JP2014089814A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device which has excellent dust-proof and drip-proof performance against entry of liquid, dust and the like from a gap between a dial and a center key, and prevents operation feeling of the dial at the time of rotational operation from deteriorating due to the entry of foreign matter.SOLUTION: An annular rubber member 43 is mounted on a flange 41c of a center key 41, and an inner peripheral surface of the rubber member 43 is brought into close contact with an outer periphery of the center key 41 to fix the rubber member 43 on the center key 41. An annular protrusion 43a abutting on a rear surface 39i of an operation surface 39b of a dial 39 is provided on a peripheral part of the rubber member 43. Also, gaps d are provided between each of outer peripheral surfaces of the annular protrusion 43a and a cylindrical part 43b of the rubber member 43 and a step part 36c of a dial base 36 and an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall part 39c of the dial 39.

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite operation type input device having a dial that is rotated and tilted, and a center key that is positioned at a central opening of the dial and that is pressed.

  This type of input device is used in an input unit of a device such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, or a portable information terminal. FIG. 11 shows a configuration described as a multi-functional electronic component in Patent Document 1 as a conventional example of such an input device.

  The multifunctional electronic component includes a second circuit board portion 12b of the flexible circuit board 12, a mounting base 13, a first circuit board portion 12a of the flexible circuit board 12, and a second drip-proof member on the support member 11. 14, a rotating body 16 attached with a slider 15, a click spring 17, a case 18, a first drip-proof member 19, a spacer member 21, a push button knob 22, and a rotating knob 23. It is configured.

  A sliding contact pattern is formed on the first circuit board portion 12a of the flexible circuit board 12 so that the slider 15 is in sliding contact. A central switch 24 is formed at the center of the upper surface of the second circuit board portion 12b. Four pressing switches 25 are formed around 24 at intervals of 90 °. Each of the central switch 24 and the pressing switch 25 is configured by installing a dome-shaped movable contact plate on a switch pattern formed on the second circuit board portion 12b. A first drip-proof sheet 26 is attached to the upper surface of the second circuit board portion 12b.

  The rotary knob 23 installed on the upper part of the case 18 has a shaft support 23a and an opening 23b provided in the center of the shaft support 23a. The shaft support 23a is rotatably inserted into the opening 18a provided in the case 18. ing. The rotating body 16 is installed in the lower part of the case 18 and is connected to the shaft support portion 23 a of the rotating knob 23. The case 18 is placed on the mount 13.

  The push button knob 22 is installed in the opening 23b of the rotary knob 23 so as to be movable up and down. The pressing portion 22 a of the push button knob 22 is inserted through an opening 13 b provided vertically through the cylindrical protrusion 13 a in the center of the mounting base 13, and is positioned on the central switch 24. A pressing portion 13 c that protrudes downward is formed at a position facing the respective pressing switches 25 on the lower surface of the mounting base 13, and each pressing portion 13 c is positioned on the pressing switch 25. As the rotary knob 23 swings, the mounting base 13 swings together with the rotary knob 23, whereby the pressing switch 25 is pressed.

  The first drip-proof member 19 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. The first drip-proof member 19 is sandwiched between the lower surface of the projecting portion 23 c provided on the opening portion 23 b of the rotary knob 23 so as to project to the opening portion 23 b side of the shaft support portion 23 a and the upper surface of the rotating body 16. And a cover plate portion 19b on which the pushbutton knob 22 is placed so as to cover the space inside the drip-proof sandwiching portion 19a. The cover plate portion 19b includes a root portion 19c, a side wall portion 19d, and a knob mounting portion 19e. A pressing portion 22a of the push button knob 22 is inserted into the knob mounting portion 19e, and a mounting hole 19f is formed in which the first drip-proof member mounting portion 22b is fitted.

  The second drip-proof member 14 is made of an elastic member such as rubber, and has a lower surface of a collar portion 18c protruding from the outer periphery of the side wall portion 18b of the case 18 surrounding the rotating body 16, and a mounting base facing the lower surface of the collar portion 18c. 13 is sandwiched between the upper surface of the case 13 and the side wall 18b of the case 18 so as to surround it.

  In the multifunctional electronic component shown in FIG. 11, the liquid that enters from the gap between the opening 23 b of the rotary knob 23 and the pushbutton knob 22 by the first drip-proof member 19 enters the rotary body 16 side, that is, the slider. 15 can be prevented from entering the side of the electrical function portion composed of the sliding contact pattern, and the second drip-proof member 14 from the gap between the case 18 and the mounting base 13 (the electrical function) It is possible to prevent liquid from entering the part side). In FIG. 11, reference numeral 27 denotes an exterior case, and the rotary knob 23 is inserted and installed in the opening 27a.

JP 2009-238707 A

  As described above, in the conventional input device (multifunctional electronic component) shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the electrical functional portion side composed of the slider and the sliding contact pattern. Thus, it is possible to solve such a problem that a malfunction occurs in the electrical output of the electrical function part due to the liquid that has entered.

  The electrode pattern (sliding contact pattern) with which the slider slides in contact with the rotating operation is exposed, and ensuring drip-proofing is an important factor in maintaining stable performance in this type of input device. is there.

  On the other hand, in addition to such drip-proof performance, dust-proof performance is also an important factor, and this type of input device is required to improve the dust-proof and drip-proof performance. If the dustproof property is inferior, the electrical performance may be impaired due to the invading foreign matter, or the operation feeling may be impaired. In particular, when a foreign object enters between the rotating body and the non-rotating body (fixed body) and the foreign object is present, a situation occurs in which the operational feeling during the rotation operation is greatly impaired.

  In this regard, in the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 11, the first drip-proof member 19 rotates simultaneously with the rotary knob 23 when the rotary knob 23 is rotated, and the knob mounting portion 19e of the first drip-proof member 19 is provided. The push button knob 22 is located on the top. The facing area between the upper surface of the knob mounting portion 19e and the lower surface of the push button knob 22 is large, and if a foreign object enters the facing portion, the foreign object tends to stay inside, so that the operation feel when the rotary knob 23 is rotated by the presence of the foreign object. The structure tends to deteriorate. In addition, foreign matter easily enters and stays between the overhanging portion 23c of the rotary knob 23 and the flange portion 22c of the push button knob 22, and in this respect as well, the operation feeling during the rotation operation is likely to deteriorate.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that is excellent in dust-proof and drip-proof performance and that provides a stable and good operation feeling.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an input device having a dial that is rotated and tilted and a center key that is pressed at a central opening of the dial has an electrode pattern on the circumference. A printed wiring board; a central switch located on the printed wiring board located at the center of the circumference; a plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the printed wiring board arranged around the circumference; A cylindrical portion mounted on the wiring board and disposed on the circumference between the electrode pattern and the plurality of peripheral switches, a bearing portion protruding from the inner periphery of the upper end of the cylindrical portion, and a lower end of the cylindrical portion A base having a plurality of fixed portions projecting on the outer periphery, a pressing portion supported on the fixed portions so as to be displaceable and disposed on each peripheral switch, and having a cylindrical shape, is pivotally supported by the bearing portion. And the upper end of the shaft A first flange portion projecting from the circumference, a step portion provided downward on the outer periphery of the first flange portion, a second flange portion projecting from the outer periphery of the lower end of the step portion, and the first A dial base having a protrusion protruding annularly on the lower surface of the two flange portions and positioned on each pressing portion; and a shaft base attached to the lower end of the shaft portion to prevent the shaft portion from coming off from the bearing portion. A contact member having a slider in sliding contact with the electrode pattern, an annular operation surface surrounding the central opening, a peripheral wall portion provided on the outer periphery of the operation surface, and a lower end outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion A dial that has a ring portion that protrudes and is tightly fixed to the upper surface of the second flange portion, and a pressing surface that is located on the central switch and faces the outside from the central opening, opposite to the pressing surface The flange that is secured by the dial And a rubber member having an annular shape, and the rubber member is mounted on the flange on the inner peripheral side, the inner peripheral surface is in close contact with the outer periphery of the center key, and is fixed to the center key. An annular projection protruding toward the back surface of the dial operation surface and slidingly contacting the back surface, and a cylindrical portion projecting on the opposite side of the annular projection are formed, the annular projection, the cylindrical portion, and the A gap is provided between each outer peripheral surface of the stepped portion and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an annular projecting portion that is positioned inside the cylindrical portion and that faces the cylindrical portion in close proximity is formed on the upper surface of the first flange portion. .

  In the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, a plurality of concentric protrusions are formed on the upper surface of the rubber member.

  In the invention of claim 4, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, a plurality of radial projections are formed on the upper surface of the rubber member.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the hardness of the portion of the annular projection that slides in contact with the back surface is made greater than the hardness of the other portion of the rubber member.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the inner peripheral surface of the dial surrounding the central opening is a tapered surface whose diameter increases toward the inside.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, an annular base rubber member is disposed around the cylindrical portion of the base, and the base rubber member is located outside the plurality of fixing portions of the base. An outer peripheral part fixed on the printed wiring board, an intermediate part located inside the outer peripheral part and in sliding contact with the lower peripheral part of the lower surface of the second flange part, and an inner peripheral part located inside the intermediate part The inner peripheral portion is formed with a plurality of holes in which the pressing portion can be positioned, and the intermediate portion has an inverted V-shaped cross section and can be elastically deformed.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central switch and the peripheral switch are each a fixed contact formed on the printed wiring board and a dome-shaped movable element disposed on the fixed contact. The movable contact is covered with a cover sheet.

  According to the present invention, the annular rubber member is closely fixed to the outer periphery of the center key, and the annular protrusion provided on the peripheral edge of the rubber member is in sliding contact with the back surface of the dial operation surface. Good dustproof and drip-proof performance can be obtained against liquid, dust and the like entering from the gap between the center key and the dial. Also, even if liquid or dust passes through the annular protrusion and further penetrates, it is between the outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion of the rubber member, the cylindrical portion and the stepped portion of the dial base and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the dial. Since the escape route is formed by the gap provided in the electrode, intrusion to the exposed electrode pattern side can be prevented. In addition, since it is difficult for an invading foreign object to enter and stay between the annular protrusion of the rubber member and the back surface of the dial, there is also a problem that the operation feeling during the dial rotation operation deteriorates due to the presence of the foreign object. It is difficult.

1A is a plan view showing a first embodiment of an input device according to the present invention, B is a side view thereof, and C is a perspective view thereof. FIG. FIG. 1D is an enlarged sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 1A. The EE line expanded sectional view of Drawing 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from below (part 2). Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd Example of the input device by this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the 3rd Example of the input device by this invention. A is a perspective view of the rubber member in FIG. B is a perspective view of the rubber member in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the prior art example of an input device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a first embodiment of an input device according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show its cross-sectional structure. 4 to 7 are exploded and shown in each part. First, the structure of each part is demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  In this example, the input device includes a plate 31, a double-sided tape 32, a flexible printed wiring board 33 having a predetermined pattern formed thereon and a switch formed on the upper surface, a base 34, a spring 35, a dial base 36, The contact member 37, the double-sided tape 38, the dial 39, the center key 41, the center key base 42, the rubber member 43, and the base rubber member 44 are included.

  The plate 31 is made of a rectangular metal plate, and holes 31a for fixing the input device are formed at four corners thereof, and holes 31b and 31c for positioning are formed diagonally. Moreover, the holes 31d-31g used for the assembly of each part are formed.

  The flexible printed wiring board 33 includes a circular portion 33a and a cable portion 33b led out from the circular portion 33a. A central switch 51 is formed at the center of the circular portion 33a, and a peripheral switch 52 is formed on the circumference surrounding the central switch 51. In this example, four peripheral switches 52 are arranged at intervals of 90 °. Between the circumference where the peripheral switches 52 are arranged and the central switch 51, an electrode pattern 53 for a rotary encoder is annularly arranged along the circumference.

  In this example, the central switch 51 includes a central fixed contact formed on the flexible printed wiring board 33 and a dome-shaped central movable contact 51a (see FIG. 2) disposed on the central fixed contact 51a. An ON / OFF operation is performed by clicking and reversing. Similarly, the peripheral switch 52 is composed of a peripheral fixed contact formed on the flexible printed wiring board 33 and a dome-shaped peripheral movable contact 52a (see FIG. 2) disposed thereon, and the peripheral movable contact 52a is clicked. The ON / OFF operation is performed by reversing. A circular cover sheet 54 is covered on the central movable contact 51a, and a ring-shaped cover sheet 55 is covered on the four peripheral movable contacts 52a. The central movable contact 51a is covered by these cover sheets 54 and 55. The peripheral movable contact 52a is positioned and fixed at predetermined positions, and the central switch 51 and the peripheral switch 52 are protected.

  The flexible printed wiring board 33 and the cover sheets 54 and 55 penetrate through them, four holes 56 for attaching the base rubber member 44, four holes 57 for attaching the base 34, and two holes for attaching the center key base 41. 58 and a center key base 41 positioning hole 59 are formed, and the positions and sizes of the holes 31d to 31g formed in the plate 31 are the same as those of the holes 56 to 59, respectively.

  The base 34 has an annular shape, and is provided with a cylindrical portion 34a, a bearing portion 34b projecting (provided to protrude) on the inner periphery of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 34a, and projecting at 90 ° intervals on the outer periphery of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 34a. The four fixed portions 34c, the frame portion 34d that connects the distal ends of the four fixed portions 34c, and the four pressing portions 34e are provided. The four pressing portions 34e are located between the four fixing portions 34c in the circumferential direction, and the pressing portions 34e are respectively provided to the fixing portions 34c located on both sides in the circumferential direction via support beams 34f that can be elastically deformed. Supported and displaceable.

  Four long slits 34g having an arc shape are arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side of the bearing portion 34b, and the tilting operation of the bearing portion 34b is facilitated by providing such slits 34g. Yes. In addition, four bosses 34h are arranged in the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 34a so as to protrude, and four notches 34i that are cut out in an arc shape are arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface. Yes. Further, bosses 34j are formed so as to protrude from the lower surfaces of the four fixed portions 34c.

  The dial base 36 has a cylindrical shaft portion 36a, a first flange portion 36b protruding from the outer periphery of the upper end of the shaft portion 36a, and a step provided extending downward on the outer periphery of the first flange portion 36b. A portion 36c and a second flange portion 36d projecting from the outer periphery of the lower end of the step portion 36c. A projecting portion 36e is formed on the lower surface of the second flange portion 36d so as to project annularly. An annular projecting portion 36f is formed to project from the upper surface of the first flange portion 36b.

  Concavities and convexities 36g constituting a detent mechanism are formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 36a, and three bosses 36h are arranged in the circumferential direction so as to protrude from the lower end surface of the shaft portion 36a. Yes. The second flange portion 36d is formed with four holes 36i used for assembling with the dial 39 arranged in the circumferential direction.

  The contact member 37 has a ring shape, and is formed by cutting and raising a slider 37a at three locations in the circumferential direction. Further, three holes 37b through which the boss 36h of the dial base 36 is inserted (pierced) are formed.

  The dial 39 has an annular operation surface 39b surrounding the central opening 39a, a peripheral wall portion 39c provided on the outer periphery of the operation surface 39b, and an annular portion 39d protruding from the lower end outer periphery of the peripheral wall portion 39c. In this example, an outer peripheral wall 39e is provided on the outer periphery of the annular portion 39d so as to form a groove facing the peripheral wall portion 39c and facing the peripheral wall portion 39c. On the lower surface of the annular portion 39d, four bosses 39f are arranged so as to protrude in the circumferential direction. The inner peripheral surface of the dial 39 surrounding the central opening 39a is a tapered surface 39g that increases in diameter toward the inside, and minute irregularities 39h are formed on the outer peripheral side of the operation surface 39b and arranged in the circumferential direction. Yes.

  The center key 41 has a cylindrical portion 41b whose one end is closed to form a pressing surface 41a, a flange 41c formed on the other end of the cylindrical portion 41b opposite to the pressing surface 41a, and a protruding center formed on the back surface of the pressing surface 41a. It has a pressing protrusion 41c and a pair of locking pieces 41e formed to protrude from the other end of the cylindrical portion 41b in the same direction as the pressing protrusion 41d. Locking claws 41f are formed outward from each other at the tips of the pair of locking pieces 41e. The pressing protrusion 41d has a cylindrical shape, and in this example, a prism portion 41g is integrally formed along the pressing protrusion 41d. The rectangular column portion 41g has a length that does not reach the tip of the pressing protrusion 41d.

  The center key base 42 has a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical portion 42b through which the pressing protrusion 41d of the center key 41 is inserted projects upward and downward at the center of the closed one end surface 42a. The cylindrical portion 42b has a shape in which a part of the circumference is cut out, and the rectangular column portion 41g of the center key 41 is inserted and positioned in the cutout 42c. In addition, a pair of holes 42d through which the pair of locking pieces 41e of the center key 41 pass are formed in the one end surface 42a. On the other hand, a pair of notches 42e are formed at the lower end side (the other end side) of the center key base 42 at positions facing each other, and further, a positioning boss 42f and a pair of pairs are formed on the lower end surface of the center key base 42. A boss 42g for assembly is formed to protrude.

  The rubber member 43 has an annular shape, and an annular protrusion 43a that protrudes toward the upper surface is formed at the peripheral edge thereof, and a cylindrical portion 43b that protrudes toward the lower surface (the opposite side to the annular protrusion 43a) is formed. . Further, a protruding portion 43c is formed in an annular shape on the lower surface of the radially intermediate portion of the rubber member.

  The base rubber member 44 has an annular shape, and four bosses 44b are arranged on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 44a so as to protrude in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral portion 44a has a large thickness. The intermediate portion 44c located inside the outer peripheral portion 44a has a small thickness, and has an inverted V-shaped cross section (see FIG. 2) so as to be elastically deformable. Four holes 44e are arranged in the circumferential direction in the inner circumferential portion 44d located inside the intermediate portion 44c. The intermediate portion 44c is formed so as to protrude above the outer peripheral portion 44a and the inner peripheral portion 44d. The inner peripheral end of the inner peripheral portion 44d protrudes upward and has a large thickness, and four protrusion portions 44f protruding in an arc shape are arranged on the inner peripheral surface in the circumferential direction. Yes.

  The base 34, dial base 36, dial 39, center key 41 and center key base 42 are made of resin. The rubber member 43 and the base rubber member 44 are made of, for example, silicone rubber. The contact member 37 is formed, for example, by processing a phosphor bronze plate, and the surface thereof is plated with Au. The plate 31 is made of stainless steel, for example.

  Each part is assembled as follows.

  The circular portion 33 a of the flexible printed wiring board 33 on which the central switch 51 and the peripheral switch 52 are formed is fixed on the plate 31 with the double-sided tape 32. At this time, the positions of the holes 31d to 31f of the plate 31 and the holes 56 to 59 on the flexible printed wiring board 33 side are matched.

  A base rubber member 44 is fitted around the cylindrical portion 34a of the base 34 from above, and the base rubber member 44 is attached around the cylindrical portion 34a. The four protrusions 44 f formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base rubber member 44 are positioned in the four notches 34 i formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 34 a of the base 34. The four pressing portions 34 e of the base 34 are positioned in the four holes 44 e formed in the inner peripheral portion 44 d of the base rubber member 44.

  Next, the spring 35 is attached to the base 34. In this example, the spring 35 is a coil spring in which both ends are extended and a hook-shaped locking portion 35a is provided at the tip, and the two locking portions 35a are formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical portion 34a of the base 34. It is locked and attached to the adjacent boss 34h.

  Next, the shaft portion 36a of the dial base 36 is inserted into the bearing portion 34b of the base 34 from above, and the three bosses 36h formed on the lower end surface of the shaft portion 36a are inserted into the three holes 37b of the contact member 37. The contact member 37 is attached to the lower end of the shaft portion 36a. Then, the tip of the boss 36h is heat caulked. The shaft portion 36a of the dial base 36 is prevented from coming off from the bearing portion 34b by the contact member 37, and the shaft portion 36a is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 34b. The spring 35 is in contact with the projections and recesses 36g of the dial base 36 so as to be elastically deformable.

  As described above, the base 34 to which the base rubber member 44, the spring 35, the dial base 36 and the contact member 37 are attached is mounted and fixed on the flexible printed wiring board 33. Fixing is performed by sequentially inserting the bosses 34j of the four fixing portions 34c of the base 34 into the holes 57 and 31e, respectively, and caulking the tips of the bosses 34j. The cylindrical portion 34 a is located on the circumference between the electrode pattern 53 and the four peripheral switches 52. The four bosses 44b formed on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion 44a of the base rubber member 44 are sequentially inserted and positioned in the holes 56 and 31d.

  Next, the center key base 42 is mounted on the flexible printed wiring board 33. At this time, the positioning boss 42f is inserted into the holes 59 and 31g for positioning, and a pair of assembly bosses 42g is inserted into the holes 58 and 31f, and the tip of the boss 42g is heat staked.

  Next, the rubber member 43 is fitted around the cylindrical portion 41b of the center key 41 and mounted on the flange 41c. Then, the center key 41 on which the rubber member 43 is disposed is attached to the center key base 42. The mounting is performed by inserting a pressing protrusion 41d having a prismatic portion 41g into a cylindrical portion 42b having a notch 42c of the center key base 42, and inserting and pushing a pair of locking pieces 41e into the holes 42d. The locking claw 41f at the tip of the locking piece 41e is locked by being positioned at the notch 42e of the center key base 42 (stopping in engagement), thereby preventing the locking piece 41e from coming off.

  Next, the dial 39 is attached to the dial base 36. The dial 39 is attached by fixing the lower surface of the annular portion 39d of the dial 39 to the upper surface of the second flange portion 36d of the dial base 36 with a double-sided tape 38. At this time, the boss 39f on the lower surface of the annular portion 39d is the first boss 39f. It is inserted and positioned in the hole 36i of the 2 flange portion 36d. In this way, the dial 39 is fixed and integrated with the dial base 36, and the dial base 36 and the contact member 37 rotate integrally with the dial 39. This completes the assembly. In the center key 41, the flange 41c is prevented from being removed by the dial 39, and the pressing surface 41a is positioned in the central opening 39a of the dial 39 and faces the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pressing portion 34e of the base 34 is positioned on the peripheral movable contact 52a of each peripheral switch 52, and the protruding portion 36e of the dial base 36 is positioned on the pressing portion 34e. On the other hand, a pressing protrusion 41 d of the center key 41 is located on the central movable contact 51 a of the central switch 51. The tips of the three sliders 37a of the contact member 37 are brought into contact with the electrode pattern 53 of the flexible printed wiring board 33, and the slider 37a and the electrode pattern 53 constitute a rotary encoder.

  The rubber member 43 is mounted on the flange 41c of the center key 41 and is located on the back side of the operation surface 39b of the dial 39, and the tip of the annular projection 43a is lightly pressed against and contacted with the back surface 39i of the operation surface 39b. . A gap d is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion 43 a of the rubber member 43, the cylindrical portion 43 b and the stepped portion 36 c of the dial base 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 39 c of the dial 39. Further, the annular projecting portion 36 f provided on the upper surface of the first flange portion 36 b of the dial base 36 is positioned inside the cylindrical portion 43 b of the rubber member 43 and is closely opposed to the cylindrical portion 43 b.

  An outer peripheral portion 44a of the base rubber member 44 is mounted on the flexible printed wiring board 33 and is positioned outside the frame portion 34d connecting the distal ends of the four fixed portions 34c of the base 34, and has an inverted V-shaped cross section. The second flange portion 36d of the dial base 36 is positioned on 44c. The intermediate part 44c is lightly pressed against and contacted with the second flange part.

  In the input device configured as described above, when the dial 39 is rotated, the slider 37a moves (contacts and slides) on the electrode pattern 53, and the dial is detected by electrically detecting this movement. 39 rotations are detected. At this time, since the detent mechanism is configured by the spring 35 that engages with the projections and recesses 36g of the dial base 36, an operation feeling can be obtained with the rotation operation.

  When the center key 41 is pressed, the center movable contact 51a of the center switch 51 is pressed by the pressing protrusion 41d, and the center switch 51 is turned on. When the pressing is released, the center key 41 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the center movable contact 51a, and the center switch 51 is turned OFF.

  On the other hand, when the dial 39 is pushed and tilted, the peripheral movable contact 52a of the peripheral switch 52 on the tilt side is pressed via the protrusion 36e of the second flange portion 36d of the dial base 36 and the pressing portion 34e of the base 34. When operated, the peripheral switch 52 is turned ON. At this time, the bearing portion 34b of the base 34 bends with the tilting operation, and the intermediate portion 44c of the base rubber member 44 is elastically deformed with the tilting operation.

  When the pressing force to the dial 39 is released, the pressing portion 34e, the dial base 36 and the dial 39 are returned to their original positions by the restoring force of the peripheral movable contact 52a, the bearing portion 34b of the base 34 and the intermediate portion 44c of the base rubber member 44. Then, the peripheral switch 52 is turned off.

  Next, the dustproof and splashproof performance of this input device will be described.

  The rubber member 43 exhibits drip-proof performance against intrusion of liquid from the gap between the dial 39 and the center key 41. The rubber member 43 is closely fixed to the center key 41, and the annular protrusion 43a is pressed against the back surface 39i of the dial 39, so that liquid can be prevented from entering.

  If the annular protrusion 43a is strongly pressed against the back surface 39i of the dial 39, the sliding friction force during the rotation operation of the dial 39 is increased and the rotation operability is deteriorated. When pressing 41, a gap is formed between the back surface 39i of the dial 39 and the annular protrusion 43a.

  Accordingly, there is a possibility that the liquid passes through the annular protrusion 43a from these points and enters further. In this example, the liquid that has entered the annular protrusion 43a, the cylindrical portion 43b and the dial base 36 of the rubber member 43. In this structure, each of the step portions 36 c flows in a gap d between the outer peripheral surface of the step portion 36 c and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 39 c of the dial 39. In addition, an annular protrusion 36 f is formed on the upper surface of the first flange portion 36 c of the dial base 36 so as to be positioned inside the cylindrical portion 43 b of the rubber member 43. That is, in this example, the escape route is secured by the gap d so that the liquid does not enter the exposed electrode pattern 53 side, and the intrusion is prevented by the annular protrusion 36f.

  Dust-proof performance can be obtained in the same manner against dust and foreign matter (fine particles) entering from the gap between the dial 39 and the center key 41. In addition, in this example, the sliding contact with the back surface 39i of the dial 39 is the tip of the annular protrusion 43a of the rubber member 43, and even if foreign matter enters, it is difficult for the foreign matter to remain in this portion. Further, since the inner peripheral surface surrounding the central opening 39a of the dial 39 is a tapered surface 39g whose diameter increases toward the inside, it is difficult for foreign matter to remain in this portion. The problem that the operation feeling at the time of rotating operation deteriorates is difficult to occur.

  On the other hand, the base rubber member 44 exhibits dustproof and drip-proof performance against intrusion of liquid, dust, etc. from the gap between the exterior case and the dial 39. As shown in FIG. 2, the input device is generally exposed with the dial 39 positioned in the opening 61 a of the outer case 61. Even if, for example, liquid enters from the gap between the outer case 61 and the dial 39, the intermediate portion 44c of the base rubber member 44 is pressed against the lower surface of the second flange portion 36d of the dial base 36, thereby preventing liquid from entering. be able to.

  In this portion as well as the annular protrusion 43a of the rubber member 43, if the intermediate portion 44c is strongly pressed against the dial base 36, the rotational operability of the dial 39 is deteriorated due to sliding frictional force. Thus, there is a possibility that the liquid may further penetrate through this portion, but the cylindrical portion 34a of the base 34 prevents the penetration into the electrode pattern 53 side. A dustproof performance can be obtained in the same manner against the intrusion of dust or foreign matter.

  The outer peripheral portion 44a of the base rubber member 44 is located outside the base 34. For example, an annular protrusion 61b is provided on the inner surface side of the outer case 61 as shown in FIG. If it is brought into close contact with the portion 44a, the entry of liquid, dust, etc. into the device to which the input device is attached can be reliably prevented.

  In the groove formed between the peripheral wall portion 39c and the outer peripheral wall 39e of the dial 39, in FIG. 2, a protruding portion that protrudes toward the inner surface on the inner peripheral surface surrounding the opening 61a of the exterior case 61. 61c is located.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 show the second and third embodiments of the input device according to the present invention. In these embodiments, the shape of the rubber member attached to the center key 41 and disposed inside the dial 39 is shown. It has been changed. 10A and 10B show the shapes of the rubber member 43 ′ in FIG. 8 and the rubber member 43 ″ in FIG. 9, respectively.

  The rubber member 43 ′ is formed by forming a plurality of concentric protrusions 43d on the upper surface of the rubber member 43 described above. For example, when a foreign object enters, the foreign object is caught by the protrusion 43d and the intrusion to the inside is suppressed as much as possible. It has become something that can be.

  The rubber member 43 ″ is formed by forming a plurality of radial projections 43e on the upper surface of the rubber member 43 described above. Even if such a projection 43e is provided, for example, when foreign matter enters, the effect of capturing the foreign matter This is particularly effective when the dial 39 is rotated.

  The rubber members 43, 43 ′, 43 ″ are made of silicone rubber or the like, but in order to improve the slidability with the dial 39, the tip of the annular protrusion 43 a is made of high hardness rubber by two-color molding or the like. You may make it comprise. Further, in order to improve the slidability, the tip of the annular protrusion 43a may be coated. A similar method may be applied to the intermediate portion 44c having the inverted V-shaped cross section of the base rubber member 44 in order to improve the slidability with the dial base 36.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Support member 12 Flexible circuit board 12a 1st circuit board part 12b 2nd circuit board part 13 Mounting stand 13a Cylindrical protrusion part 13b Opening part 13c Press part 14 2nd drip-proof member 15 Slider 16 Rotating body 17 Click spring 18 Case 18a Opening 18b Side wall portion 18c Collar portion 19 First drip-proof member 19a Drip-proof pinching portion 19b Cover plate portion 19c Base portion 19d Side wall portion 19e Knob attachment portion 19f Attachment hole 21 Spacer member 22 Push button knob 22a Press portion 22b First prevention Drop member mounting portion 22c Collar portion 23 Rotating knob 23a Shaft support portion 23b Opening portion 23c Overhang portion 24 Central switch 25 Press switch 26 First drip-proof sheet 27 Exterior case 27a Opening portion 31 Plates 31a to 31g Hole 32 Double-sided tape 33 Flexible printed wiring Plate 33a Circular part 33b Cave Part 34 base 34a cylindrical part 34b bearing part 34c fixed part 34d frame part 34e pressing part 34f support beam 34g slit 34h boss 34i notch 34j boss 35 spring 35a locking part 36 dial base 36a shaft part 36b first flange part 36c step Portion 36d second flange portion 36e protrusion 36f annular protrusion 36g uneven 36h boss 36i hole 37 contact member 37a slider 37b hole 38 double-sided tape 39 dial 39a central opening 39b operation surface 39c peripheral wall portion 39d annular portion 39e outer peripheral wall 39f Boss 39g Tapered surface 39h Minute unevenness 39i Back surface 41 Center key 41a Press surface 41b Cylindrical portion 41c Flange 41d Pressing protrusion 41e Locking piece 41f Locking claw 41g Square column portion 42 Center key base 42a One end surface 42b Cylindrical portion 42c Notch 4 d hole 41e notch 42f, 42g boss 43, 43 ', 43''rubber member 43a annular projection 43b cylindrical portion 43c projection 43d, 43e projection 44 base rubber member 44a outer peripheral portion 44b boss 44c intermediate portion 44d inner peripheral portion 44e Hole 44f Protrusion 51 Central switch 51a Central movable contact 52 Peripheral switch 52a Peripheral movable contact 53 Electrode pattern 54, 55 Cover sheet 56-59 Hole 61 Outer case 61a Opening 61b Annular protrusion 61c Protrusion

Claims (8)

An input device having a dial that is rotated and tilted, and a center key that is pressed at a central opening of the dial,
A printed wiring board having an electrode pattern formed on the circumference;
A central switch located on the printed wiring board located at the center of the circumference;
A plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the printed wiring board arranged around the circumference;
A cylindrical portion mounted on the printed wiring board and disposed on a circumference between the electrode pattern and the plurality of peripheral switches, a bearing portion protruding from an inner periphery of an upper end of the cylindrical portion, A base having a plurality of fixed portions projecting on the outer periphery of the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and a pressing portion supported on the fixed portions so as to be displaceable and disposed on each peripheral switch;
A cylindrical portion, a shaft portion pivotally supported by the bearing portion, a first flange portion protruding from the outer periphery of the upper end of the shaft portion, and a step provided downward on the outer periphery of the first flange portion Dial base having a second flange portion projecting on the outer periphery of the lower end of the step portion, and a ridge portion projecting annularly on the lower surface of the second flange portion and positioned on each pressing portion When,
A contact member attached to a lower end of the shaft portion to prevent the shaft portion from coming off from the bearing portion and having a slider that is in sliding contact with the electrode pattern;
An annular operation surface surrounding the central opening, a peripheral wall portion provided on the outer periphery of the operation surface, and an annular portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the lower end of the peripheral wall portion and is closely fixed to the upper surface of the second flange portion The dial comprising:
The center key which is located on the central switch, has a pressing surface facing the outside from the central opening, and has a flange which is retained by the dial on the opposite side of the pressing surface;
It consists of an annular rubber member,
The rubber member has an inner peripheral side mounted on the flange, an inner peripheral surface is closely attached to the outer periphery of the center key and is fixed to the center key,
An annular protrusion that protrudes toward the rear surface of the operation surface of the dial on the peripheral edge of the rubber member, and a cylindrical portion that protrudes on the opposite side of the annular protrusion are formed,
An input device, wherein a gap is provided between each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the annular protrusion, the cylindrical portion, and the stepped portion and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The input device according to claim 1,
An input device, wherein an annular projecting portion located inside the cylindrical portion and facing the cylindrical portion is formed on an upper surface of the first flange portion. The input device according to claim 1 or 2,
An input device, wherein a plurality of concentric protrusions are formed on the upper surface of the rubber member. The input device according to claim 1 or 2,
An input device, wherein a plurality of radial projections are formed on an upper surface of the rubber member. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein a hardness of a portion of the annular protrusion that slides in contact with the back surface is larger than a hardness of another portion of the rubber member. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the dial surrounding the central opening is a tapered surface whose diameter increases toward the inside. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An annular base rubber member is disposed around the cylindrical portion of the base,
The base rubber member is located on the outer side of the plurality of fixed parts of the base and fixed on the printed wiring board, and on the inner side of the outer peripheral part, the lower peripheral edge of the second flange part An intermediate portion that is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral portion located inside the intermediate portion,
A plurality of holes in which the pressing portion can be positioned are formed in the inner peripheral portion,
The intermediate device has an inverted V-shaped cross section and is elastically deformable. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The central switch and the peripheral switch are each composed of a fixed contact formed on the printed wiring board, and a dome-shaped movable contact disposed on the fixed contact,
The input device, wherein the movable contact is covered with a cover sheet.

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