JP5292964B2 - Translucent operation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A light-transmitting operator unit enables the light to pass through a first light transmitting portion at an inside portion and a second light transmitting portion surrounding the first light transmitting portion; a first light shielding portion is effectively shaded to improve the contrast degree so as to improve the identifiability and improve the abrasive resistance in comparison with the structure of printing a light shielding coating to an operation surface. The operator unit is configured in such manners: a bond cap is connected with a shell by an articulating portion; the bond cap consists of an inside light transmitting body, first and second light shielding portions; the first and second light shielding portions, the shell and the articulating portion are made of light shielding resin; the inside light transmitting body is made of light transmitting resin; the second light transmitting portion of the inside light transmitting body is located in a position where the first light transmitting portion is surrounded in an overlook view; the first light shielding portion is formed in a part out of the first light transmitting portion inside of the second light transmitting portion and located between the first and second light transmitting portions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a translucent operating element unit that is disposed in an electronic device having a substrate and an operation panel and has a translucent portion.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an operation unit unit for device setting or the like is provided on an operation panel of various electronic devices such as audio devices. These operation unit units are arranged corresponding to the switch unit and the light emitting unit disposed on the substrate below the operation panel, and the switch unit is turned on and off by the operation, various functions are set, and the light emission is performed. A translucent type having a function of transmitting light from the part is also known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, the entire operation element is made of a transparent resin, a translucent diffusion sheet printed with characters or the like is attached to the lower surface of the operation element, and the entire operation surface of the operation element is illuminated from below. It is configured as follows.

In addition, in the light transmission type operation unit of the other conventional operation unit, black or the like is printed on the entire area slightly smaller than the operation surface on the operation surface which is the upper surface of the operation unit, and the printed portion is also printed. It is also known that a character part is formed in a state where a character is removed and illuminated from below so that the character part can be visually confirmed to emit light together with the outer frame part of the operation surface.
JP 2003-255948 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the diffusion sheet on which characters are printed is recessed below the operation surface, it is difficult to see the characters depending on the viewing angle. Further, since the distance from the diffusion sheet to the operation surface is long, only the center of the operation surface tends to shine brightly. Furthermore, although the diffusion sheet is milky white translucent, since the characters are dark, it is difficult to recognize the characters in a dark place.

  On the other hand, in the above-described translucent operation unit of the conventional operation unit, not only the light shielding property varies depending on the film thickness of the printing paint such as black, but if the printing density is too low, the character portion and The contrast of the character becomes weak and it becomes difficult to see the characters. In addition, the printed part has a drawback of being worn out by long-term use.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to transmit light from both the first light transmitting portion of the inner portion and the second light transmitting portion surrounding the first light transmitting portion and the first light transmitting portion. Provided is a light-transmitting operation unit that can improve the visibility by reliably shielding light at the light shielding portion and improving the durability against abrasion as compared with a configuration in which a light shielding paint is printed on the operation surface. There is.

In order to achieve the above object, a translucent operating element unit according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a substrate (20) on which a switch part (25) and a light emitting part (29) are disposed, and an operation panel (10). A translucent operating element unit (30) disposed in correspondence with the switch unit and the light emitting unit in the electronic device having the light-shielding resin and relatively fixed to the substrate The key top includes a fixing portion (32) and a key top (31) that swings with respect to the fixing portion in a direction not parallel to the substrate when the upper surface (31b) that is an operation surface is pushed and separated. Is provided with an actuator section (36) that moves in conjunction with the key top and presses and drives the corresponding switch section, and the key top is made of a translucent resin and emits light from the corresponding light emitting section. 1st translucent part formed so that it may permeate | transmit upwards 51) and a second light-transmitting part (transparent resin) that is located so as to surround the first light-transmitting part in a plan view and is formed so as to transmit light from the corresponding light-emitting part upward ( 52) and a first light-shielding portion (not shown) that is formed between the first light-transmissive portion and the second light-transmissive portion inside the second light-transmissive portion in plan view. 45), and the first light transmissive portion and the second light transmissive portion are connected to each other at a connection portion under the first light shielding portion and open downward to cover the corresponding light emitting portion. A concave portion is formed, a lower surface of the connection portion forms a part of a ceiling surface of the concave portion, and the fixing portion that is relatively fixed to the substrate includes the light emitting portion, the first transparent portion and covers the second light transmitting portion from the side, the first translucent portion, the second light transmitting portion and the first light-shielding portion is integrally Is configured, the key top further comprises a second light-shielding portion formed so as to border the outer periphery of the second light transmitting portion, the second light transmitting portion includes an undercut portion is formed, the The second light-shielding part is configured integrally with the first light-transmitting part, the second light-transmitting part, and the first light-shielding part so that the second light-transmitting part is supported from below via the undercut part. It is characterized by being.

Preferably, the first light blocking section, at least in the upper surface of the key top, and the second transparent portion and the first light transmitting portion is Ru is formed to place the successive no.

Preferably, the second light shielding portion is connected to the fixed portion by a hinge portion (35), and the key top is swingable in the vertical direction with respect to the fixed portion via the hinge portion. is, the second light-shielding portion, the fixed portion and the hinge portion, that is formed integrally with the same resin.

Preferably, the first light-transmitting part and the second light-transmitting part are integrally connected to each other at a connection part (55) below the first light-shielding part, and the first light-shielding part and the second light-transmitting part are integrally formed. The second light-shielding part is formed of the same resin, and the resin introduction part (45a) is continuously formed in the first light-shielding part, and the resin introduction part is exposed downward through the connection part. The

Preferably, wherein the second light-shielding portion, the entire circumference of the second light transmitting portion in plan view, a flange portion projecting radially outward (44) that have been formed than the outline of the second light transmitting portion .

Preferably, the second light transmitting portion, at least in the front, that is formed continuously (31a) toward the front from the upper surface of the key top.

Preferably, the operation panel is disposed in parallel to the substrate, has a fitting hole (12) corresponding to the operation unit, and the fixing portion is fitted into the fitting hole. In addition, position restricting portions (39, 32aa, 32ab) that are sandwiched between the operation panel and the substrate and restrict the position of the operation element unit in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the substrate are provided. The

Preferably, the first, the second light transmitting portion, ing in phosphorescent resin.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the said parenthesis is an illustration.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, light is transmitted from both the first light-transmitting portion of the inner portion and the second light-transmitting portion surrounding the first light-transmitting portion, and the first light-shielding portion is surely shielded to increase the contrast. In addition to improving the visibility, durability against abrasion can be increased as compared with a configuration in which a shading paint is printed on the operation surface. Further, it becomes easy to illuminate the first and second light transmitting parts with uniform brightness. Further, the contrast with the second light transmitting part can be clarified, and the visibility of the outline of the second light transmitting part can be enhanced.

  According to the second aspect, the first translucent part can be completely lifted from the first light shielding part to enhance the visibility.

Further, it is possible to prevent contact between the key top and the operation panel during operation.

Further, the first and second light shielding portions can be formed by integral molding using the same resin with a mold having a submarine gate.

Moreover, the upward light leakage from the outer periphery of the 2nd translucent part can be suppressed.

Moreover, the visibility from the front can be improved.

Further , the operator unit can be fixed at an appropriate position with respect to the substrate without providing an attachment hole or the like for the substrate.

In addition, even when the light emitting unit is not emitting light, visibility can be ensured as long as the light is stored.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a translucent operating element unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above and obliquely from below. This translucent operating element unit 30 (hereinafter abbreviated as “operating element unit 30”) can be disposed in various electronic devices including a mixer device and other acoustic devices. Absent.

  2A, 2 </ b> B, 2 </ b> C, and 2 </ b> D are a plan view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the operation unit 30, respectively. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 2A of the operating unit 30 in a state of being disposed in the electronic apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the electronic apparatus, the operation panel 10 is disposed on the substrate 20 so as to be overlapped in parallel, and the operation unit 30 is disposed between the substrate 20 and the operation panel 10. Although only one operating element unit 30 is shown, usually a large number of the same components are arranged. In an electronic device, the operation panel 10 is not limited to the upper side, and may be the side or the lower side. However, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the side on which the operation panel 10 is located is the upper side with respect to the substrate 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, characters such as “SEL” are attached to the operator unit 30 as an example. It is assumed that the operator is located in a place where this character can be seen in the forward direction (located on the lower side of FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the front, back, left, and right directions correspond to the down, up, left, and right directions in FIG. The “plan view” refers to a line of sight as seen from above to below.

  The operation panel 10 is made of a metal such as a steel plate. Studs 11 are provided at a plurality of appropriate positions on the back surface 10a of the operation panel 10 by welding or the like, and the substrate 20 is screwed to the studs 11 with screws 28 from the back surface 20b side. In addition, an operation element corresponding hole 12 corresponding to the operation element unit 30 is formed in the operation panel 10.

  On the upper surface 20a of the substrate 20, a tact switch 25 and an LED 29 corresponding to the operation unit 30 are disposed. The switch 25 is pressed and turned on / off. Regardless of the arrangement method of the switch 25 and the LED 29, the switch 25 and the LED 29 may be fixed to the substrate 20 before the operation panel 10 is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 3, the operator unit 30 has a key top 31 that is pressed downward with respect to the case body 32 by two hinge portions 35. Configured. As shown in FIG. 3, the key top 31 includes an inner transparent body 50, a first light shielding part 45, and a second light shielding part 46. The first light shielding part 45, the second light shielding part 46, the case body 32, and the hinge part 35 are integrally formed of the same light shielding resin. The inner light transmitting body 50 is integrally formed of a light transmitting resin.

  ABS or the like can be used as these resins, and specifically, a translucent material such as ground glass is used as the translucent resin. As this translucent resin, a translucent luminous resin as disclosed in JP 2000-34414 A may be employed.

  The case body 32 includes four wall portions 32a that form a quadrangle in plan view (see FIG. 2B and the like). Among them, the key top 31 is swingably connected in the vertical direction via a hinge portion 35 inside a rear wall portion 32a (in particular, “rear wall portion 32a1” when distinguished). (Refer FIG.1 (b) and FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2C, and 3, the front wall portion 32a of the case body 32 is formed with a horizontally long slit window 41, and at the lower end portion thereof. A notch 43 is formed. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2D, and 3, a horizontally elongated slit window 42 is formed in the rear side wall portion 32a1 of the case body 32. As shown in FIG. The two hinge portions 35 have the same configuration, and both of them extend from the lower edge of the slit window 42 of the rear side wall portion 32a1 in a side view arc shape and are connected to a flange portion 44 (described later) of the second light shielding portion 46. . These slit windows 41 and 42 are provided in order to form the part which becomes an undercut part and cannot be formed only by the upper and lower molds by the slide mold. The molding procedure will be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2 </ b> A, and 3, a step is formed in the upper portion of the four wall portions 32 a of the case body 32. That is, an upper end 32aa of the wall portion 32a and a ridge-shaped frame portion 39 extending upward from an inner position than the upper end 32aa are formed on the upper portion of the wall portion 32a. The frame part 39 is a quadrangle in a plan view and is continuously connected (see FIG. 2A). The key top 31 is positioned inside the frame portion 39 with a gap S (see FIG. 3) having a constant width in all directions.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3, the inner transparent body 50 of the key top 31 has four side walls 56 (56, 56, 56A, 56B) and is viewed in a plan view. It has a substantially rectangular shape and has a recess 53 that opens downward. The ceiling surface 54 of the recess 53 is a smooth surface. An actuator portion 36 is integrally formed at the lower end portion of the front wall portion 56 </ b> A of the inner light transmitting body 50. A step in the front-rear direction is formed on the rear wall portion 56B of the inner light transmitting body 50, and the lower half portion is located on the rear side (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the portion corresponding to the letters “SEL” in the inner light transmitting body 50 in the plan view is the first light transmitting portion 51. Moreover, the 2nd light transmission part 52 is located so that the 1st light transmission part 51 may be enclosed in planar view, and is formed in the rectangle. A portion between the first light-transmitting portion 51 and the second light-transmitting portion 52, that is, a portion that is not the letter “SEL” is recessed in a concave shape inside the second light-transmitting portion 52 in plan view. The first light shielding portion 45 is formed in the recessed portion in an embedded state.

  Therefore, in a range that can be seen from above, the first light-shielding part 45 is interposed between the first light-transmitting part 51 and the second light-transmitting part 52 so that there is no continuous portion. The thickness of the first light-shielding portion 45 is sufficient to perform the light-shielding function, and is much thicker than the printing film thickness when a conventional character or the like is printed.

  The first light transmitting part 51 and the second light transmitting part 52 are connected by a connecting part 55 immediately below the first light shielding part 51 (see FIG. 3). The inner translucent body 50 is integrally formed of the same resin with the four wall portions 56 forming the recess 53, the first translucent portion 51, the second translucent portion 52, and the connecting portion 55. The lower surfaces of the first light transmitting portion 51 and the connecting portion 55 form part of the ceiling surface 54 of the recess 53.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the first light shielding portion 51 is continuously formed with a resin introduction portion 45 a, and the resin introduction portion 45 a penetrates the connection portion 55 and the ceiling surface of the recess 53. 54 is exposed. The resin introduction part 45a serves as a gate for injecting resin from below when the first light shielding part 51 described later is formed, and has no particular function when the operation unit 30 is used.

  When the key top 31 is pushed and separated, the key top 31 swings up and down with respect to the case body 32 via the hinge portion 35, and the actuator portion 36 also swings up and down integrally with the key top 31. . In the non-pressed state, the lower end of the actuator unit 36 is close to the switch 25, and when the key top 31 is pressed, the switch 25 is pressed by the actuator unit 36 to be turned on / off. The switch 25 is used, for example, for setting a predetermined function, but the configuration and the function are not limited as long as the switch 25 is pressed and driven by the actuator unit 36 to perform an operation such as on / off.

  In a state where the operator unit 30 is assembled to the operation panel 10 and the substrate 20, the concave portion 53 of the inner translucent body 50 covers the corresponding LED 29. The LED 29 always emits light when the electronic apparatus is used. Or you may make it light-emit / extinguish according to on / off of the switch 25 accompanying depression of the keytop 31. FIG. The light from the LED 29 passes through the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting portion 52 of the inner light transmitting body 50 and is visually recognized by the operator. The LED 29 only needs to emit light, and may be another light emitting component or the tip of an optical fiber.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the second light shielding portion 46 is formed so as to border the outer periphery of the inner translucent body 50 in plan view. The second light shielding portion 46 surrounds both the left and right sides and the rear side of the second light transmitting portion 52 of the inner light transmitting body 50 in plan view. On the front side of the upper half of the front wall portion 56A of the inner translucent body 50, an undercut portion 56Aa that is recessed in a U-shape in side view is formed (see FIG. 3). The second light shielding part 46 is formed on the front side so as to fill the undercut part 56Aa.

  The top surfaces of the left and right sides and the rear side of the first light transmitting portion 51, the second light transmitting portion 52, the first light shielding portion 45, and the second light shielding portion 46 of the inner light transmitting body 50 cooperate to form the key top 31. The upper surface 31b (see FIGS. 2C and 2D) which is the operation surface is formed flush. In particular, the second translucent part 52 is formed continuously from the upper surface 31b to the front surface of the key top 31 on the front side thereof, and forms an upper front part 31a having an R shape in side view (see FIG. 3). ).

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, a flange portion 44 is formed below the second light-shielding portion 46 so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the second light-transmitting portion 52 along the entire circumference in plan view. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, after assembling the operator unit 30 to the operation panel 10 and the substrate 20, the frame portion 39 is fitted in the corresponding operator corresponding hole 12 of the operation panel 10. That is, the outer side surface 39a of the frame portion 39 is engaged with the inner side of the operating element corresponding hole 12 over the entire circumference, and thereby the horizontal direction with respect to the operating element corresponding hole 12 of the operating element unit 30 (the operation panel 10 and the substrate). Position in a direction parallel to 20). Therefore, the frame portion 39 (the outer surface 39a thereof) and the operation element corresponding hole 12 cooperate to play a role of regulating the position of the operation element unit 30 in the horizontal direction.

  Further, the upper end 32aa and the lower end 32ab of the four wall portions 32a of the case body 32 are in contact with the back surface 10a of the operation panel 10 and the upper surface 20a of the substrate 20, respectively. As a result, the position of the operator unit 30 in the direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the substrate 20 with respect to the substrate 20 and the operation panel 10 is also restricted. Therefore, after the operator unit 30 is assembled to the operation panel 10 and the substrate 20 as shown in FIG. 3, the operator unit 30 does not require any additional fixing means such as screwing, and the substrate Without being provided with a mounting hole in 20, it can be fixed in an appropriate position.

  The operation unit 30 and the operation panel 10 are assembled to the substrate 20 as follows.

  First, all the switches 25 and the LEDs 29 are arranged and fixed on the substrate 20. The operation panel 10 is turned over, and the frame portion 39 of the operation unit 30 is fitted into the corresponding operation element corresponding hole 12 from the back surface 10a side.

  Next, the upper surface 20a side of the substrate 20 is placed on the back surface 10a side of the operation panel 10 so as to be overlapped, and are screwed with screws 28 from the back surface 20b side of the substrate 20. Thereby, the operation panel 10 is fixed in a state parallel to the substrate 20. At the same time, the lower ends 32ab of the four wall portions 32a of the operation unit 30 come into contact with the upper surface 20a of the substrate 20 and the four wall portions 32a surround the corresponding LEDs 29. The actuator part 36 is close to the switch 25.

  Here, the dimension from the upper end 32aa to the lower end 32ab of the wall portion 32a is set to be the same as or slightly shorter than the length of the stud 11 (projection length from the back surface 10a). Therefore, the distance between the operation panel 10 and the substrate 20 is substantially defined by the length of the stud 11.

  In this configuration, the key top 31 of the operator unit 30 swings in the vertical direction within the frame portion 39 when the upper surface 31b is pushed and separated. In particular, since the gap S is provided between the key top 31 and the frame portion 39, the key top 31 does not come into contact with the operator corresponding hole 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the operation unit 30 due to rubbing with the operation element corresponding hole 12, deterioration of operation feeling, deterioration and failure. In particular, even if the operation panel 10 is made of metal and a little burr is generated in the operation element corresponding hole 12, the operation itself of the key top 31 is not affected. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a hole or the like for attaching and fixing the operator unit 30 to the substrate 20, the pattern prohibition area can be reduced and the pattern wiring efficiency is improved.

  Since the inner translucent body 50 covers the LED 29, the light from the LED 29 illuminates the recess 53 from the inner side. However, since the upper surface 31b of the key top 31 is shielded by the first light-shielding portion 45 and the second light-shielding portion 46 surrounds the outline of the second light-transmissive portion 52, for the operator, it is an inner light-transmissive body. The light emission is visually recognized exclusively from the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting portion 52 in the upper part of 50.

  As a result, in plan view, there is a dark region (first light shielding unit 45) inside the second light transmitting portion 52 that looks like a square frame, and the character “SEL” (first light transmitting portion 45) is located in the dark region. The light part 51) is recognized in the unplugged state. Light is transmitted through both the first light-transmitting part 51 on the inner side and the second light-transmitting part 52 surrounding the first light-transmitting part 51 and the first light-shielding part 45 is reliably shielded from light. It is growing.

  Further, since the second light shielding part 46 is formed so as to border the outer periphery of the second light transmitting part 52, the contrast with the second light transmitting part 52 becomes clear, and the outline of the second light transmitting part 52 is Visibility is also increasing. Furthermore, since the upper front portion 31a of the key top 31 is formed by the second light transmitting portion 52 and is continuous from the upper surface 31b to the front surface, the visibility from the front of the second light transmitting portion 52 is increased.

  In addition, since the flange portion 44 of the second light shielding portion 46 protrudes in the outer peripheral direction from the outline of the second light transmitting portion 52, the wall portion 56 of the inner light transmitting body 50 cannot be seen from the gap S. Thus, upward light leakage from the outer periphery of the second light transmitting portion 52 is suppressed. By the way, since the wall portion 32a of the case body 32 is opaque, the light of the LED 29 is also blocked by the wall portion 32a and does not leak out of the operation unit 30.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the operator unit 30 will be described. The operation unit 30 includes two types of resins, a light shielding resin that constitutes the first light shielding part 45, the second light shielding part 46, the case body 32 and the hinge part 35, and a light transmitting resin that constitutes the inner light transmitting body 50. It is manufactured by two-color molding and is configured integrally.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inner translucent body 50 is integrally molded by primary molding. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first light shielding part 45, the second light shielding part 46, the case body 32, and the hinge part 35 are integrally molded by secondary molding. These figures correspond to the cross section shown in FIG.

  In the primary molding, as shown in FIG. 4, an upper mold 13, a lower mold 15, and a slide mold 16 are used. At the time of molding, the upper mold 13 and the lower mold 15 move relatively downward and upward, respectively, but any of them may be fixed. The slide mold 16 moves backward.

  The upper mold 13 is mainly used to form the upper surface of the inner light transmitting body 50, that is, the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting portion 52, and has a nested structure. It is set. At the lower part of the insert 14, there are provided a projecting portion 14 a for forming a convex portion corresponding to the first light shielding portion 45 and a resin introducing portion 45 a (see FIG. 3). By the protruding pin 14a, a through hole 55a is formed in a portion corresponding to the resin introduction portion 45a in the upper portion of the inner light transmitting body 50 (strictly, the connection portion 55: see FIG. 3).

  The lower mold 15 mainly forms the recess 53 of the inner light transmitting body 50. The wall portion 56 is formed by the upper die 13 and the lower die 15, and in particular, the undercut portion 56 </ b> Aa of the front side wall portion 56 </ b> A is formed by the slide die 16.

  In secondary molding, as shown in FIG. 5, an upper mold 19, a lower mold 15, and slide molds 17 and 18 are used. At the time of molding, the upper mold 19 and the lower mold 15 move relatively downward and upward, respectively, but any of them may be fixed. For example, the lower mold 15 is fixed and the lower mold 15 is not moved. The slide molds 17 and 18 move backward and forward, respectively.

  The lower mold 15 is the same as that used in the primary molding. The lower mold 15 is formed with a submarine gate 15a concentric with the resin introduction part 45a to the through hole 55a. The lower mold 15 also has a shape for forming the lower half of the wall 32 a of the case body 32. The upper mold 19 is formed with a shape corresponding to the upper surface 31b (see FIG. 2C) of the key top 31 and the gap S (see FIG. 3). In FIG. 5, the shape of one cross section is shown as the shape of the upper mold 19.

  In the lower mold 15, a gate (not shown) communicating with the submarine gate 15a is formed. During molding, a sprue (not shown) in the upper mold 19 and the gate in the lower mold 15 communicate with each other, and a light-shielding resin supplied from the sprue in the upper mold 19 passes through the gate and the submarine gate 15a. A portion corresponding to the first light shielding portion 45 is filled. Further, a gate (not shown) different from the submarine gate 15a is connected to a portion corresponding to the rear side wall portion 32a1, and through this gate, the wall portion 32a, the hinge portion 35, and the second light shielding portion 46 of the case body 32 are connected. The corresponding part is filled with a light-shielding resin.

  The second light shielding part 46 including the flange part 44 is formed by the upper mold 19, the lower mold 15, and the slide molds 17 and 18. The hinge part 35 is formed by the upper mold 19, the lower mold 15 and the slide mold 18. The slit windows 41 and 42 (see FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 3) are formed by the slide molds 17 and 18, respectively. The combinations shown in the shapes of the upper mold 19, the lower mold 15, and the slide molds 17 and 18 are merely examples, and can be appropriately modified.

  In the secondary molding, a discarded boss 45b is temporarily formed continuously from the first light shielding portion 45 by the submarine gate 15a. However, the discarded boss 45b is cut at a position flush with the ceiling surface 54 of the recess 53, and as a result, remains as the resin introduction portion 45a exposed on the ceiling surface 54 (see FIG. 2B and FIG. 3). ). The resin introduction part 45a does not cause any trouble in using the operation unit 30. By allowing the resin introduction part 45a to exist in the above-described form, the first and second light shielding parts 51 and 52 can be formed by a single mold using the same resin, using a mold having a submarine gate. It is possible.

  According to the present embodiment, light is transmitted from both the first light-transmitting part 51 and the second light-transmitting part 52 surrounding the first light-transmitting part 51, and the first light-shielding part 45 is surely shielded to increase the contrast. Visibility can be improved. In particular, in the range that can be seen in a plan view, the first light-shielding part 45 is formed so that a portion where the first light-transmissive part 51 and the second light-transmissive part 52 are continuous does not occur. 51 is completely lifted from the first light shielding part 45, and the visibility of the first light transmitting part 51 is particularly high. Further, since the upper surface 31b of the key top 31 is not printed but all the regions are made of resin, durability against wear can be improved as compared with a configuration in which a light-shielding paint is printed.

  Further, the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting portion 52 are integrally formed by being connected by a connecting portion 55, and the lower surface of the first light transmitting portion is a part of the ceiling surface 54 of the recess 53. Therefore, it is easy to illuminate the first and second light transmitting parts 51 and 52 with uniform brightness. In particular, since the LED 29 is surrounded by the concave portion 53 from above, there is little light leakage, and the inner translucent body 50 is translucent and scatters light inside, so the first and second translucent portions 51, The brightness of 52 tends to be uniform.

  Further, if the inner light transmitting body 50 is made of a phosphorescent resin, even if the LED 29 is not emitting light, if the inner light transmitting body 50 is in a light storing state, the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting section are used. The visibility of the light part 52 can be ensured.

  In the present embodiment, the inner translucent body 50 made of a translucent resin, and the first light shielding portion 45, the second light shielding portion 46, the case body 32, and the hinge portion 35 made of a light shielding resin are in two colors. Although it formed by shaping | molding, it is not restricted to this from a viewpoint which improves durability with respect to improving visibility. For example, the inner translucent member 50 and other portions may be manufactured separately, and the operator unit 30 may be configured integrally by fitting or bonding.

  Moreover, the 1st translucent part 51 and the 2nd translucent part 52 should just be comprised with translucent resin, respectively, and it is not essential to form together by the same shaping | molding process with the same resin. Moreover, the 1st light-shielding part 45, the 2nd light-shielding part 46, the case body 32, and the hinge part 35 should just be comprised with light-shielding resin, respectively, and it is not essential to form together by the same molding process with the same resin.

  In addition, although the character was illustrated as the 1st light-shielding part 45, this is an example and the content of the information to display may be a design of a numerical value or a symbol. Further, as illustrated, the first light shielding unit 45 may be a combination of a plurality of separated parts.

  In addition, although it retracts in terms of visibility, the first light transmitting portion 51 and the second light transmitting portion 52 are partially connected through the first light shielding portion 45 on the upper surface 31 b of the key top 31. Also good. In addition, the second light-transmitting portion 52 is not completely annular, and the first light-shielding portion 45 and the second light-shielding portion 46 may be connected by cutting the second light-transmitting portion 52 in part. Good. Further, the second light shielding portion 46 may be partially cut without being completely annular.

  In the inner light transmitting body 50, the side view R shape such as the upper front portion 31 a is not limited to the front portion, and may be formed on the left and right side portions or the rear portion.

  Note that the operation unit 30 only needs to be disposed in a state in which the case body 32 is fixed relative to the substrate 20, and the disposition fixing method via the operation panel 10 as described above is not essential.

  In the present embodiment, in the operator unit 30, the key top 31 swings in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 20, but at least in a direction including a component perpendicular to the substrate 20. Any structure that swings may be used.

It is the perspective view (a figure (a) and (b)) seen from the slanting upper part and slanting lower part of the translucent operation element unit concerning one embodiment of the present invention. They are a top view (figure (a)), a bottom view (figure (b)), a front view (figure (c)), and a rear view (figure (d)) of a manipulator unit. It is a figure which shows the cross section which follows the AA line of Fig.2 (a) of the operation element unit in the state arrange | positioned in the electronic device. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that an inner side translucent body is integrally molded by primary shaping | molding. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode that a 1st light-shielding part, a 2nd light-shielding part, a case body, and a hinge part are integrally molded by secondary shaping | molding.

Explanation of symbols

  10 operation panel, 12 operation element corresponding hole (fitting hole), 20 substrate, 25 tact switch (switch part), 29 LED (light emitting part), 30 operation element unit (translucent operation element unit), 31 key top, 31a upper front part, 31b upper surface, 32 case body (fixed part), 32a wall part, 32aa upper end (position restricting part), 32ab lower end (position restricting part), 35 hinge part, 36 actuator part, 39 frame part (position restricting part) Part), 44 flange part, 45 first light shielding part, 45a resin introduction part, 46 second light shielding part, 50 inner light transmitting body, 51 first light transmitting part, 52 second light transmitting part, 53 concave part, 54 ceiling surface 55 connections

Claims (8)

An electronic device having a substrate and an operation panel on which a switch unit and a light emitting unit are disposed, and a translucent operation unit unit disposed corresponding to the switch unit and the light emitting unit,
A fixing portion made of a light-shielding resin and relatively fixed to the substrate;
A key top that swings with respect to the fixed portion in a direction not parallel to the substrate when the upper surface that is the operation surface is pushed and separated;
The key top is provided with an actuator unit that moves in conjunction with the key top and presses and drives the corresponding switch unit.
The key top is made of a translucent resin and is formed of a translucent resin so as to transmit light from the corresponding light emitting unit upward, and the translucent resin. A second light-transmitting portion that is positioned so as to surround the light-emitting portion and is formed so as to transmit light from the corresponding light-emitting portion upward, and inside the second light-transmitting portion in a plan view. A first light shielding part formed between the first light transmissive part and the second light transmissive part;
The first light-transmitting part and the second light-transmitting part are connected to each other at a connection part below the first light-shielding part, and a concave part opened downward to cover the corresponding light-emitting part is formed, The lower surface of the connecting portion forms part of the ceiling surface of the recess,
The fixing part that is fixed relative to the substrate covers the light emitting part, the first light transmitting part, and the second light transmitting part from the side,
The first light transmitting part, the second light transmitting part, and the first light shielding part are integrally configured ,
The key top further includes a second light-shielding portion formed to rim the outer periphery of the second light-transmissive portion,
An undercut portion is formed in the second light transmitting portion,
The second light-shielding portion is integrally integrated with the first light-transmissive portion, the second light-transmissive portion, and the first light-shielding portion so that the second light-transmissive portion is supported from below through the undercut portion. A translucent operating element unit characterized by being configured .   2. The first light-shielding portion is formed so that a portion where the first light-transmitting portion and the second light-transmitting portion are continuous does not occur at least on the upper surface of the key top. The translucent operation element unit described. The second light-shielding part is connected to the fixed part by a hinge part, and the key top is swingable in the vertical direction with respect to the fixed part via the hinge part. parts, the fixed portion and the hinge portion, the translucent-type operator unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the formed integrally with the same resin. The first light-transmitting part and the second light-transmitting part are integrally formed by connecting with a connecting part under the first light-shielding part. The first light-shielding part and the second light-shielding part are are formed in the same resin, the the first light-shielding portion formed resin introduction portion is continuously, the resin introduction portion, claim 1, wherein the exposed downwardly through the connecting portion The translucent operation element unit of any one of -3. The second light-shielding portion is formed with a flange portion that protrudes in an outer peripheral direction from the outline of the second light-transmitting portion, along the entire circumference of the second light-transmitting portion in plan view. Item 5. The translucent operating element unit according to any one of Items 1 to 4 . 6. The translucent type according to claim 1 , wherein the second translucent portion is formed continuously from the upper surface to the front surface of the key top at least on the front side. Controller unit. The operation panel is disposed in parallel to the substrate, has a fitting hole corresponding to the operation unit, and the fixing portion is fitted into the fitting hole, sandwiched between the substrate, any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the position regulating portion for regulating the position of the operator unit in directions parallel and perpendicular to the substrate is provided The translucent operating element unit according to claim 1. The first, the second light transmitting portion, the translucent-type operator unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in phosphorescent resin.

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