JP5222745B2 - KEY SHEET MANUFACTURING METHOD, KEY SHEET, KEY OPERATION DEVICE, ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key sheet manufacturing method, a key sheet, a key operation device, and an electronic apparatus.

In recent years, various portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), electronic notebooks, and digital cameras have been proposed. These portable electronic devices often have a key operation unit including a plurality of keys as an input unit.
Such a key operation unit is usually configured such that a key member disposed on one surface side of a key sheet member formed of an insulating material such as a resin is externally provided from an opening formed in a casing of a portable electronic device. It is configured to be exposed toward
In general, a multifunction key that can be pressed in four directions or the like is mounted.

  Among the multi-function keys, in assembling a round multi-function key, a protrusion is formed in the outer peripheral direction of the key, and this protrusion is used to prevent rotation of the round multi-function key.

Specifically, first, a key button including a multi-function key is arranged in the recess of the key sticking jig so that the back surface is exposed. At this time, the round multifunction key is prevented from being rotated (positioned) by arranging so that the protrusions of the round multifunction key engage with the notches formed in the key attaching jig.
Then, an adhesive is applied to the back surface of the key button, a key base material is placed thereon, pressed and bonded, then removed from the key sticking jig, and a key sheet (key operating device) is assembled (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-281331 A

Today, there are cases where the key area is increased in order to improve the key operability, and adjacent keys are arranged without any gap around the entire circumference of the multifunction key in order to improve the design.
However, in the conventional key sheet manufacturing method, the protrusions formed in the outer peripheral direction of the round multifunction key are in the way, and the adjacent keys cannot be disposed around the entire periphery of the multifunction key without any gaps.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a key sheet manufacturing method capable of accurately positioning the rotational position of a circular key when the adjacent key is arranged without a gap on the entire circumference of the circular key, a key sheet, An object is to provide a key operation device and an electronic device.

The portable electronic device according to the present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
1st invention arrange | positions the several key button containing a circular key with respect to a plate-shaped key sticking jig | tool, and contact | abuts the said several key button and key base material, and the said several key button and said key A key sheet manufacturing method for joining base materials, comprising: a step of arranging the plurality of key buttons on the key sticking jig with the back surface exposed; and an engaged portion formed on the back surface of the circular key. A step of arranging a positioning sheet member for positioning and holding the circular key so as not to rotate on the plurality of key buttons so that a part protrudes from an outer edge of the plurality of key buttons; and the plurality of key buttons And a step of pulling out the positioning sheet member from between the plurality of key buttons and the key base material.

  According to the present invention, the circular key can be accurately positioned and held. Further, after pasting the plurality of key buttons and the key base material, since a part of the positioning sheet member protrudes from the outer edges of the plurality of key buttons, the positioning sheet member is removed from between the key button and the key base material. It can be easily pulled out.

  Further, the engaged portion is formed at a line-symmetrical position with respect to a direction in which the positioning sheet member is pulled out with reference to the center of the circular key.

  According to the present invention, rotation of the circular key can be effectively suppressed by the positioning sheet member, and accurate positioning can be achieved.

  Further, the engaged portion is composed of two first protrusions.

  According to the present invention, since the shape change of the back surface of the circular key can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, the cost increase of the circular key can be prevented.

  Further, a first relief portion that avoids interference with the engaged portion is formed at a portion corresponding to the engaged portion in the key base material.

  According to the present invention, since the circular key can be brought into close contact with the key base material, reliable sticking can be realized.

  Further, the positioning sheet member is made of a flexible member.

  According to the present invention, even if the gap between the key button and the key base material (the space in which the positioning sheet member is arranged) has a complicated shape, the key button and the key base material can be bent by bending the positioning sheet member. It can be deformed to follow the shape of the gap. Further, the positioning sheet member can be pulled out from the gap between the key button and the key base material while being deformed. Furthermore, the bent positioning sheet member can be restored to its original shape and reused.

  In addition, a second protrusion is formed on the back surface of the circular key, and a second relief portion that avoids interference with the second protrusion is formed at a portion corresponding to the second protrusion on the key base material. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when the mounting direction (rotation direction) of the circular key is not arranged at the correct position, the second protrusion on the back surface of the circular key does not correspond to the second relief portion. The key base material is pushed up by interfering with the key base material. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the mounting direction (rotation direction) of the circular key is wrong by visual observation.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, after arranging a plurality of key buttons including a circular key with respect to a plate-like key sticking jig, the plurality of key buttons and the key are brought into contact with the plurality of key buttons and a key base material. A key sheet having a base material joined thereto, wherein the plurality of key buttons are disposed on the key sticking jig with the back surface exposed, and engaged with an engaged portion formed on the back surface of the circular key. A positioning sheet member that holds the circular key so as not to rotate is arranged on the plurality of key buttons so that a part protrudes from an outer edge of the plurality of key buttons, and a key base material is attached to the plurality of key buttons. The positioning sheet member is manufactured by being pulled out from between the plurality of key buttons and the key base material.

  According to the present invention, a key sheet in which circular keys are arranged at accurate positions can be obtained.

  A third invention is a key operating device including the key sheet manufactured according to the first invention or the key sheet according to the second invention.

  According to the present invention, a key operation device in which circular keys are arranged at accurate positions can be obtained.

  4th invention is an electronic device provided with the key operation apparatus which concerns on 3rd invention, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the present invention, an electronic apparatus having a key operation device in which circular keys are arranged at accurate positions can be obtained.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
In other words, an engagement portion is formed on the back surface of the circular key so that the back surface is exposed to the key attaching jig, and a positioning sheet member is engaged with the engagement portion so that the circular key does not rotate. Hold the positioning. As a result, even with a key operation unit having a configuration in which adjacent keys are arranged on the entire circumference of the circular key, a plurality of key buttons and a key base material can be pasted in a state where the directionality of the circular key is accurately positioned and held. . Furthermore, the key sheet can be efficiently manufactured by pulling out the positioning sheet member.

1 is a front view of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the key sheet from the surface side. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the key sheet from the surface side. It is a perspective view explaining the manufacturing method of a key sheet. It is a partial perspective top view which shows the key sheet | seat arrange | positioned at a key sticking jig | tool. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a key sheet manufacturing method, a key sheet, a key operation device, and an electronic device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

The mobile phone (electronic device) K has a structure in which a first housing 1 and a second housing 2 are connected via a hinge portion 3 and can be folded as necessary.
The first housing 1 is provided with a display 4 and a speaker 5. In the second housing 2, a key button KB composed of a plurality of key tops 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, and 4a to 4e is exposed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cellular phone K employs a frameless key structure in which key tops 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, and 4a to 4e are arranged adjacent to each other. For this reason, between the key tops 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, 4a to 4e, a frame for a part of the housing to support the key tops 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, and 4a to 4e. Not arranged as a body.

In FIG. 2, only the large opening 21 including all the arrangement areas of the key tops 1 a to 1 e, 2 a to 2 e, 3 a to 3 e, and 4 a to 4 e is shown in the second housing 2. Inside the body, a key operation unit (key operation device) 7, a circuit board 8, a battery 9, and the like are arranged.
In the space between the circuit board 8 and the battery 9, an electronic component (for example, an antenna) is disposed as necessary.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 8 is a board on which an electronic circuit is mounted, and is supported by the support portion 22 inside the second housing 2 as described above. 23 is disposed opposite to the back surface of 23 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the key button KB is disposed). A dome-shaped key switch member 10 that is operated by pressing each key button KB is disposed on the upper surface side of the circuit board 8.

Next, the key sheet KS will be described.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the key sheet KS viewed from the front side, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the key sheet KS viewed from the front side.
3 to 6, the key base material 23, the key button KB, and the reinforcing plate F are denoted by f when viewed from the front side (23f, KBf, Ff), and viewed from the back side. In this case, b is added to the code (23b, KBb, Fb) to distinguish the front and back.

  3 and 4, the key sheet KS constituting the key operation unit 7 includes a key button KB, a key base material 23 formed of an elastically deformable rubber plate, and a reinforcing plate F made of a thin plate such as stainless steel. And is assembled by sticking with an adhesive in a state where the reinforcing plate F is sandwiched between the key button KB and the key base material 23.

On the outer periphery of the circular key 1e constituting a part of the key button KB, a plurality of key tops 1a to 1d are arranged adjacent to each other with no gaps around the circular key 1e.
The reinforcing plate F disposed on the back side of the key button KB is formed by punching and molding a portion corresponding to each key button KB (key tops 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, 4a to 4e). A through hole W is formed.

  Furthermore, the key base material 23 arranged on the back side of the reinforcing plate F has a plurality of bulging portions H projecting from the surface corresponding to the key buttons KB at predetermined intervals in an island shape. .

These bulged portions H are formed in a shape that can be inserted through the through holes W of the reinforcing plate F, and the top surfaces of the bulged portions H that are inserted through the through holes W are in close contact with the back surfaces of the key buttons KB. It is configured as a sticking surface that sticks.
In addition, although mentioned later for details, the key base material 23 is formed in the substantially identical shape as the recessed part G in the back surface side of the some bulging part H. As shown in FIG. A plurality of pressing portions P corresponding to the dome-shaped key switch member 10 are protruded from the bottom surface of each recess G (see FIG. 2).

Next, a method for manufacturing the key sheet KS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing the key sheet KS.
FIG. 6 is a partially transparent plan view showing the key sheet KS arranged in the key sticking jig 42.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

In FIG. 5, the key sticking jig 42 is constituted by, for example, a metal mold formed in a rectangular shape with a predetermined plate thickness, and a plurality of engravings (not shown) corresponding to the key buttons KB are formed on the upper surface thereof. It is formed.
First, a plurality of key tops 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a to 3e, and 4a to 4e are inserted into the engraving and arranged in an aligned manner.

On the back surface of the circular key 1e, two first protrusions (engaged parts) R1 and R2 protrude on the outer edge side, and one second protrusion S protrudes on the outer edge side. Yes.
Therefore, in the state where the circular key 1e is arranged on the key sticking jig 42, the two first protrusions R1, R2 and the second protrusion S are exposed.
In addition, 1st protrusion part R1, R2 and 2nd protrusion part S are formed in the height of 0.8 mm or less from the back surface of the circular key 1e, for example.

The two first protrusions R1, R2 are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the center line C with respect to the center M of the circular key 1e.
These two first protrusions R1 and R2 are positioned so as to restrict the rotation of the circular key 1e by engaging a positioning sheet member 30 described later when the key base material 23 is brought into contact with the key button KB. It has a retained function.

Next, the positioning sheet member 30 is disposed on the circular key 1e (on the back surface side) disposed on the key sticking jig 42.
The positioning sheet member 30 is a sheet member made of a flexible member such as plastic (PP, PET, etc.), and has two first protrusions R1, R2 of the circular key 1e at the forked end. Two engaging grooves 30a and 30b that are engaged with each other are formed, and a locking groove 30c is formed at the center of the bottom of the concave groove that forms a fork.
When the positioning sheet member 30 is arranged on the circular key 1e of the key sticking jig 42, one end thereof protrudes from the outer edge of the key button KB and further from the outer edge of the key sticking jig 42 as shown in FIG. It is such a length.
Note that the thickness of the positioning sheet member 30 is, for example, about 0.5 mm.

The locking groove 30c corresponds to the locking pin T erected on the upper surface of the key sticking jig 42, and the engaging grooves 30a, 30b of the positioning sheet member 30 are formed on the two first protrusions R1, R2. When engaged, it is configured to engage with the locking pin T at the same time.
Therefore, when the positioning sheet member 30 is placed on the circular key 1e arranged on the back surface with respect to the key attaching jig 42, the rotation of the circular key 1e is restricted. In other words, the circular key 1e is positioned so as to be uniquely determined.

Next, after applying an adhesive on the key button KB (back surface) arranged on the key sticking jig 42, the reinforcing plate F and the key base material 23 are placed on the key button KB and pressed to join them. The adhesive may be applied to the bulging portion H of the key base material 23.
In addition, the bulging part H used as the sticking surface of the key base material 23 is spaced apart from each other in an island shape, and a reinforcing plate F is stuck between the bulging parts H. Therefore, it is preferable that the reinforcing plate F is bonded to the key base material 23 in advance.
In this way, each key button KB is affixed to the bulging portion H of the key base material 23 via the adhesive.

Of the bulging portion H of the key base material 23, portions corresponding to the first protrusions R1 and R2 and the second protrusion S of the circular key 1e are provided in a first escape portion H1 for avoiding interference with them. , H2 and a second relief portion H3 are formed.
Further, the height of the bulging portion H is higher (for example, 1.0 mm or more) than the height (for example, 0.8 mm or less) of the first protrusions R1, R2 and the second protrusion S.
Therefore, the circular key 1e and the key base material 23 are joined without the first protrusions R1, R2 and the second protrusion S of the circular key 1e coming into contact with and interfering with the key base material 23.

Then, the positioning sheet member 30 is pulled out from between the key button KB and the key base material 23. Specifically, a part of the positioning sheet member 30 protruding from the outer edge of the key button KB is pulled along the center line C.
Thus, the key base material 23 and the key button KB are pasted together with the adhesive and assembled as an integrally formed key sheet KS with the reinforcing plate F sandwiched between the key base material 23 and the key button KB.

According to the manufacturing method of the key sheet KS described above, the circular key 1e has the two first protrusions R1 and R2 engaged with the engaging grooves 30a and 30b of the positioning sheet member 30 so that the rotational position of the circular key 1e is set. Accurate positioning is maintained.
Further, the positioning sheet member 30 can be easily pulled out after the circular key 1e is attached to the correct position.

  Moreover, since the 1st protrusion part R1, R2 of the circular key 1e is formed in the line symmetrical position with respect to the centerline C pulling the positioning sheet | seat member 30, rotation of the circular key 1e is suppressed effectively. In addition, accurate positioning can be achieved.

  In addition, since the first relief portions H1 and H2 are formed on the key base material 23 at portions corresponding to the first projections R1 and R2 of the circular key 1e, interference with the first projections R1 and R2 is prevented. It can be avoided.

The circular key 1e is provided with the second protrusion S and the key base member 23 is provided with the second relief H3 corresponding to the second protrusion S. The circular key 1e is attached at an incorrect position (rotation position). This is so that it can be visually confirmed.
In other words, when the circular key 1e is not arranged at the correct position, the second protrusion S is located at a position that does not correspond to the second escape portion H3. The bulging portion H is pushed up by abutting (interfering) with the bulging portion H of 23. Therefore, it can be easily confirmed by visual observation that the mounting direction (rotation direction) of the circular key 1e is wrong.

  The positioning sheet member 30 is preferably formed of a flexible resin or the like as described above. Even if the gap between the key button KB and the key base material 23 (the space in which the positioning sheet member 30 is disposed) has a complicated shape (for example, a shape that is bent or curved), the positioning sheet member 30 can be easily shaped into that shape. This is because the positioning sheet member 30 can be pulled out while being deformed. When the positioning sheet member 30 is pulled out while being deformed, the positioning sheet member 30 can be restored to its original shape and reused.

  Various shapes, combinations, and the like of the constituent members described in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The shape of the positioning sheet member 30 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment, and various modifications can be given.
Instead of the two first protrusions R1 and R2, the first protrusions R1 and R2 are connected to form a linear stepped wall and a linear contact portion is formed at the tip of the positioning sheet member 30. May be. Even in such a shape, the rotation of the circular key 1e can be restricted by contacting the contact portion with the stepped wall portion.

  Moreover, as a to-be-engaged part formed in the back surface of the circular key 1e, it is not restricted to a protrusion, A groove | channel may be sufficient. In this case, a member provided with a tongue piece engageable with the groove may be used as the positioning sheet member.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1e ... Circular key, 7 ... Key operation part (key operation apparatus), 23 ... Key base material, 30 ... Positioning sheet member, 30a, 30b ... Engaging groove, 42 ... Key sticking jig, KB ... Key button, KS ... Key sheet, R1, R2 ... first projection (engaged portion), S ... second projection, H1, H2 ... first relief, H3 ... second relief, K ... mobile phone (electronic device), 21: Opening part, F: Reinforcing plate, P: Pressing part, G: Recessed part, W ... Through hole, H ... Swelling part, 30c ... Locking groove, T ... Locking pin

Claims (9)

After arranging a plurality of key buttons including a circular key with respect to a plate-like key sticking jig, a key for contacting the plurality of key buttons and the key base material to join the plurality of key buttons and the key base material A sheet manufacturing method comprising:
A step of exposing the back of the plurality of key buttons on the key sticking jig; and
A plurality of positioning sheet members that engage and engage with engaged portions formed on the back surface of the circular key so that the circular key does not rotate are protruded from the outer edges of the plurality of key buttons. Placing on the key button;
Attaching a key base material to the plurality of key buttons;
Extracting the positioning sheet member from between the plurality of key buttons and the key base material;
A method of manufacturing a key sheet, comprising:   2. The key sheet manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion is formed at a line-symmetrical position in a direction in which the positioning sheet member is pulled out with reference to a center of the circular key.   The key sheet manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion includes two first protrusions.   4. The first relief portion for avoiding interference with the engaged portion is formed at a portion of the key base material corresponding to the engaged portion. 5. A manufacturing method of a key sheet given in one paragraph.   The key sheet manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the positioning sheet member is made of a flexible member. A second protrusion is formed on the back surface of the circular key;
The second relief portion for avoiding interference with the second projection portion is formed at a portion corresponding to the second projection portion in the key base material. A manufacturing method of a key sheet given in one paragraph. After arranging a plurality of key buttons including a circular key with respect to a plate-like key sticking jig, the plurality of key buttons and the key base material are brought into contact with each other to join the plurality of key buttons and the key base material. A key sheet,
Place the plurality of key buttons on the key sticking jig with the back surface exposed,
A plurality of key buttons are formed by projecting a part of a positioning sheet member that engages with an engaged portion formed on the back surface of the circular key so as not to rotate the circular key from the outer edge of the plurality of key buttons. Placed on top
A key base material is attached to the plurality of key buttons,
A key sheet produced by pulling out the positioning sheet member from between the plurality of key buttons and the key base material.   A key operating device comprising the key sheet manufactured by the key sheet manufacturing method according to claim 1 or the key sheet according to claim 7.   An electronic apparatus comprising the key operation device according to claim 8.

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