JP2014053129A - Operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation input device in which there is a clear operation feeling (click feeling) even in wide-range temperature environments, and quiet sound and high reliability are achieved.SOLUTION: An operation input device includes: a substrate; a cover covering the substrate; a key top inserted from the center of the cover having an aperture; and rubber made of an elastic body located between the key top and the substrate. The rubber energizes the key top in the cover direction and the cover holds the key top around the aperture. In the center and locations obtained by dividing the periphery into four, the rubber includes projections which protrude in the direction of the substrate. A switch is operated by bringing the substrate into contact with one of the projections.

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an operation input device. Specifically, the present invention relates to an operation input device used for an electronic device.

  For example, an imaging device of an electronic apparatus is provided with an operation input device such as a cross key in which a direction key for operating the device and a center determination key are combined. A curved metal leaf spring electrical contact called a peco plate (metal dome) is used for the switch portion of the operation input device. When an input is performed by the operation input device, a switch operation feeling can be obtained by an impact generated when the peco plate is deformed.

  In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-285743), a push-down operation function is provided on an operation plate supported by a base so as to be movable up and down, and a rotation operation function is provided on an operation dial that is rotatably attached to the upper surface of the operation plate. An operation input device sharing the above is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, it is possible to eliminate backlash in the vertical direction and to enable a smooth rotation operation, and to obtain an operation input device with a good operation feeling.

JP 2006-285743 A

  Many imaging devices are capable of capturing moving images. When a metal peco board is used for the cross key switch, the sound of the cross key operation during moving image shooting may be recorded. Furthermore, the operation feeling of the Peco plate on which the sheet is pasted with an adhesive on the metal dome is lost due to the effect of the adhesive becoming hard under a low temperature environment of, for example, about −5 ° C.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present disclosure includes a substrate,
A cover that covers the substrate;
A key top inserted from the center of the opened cover;
A rubber made of an elastic body located between the key top and the substrate,
The rubber urges the key top in the direction of the cover, the cover holds the key top around the aperture,
The rubber has protrusions that protrude in the direction of the substrate at the center and the surrounding four divided positions,
This is an operation input device in which the switch operates when the substrate and one of the protrusions come into contact.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an operation input device that has a clear operation feeling (click feeling) even in a wide range of temperature environments, and realizes low noise and high reliability.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an inner viewpoint showing a configuration example of an operation input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an outside viewpoint showing a configuration example of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example when the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is cut at a position of a fixing member. FIG. 3B is a projection view illustrating an example of a cross section along the position of the fixing member of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a front view illustrating an example in which the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is incorporated in the rear cover of the device main body of the electronic device. FIG. 4B is a bottom view illustrating an example in which the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is incorporated in the rear cover of the device main body of the electronic apparatus. FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a front view illustrating a configuration example of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a planar arrangement example of contacts of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the shape of the switch of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a state in which a center button is pressed among the contacts of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a direction input button other than the center button is pressed among the contacts of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow of control of switch detection of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The embodiment described below is a preferable specific example of the present disclosure, and various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[Components of the operation input device]
First, an example of each member constituting the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 shows each member constituting the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure from an inside viewpoint. On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows each member which comprises the operation input device which concerns on embodiment of this indication with an outside viewpoint. The operation input device 1 includes a membrane 20, a rubber 30, a key top 40, and a cover 50 when roughly classified as shown in FIGS. In the operation input device 1, these parts are assembled on the sheet metal 10.

  Further, the operation input device 1 is incorporated into an electronic device by fitting it into a rear cover 60 of the electronic device, for example. Examples of electronic devices that can use the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure include imaging devices such as cameras and video cameras. In the following, description will be given with the cover 50 side of the assembled operation input device 1 as the front side and the sheet metal 10 side as the back side.

  The sheet metal 10 has a substantially flat plate shape as shown in FIGS. The sheet metal 10 may be a material having a predetermined rigidity. For the sheet metal 10, for example, a metal plate such as aluminum is used. In order to fix the operation input device 1, screw holes 11, 11 and jig holes 12, 12, 12 are provided through the sheet metal 10 at corresponding positions. Further, the metal plate 10 is provided with screw holes 13 and 13 penetrating in a place different from the position corresponding to the operation input device 1. The screw holes 13 and 13 are provided in the peripheral part of the sheet metal 10, for example. The screw hole 11 and the screw hole 13 do not necessarily have to be threaded. When the threading is not performed, a hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft of the screw to be used may be provided, and for example, a form of fastening with a tapping screw may be used.

  The membrane 20 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (flexible). The membrane 20 has a circuit formed by wiring, carbon contacts, etc. on a bendable resin film, for example. Furthermore, the operation button etc. which connect with a contact are attached to the membrane 20. The wiring of the membrane 20 is connected to a control unit of an electronic device (not shown). A control unit (not shown) receives input from the operation input device 1 or operation buttons and controls the electronic device.

  A conductor contact 21a is provided at the front center of the membrane 20 at a position corresponding to the operation input device 1 (FIG. 2). Furthermore, conductor contacts 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e are arranged in a cross-shaped manner at positions around the center of the contact 21a that are divided into four (FIG. 2). In addition, the contacts 21a-21e should just be a form which conduct | electrically_connects, when it contacts with the conductor of the rubber 30 mentioned later. For example, the contacts 21a to 21e may have a configuration in which the conductive portions are provided concentrically, and in addition, the conductive portions are divided by a groove cut in a substantially U-shape in plan view. Also good.

  At this time, if the resistance value is lowered as much as possible by increasing the area of the groove, the ON characteristics of the switch are improved. For the contacts 21a to 21e, it is preferable from the viewpoint of cost, durability, and the like that, for example, a conductive part in which the surface of a printed silver paste or copper paste is carbon-treated is used. Further, the membrane 20 is provided with a screw hole 22 and a jig hole 23 penetrating at positions corresponding to the screw hole 11 and the jig hole 12 of the sheet metal 10. The diameter of the screw hole 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the screw shaft used. The membrane 20 may be a single form of substrate combined with the sheet metal 10.

  The rubber 30 is an elastic body. For example, rubber is used for the rubber 30. As the rubber 30, it is more preferable to use a silicone rubber having a wide temperature range that has excellent heat resistance and exhibits elasticity due to its low embrittlement point. On the back side of the rubber 30, grooves 31a to 31e are provided at positions corresponding to the contacts 21a to 21e (FIG. 1). On the other hand, convex portions 32a to 32e are provided on the front side of the rubber 30 at positions corresponding to the groove portions 31a to 31e (FIG. 2). Here, each of the convex portions 32b to 32e protrudes from the convex portion 32a. The groove portions 31a to 31e and the convex portions 32a to 32e are connected to each other, and when the convex portions 32a to 32e are pushed in the direction of the membrane 20, the depths of the groove portions 31a to 31e are reduced.

  Further, the rubber 30 is provided with screw holes 33 and jig holes 34 penetrating at positions corresponding to the screw holes 11 and the jig holes 12 of the sheet metal 10. The diameter of the screw hole 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft of the screw used.

  The key top 40 is manufactured by molding a resin, for example. On the back side of the key top 40, a convex portion 41a is provided at a position corresponding to the convex portion 32a (FIG. 1). Further, on the back side of the key top 40, groove portions 41b to 41e are provided at positions corresponding to the convex portions 32b to 32e (FIG. 1). As described above, in the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the key top 40 that presses both the central contact 21a and the contact 35a and the upper, lower, left, and right contacts 21b to 21e and the contacts 35b to 35e is single. (Integrated) configuration.

  On the other hand, on the front side of the key top 40, a shoulder portion 42 is provided so as to protrude, a neck portion 43 is provided so as to protrude therefrom, and a head portion 44 is provided so as to protrude therefrom (FIG. 2). The outer periphery of the shoulder 42 is provided to be narrower than the outer periphery of the key top 40. The outer periphery of the neck portion 43 is provided more narrowly than the outer periphery of the shoulder portion 42. The outer periphery of the head 44 is narrower than the outer periphery of the shoulder 42 and wider than the outer periphery of the neck 43. Since the screw hole 11 and the jig hole 12 described above are located further on the outer peripheral side than the outer periphery of the key top 40, the key top 40 does not engage with the screw hole 11 and the jig hole 12.

  The cover 50 is manufactured by molding a resin, for example. The cover 50 has a lid-type structure of the container, and accommodates the key top 40 and the convex portions 32a to 32e of the rubber 30 (FIG. 1). The cover 50 is provided with a fitting hole 51 having an opening at the center and penetrating between the front side and the back side. When the operation input device 1 is assembled, the head 44 and the neck 43 of the key top 40 pass through the fitting hole 51.

  Furthermore, when the operation input device 1 is assembled, the periphery of the fitting hole 51, more specifically, the annular portion 52 that hits the region on the back side of the outer peripheral side of the cover 50 from the outer edge surrounding the fitting hole 51, The shoulder portion 42 of the key top 40 abuts. Further, the cover 50 is provided with a screw hole 53 at a position corresponding to the screw hole 11 of the sheet metal 10. The screw hole 53 is threaded. Further, a positioning projection 54 is provided on the cover 50 at a position corresponding to the jig hole 12 of the sheet metal 10 so as to protrude in the direction of the back side of the cover 50.

  A screw 55 that passes through the screw hole 11, the screw hole 22, and the screw hole 33 is inserted into the screw hole 53. However, each diameter of the screw hole 22 and the screw hole 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft of the screw 55 used. In the through portion of the screw 55, the front side of the sheet metal 10 and the back side of the cover 50 are in contact. On the other hand, the positioning protrusion 54 penetrates the jig hole 34, the jig hole 23, and the jig hole 12. 1 and 2, the outer periphery of each part of the key top 40, the outer periphery of the cover 50, the fitting hole 51, and the like are shown in a circle. However, they are not necessarily circular, and may be regular octagons as long as they are rotatable.

  The rear cover 60 is an exterior of the back surface of the electronic device main body. For example, a magnesium alloy or an elastomer is used in combination for the rear cover 60. A molded product may be used for the rear cover 60. The rear cover 60 is provided with a fitting hole 61. The operation input device 1 is inserted into the fitting hole 61. Further, the rear cover 60 is provided with a hole or the like into which an operation button or the like attached to the membrane 20 is inserted.

[Operation input device assembly process]
Next, an example of an assembly process of each member constituting the operation input device 1 described above will be described. First, the rubber 30 and the key top 40 are combined by positioning so that the convex portions 32a to 32e of the rubber 30 and the convex portions 41a and groove portions 41b to 41e of the key top 40 are engaged with each other. Next, the combined rubber 30 and key top 40 are inserted into the cover 50. At that time, the rubber 30 and the cover 50 are positioned so that the positioning protrusion 54 penetrates the jig hole 34. At this time, the head portion 44 and the neck portion 43 of the key top 40 pass through the fitting hole 51 of the cover 50.

  Next, the combined rubber 30, key top 40 and cover 50 are attached to the sheet metal 10 and the membrane 20. At that time, the positioning projection 54 penetrates the jig hole 23 and the jig hole 12. Then, the screw 55 is inserted from the screw hole 11. The screw 55 passes through the screw hole 11, the screw hole 22, and the screw hole 33 and meshes with the screw hole 53.

  FIG. 3A shows the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure cut at the position of the fixing member. Further, FIG. 3B shows a projected cross section along the position of the fixing member of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the back side of the cover 50 provided with the screw holes 53 and the front side of the sheet metal 10 are in contact with each other. Then, the screw 55 is inserted into the threaded hole 53 that has been threaded, and the cover 50 is fixed to the sheet metal 10. Each of the screw hole 22 and the screw hole 33 provided larger than the outer diameter of the shaft of the screw 55 to be used surrounds the cover 50 at the position where the screw 55 penetrates, and the screw hole 53 and the screw 55 that mesh with each other. And is not involved. As described above, the key top 40 is not engaged with the screw hole 11.

  The sheet metal 10 and the cover 50 sandwich the rubber 30 at portions other than the positioning protrusions 54 and the screw holes 53. The sandwiched rubber 30 is somewhat compressed. As a result, airtightness is maintained, and dustproofness and dripproofness are improved. With this positional relationship, the sheet metal 10, the membrane 20, the rubber 30, the key top 40, and the cover 50 are combined to constitute the operation input device 1.

  Next, the rear cover 60 is combined with the sheet metal 10, the membrane 20, the rubber 30, the key top 40, and the cover 50 that are already combined in the direction in which the front side of the cover 50 is inserted into the fitting hole 61 of the rear cover 60. (FIG. 1). Then, the screw hole 13 of the sheet metal 10 and the screw hole 62 of the rear cover 60 are fastened with, for example, a tapping screw. In this way, the operation input device 1 is incorporated into the electronic device, and the assembly work is completed. In addition, about the order of the assembly process of the operation input apparatus 1 mentioned above, there may be some back and forth.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is incorporated in a rear cover 60 of the device main body of the electronic apparatus. The operation input device 1 is assembled at a position where the fitting hole 61 (see FIG. 1) of the rear cover 60 is formed. As described above, when the operation input device 1 is assembled, the screw hole 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the sheet metal 10 and the screw hole 62 of the rear cover 60 are screwed together. The front sides of the key top 40 and the cover 50 of the incorporated operation input device 1 are exposed on the front side (outside) of the rear cover 60. As shown in FIG. 4B, the key top 40 protrudes to the front side (outside) from the rear cover 60. By operating the protruding key top 40, input to the electronic device is performed.

[Operation input device configuration]
Next, a configuration example of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. 5A and 5B show a configuration example of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, FIG. 5A is a plan view seen from the front side. In FIG. 5B, the front side is shown as the upper side in the figure. 5A and 5B show a state where the operation input device 1 is not incorporated in an electronic device.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the exterior of the assembled operation input device 1, a membrane 20, a rubber 30, and a cover 50 are laminated on a sheet metal 10. Positioning protrusions 54 (FIG. 5A) penetrating the jig hole 34, the jig hole 23, and the jig hole 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) define the positions of the cover 50, the rubber 30, the membrane 20, and the sheet metal 10. Yes. Then, the screw hole 53 (FIG. 5A) is engaged with the screw 55 (FIG. 5B) penetrating the screw hole 11, the screw hole 22, and the screw hole 33 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and the sheet metal 10, the membrane 20, the rubber 30 and the cover 50 are fixed.

  Further, the head portion 44 and the neck portion 43 of the key top 40 placed on the rubber 30 and covered with the cover 50 protrude through the fitting hole 51 (see FIG. 2) of the cover 50. While the membrane 20, the rubber 30 and the cover 50 are fixed to the sheet metal 10, the key top 40 is incorporated in the operation input device 1 in a movable state. The rubber 30, the key top 40, and the cover 50 are laminated substantially concentrically (FIG. 5A).

  FIG. 6A is a plan view illustrating an arrangement example of the contacts of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 6B shows a cross section taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 6A. Again, FIG. 6A is a plan view seen from the front side. FIG. 6B is shown so that the front side is the upper side in the figure.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the contacts 35a to 35a are positioned at positions corresponding to the contacts 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e arranged in a cross shape around the center contact 21a on the membrane 20 in a four-divided position. 35e are provided (FIG. 6A). The respective contact points 35a to 35e are provided so as to protrude from the respective bottom surfaces of the groove portions 31a to 31e of the rubber 30 in the direction of the contact points 21a to 21e (FIG. 6B). The tips of the protruding contacts 35a to 35e are planar, and face the contacts 21a to 21e. For example, a carbon chip (carbon sheet) is used at the tip of the contacts 35a to 35e.

  The protruding heights (the distance between the groove bottom surface and the protruding tip surface) of each of the contacts 35a to 35e are smaller than the respective depths of the groove portions 31a to 31e. Therefore, the protruding front end surfaces of the contact points 35a to 35e are in a position recessed from the edges of the groove portions 31a to 31e.

  A switch is formed by combining each of the contacts 21a to 21e and each of the contacts 35a to 35e. And a switch operate | moves when each of contact 21a-21e and each of contact 35a-35e contact. Since the switch is formed of rubber 30 without using a metal peco plate, it is hardly affected by static electricity. In addition, the contact 35b and the contact 35d which are not shown in FIG. 6B are the same structures as the contact 35c and the contact 35e.

  As described above, on the front side of the rubber 30, the protrusions 32b to 32e are provided so as to protrude from the protrusion 32a. On the other hand, on the back side of the key top 40, grooves 41b to 41e are provided at positions corresponding to the protrusions 32b to 32e, and the protrusion 41a protrudes from the grooves 41b to 41e at a position corresponding to the protrusion 32a. (See also FIG. 1).

  The convex portions 32a and the convex portions 32b to 32e of the rubber 30 formed in this way are engaged with the convex portions 41a and the groove portions 41b to 41e of the key top 40, respectively. By engaging each part on the front side of the rubber 30 and each part on the back side of the key top 40, rotation in a direction parallel to the meshing surface of the key top 40 in the cover 50 is restricted. Furthermore, the rubber 30 urges the key top 40 in the direction of the front side (upper side in FIG. 6B). By doing so, the key top 40 is kept in a fixed position (normal posture) in the cover 50. The key top 40 is stable without wobbling in the cover 50 and has high quality as an operator. FIG. 6B shows the key top 40 in a normal posture in which no external force is applied to the key top 40.

  The protruding height of each protruding surface of the convex portions 32b to 32e is inclined so that the outer peripheral side is lower than the inner peripheral side. Therefore, in the state where the key top 40 is maintained in the normal posture, the inner peripheral sides of the convex portions 32b to 32e are in contact with the groove portions 41b to 41e, respectively, whereas the outer peripheral sides of the convex portions 32b to 32e are the groove portions 41b to 41b. There is a gap between each terminal 41e. With this structure, the tips of the contacts 35b to 35e are kept substantially parallel to the contacts 21b to 21e when any one of the upper, lower, left and right buttons is pressed, and a sufficient contact area is secured between the contacts. Contact failure does not occur.

  Further, the outer peripheral surface extending upward from the outer edge (outer periphery) of the grooves 41 b to 41 e is in contact with the inner surface of the cover 50. A curved surface having substantially the same curvature is formed on the outer peripheral surface provided on the key top 40 and the inner surface of the cover 50 that abuts. Such a convex curved surface provided on the key top 40 and the concave curved surface of the cover 50 that comes into contact do not hinder movement when the key top 40 is tilted in the outer circumferential direction.

  Similarly, the shoulder portion 42 of the key top 40 and the annular portion 52 on the inner surface of the cover 50 are in contact with each other. A curved surface having substantially the same curvature is formed on the outer peripheral surface provided on the shoulder portion 42 and the inner surface of the annular portion 52 in contact therewith. The convex curved surface provided on the shoulder portion 42 and the concave curved surface of the annular portion 52 that abuts do not hinder the movement when the key top 40 is tilted in the outer circumferential direction. Further, the key top 40 is urged by the rubber 30 in the direction of the front side (upper side in FIG. 6B). The annular portion 52 of the cover 50 holds the shoulder portion 42 of the key top 40 that is biased. Therefore, since it has a sealed structure in which the convex curved surface of the shoulder portion 42 and the concave curved surface of the annular portion 52 are in contact with each other, entry of foreign matters such as dust from the outside is prevented.

  The innermost peripheral portion 52 a of the annular portion 52 faces the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 43 of the key top 40. The innermost peripheral portion 52a prevents the neck portion 43 from falling more than necessary in the outer peripheral direction.

  The surface on the front side of the head 44 of the key top 40 is a convex portion 44a having a curved surface convex to the front side. The convex portion 44a only needs to be slightly convex near the center than the surroundings. By providing the convex shape, the center of gravity when pressing the center switch (contact 21a and contact 35a) is gathered at the center of the convex portion 44a (key top 40). By gathering the center of gravity at the center of the convex portion 44a, it becomes difficult for the key top 40 to rotate, and the certainty of correctly pressing the center switch increases. That is, the convex portion 44a is a shape provided for the apparatus side to correctly determine the operation input by the user.

  The convex shaped portion 44a is subjected to rough graining. The formed wrinkles make it difficult to slip when the key top 40 is operated. Furthermore, the protrusion which protrudes further on the front side is cyclically provided in the peripheral part of the convex-shaped part 44a. It does not hurt when the peripheral edge is pushed by the curve created by the protrusion.

  Next, a structural example of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure that provides an operation feeling (click feeling) when the switch is pressed will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of the shape of the switch of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the contact 21e and contact 35e shown in FIG. 6B.

  As described above, the contact 21 e is provided on the surface of the membrane 20 located on the front side of the sheet metal 10. On the other hand, a groove 31e is provided at a position corresponding to the contact 21e of the rubber 30 so as to face the contact 21e. A contact point 35e is provided to protrude from the bottom surface of the groove 31e in the direction of the contact point 21e. The protruding tip surface (contact surface) 36e of the contact 35e is also opposed to the contact 21e. The protruding tip surface 36e is a conductor. As a material for the protruding tip surface 36e, for example, carbon is preferably used in terms of cost and durability.

  As described above, the convex portion 32 e is provided on the front side of the rubber 30. A skirt-shaped portion 37e whose diameter increases as it gets closer to the membrane 20 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the convex portion 32e (or the outer peripheral region of the contact point 35e). The skirt-shaped portion 37e is provided with a bendable thickness (thinner than other portions).

  When the key top 40 is operated and the convex portion 32e is pushed by the groove portion 41e, the skirt-shaped portion 37e is bent due to stress concentration because the skirt shape portion 37e is thin. When the force applied by the operation of the key top 40 is removed, the elastic skirt shape portion 37e extends (deforms and restores) and returns to the original shape. In this way, an operation feeling is obtained by bending or extending the skirt-shaped portion 37e. Such a configuration and function are the same for other contacts not shown here.

  Next, the deformation state of the rubber 30 when the button (button) is pressed will be described. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the center button is pressed among the contacts of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a state in which a direction input button other than the center button is pressed among the contacts of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. First, a case where the center button is pressed will be described.

  First, the key top 40 is pushed in a direction substantially perpendicular to and approaching the sheet metal 10. The convex portion 41 a of the key top 40 presses the convex portion 32 a of the rubber 30. In the rubber 30 receiving the load, the skirt-shaped portion 37a where stress is concentrated due to the thin thickness is bent. At that time, an operational feeling is obtained by bending the skirt-shaped portion 37a. By bending the skirt-shaped portion 37a, the contact point 35a approaches the contact point 21a of the membrane 20, and the protruding tip surface 36a contacts the contact point 21a. The contact 35a (protruding tip surface 36a) and the contact 21a are brought into contact with each other, and the switch is turned on.

  When the center button is pressed, not only the skirt-shaped portion 37a in the center switch portion but also the skirt-shaped portions 37b to 37e of other switches arranged on the cross are bent (in FIG. 8A, the skirt shape Only the shape portions 37c and 37e are shown). As the skirt-shaped portions 37b to 37e of the switch are bent, the contacts 35b to 35e approach the contacts 21b to 21e of the membrane 20, respectively. However, each of the protruding tip surfaces 36b to 36e does not contact with each of the contacts 21b to 21e.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the contact point 35a (protruding front end surface 36a) is formed to protrude by a distance d from each of the contact points 35b to 35e (protruding front end surfaces 36b to 36e). As a result, when the center button is pressed, it is difficult to switch on the other buttons. However, when the center button is pressed, the other buttons may be switched on. At that time, in order to correctly recognize that the center button has been pressed, the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure optimizes the switch detection control as described later.

  While the key top 40 is being pressed, the annular portion 52 and the shoulder portion 42 of the cover 50 are separated from each other. And if the external force with respect to the key top 40 is unloaded, the stress in the rubber 30 will disappear and the skirt shape parts 37a-37e will extend. At the same time, the rubber 30 urges the key top 40 so that the shoulder portion 42 and the annular portion 52 come into contact with each other. The key top 40 returns to the normal posture in the cover 50, and the sealed structure is maintained again.

  Next, a case where a (direction input) button other than the center button is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. 8B. Here, the case where the switch (for example, left button) of the combination of the contact 21e and the contact 35e is pressed is illustrated.

  First, the key top 40 is tilted in the direction of the left button (left side also in FIG. 8B). The groove portion 41e of the key top 40 presses the convex portion 32e of the rubber 30. In the rubber 30 receiving the load, the skirt-shaped portion 37e where the stress is concentrated due to the thin thickness is bent. At that time, an operation feeling is obtained by bending the skirt-shaped portion 37e. By bending the skirt-shaped portion 37e, the contact point 35e approaches the contact point 21e of the membrane 20, and the protruding tip surface 36e contacts the contact point 21e. The contact 35e (projecting tip surface 36e) and the contact 21e are brought into contact with each other, and the switch is turned on.

  When the left button is pressed, not only the skirt shape portion 37e in the switch portion of the left button but also the skirt shape portion 37a of the center switch is bent. As the skirt-shaped portion 37a is bent, the contact point 35a approaches the contact point 21a of the membrane 20. However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the left button is pressed, the protruding tip surface 36a does not contact the contact 21a. Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure that does not physically contact, even if the protruding tip surface 36a and the contact 21a come into contact, the contact area between the protruding tip surface 36a and the contact 21a is predetermined. As long as the structure is equal to or less than the threshold value, electrical conduction is avoided.

  Such a configuration and function of the left button described above are the same for the other (direction input) buttons. Thus, since the center and the direction input are integrated, when the direction input button is pressed, the center button is not turned on, and the mechanical structure is prevented from malfunctioning. Yes.

  Similarly to the case where the center button is pressed, the annular portion 52 and the shoulder portion 42 of the cover 50 are separated while the key top 40 is pressed. When the external force applied to the key top 40 is unloaded, the stress in the rubber 30 disappears, and the skirt-shaped portions 37a and 37e extend. At the same time, the rubber 30 urges the key top 40 so that the shoulder portion 42 and the annular portion 52 come into contact with each other. The key top 40 returns to the normal posture in the cover 50, and the sealed structure is maintained again.

[Switch detection control method]
Next, a switch detection control method of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the flow shown in FIG. 9, switch detection of the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is performed. Time elapses from left to right in FIG. In the operation input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, control of switch detection is optimized. Control of switch detection is performed by a control unit (not shown).

  First, for example, the upper button is turned ON from the OFF state. A waiting time Td is set for the direction input of the upper button or the like. When the condition of time delay t1 ≧ waiting time Td from when the upper button is turned on is satisfied, the upper operation is executed. That is, control is performed so that the up operation is actually performed when the waiting time Td elapses after the up button is pressed. Note that, for example, the left button of the direction input adjacent to the upper button is turned on under the condition of time delay t1 <waiting time Td, and when the waiting time Td elapses thereafter, an oblique (upper left) operation is executed. Such an oblique operation can be used, for example, when quickly moving an AF (AutoFocus) area of the imaging apparatus.

  On the other hand, a waiting time Tp is set for the C button. For example, the C button is turned on under the condition of time delay t1 <Td after the upper button is turned on. When the waiting time Tp elapses after the C button is turned on, the center operation is executed. That is, under the condition of time delay t1 <Td, control is performed so that the center operation is actually performed when the waiting time Tp elapses after the C button is pressed. The waiting time Tp is set shorter than the waiting time Td.

  Further, when the left button is turned on before the waiting time Tp elapses after the C button is turned on, the center operation is executed when Tp elapses. Then, the center operation is continued even if the waiting time Td elapses after the left button is turned on.

  As described above, in the switch detection control method for the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the center operation is preferentially executed by continuously detecting the ON of the C button. In the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the direction input button is pressed, the direction input button is always pressed and the C button is not pressed simultaneously. On the other hand, when the C button is pressed, depending on how the button is pressed, the up / down / left / right direction input may also be pressed. However, an accurate operation is realized by adopting such a control method. Thus, an accurate operation is realized in terms of both a shape that prevents malfunction and optimized control.

  The operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. The operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured such that an operation feeling (click feeling) is obtained by a rubber and electrical conduction is obtained by a carbon contact.

  According to the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber portion can be reduced from two parts to one part because it is not necessary to separate the up / down / left / right direction keys and the center determination key. Furthermore, the entire component parts are four parts including a molded product cover and key top, a rubber, and a membrane, and a simple and inexpensive configuration can be obtained. Furthermore, the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has a noise reduction effect that almost no sound is recorded during moving image recording. Furthermore, the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has an effect that there is a clear operation feeling even in a wide temperature environment. And according to the operation input device concerning an embodiment of this indication, it has an effect which can raise reliability, such as electrostatic strengthening and dustproof drip-proof improvement.

  The operation input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to various electronic devices including an imaging device such as a camera or a video camera. And as a kind of camera, it can apply variously from a high-class single-lens reflex camera to a compact camera.

In addition, this indication can also take the following structures.
(1)
A substrate,
A cover covering the substrate;
A key top inserted from the center of the opened cover;
A rubber made of an elastic body positioned between the key top and the substrate;
The rubber urges the key top in the direction of the cover, and the cover holds the key top around the opening,
The rubber has a protrusion that protrudes in the direction of the substrate at the center and the surrounding four divided positions;
An operation input device in which a switch operates when the substrate contacts one of the protrusions.
(2)
The substrate has a first conductor;
The rubber has a second conductor on each of the tip surfaces of the central protrusion and the protrusions at the four divided positions,
The operation input device according to (1), wherein the switch operates when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact with each other.
(3)
The operation input device according to any one of (1) to (2), wherein a front end surface of the key top protruding from the opening at the center of the cover has a convex curved surface.
(4)
The operation input device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a distance from the front end surface of the central protrusion to the substrate is closer than a distance from the front end surface of the protrusion at the four divided positions to the substrate. .
(5)
The operation input device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the key top that makes the central protrusion and the protrusion at the four divided positions contact the substrate has a single configuration.
(6)
A convex portion projecting in the direction of the key top at the center of the surface of the rubber facing the key top, and at the peripheral four-divided positions;
The center of the surface of the key top facing the rubber protrudes in the direction of the rubber from the surrounding four divided positions,
The operation input device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the convex portion at the four divided positions around the rubber protrudes in the key top direction from the central convex portion of the rubber.
(7)
The rubber has a skirt-shaped portion whose diameter increases as it approaches the substrate in a further outer peripheral region of the protrusion, and the skirt-shaped portion is bent when the protrusion is brought into contact with the substrate. The operation input device according to any one of 6).
(8)
The operation input device according to (3), wherein a recess is formed on a tip surface of the key top.
(9)
The operation input device according to (3), wherein a protrusion is further formed in a distal direction on a peripheral portion of a distal end surface of the key top.

  Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications based on the technical idea of the present disclosure are possible. For example, the configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like given in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and different configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like are used as necessary. May be.

  The configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation input apparatus 10 ... Sheet metal 20 ... Membrane 21a-21e ... Contact 30 ... Rubber 31a-31e ... Groove part 32a-32e ... Convex part 35a-35e ... Contact point 36a-36e ... Projection front end surface 37a-37e ... Skirt shape part 40 ... Key top 41a ... Convex part 41b-41e ... Groove part 42 ... Shoulder part 44a ... Convex shape Part 50 ・ ・ ・ Cover 51 ・ ・ ・ Fitting hole 52 ・ ・ ・ Annular part d ・ ・ ・ Distance Td ・ ・ ・ Waiting time (direction input)
Tp ... Waiting time (center button)
t1 Time delay

Claims (9)

A substrate,
A cover covering the substrate;
A key top inserted from the center of the opened cover;
A rubber made of an elastic body positioned between the key top and the substrate;
The rubber urges the key top in the direction of the cover, and the cover holds the key top around the opening,
The rubber has a protrusion that protrudes in the direction of the substrate at the center and the surrounding four divided positions;
An operation input device in which a switch operates when the substrate contacts one of the protrusions. The substrate has a first conductor;
The rubber has a second conductor on each of the tip surfaces of the central protrusion and the protrusions at the four divided positions,
The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the switch operates when the first conductor and the second conductor are in contact with each other. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein a front end surface of the key top protruding from the opening in the center of the cover has a convex curved surface shape. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein a distance from the front end surface of the central protrusion to the substrate is closer than a distance from the front end surface of the protrusion at the four divided positions to the substrate. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the key top that makes the central projection and the projection at the four divided positions contact the substrate has a single configuration. A convex portion projecting in the direction of the key top at the center of the surface of the rubber facing the key top, and at the peripheral four-divided positions;
The center of the surface of the key top facing the rubber protrudes in the direction of the rubber from the surrounding four divided positions,
The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion of the rubber in the four divided positions protrudes in the direction of the key top from the central convex portion of the rubber. 2. The rubber has a skirt-shaped portion whose diameter increases as it approaches the substrate in a further outer peripheral region of the protrusion, and the skirt-shaped portion bends when the protrusion is brought into contact with the substrate. Operation input device. The operation input device according to claim 3, wherein a key is formed on a tip surface of the key top. The operation input device according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion is further formed in a distal direction on a peripheral portion of a distal end surface of the key top.

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