JP5278853B2 - Button structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a button structure that narrows the distance between button bodies which are adjacent when assembled to electronic equipment while manufacturing a plurality (two pieces) of button bodies as one part. <P>SOLUTION: The button switch 10 is composed by suitably arranging two button parts 12 of identical configurations. The button parts include: first button bodies 13 of a narrow plane rectangular configuration; second button bodies 14 of the narrow plane rectangular configurations with one of the short sides formed in arc shapes; a first arm 15 connecting both button bodies; and second arms 16 provided on both button bodies. Both arms include spring properties and support both button bodies. The four button bodies are arranged in one straight line by arranging the two button parts by point symmetry. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a button structure constituting a push button switch mounted on an electronic device.

  In various electronic devices and apparatuses, there is a push button switch as one of man-machine interfaces. In this type of push button switch, for example, a button main body serving as an operation unit to be pressed by touching a finger or the like is disposed opposite to a contact / non-contact type switch unit provided on a printed circuit board. The button body is urged in a direction away from the switch portion by an elastic member having an elastic restoring force such as a spring or rubber having various shapes. As a result, when the button body is pressed, the button body moves closer to the switch unit, and the contact of the switch unit is turned on (or turned off). At this time, the elastic member is elastically deformed. Therefore, when the pressing force on the button body is lost, the button body moves away from the switch portion by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member. A part of the contact of the switch unit may be incorporated in the button body. Furthermore, one button body may be arranged alone, but in many cases, a plurality of button bodies are arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern. Note that this type of push button switch is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 and the like.

JP-A-6-302244

  Due to the recent trend toward smaller and lighter electronic devices, the size of individual button bodies has also become smaller. In a configuration in which a plurality of button bodies are arranged, it is cumbersome to manufacture and assemble the small button bodies one by one. In addition, as shown in Patent Document 1, when two adjacent button bodies connected by a connecting member are prepared and assembled, there is a possibility that the workability of the assembly is improved. is there. However, since this type of button body is generally integrally molded by filling a mold with a synthetic resin, a space with a certain distance is formed between adjacent button bodies. Therefore, when the button body is assembled to the case of the electronic device, it is necessary to arrange a blindfold member that covers the space formed between the adjacent button bodies, which is complicated. In particular, the space formed between the adjacent button bodies needs to have a certain distance regardless of the size and shape of the individual button bodies, and in particular, the smaller the size and shape of the individual button bodies, Since the ratio of the distance of the button body complete space to the size of the button body becomes large, it becomes noticeable.

  The present invention provides a button structure in which a plurality of (two) button bodies are integrally manufactured as one part, and the distance between adjacent button bodies can be reduced when assembled to an electronic device or the like. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a button structure according to the present invention is (1) a button structure including a plurality of push buttons arranged, and the push buttons include a button body serving as an operation unit, and an array. A button arm composed of a plurality of button bodies connected by the first arm, the button parts having the same shape and adjacent to each other. The first arm connected to the button body was disposed so as to protrude to the opposite side. The first arm only needs to have a function of connecting the two button bodies.

  Since the button structure of the present invention is configured by combining and arranging button parts having the same shape as appropriate, it can be easily manufactured using one mold. Further, the two button bodies connected by the first arm are configured to have a size such that there is one button body constituting another button part therebetween. Therefore, in the case of the entire button structure, even if adjacent button bodies are brought close to each other, the button bodies constituting one button part are separated from each other by an appropriate distance. Can be manufactured in molds. In other words, when manufacturing button parts by connecting adjacent button bodies when viewed in a button structure, if the button parts are manufactured by integral molding using a mold, the adjacent button bodies are separated. Therefore, it is necessary to use a mold with a partition wall disposed between them, and at least the thickness of the partition wall needs to be spaced apart from the adjacent button bodies, making it difficult to bring the two close together. Will occur. On the other hand, in the present invention, as described above, even if a space having an appropriate interval is formed between the plurality of button bodies constituting the button part, the button body of another button part enters the space. Since it becomes a form, when it sees with a button structure, the clearance gap between adjacent button bodies can be narrowed.

  The arrangement of the plurality of push buttons is particularly preferably performed in a horizontal row. The term “horizontal line” includes the case where it is slightly deviated from the arrangement (arrangement) direction (when it has a width). In particular, it is preferable that the button bodies are arranged so as to be arranged completely on the same straight line.

  (2) The first arm may have a function of supporting the button body. In addition to the function of linking the button body, which is a basic function, the function of supporting the button body is provided, so that the number of parts can be omitted and the structure can be simplified.

  (3) A second arm that supports the button main body is connected to the button main body on a surface opposite to the connection surface of the first arm, and the second arm connects the adjacent button main body. It may be arranged inside the first arm. If it does in this way, an arm will be connected to the both sides of a button body, respectively, especially when the 1st and 2nd arm gave the function which supports a button body, It will be supported from both sides and will be instructed in a stable state.

  (4) It is preferable that the button body has an elongated shape in the arrangement direction, the first arm has a planar U shape, and the second arm has a planar L shape. If it is made into an elongated shape, both arms can secure a certain length along the button body. Therefore, both arms can exhibit a suitable spring property and strength, and can have a function of appropriately supporting the button body. Also, if the button body is slender, it is easy to tilt when the button body is pressed, but the first and second arms are connected to both sides of the button body so that it can be supported stably. It becomes possible.

  (5) The interval between the button bodies connected by the first arm constituting the button part is set in accordance with the length of one button body constituting another button part entering the space between the button bodies. It is good to be done. To match the length of the button body means to make it coincide with the length of the button body or to lengthen it by a predetermined length. When completely matched, adjacent button bodies come into contact with each other when assembled, and smooth push button operation may be hindered.

  (6) The two adjacent button parts may be arranged so as to be point-symmetric. In particular, if a symmetrical point is placed on a line connecting the center points of a plurality of button bodies constituting a button part, a plurality of button bodies constituting the button part can be easily formed so as to be arranged on the same straight line. it can.

  (7) The facing portions of the adjacent button bodies may be parallel to each other throughout the whole. In this way, the gap between the opposing parts of the adjacent button bodies is constant throughout, especially when it is attached to the case by making the gap small (narrow), and a blindfold structure between the button bodies. It is not necessary to adopt the case, and the structure and shape of the case are simplified.

  (8) The plurality of button bodies constituting the button part may be formed of the same shape. In this way, not only the whole button parts can be unified, but there is no substitute between the button body located at the center and the button body located at the end. A button body can be arranged.

  In the present invention, a plurality of (two) button bodies can be integrally manufactured as one component, and the distance between adjacent button bodies can be reduced when assembled to an electronic device or the like.

  1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a flat rectangular case 2, a switch 3 and a DC jack 4 are provided on the side surface, and a button switch 10 is provided in front of the upper surface. That is, an elongated opening 2a is formed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the case 2, and the upper surface of the button switch 10 is disposed so as to protrude outward from the opening 2a.

  The button switch 10 includes a push button 11 having a plurality (four in this example) of operation units arranged in a horizontal row, and a contact (not shown) that is opened and closed by the push button 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the push button 11 is configured by appropriately arranging two button parts 12 having the same shape. The button component 12 is manufactured by integral molding using synthetic resin or the like, and has a specific shape as follows.

  The button component 12 includes a first button main body 13 having an elongated planar rectangular shape (band shape) and a first rectangular main body 13 having an elongated planar shape that is short (one side opposite to the first button main body 13). A two-button main body 14, a first arm 15 for connecting the first and second button main bodies 13 and 14, and a second arm 16 provided on each of the first and second button main bodies 13 and 14. Yes. The first button body 13 and the second button body 14 are arranged on a straight line. Further, the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 have the same length in the longitudinal direction (up to the tip of the arc-shaped portion). Similarly, the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 have the same width (length in the short direction). The space formed between the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 is set to be substantially the same as or slightly wider than the first button body 13. Actually, it is slightly widened in consideration of workability during assembly and dimensional tolerance.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two button parts 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other so that each of the two button parts 12 has a space in the space between the first button body 13 and the second button body 14. In addition, a layout is adopted in which the first button body 13 constituting the partner button component 12 is inserted and arranged. As a result, the four button bodies 13 and 14 are arranged on a straight line, and as a whole, they are in the form of a single elongated band, with a rounded shape in which both ends are semicircular. Furthermore, since the short sides of the adjacent first and second button bodies 13 and 14 are both linearly parallel from one end to the other end, the distance between both button bodies 13 and 14 is very small over the whole. . Accordingly, since the gap between the four button bodies 13 and 14 is almost zero over the entire area, when the two button parts 12 are mounted in the case 2, the first and second button bodies 13, 14 closes almost the entire surface of the band-like opening 2 a provided in the case 2. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a partition between the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 that are adjacent to each other at the time of assembly, or to provide a cover for covering the gap between the buttons on the cover that covers the button body. . Therefore, the cover mold design and manufacture can be facilitated and the cost of the cover can be reduced. Further, the combination of the button parts 12 in the case 2 is facilitated due to the absence of a partition or the like.

  The 1st button main body 13 and the 2nd button main body 14 have moderate thickness, and the 1st button main body 13 has the flange 13a which protrudes outside on the lower surface of both long sides. Moreover, the 2nd button main body 14 has the flange 14a which protrudes outside on the lower surface of both the long sides and the arc-shaped short side.

  The first arm 15 is substantially U-shaped in a plane, and both ends thereof are connected to the flange portions 13a and 14a of the first and second button bodies 13 and 14, respectively. And the thickness of the 1st arm 15 is made to correspond with the thickness of flange parts 13a and 14a. Therefore, the thickness of the first arm 15 is reduced, and an appropriate elastic force is exerted to constitute a leaf spring that is an elastic member. Further, both ends of the first arm 15 are connected to the vicinity of the apex (short side) of the first button main body 13 and the second button main body 14 which are close to each other. That is, the first arm 15 is connected to the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 on the center side of the button component 12.

  As a result, the length of the first arm 15 is slightly shorter because it is slightly longer than the distance between the first and second button bodies 13 and 14, and the first arm 15 has an appropriate elasticity as described above. Strength can be secured while exerting power. And the 1st arm 15 is provided with the through-hole 15a for screwing in the intermediate point. The first arm 15 is attached to the case 2 or the printed board by passing the screw shaft of the fixing screw through the through hole 15a and screwing it to the inner surface of the case 2 (or conversely, a printed board not shown). As a result, the button part 12 can be fixed. Even after the fixing, the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 can be moved up and down by the elastic force of the first arm 15. In the present embodiment, a through hole 15a (fixing hole) for screwing is provided at an intermediate point of the first arm 15 and is fixed by screwing. However, the fixing method is not limited to this. For example, it may be fixed with an adhesive or the like. In particular, fixing by heat welding caulking is desirable because it can reduce the number of parts and can be firmly fixed. This also applies to the fixing mechanism of the second arm 16 described below.

  The second arm 16 is substantially L-shaped in plan, and one end of the second arm 16 is connected to a predetermined position of the flange portions 13a and 14a of the first and second button bodies 13 and 14, respectively. And the thickness of the 2nd arm 16 is made to correspond with the thickness of flange parts 13a and 14a. Thereby, the second arm 16 also functions as a leaf spring.

  The connection position of the second arm 16 is the long side opposite to the long side to which the first arm 15 is connected, and in the vicinity of the outside of the button component 12, opposite to the first arm 15. And the 2nd arm 16 becomes a shape extended toward the center side of the button component 12 along the 1st, 2nd button main bodies 13 and 14. As shown in FIG. Further, the projecting distance to the outside of the second arm 16 (the separation distance in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first and second button bodies 13, 14) is shorter than that of the first arm 15. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, when the two button parts 12 are reversed and arranged symmetrically, the second arm 16 of one button part 12 is placed in the first arm 15 of the other button part 12. To position. And the through-hole 16a is provided also in the front-end | tip of the 2nd arm 16, and the 2nd arm 16 is connected with respect to the case 2 or a printed circuit board by screwing using the through-hole 16a similarly to the 1st arm 15. be able to.

  Therefore, the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 are supported by the first arm 15 and the second arm 16 in the vicinity of the diagonal lines at both ends in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and thus can be supported in a balanced manner. Even when the elongated first and second button bodies 13 and 14 are pressed, the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 can move up and down without tilting.

  Further, as described above, the two button parts 12 are arranged point-symmetrically, and the first button body 13 of one button part 12 is connected to the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 of the other button part 12. Since the configuration is arranged in the space between them, when viewed as a whole of the button switch 10, the adjacent button bodies are arranged close to each other with only a slight gap formed between them, When viewed as one button component 12, the first button main body 13 and the second button main body 14 are separated from each other by an appropriate distance, and therefore can be easily manufactured using one mold. .

  FIG. 3 and subsequent figures show various modifications of the present invention. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the planar shape of the second button body 14 is semicircular at one end. For example, as shown in FIG. Both may be rectangular. In this way, when the whole of the four button bodies configured by combining the two button parts 12 is viewed, it becomes an elongated belt shape, and both ends thereof are straight lines orthogonal to the long axis extending in the belt shape. Yes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, two sets of two button parts 12 are prepared and arranged in a straight line so that a total of eight button bodies are arranged in a horizontal row. A switch can be constructed, and the eight button bodies can be arranged close to each other.

  Further, in the form shown in FIG. 3B, two combinations of the two button parts 12 shown in FIG. 3A are prepared and arranged side by side, that is, the four button bodies are arranged horizontally. A total of 8 button bodies are arranged in a horizontal row. Therefore, the flange portion 14a enters a portion (center portion) where the four button bodies are adjacent to each other, and the interval between the button bodies in this portion is wider than the interval between the other button bodies. The example shown in FIG. 3B is suitable as a button for assigning, for example, four or four groups of functions. That is, since there is an interval between 4 and 4, the difference in function can be known by the interval. On the other hand, when it is desired to arrange eight buttons at the same interval, the flange portion 14a at this portion may be eliminated (for example, see the left and right end portions in FIGS. 5A to 5C).

  In the above-described embodiments and the like, both ends of the first arm 15 are connected to the sides closer to the first button body 13 and the second button body 14, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), both ends of the first arm 15 are connected to the same side (left side in the figure) as the first and second button bodies 13, 14, or FIG. Or may be connected to the far side of the first and second button bodies. In either case, the second arm 16 may be positioned symmetrically with the connection location of the first arm 15 in the same button body.

  Note that when the first arm 15 is connected to the same side, particularly when the configuration shown in FIG. 4A is used, the second arm 16 protrudes to the outside, so the area occupied by the button switch 10 (push button 11) Will become bigger. In other words, the configuration of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has the merit that the occupied area becomes smaller and the restriction on the layout is reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when both the connecting portions of the first arm 15 are on the far side, the first arm 15 becomes longer and the strength is reduced accordingly. In other words, the configuration of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 2 can increase the strength of the first arm 15.

  Furthermore, although all the button bodies 13 and 14 are arrange | positioned on the straight line, as for embodiment and the modification which were mentioned above, this invention is not necessarily restricted to what is arrange | positioned on the completely same straight line, Even if it deviates in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, it is sufficient that it is in a horizontal row as a whole. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the two button parts 12 shown in FIG. 2 are used, and when they are arranged, they are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. As shown in (b) and (c), the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 constituting one button part 12 are not arranged on the same straight line but are appropriately shifted, and the button part 12 is used. It is also possible to prepare two and to invert the arrangement. Note that the arrangement pattern of FIG. 5 is only an example, and it is needless to say that the arrangement can be appropriately performed when arranging the button component 12, and further, in FIG. Although the type connected at the center side of the component 12 has been shown, the present invention can be similarly applied even when connected at other locations as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment and the modification, the shapes of the adjacent short sides of the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 are both parallel to each other as one straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrangement direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can take an appropriate shape. As an example, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the planar shape of the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 is a parallelogram, and the adjacent sides are predetermined in the longitudinal direction (arrangement direction). As shown in FIG. 6 (b), the plane shape of the first and second button bodies 13 and 14 is a trapezoid (isosceles trapezoid in the figure), and the adjacent sides are , One straight line intersecting the longitudinal direction (arrangement direction) at a predetermined angle, and further, as shown in FIG. 6C, two adjacent sides are continuous like the tip of an arrow. Various forms such as a straight line (a broken line) can be taken. In either case, the opposing portions of the adjacent button bodies are almost parallel over the entire length, and the gap is narrowed over the entire length, eliminating the need to provide a partition or blindfold on the case. Of course, it is not necessary to make it a straight line as shown, and a part or all of it may be a curve.

  The various configurations described above are preferable because the gap is reduced, but the present invention does not necessarily make the gap so narrow (particularly over the entire length), and may have a shape as shown in FIG. 7, for example. .

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the length in the longitudinal direction and the length in the short direction of the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 are the same, but the present invention is not limited to this. No, the lengths in the longitudinal direction of the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 may not be the same. Similarly, the length in the short direction may not be the same. Furthermore, the shapes of the first button body 13 and the second button body 14 can be arbitrary shapes.

It is a figure which shows suitable one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows suitable one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification. It is a figure which shows a modification.

Explanation of symbols

12 Button parts 13 First button body 14 Second button body 15 First arm 16 Second arm

Claims (8)

A button structure with a plurality of push buttons arranged,
The push button includes a button main body serving as an operation unit, and a first arm that connects the button main bodies arranged one by one in an arranged state,
A second arm that supports the button body is connected to a surface opposite to the connection surface of the first arm;
The button structure, wherein the second arm is arranged inside the first arm connecting the adjacent button bodies.   2. The button structure according to claim 1, wherein the first arm is U-shaped in a plane and the second arm is L-shaped in a plane. A button structure with a plurality of push buttons arranged,
The push button includes a button main body serving as an operation unit, and a first arm that connects the button main bodies arranged one by one in an arranged state,
A second arm that supports the button body is connected to a surface opposite to the connection surface of the first arm;
The button structure according to claim 1, wherein the first arm is U-shaped in a plane and the second arm is L-shaped in a plane.   The button structure according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the button body has an elongated shape in an arrangement direction.   The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein button parts including a plurality of button bodies connected by the first arm have the same shape. The first is fixed at an intermediate point of the arm, the first arm, the button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a function for supporting the button body.   The button structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein both ends of the first arm are respectively connected to adjacent sides of the button bodies to be coupled.   8. The button structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm constitutes a leaf spring.

Images