JP4480243B2 - Operation key structure and electronic device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation key structure capable of multi-directional operation, and an electronic device including the operation key structure. More specifically, it is an operation key arranged on the operation surface of the front panel of the electronic device, such as a multidirectional operation key that can perform a plurality of functions with one key by operating the key in multiple directions, etc. This relates to the operation key structure. Such an operation key structure is used in various electronic devices in addition to mobile communication terminal devices such as mobile phones, portable radios, information terminal devices, and portable personal computers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a mobile phone which is one of electronic devices having an operation key structure such as a multidirectional operation key according to the present invention. Since the conventional apparatus is the same except for the operation key structure, it will be described with reference to FIG.
In this mobile phone, an upper panel 10 and a lower panel (not shown) form a device casing, and main components related to the operation key structure are a key top sheet 40, an operation key unit 30, a key unit base. 50, a circuit board 20, a switch base 31, and the like, which are housed in a predetermined position with these inside the apparatus housing. On the upper surface of the upper panel 10, a number of through holes 11 for predetermined buttons for dial buttons, power / end buttons, etc. are provided, and a large through hole for a multidirectional operation key is provided near the center of the upper panel 10. 12 is arranged.
[0003]
These buttons and keys (40x) are integrally formed on the key top sheet 40, and protrude through the through holes (11, 12) of the upper panel 10 to the upper surface. The key top sheet 40 is made of a synthetic resin such as semi-transparent silicon rubber having elasticity, and transmits light inside the apparatus to the outside and prevents intrusion of dust, dust, water droplets and the like into the apparatus. Also plays a role. The key top sheet 40 includes a shaft penetration portion 41 that penetrates the switch shaft 33. Further, the key unit base 50 includes a penetrating storage 51 for penetrating and storing the switch base 31, as well as light emission by a contact 53 corresponding to the operation of the button operation and an LED for brightening the inside of the key top sheet 40. Part 52.
[0004]
In recent years, electronic devices have various functions, and various operation keys are arranged to improve operability so that a user can easily use these functions without fail. The multi-directional operation key is capable of operating a plurality of functions with a single operation key by operating in multiple directions. As a type that is widely used, there is a type that can operate in four directions (cross direction) and center push, and so-called joysticks are also included.
[0005]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing a conventional multidirectional operation key structure. This figure is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. Main components are the operation key part 30 (knob part) of the multidirectional operation key, the cushion member 34, the switch shaft 33, the switch base 31, the key top sheet 40, the key unit base 50, the circuit board 20, light emission by the LED, and the like. Part 52. The operation key unit 30 is pivotally supported by the switch shaft 33 and interlocks with the switch base 31 to be connected. When the operation key unit 30 is pressed, the switch shaft 33 is tilted in any direction or pushed vertically, so that the switch base 31 is operated.
The cushion member 34 is a substantially circular packing member having elasticity such as black rubber, and follows the movement of the switch shaft 33 so that dust and water droplets do not directly enter the inside of the device and is applied to the switch shaft 33. The structure was formed by relaxing the stress and preventing shaft breakage.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional multi-directional operation key structure as shown in FIG. 4, since a separate unique member called the cushion member 34 is used, it is inferior in unit cost and man-hour reduction of parts, and somewhat disadvantageous in reducing manufacturing cost. Was acting on. Further, since a material such as black rubber was used, the translucency was low, and even when an LED or the like emitted light, the light was not transmitted so much. Rather, since it is an obstacle to try to show the vicinity of the operation key portion 30 shiningly, it is only necessary to avoid using the cushion member 34. In such a case, even if the translucency is improved, it is waterproof. There was a concern that the property and dustproofness deteriorated, and the stress applied to the switch shaft 33 increased and it was easily broken.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and contributes to reducing the cost and man-hours of the device in a multidirectional operation key structure such as an electronic device, and has translucency, waterproofness, dustproofness, and shaft breakage prevention. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation key structure and an electronic device having this structure.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the operation key structure and the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, the following means are used in order to solve the above-described problems. In addition, the code | symbol attached | subjected corresponds to it in a figure.
(1) A switch base 31 connected to the circuit board 20, an operation key part 30 for interlocking with the switch base 31 via the switch shaft 33, and a through-housing part 51 for penetrating and housing the switch base 31. equipped with a key unit base 50 which is arranged connected to the circuit board 20, a shaft provided with a through part 41, the shaft key leaving through section unit body 50 and the switch base 31 that passes through the switch shaft 33 The key top sheet 40 is disposed so as to be covered in a flat and integral manner with the operation key structure.
(2) In this operation key structure, the shaft penetrating portion 41 of the key top sheet 40 is configured to include an annular peripheral wall portion 40 a surrounding the switch shaft 33.
(3) In this operation key structure, the operation key portion 30 is configured to include a flange portion 30a that opens to the shaft side.
(4) In this operation key structure, the key top sheet 40 is made of a translucent material.
(5) In this operation key structure, the flange portion 30a of the operation key portion 30 is made of a translucent material.
(6) An electronic device in which a multi-directional operation key structure is provided in the apparatus housing, wherein the multi-directional operation key structure is formed by the operation key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Configured.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of an operation key structure and an electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an example of the operation key structure according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows another example of the operation key structure according to the present invention. These drawings are cross-sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a cellular phone which is one of electronic devices having an operation key structure such as a multidirectional operation key according to the present invention.
[0009]
According to FIG. 1, the main components are an operation key part 30 for multidirectional operation keys, a switch shaft 33, a switch base 31, a key top sheet 40, a key unit 50, a circuit board 20, a light emitting part 52 such as an LED. is there. The operation key unit 30 is pivotally supported by the switch shaft 33 and interlocks with the switch base 31 to be connected. The key unit base 50 is connected to the circuit board 20 and includes a penetrating storage 51 for penetrating and storing the switch base 31.
[0010]
Here, the major difference in structure from the conventional example (FIG. 4) is that the cushion member 34 is not used. In the present invention, the key top sheet 40 formed by resin molding into one sheet is formed by the key unit base 50. And it arrange | positions closely so that the switch base | substrate 31 may be covered integrally, and the key top integrated structure is formed. In FIG. 1, since the surface of the switch base 31 covered with the key top sheet 40 and the surface of the key unit base 50 are substantially flush, the key top sheet 40 leaves a substantially circular shaft penetration 41, The disposed switch base 31 and key unit base 50 are integrally covered in a planar shape.
[0011]
The key top sheet 40 is made of a soft and elastic synthetic resin such as transparent or translucent silicon rubber, and has a high translucency and illumination property. Transmit light to the outside. And the key unit base | substrate 50 is equipped with the light emission part 52 by LED etc. for making the inside of the key top sheet 40 shine brightly. According to the operation key structure of the present invention, since the so-called key top integrated structure is formed by the key top sheet 40, the light of the light emitting portion 52 of the key unit base 50 is well transmitted and the light guide property is improved. Therefore, uniform and clear illumination can be obtained around the operation key unit 30. The key top integrated structure according to the present invention can also improve the role of preventing dust, dust, water droplets and the like from entering the apparatus. In the operation key structure of the present invention, it is proposed that the key top sheet 40 is made of a translucent material. At this time, the buttons and keys (40x) formed so as to protrude from the surface are: In particular, it does not need to be configured as a light-transmitting material.
[0012]
Moreover, the operation key part 30 is good to comprise and comprise the flange part 30a opened to a shaft side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation key portion 30 includes a head portion 30b and a flange portion 30a, and the flange portion 30a has a circumferential end portion 30a ′. When the operation key portion 30 is tilted in a direction operated by the user, the flange portion 30a has a circumferential end portion 30a ′ at the inclined end, and this moves against the key top sheet 40. Stop. At this time, the key top sheet 40 acts as a stopper for limiting the amount of inclination, and if it is a soft and flexible resin, it acts as a cushion and absorbs stress, thereby further preventing the switch shaft 33 from being broken.
[0013]
Moreover, in this operation key structure, the flange part 30a of the operation key part 30 is good to comprise from a translucent material. By combining with the key top integrated structure by the key top sheet 40, the light of the light emitting part 52 of the key unit base body 50 is well transmitted and the light guiding property is improved, and the flange part 30a is also milky white or the like. If it is made of a material having high translucency, light is further taken in and emitted, and the effect of the light guide or illumination is remarkable.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the surface of the switch base 31 covered with the key top sheet 40 and the surface of the key unit base 50 are stepped surfaces. Therefore, the key top sheet 40 is also preferably provided with planar irregularities so as to closely adhere to this surface. Here, the key base integrated structure is formed by covering the switch base 31 and the key unit base 50 arranged in a planar manner, with the shaft penetration 41 remaining.
And the shaft penetration part 41 of the key top sheet | seat 40 is good to comprise the annular surrounding wall part 40a surrounding the switch shaft 33, and to comprise. The annular peripheral wall portion 40a extends the key top sheet 40 while surrounding the switch shaft 33, so that the distance between the key top sheet 40 and the flange portion 30a becomes a more complicated shape. Further improve. Moreover, the light of the light emission part 52 is light-guided to the front-end | tip of this cyclic | annular surrounding wall part 40a, The light guide amount to the flange part 30a can be increased more, and light guide property is further improved.
[0015]
In addition, in an electronic apparatus in which a multidirectional operation key structure is provided in the apparatus housing, the multidirectional operation key structure is preferably formed by the operation key structure according to the present invention. In this way, in the operation key structure of the electronic device, it is possible to make the structure excellent in translucency, waterproofness, dustproofness, and breakage resistance, and further, the electronic device can contribute to cost reduction in terms of manufacturability. Can get.
[0016]
【The invention's effect】
Thus, according to the present invention, the following excellent effects are exhibited. (The following description of the effect corresponds to the claim.)
(1) In the conventional operation key structure, a separate unique member called a cushion member is used. However, in the present invention, since the key top integrated structure is formed by the key top sheet, the unit cost and the number of man-hours can be reduced in terms of manufacturing. An operation key structure with excellent translucency, waterproofness and dustproofness can be obtained.
(2) In the operation key structure, the shaft penetrating part is provided with an annular peripheral wall part that surrounds the switch shaft, so that the operation key part is light-transmitting and guiding light, and is waterproof and dustproof. In addition, an operation key structure excellent in the above can be obtained.
(3) Since the operation key portion is configured to include a flange portion that opens to the shaft side, the operation key portion is resistant to breakage, and an operation key structure having excellent light collecting properties, light transmissivity, and light guiding properties is obtained.
(4) If the key top sheet is made of a translucent material, the operation key portion transmits light over the entire area, and an operation key structure with higher translucency and illumination effects can be obtained.
(5) If the flange part of the operation key part is made of a translucent material, the structure of transmitting light will be further increased, and an operation key structure with excellent translucency and illumination will be obtained.
(6) Since the multi-directional operation key structure of the electronic device is formed by the operation key structure of the present invention, an electronic device having an excellent operation key structure can be provided to the market.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view with a cross section showing an example of an operation key structure according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing another example of the operation key structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a mobile phone which is one of electronic devices having an operation key structure such as a multidirectional operation key according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view showing an example of a conventional operation key structure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Upper panel 20 Circuit board 30 Operation key part 30a Flange part 31 Switch base 33 Switch shaft 40 Key top sheet | seat 40a Annular peripheral wall part 41 Shaft penetration part 50 Key unit base | substrate 51 Penetrating storage part 52 Light emission part

Claims (6)

A switch base disposed in connection with the circuit board;
An operation key unit for interlocking the switch base via the switch shaft;
A key unit base provided with a penetrating storage portion for penetrating and storing the switch base, and connected to the circuit board;
A key top sheet provided with a shaft penetrating portion that penetrates the switch shaft, and disposed so as to cover the key unit base body and the switch base body in close contact with each other , leaving the shaft penetrating portion ;
An operation key structure characterized by comprising: The operation key structure according to claim 1,
The operation key structure according to claim 1, wherein the shaft penetrating portion of the key top sheet includes an annular peripheral wall portion surrounding the switch shaft. The operation key structure according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation key structure is characterized in that the operation key portion includes a flange portion that opens to the shaft side.   4. The operation key structure according to claim 1, wherein the key top sheet is made of a translucent material. 5. The operation key structure according to claim 3 or 4,
The operation key structure according to claim 1, wherein the flange portion of the operation key portion is made of a translucent material.   An electronic device having a multi-directional operation key structure in a device housing, wherein the multi-directional operation key structure is formed by the operation key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Electronic device characterized.

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