the user can selectively operate these operation keys to operate the panel unit. Therefore, an appropriate size is required for the key top (operation surface) of the operation keys. Also, in order to ensure the visibility of the key top at night, etc., it is common that the key top can be illuminated by irradiating light from the back side of the operation key. It is necessary to take measures against light leakage to prevent light from the illumination light source from leaking as much as possible.

  Therefore, conventionally, a collar is provided on the peripheral edge of the key top of the operation key, and the key top is inserted from the back side into the opening formed in the panel frame so as to protrude toward the front, and this collar is projected to the back of the panel frame. A key attachment structure is known in which it is brought into contact with the peripheral edge of the opening on the side. In such a conventional key mounting structure, the detachment of the operation key from the opening is prevented by the collar portion, and the light of the illumination light source irradiated from the back side of the operation key does not leak forward through the opening. It can be shielded from light at the buttocks.

  However, if a collar is attached to the peripheral edge of the key top of the operation key, the outer dimension of the operation key becomes large. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a wide space between adjacent key tops. . Therefore, when such a conventional key mounting structure is adopted, the ratio of the key top to the entire operation key is reduced by the collar, so the necessary number of operation keys are arranged in parallel in the limited installation space of the panel frame. In this case, the key top of each operation key becomes small and the operability is lowered.

  On the other hand, in the key attachment structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, no flange is provided on the peripheral edge of the key top of the operation key, and the interval between the adjacent key tops can be reduced. Therefore, the ratio of the key top to the operation keys is increased, and the operability can be improved. Further, in this key mounting structure, a pair of elastically deformable left and right mounting pieces protruding from the back of the key top of the operation key are inserted into the pair of locking holes of the panel frame from the front side, whereby each mounting piece The front end portion is locked to the back side of the panel frame, so that the operation key can be snapped to the panel frame. Since these pair of mounting pieces are arranged near the upper end of the back of the key top, the tip of each mounting piece locked to the panel frame serves as a fulcrum to support the operation key in a cantilevered manner. Therefore, the operation key can be attached to the panel frame in a state where it can be pressed.

  In other words, when the user presses the key top of the operation key, the lower side of the key top moves toward the back while elastically deforming each mounting piece between the fulcrum part and the base end part. A switch element such as a push switch can be turned on by the provided driving protrusion. Further, when the pressing operation force with respect to the key top is removed, the key top returns to the non-operation position (initial position) as the mounting piece returns elastically, so that the switch element can be automatically returned to the OFF state.

No. 2-24180

  As described above, the key attachment structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is such that a pair of attachment pieces provided on the operation key are inserted into the locking holes of the panel frame from the front side and snapped, Since it is difficult to avoid some looseness in the mounting structure using the snap stopper, there is a problem that the key top of the operation key is loose with respect to the panel frame when not operated. In addition, there is a problem that light from the illumination light source is likely to leak from the play location of the key top to the outside.

  The present invention has been made in view of the actual situation of the prior art as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a key attachment structure in which operation keys can be easily assembled to the panel frame from the front side, and play and light leakage are less likely to occur. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an operation key provided with a driving projection for pressing a switch element on the back surface of a key top, and a panel frame having an opening that is closed by the key top. In the key mounting structure in which the operation key is cantilevered by being supported by the panel frame by assembling the operation key from the front side with respect to the panel frame, the operation key includes the key A pair of elastic arm pieces projecting from two locations near one side edge of the top back to the back and having a hook-like tip, and the panel frame located near the other edge of the key top back surface A removable stopper claw is provided, and a notch portion into which the elastic arm piece is inserted into the panel frame, and the distal end portion of the elastic arm piece is moved toward the near side by protruding into the notch portion. A first regulating section to regulate and A second restricting portion that engages opposite inner surfaces of the elastic arm pieces, a third restricting portion that latches the stopper claw at a position closest to the stopper claw, A fourth restricting portion located on the back side of the first restricting portion, and sandwiching a part of the elastic arm piece between the fourth restricting portion and a separate pressing member, thereby holding the clamping portion The operation key is supported in a cantilever manner on the panel frame.

  In the key mounting structure having such a configuration, when the operation key is assembled to the panel frame from the front side, the pair of elastic arm pieces provided on the operation key are inserted into the corresponding notches of the panel frame, and both elastic arm pieces are inserted. By restricting the movement of the two elastic arm pieces in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the two elastic arm pieces, The 1st control part controls the movement to the near side of both elastic arm pieces. In addition, the movement of the operation key to the back side can be regulated by the opening peripheral edge of the panel frame, and the movement of the stopper claw to the near side can be regulated by the third regulating unit. That is, if the operation key is assembled to the panel frame from the front side so as to be fitted in a desired mounting position, the operation key can be temporarily held. Then, if a part of both elastic arm pieces is clamped between the fourth restricting portion and the pressing member in such a temporary holding state, the clamping location as the fulcrum portion of the operation key is positioned in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the vertical direction. It will be securely fixed in the state.

  In the above configuration, when the distal ends of the pair of elastic arm pieces extend away from each other, it is easy to place the pressing member at a position away from the opening of the panel frame. It is preferable because light can be efficiently irradiated into the opening. In this case, if the panel frame is provided with a positioning wall extending between the pair of cutout portions into which the pair of elastic arm pieces are individually inserted, and this positioning wall is used as the second restricting portion, positioning is performed. It is preferable because accuracy is easily increased.

  Further, in the above configuration, a support member that supports the circuit board on which the switch element is mounted is provided, and a protrusion piece that protrudes toward the near side and contacts the elastic arm piece is provided on the support member. This is preferable because the fulcrum portion of the operation key can be easily and reliably held without increasing the number of parts.

  Further, in the above configuration, the operation key is provided with a reinforcing extension that extends from the vicinity of the other side end of the key top back to the back while extending along the other side end, and the protrusion of the reinforcing extension is provided. If a stopper claw is provided on the front end side, and a slit is provided in the panel frame for inserting and arranging the reinforcing extension part, the user's finger or claw is caught on the other side edge part of the key top. It is possible to prevent an accident that the stopper claw is undesirably detached from the third restricting portion. In addition, since the rigidity of the key top is increased by providing the reinforcing extension portion, the key top is undesired even when an end pressing operation is performed in which a pressing operation force is applied to the other side edge portion of the key top. There is no risk of bending and breaking. Furthermore, when the light from the illumination light source irradiated from the back side of the operation key toward the opening of the panel frame travels toward the other edge of the key top, this light is blocked by the reinforcement extension and Since it becomes difficult to leak, the effect of preventing light leakage is enhanced.

  In the above configuration, when the part of the panel frame that is covered by one side edge of the key top extends to a position close to the back of the key top, the panel frame is irradiated from the back side of the operation key. Even when the light from the illuminated light source travels toward one side edge of the key top, the light is blocked by the part of the panel frame and one side edge of the key top, so it is difficult to leak outside. The effect of preventing light leakage is enhanced.

  In addition, in the above-described configuration, if a jetty is provided at the peripheral edge of the opening of the panel frame, and a concave groove portion into which the jetty can be inserted is provided on the back of the key top of the operation key, the panel frame is provided from the back side of the operation key. Even if the light from the illumination light source irradiated to the opening of the light travels along the back of the key top to the jetty side, this light must greatly change its course when passing through the gap between the jetty and the groove. Therefore, the effect of preventing light leakage to the outside is enhanced.

  According to the key attachment structure of the present invention, when the operation key is assembled to the panel frame from the front side, the pair of elastic arm pieces protruding from the back side of the operation key is inserted into the corresponding notch portion of the panel frame. Then, the second restricting portion moves in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the both elastic arm pieces by disposing the hook-shaped tip portions of both elastic arm pieces on the back side of the corresponding first restricting portion. The first restricting portion restricts the movement of both elastic arm pieces toward the front side. In addition, the movement of the operation key to the back side can be regulated by the opening peripheral edge of the panel frame, and the movement of the stopper claw to the near side can be regulated by the third regulating unit. That is, if the operation key is assembled to the panel frame from the front side so as to be fitted in a desired mounting position, the operation key can be temporarily held. Then, if a part of both elastic arm pieces is clamped between the fourth restricting portion and the pressing member in such a temporary holding state, the clamping location as the fulcrum portion of the operation key is positioned in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the vertical direction. It will be securely fixed in the state. Therefore, according to this key mounting structure, the operation key can be easily assembled to the panel frame without any backlash, and the possibility that the light from the illumination light source leaks outside from the play-out position of the key top is reduced. . In addition, since this key attachment structure does not require a collar on the key top peripheral portion of the operation key, the interval between the adjacent key tops can be reduced, which is suitable for downsizing the panel device.

It is an external view of the vehicle-mounted front panel apparatus which employ | adopted the key attachment structure which concerns on the example of embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the panel frame with which the front panel apparatus of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the A section of FIG. It is the principal part enlarged view which looked at the A section of FIG. 2 from the back side. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of the key attachment structure which concerns on the example of this embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the operation key shown in FIG. 5 from the back side. It is sectional drawing which follows the BB line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the CC line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the DD line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the EE line | wire of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in the middle of assembling | attaching this operation key to a panel frame. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the installation operation | work of this operation key was completed. It is a top view of the operation keys. It is a side view of the operation key. It is a rear view of the operation key.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The in-vehicle front panel device shown in FIG. 1 includes a panel unit 100 to which the key attachment structure according to the present embodiment is applied, and an acoustic device main body 200 having a media insertion slot (not shown) on the front plate 201. In general, the panel unit 100 stands up on the front surface of the device main body 200 and covers the media insertion slot and the like. When recording / reproducing a recording medium such as a CD or a DVD with the audio device main body 200, the panel unit 100 is covered by rotating the panel unit 100 so that the lower end side protrudes toward the front by a drive mechanism (not shown). The previously inserted media insertion slot is exposed.

  The panel unit 100 includes a rectangular panel frame 2 in which a plurality of operation keys including the operation keys 1 and other operation keys 3 are arranged on the lower side, and a display screen 40 from the back side of the panel frame 2. The liquid crystal display device 4 is mounted, and the circuit board 5 and the support member 6 (see FIG. 5) housed on the back side of the operation key groups 1 and 3 are configured. A push switch (switch element) 7, an LED (lighting light source) 8, and the like are mounted on the circuit board 5, and the push switch 7 has a movable portion 70 called a stem. The support member 6 supports the circuit board 5 in an upright posture, and the support member 6 is provided with a pair of protruding pieces 60. As will be described later, the operation key 1 and other operation keys 3 are attached to the panel frame 2 by being assembled from the front side.

  The operation key 1 is supported by the panel frame 2 in a cantilever manner and can be pressed. In the key attachment structure according to this embodiment, the procedure for assembling the operation key 1 to the panel frame 2 and the attachment state after completion of the assembly will be described in detail. This is basically the same as the operation key 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 13 to 15, on the back surface of the key top (operation surface) 10 of the operation key 1, a drive protrusion 11, a pair of left and right elastic arm pieces 12, and a reinforcing extension portion 13, and a pair of stopper claws 14 are provided on the reinforcing extension 13. Although details will be described later, when the operation key 1 is attached to the panel frame 2, the key top 10 closes the corresponding opening 20 and the notch 22 (see FIG. 3) of the panel frame 2 and the both elastic arms. A part of the piece 12 is held at a predetermined position and becomes a fulcrum portion of the operation key 1.

  An upper end portion of the key top 10 extends in a bowl shape toward the back side, and the hook portion 10a is disposed at a position covering the upper light shielding wall 21 of the panel frame 2 shown in FIGS. . In addition, characters, symbols, and the like (not shown) are formed as illumination parts in the operation area of the key top 10, and the illumination part can be illuminated by light emitted from the LED 8 and applied to the back surface of the key top 10. ing. Further, a pair of concave grooves 10b (see FIG. 6) extending in the vertical direction are provided on the back surface of the key top 10 at positions facing the left and right side edges of the opening 20 of the panel frame 2. By inserting a pair of left and right jetty portions 28 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) bordering the opening 20 into these concave groove portions 10 b, light leakage from the side of the key top 10 is less likely to occur.

  The drive protrusion 11 is for pressing and driving the movable portion 70 of the push switch 7 and protrudes from a slightly lower position toward the back at the left and right center of the back surface of the key top 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the drive protrusion 11 is disposed at a position where it abuts on the movable portion 70 of the push switch 7, and when the key top 10 is pressed while the elastic arm piece 12 is bent, the drive protrusion 11 is moved to the movable portion. 70 is pushed toward the circuit board 5 side. When the pressing operation force on the key top 10 is removed, the drive protrusion 11 is moved as shown in FIG. 12 by the elastic return force of the return spring (not shown) built in the push switch 7 and the elastic return force of the elastic arm piece 12. It automatically returns to the initial position shown in Fig. 1.

  The pair of elastic arm pieces 12 protrudes from the vicinity of the hook-like portion 10a of the key top 10 toward the back, and these elastic arm pieces 12 are formed in the notches 22 of the panel frame 2 shown in FIGS. Inserted. As shown in FIG. 6, the distal end side of one elastic arm piece 12 is formed in an L shape in a top view, and the distal end side of the other elastic arm piece 12 is formed in an inverted L shape in a top view. The distal end portions 12a of the arm pieces 12 extend laterally (outward) away from each other. Then, by inserting the both elastic arm pieces 12 into the corresponding cutout portions 22, the respective front end portions 12 a are arranged behind the restricting convex portions 23 that protrude into the cutout portions 22.

  The reinforcement extending portion 13 extends along the width direction of the key top 10 while projecting from the vicinity of the lower end of the back surface of the key top 10 to the back, and the rigidity of the key top 10 is enhanced by the reinforcement extending portion 13. Has been greatly increased. The reinforcing extension 13 is disposed in the slit 24 of the panel frame 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, and the stopper claw 14 is formed upward at the corner of the reinforcing extension 13 on the protruding tip side. This stopper claw 14 is disposed at a position where it can be engaged with and disengaged from the regulation wall 25 of the panel frame 2 shown in FIGS.

  The panel frame 2 has an external shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the liquid crystal display device 4 is integrated in a fitted state from the back side. An area surrounded by the rectangular panel frame 2 is a display area of the display screen 40, and the operation key 1 and other operation keys 3 are arranged in a horizontal line along the lower side of the display area. It is attached. 3 is a front view showing the vicinity of the opening 20 in which the operation key 1 is assembled in the panel frame 2, and FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 to 10, The structure near the opening 20 where the operation key 1 is assembled will be described in detail.

  As shown in these drawings, a positioning wall 26 is provided directly above the opening 20 of the panel frame 2 so as to hang from the upper light shielding wall 21 and extend in the left-right direction. The notches 22 are provided on both the left and right sides of the positioning wall 26, and each notch 22 communicates with the opening 20. Further, the restricting convex portion 23 is provided at each of an upper right corner portion of the notch portion 22 located obliquely above and to the right when the opening 20 is viewed from the front, and an upper left corner portion of the notch portion 22 located obliquely above the left. It has been. In a state where the operation key 1 is attached to the panel frame 2, the pair of left and right elastic arm pieces 12 of the operation key 1 are inserted into the pair of left and right cutout portions 22, and the positioning wall 26 is formed between the two elastic arm pieces 12. Since the elastic arm piece 12 is disposed between the two, the movement of the elastic arm piece 12 in the left-right direction is restricted by the positioning wall 26. Further, since the distal end portion 12a of the elastic arm piece 12 is disposed behind the restricting convex portion 23 that protrudes into the notch portion 22, the movement of the elastic arm piece 12 to the near side is restricted by the restricting convex portion 23. Will be.

  When the operation key 1 is assembled to the panel frame 2, the hook-shaped portion 10 a of the key top 10 is overlapped on the upper light shielding wall 21, but the peripheral portion of the opening 20 including the upper light shielding wall 21 is in front. The operation key 1 incorporated from the side functions to restrict the position so that it does not move excessively to the back side. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the operation key 1 is attached to the panel frame 2, the dimension is set so that the tip of the upper light shielding wall 21 extends to a position close to the back surface of the key top 10. .

  An upper movement restricting portion 27 (see FIG. 4) that can restrict the upward movement of the elastic arm piece 12 in the vicinity of the distal end portion 12a is provided on the upper side of the both notches 22 near the positioning wall 26. As shown in FIG. 12, in the state where the operation key 1 is attached to the panel frame 2, the upper movement restricting portion 27 cooperates with the protruding piece 60 of the support member 6 and in the vicinity of the distal end portion 12 a of the elastic arm piece 12. The operation key 1 is supported by the panel frame 2 in a cantilevered manner, with the holding portion (near the tip 12a) serving as a fulcrum. That is, by assembling the support member 6 from the back side of the panel frame 2, the projecting piece 60 is inserted into the distal end side of the elastic arm piece 12 from below, and the vicinity of the distal end portion 12 a of the elastic arm piece 12 is moved upward. 27 to be pressed.

  The left and right side edges of the opening 20 are provided with jetty portions 28 (see FIG. 3) that rise to the front side and extend in the vertical direction. As described above, these jetty portions 28 can be inserted into a pair of concave groove portions 10b (see FIG. 6) provided on the back surface of the key top 10. Further, the slit 24 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction below the opening 20, and the restriction wall 25 (see FIG. 9) is provided above the left and right ends of the slit 24. In a state where the operation key 1 is attached to the panel frame 2, the restriction wall 25 is engaged with the stopper claw 14 at a position closest to the stopper claw 14, and the key top 10 is pressed by the user. As a result, the stopper claw 14 moves to the back so as to be separated from the regulation wall 25.

  Next, a procedure for assembling the operation key 1 to the panel frame 2 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the pair of left and right elastic arm pieces 12 of the operation key 1 are inserted into the corresponding cutout portions 22 of the panel frame 2 from the front side in a forward inclined posture. At this time, the opposing inner side surfaces of the two elastic arm pieces 12 engage with the left end surface and the right end surface of the positioning wall 26, so that the movement of the both elastic arm pieces 12 in the left-right direction is restricted by the positioning wall 26. And when the front-end | tip part 12a of a pair of elastic arm piece 12 is inserted in the back rather than the control convex part 23 which has protruded in the notch part 22, respectively, the operation key 1 is returned from a forward leaning attitude to a horizontal attitude | position. When the distal end portions 12a of both elastic arm pieces 12 are fitted behind the corresponding restricting convex portions 23, the reinforcing extension portion 13 of the operation key 1 is almost automatically inserted into the slit 24 of the panel frame 2. The restriction wall 25 prevents the stopper claw 14 from moving toward the front side. At this time, the movement of both elastic arm pieces 12 to the near side is restricted by the restricting convex portion 23, and the movement of the operation key 1 to the far side is restricted by the peripheral portion of the opening 20. Therefore, the operation key 1 is temporarily held by the panel frame 2, and the opening 20 and the notch 22 are closed by the key top 10.

  In such a temporary holding state, when the circuit board 5 on which the push switch 7 and the LED 8 and the like are mounted and the support member 6 supporting the circuit board 5 are assembled into the panel frame 2 from the back side, the push switch 7 The LED 8 is disposed in the opening 20 and the front end of the movable portion 70 of the push switch 7 is in contact with the rear end surface of the drive projection 11 of the operation key 1 or with a slight gap therebetween. 2 is cantilevered to complete the mounting operation. That is, when the support member 6 is assembled from the back side with respect to the panel frame 2 on which the operation keys 1 are temporarily held, as shown in FIG. The upper movement restricting portion 27 and the protruding piece 60 of the support member 6 can be sandwiched from above and below. Here, in the operation key 1 in the temporary holding state, both elastic arm pieces 12 are positioned in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction by the positioning wall 26, the restricting convex portion 23, etc. If the part is sandwiched from above and below, the operation key 1 is supported in a cantilever manner with the sandwiched portion serving as a fulcrum part. Actually, a plurality of other operation keys 3 are temporarily held by being assembled to the panel frame 2 from the front side in the same manner as the manual operation keys 1, and in this state, the support member 6 is attached to the panel frame 2 from the back side. As a result, the operation of attaching all the operation keys 1 and 3 can be completed at once.

  After the operation of attaching the operation key 1 is completed in this way, when the key top 10 is pressed by the user, the operation key 1 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12 while bending both elastic arm pieces 12, Accordingly, the drive projection 11 can press the movable portion 70 to turn on the push switch 7. Further, when the pressing operation force on the key top 10 is removed, the operation key 1 rotates in the opposite direction and returns to the non-operation position (initial position) with the elastic return of the both elastic arm pieces 12, so that the push switch 7 is turned on. It can be automatically returned to the off state.

  As described above, in the key attachment structure according to this embodiment, when the operation key 1 is assembled to the panel frame 2 from the front side, the pair of elastic arm pieces 12 provided on the operation key 1 are attached to the panel frame 2. The positioning wall 26 extends from the elastic arm pieces 12 by inserting into the corresponding notch portions 22 and arranging the hook-shaped tip portions 12a of the elastic arm pieces 12 on the back side of the corresponding regulating convex portions 23. The movement in the direction orthogonal to the direction (left-right direction) is restricted, and the restriction convex part 23 restricts the movement of both elastic arm pieces 12 toward the front side (front). Moreover, the movement of the operation key 1 to the back side (rear) can be restricted by the peripheral edge of the opening 20 of the panel frame 2, and the movement of the stopper claw 14 to the front side (front) can be restricted by the restriction wall 25. Can do. That is, the operation key 1 can be easily put into the temporary holding state simply by assembling the operation key 1 to the panel frame 2 from the front side so as to be fitted in a desired mounting position. Then, if the vicinity of the distal end portion 12a of both elastic arm pieces 12 is sandwiched from above and below by the upward movement restricting portion 27 of the panel frame 2 and the projecting piece 60 of the support member 6 in such a temporary holding state, The clamping portion (the vicinity of the tip portion 12a) serving as the fulcrum portion is securely fixed in a state where it is positioned in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. Therefore, the operation key 1 can be easily assembled to the panel frame 2 without any backlash, and the possibility that the light from the LED 8 for illumination leaks from the backlash occurrence position of the key top 10 to the outside is reduced. In the key mounting structure according to the present embodiment, the elastic arm pieces 12 are bent in the direction in which both elastic arm pieces 12 of the operation key 1 are brought into contact with and separated from each other (in the left-right direction in FIG. 13), that is, when the operation key 1 is pressed. Since the operation key 1 can be mounted from the front side of the panel frame 2 without bending the elastic arm piece 12 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of contact, the pair of elastic arm pieces are brought into contact with and separated from each other as in the conventional key mounting structure. It is possible to prevent the stress on the elastic arm piece that is generated when the elastic arm piece is snapped to the locking hole of the panel frame.

  Moreover, since the key attachment structure according to the present embodiment does not require a flange on the peripheral portion of the key top 10 of the operation key 1, the interval between the key tops of the operation key groups arranged adjacent to each other can be reduced. This is suitable for downsizing the panel unit 100.

  Further, in the key attachment structure according to the present embodiment example, the distal ends 12a of the pair of elastic arm pieces 12 provided on the operation key 1 extend in directions away from each other, so that they face the opening 20 of the panel frame 2. The protruding piece 60 of the support member 6 can be arranged at a position where it is not. Therefore, the light of the LED 8 for illumination can be efficiently irradiated to the opening 20 without being shielded by the protruding piece 60.

  Further, in the key mounting structure according to the present embodiment, the projecting piece for clamping that projects forward and comes into contact with the elastic arm piece 12 on the support member 6 that supports the circuit board 5 on which the push switch 7 and the LED 8 are mounted. Since 60 is provided, the fulcrum part of the operation key 1 can be clamped easily and reliably without increasing the number of parts.

  Further, in the key mounting structure according to the present embodiment, the reinforcing extension 13 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the back surface of the key top 10 to increase the rigidity, so that the pressing operation force is applied to the lower end of the key top 10. Even when the end pressing is applied, there is no possibility that the key top 10 is undesirably bent and damaged. In addition, the stopper claw 14 is provided upward on the protruding tip side of the reinforcing extension 13 positioned slightly above the lower end of the key top 10, and the reinforcing extension 13 is inserted and arranged in the panel frame 2. 12, the bottom plate portion of the panel frame 2 is opposed to the lower portion of the reinforcing extension 13 as shown in FIG. 12, and the user's fingers and nails are placed on the lower end of the key top 10. Even when the clockwise turning force in FIG. 12 is applied to the operation key 1 by being hooked, the stopper extension 14 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the bottom plate portion of the panel frame 2 so that the stopper claw 14 is restricted by the restriction wall. It is possible to prevent an accident that the user deviates from 25. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower end surface of the key top 10 of the operation key 1 is positioned above the lower surface of the bottom plate portion of the panel frame 2, so that the user's fingers and nails are caught on the lower end portion of the key top 10. It can suppress itself. Further, even when the light from the LED 8 irradiated to the opening 20 from the back side of the operation key 1 travels toward the lower end portion of the key top 10, this light is blocked by the reinforcing extension portion 13 and hardly leaks to the outside. Therefore, light leakage from the lower end of the key top 10 can be effectively prevented.

  Further, in the key mounting structure according to this embodiment, the tip of the upper light shielding wall 21 of the panel frame 2 extends to a position close to the back surface of the key top 10, and the upper light shielding wall 21 is the key top 10. The operation key 1 is attached in a state covered with the bowl-shaped portion 10a. Therefore, even when the light of the LED 8 irradiated to the opening 20 from the back side of the operation key 1 travels obliquely upward, this light is blocked by the upper light shielding wall 21 and the bowl-shaped portion 10a and leaks to the outside. This makes it difficult to effectively prevent light leakage from the upper end of the key top 10.

  Further, in the key mounting structure according to the present embodiment example, the jetty portions 28 are provided on the left and right side edges of the opening 20 of the panel frame 2, and the jetty portions 28 are inserted into the concave groove portions 10 b provided on the back surface of the key top 10. It is made to do. Therefore, even when the light of the LED 8 irradiated to the opening 20 from the back side of the operation key 1 travels to the right side or the left side along the back surface of the key top 10, this light is a gap between the jetty portion 28 and the groove portion 10b. When passing through, the course will be greatly changed, making it difficult to leak outside. Therefore, light leakage from the left and right sides of the key top 10 can be effectively prevented. The depth dimension of the groove portion 10b is set so that the tip of the jetty portion 28 does not contact the inner bottom surface of the groove portion 10b when the operation key 1 is pressed.

  In the above embodiment, the support member 6 that supports the circuit board 5 is provided with the projecting piece 60 as a pressing member, and the projecting piece 60 and the upper movement restricting portion 27 of the panel frame 2 form the elastic arm piece 12. Although the vicinity of the tip end portion 12a is sandwiched, a member different from the support member 6 can be used as the pressing member.

  In the above embodiment, the operation key is supported so that it can be pressed by using the upper end side as a fulcrum. However, the operation key is assembled in the upside down direction so that the lower end serves as a fulcrum. It goes without saying that the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained by applying the present invention also in the case of a support structure in which the left end portion and the right end portion of the operation key are fulcrum portions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation key 2 Panel frame 4 Liquid crystal display device 5 Circuit board 6 Support member 7 Push switch (switch element)
8 LED (light source for illumination)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Key top 10a Gutter-shaped part 10b Groove part 11 Drive protrusion 12 Elastic arm piece 13 Reinforcement extension part 14 Stopper claw 20 Opening 21 Upper light shielding wall 22 Notch part 23 Restriction convex part (1st regulation part)
24 Slit 25 Restriction wall (third restriction part)
26 Positioning wall (second regulating part)
27 Upper movement restricting part (fourth restricting part)
28 Jetty 60 Projection piece (holding member)
100 Panel unit 200 Electronic device body

Claims (7)

An operation key provided with a driving projection for pressing the switch element on the back surface of the key top; and a panel frame having an opening that is closed by the key top; In the key attachment structure in which the operation key is supported by the panel frame in a cantilevered manner and can be pressed by being assembled from
The operation key has a pair of elastic arm pieces projecting from two locations near one side edge of the key top back surface toward the back side, and a hook-like tip, and near the other edge of the key top back surface. A stopper claw that can be engaged with and disengaged from the panel frame, and a notch portion into which the elastic arm piece is inserted into the panel frame, and a distal end portion of the elastic arm piece that protrudes into the notch portion. A first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the elastic arm piece toward the front side, a second restricting portion that engages with the opposing inner side surfaces of the two elastic arm pieces, and a position closest to the front side that is allowed by the stopper claw A third restricting portion for latching the stopper claw and a fourth restricting portion located on the back side of the first restricting portion, and a part of the elastic arm piece being the fourth restricting portion. And the separate presser member, the operation key is moved to the panel using the pinched portion as a fulcrum. Key mounting structure characterized in that it is supported in a cantilever to the frame.   2. The key attachment structure according to claim 1, wherein the tip portions of the pair of elastic arm pieces extend in directions away from each other.   The positioning wall extending between the pair of notches into which the pair of elastic arm pieces are individually inserted is provided on the panel frame, and the positioning wall is defined as the second restriction. Key attachment structure characterized by the fact that it has become a part.   4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a support member that supports the circuit board on which the switch element is mounted, and a protruding piece that protrudes toward the near side and contacts the elastic arm piece. A key attachment structure provided with the protruding piece serving as the pressing member.   5. The reinforcing extension portion extending along the other side edge while projecting from the vicinity of the other side edge of the back surface of the key top toward the back in the operation key according to claim 1. A key attachment structure provided with the stopper claw provided on the projecting tip side of the reinforcing extension, and a slit for inserting and arranging the reinforcing extension in the panel frame.   6. The panel frame according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the key top that is covered with one end of the key top extends to a position close to the back surface of the key top. Key mounting structure.   7. The structure according to claim 1, wherein a pier portion is provided at a peripheral edge portion of the opening of the panel frame, and a groove portion into which the pier portion can be inserted is provided on the back surface of the key top of the operation key. Key attachment structure characterized by that.

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