JPH11353972A - Electronic equipment switch structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily, integratedly form an operation key with a housing by installing a plurality of elastic springs for connecting the operation key to the housing in a gap between the operation key and a switch hole in integral molding, extending almost in the circumferential direction of the operation key, and connecting both ends of the elastic spring to the different positions not adjacent each other. SOLUTION: Two elastic springs 1b, 1b are arranged in symmetrical positions to keep the holding balance of an operation key 4b. A housing 1, the elastic spring 1b, and the operation key 4b are formed in integral molding. Each elastic spring 1b holds the housing 1 in the position slightly projecting from the surface of the housing 1, elastically deforms by the pushing force applied to the operation key 4b with a finger, follows the displacement of the operation key 4b, and deforms in the direction vertical to the axial direction of the elastic spring 1b to produce elasticity. When the pushing force is removed, the operation key 4b is returned to the original position by the elastic returning force of the elastic spring 1b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch structure for electronic equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The structure of a switch B of an electronic device is, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, and includes a housing 1 constituting the electronic device, an operation key 24 for manual pressing operation, and
A switch main body 5 housed in the housing 1 and turned on and off by a pressing operation of the operation key 24. The switch body 5 is mounted on a circuit board 6 built in the housing 1. A decorative nameplate 2 is fixed to the surface of the housing 1 so as to cover the operation keys 24. The part corresponding to the operation key 24 is configured to be deformable by embossing or the like on the decorative nameplate 2, thereby displaying an operation display portion 2 a indicating a position to be pressed.
(Or 2b) is formed. In this configuration,
By manually pressing the operation key 24 via the nameplate 2 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 14, the operation key 24) presses the switch body 5, whereby the switch body 5 can be turned on and off.

FIG. 15 is a view showing another conventional example different from FIG. 14. An operation key 24 shown in FIG. 15 includes a contact portion 25 that contacts the switch body 5 and a contact portion 25 around the contact portion 25. The flange 26 is formed in a circular shape, and by providing the flange 26, a portion where the operation key 24 can be pressed can be widened, and the switch can be turned on and off by pressing any position of the operation display unit 2a (or 2b). I can do it.
Others are the same as those in FIG.

[0004]

However, in the prior art shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, since the load at the time of pressing the operation key 24 is directly transmitted to the switch body 5, the switch body 5 is overloaded by the operation key 24. There was a risk of damage. In addition, since the return force of the switch body 5 itself is used to return the operation key 24 to the original state when the pressing operation is stopped, the operational feeling lacks one more. Also, since the housing 1 and the operation key 24 are separate parts, an assembly process is required between the two, and a man-hour is required for assembling the switch portion. Further, if another elastic means for returning the operation key 24 to the original state is provided, there is a problem that the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps increases.
Further, it is extremely difficult or complicated to mold the operation key 24, the elastic means and the housing 1 integrally.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch structure of an electronic device in which an operation key having an elastic spring for return can be easily formed integrally with a housing. . It is another object of the present invention to provide a configuration for protecting a switch from an overload during a pressing operation.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a housing constituting an electronic device, an operation key for manual pressing operation, and a pressing operation of an operation key housed in the housing. And a switch main body that is turned on and off by the operation key, wherein the operation key operates an elastic spring connecting the operation key and the housing in the switch structure of the electronic device held in a switch hole provided in the housing. A plurality of elastic springs are provided in the gap between the key and the switch hole by integral molding, and each elastic spring is extended substantially in the circumferential direction of the operation key, and both ends of the elastic spring are connected at different positions not adjacent to each other. It is characterized by. Note that the meaning of “substantially circumferential direction” is not limited to the direction of the circumference of the absolutely perpendicular plane with respect to the pressing direction of the operation key, but also the circumference of the surface intersecting at an acute angle or an obtuse angle with the pressing direction of the operation key. This means that the effects of the present invention are within the scope of the present invention even if they are deviated from the vertical direction.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, two elastic springs are provided, and each elastic spring is provided in a symmetrical positional relationship.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the operation key is provided with a stopper which comes into contact with the circuit board provided with the switch body when the operation key is pressed. It is characterized by having.

[0009]

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

FIG. 1 to FIG. 13 are views showing an embodiment according to the present invention. First, before describing a portion according to the present invention, an example of an electronic device using the switch structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 10 is, for example, an alarm monitoring panel used in a collective housing communication system, but, of course, the electronic device 1 of the present invention.
The type of 00 is not limited to this, and may be any electronic device. The electronic device 100 includes a housing 1, a telephone handset 101, an alarm display panel 102, a setting unit 103 in which a power switch, a setting switch, and the like are stored, a ten-key unit 3, such as a dwelling unit number of a call destination and a call switch. have. Various switches are provided in addition to the numeric keypad 3, and the decorative nameplate 2 is attached and fixed to the numeric keypad 3 and the entire switch. The numeric keypad 3 includes a plurality of operation keys 3a formed by resin molding or the like, and the plurality of operation keys 3a are provided so as to protrude from the decorative nameplate 2.

As shown in FIG. 11, the nameplate 2 is provided with operation display sections 2a and 2b for a plurality of switches. A switch that is turned on / off by a manual push operation is provided at a position in the housing 1 corresponding to the operation display sections 2a and 2b. 2d is a hole through which each operation key 3a of the numeric keypad 3 passes.

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the housing 1 showing the numeric keypad 3 and various switches before the decorative nameplate 2 is attached to and fixed to the housing 1. FIG.
In FIG. 2, reference numerals 4a, 4b, and 4c denote operation keys for manual pressing operation. At the position corresponding to each of the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c, a mechanical switch body 5 (see other figures)
Are arranged in the housing 1, and the operation keys 4a, 4a
When b and 4c are displaced by a manual pressing operation, each operation key 4
The switch body 5 corresponding to a, 4b, and 4c is pressed and turned on and off. Needless to say, the operation display units 2a and 2b in FIG. 11 and the operation keys 4a and 4b in FIG. 12 correspond in position, but in some cases, the operation display is performed on some or all of the operation keys 4c. (Not shown)
The operation keys 4c can also be operated by providing a spacer 9 to be described later (the same configuration as the operation display sections 2a and 2b). The operation key 4c cannot be operated simply by covering it with the decorative nameplate 2, but can be operated in combination with a spacer 9 described later. Details of this will be described later.

The operation display sections 2a, 2b and 2c are formed by embossing or the like so as to be deformed when a load is applied. Here, the switch related to the operation key 4a is set to the switch A
And a switch related to the operation key 4b is a switch B.
The switch associated with the operation key 4c is referred to as a switch C. Hereinafter, the switches A to C according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the switch B. FIG. The switch B is a large-surface type switch that is horizontally longer than the other switches A and C. The switch A has at least a housing 1 constituting an electronic device, an operation key 4b for manual pressing operation, and a switch main body 5 housed in the housing 1 and turned on and off by pressing the operation key 4b. . The switch body 5 is mounted on a circuit board 6 built in the housing 1. Further, a decorative nameplate 2 is fixed to the surface of the housing 1 so as to cover the operation keys 4b.

A contact portion 7 for contacting the switch body 5 is provided at the center of the operation key 4b, and two stoppers 8, 8 protrude from both sides thereof. The stoppers 8, 8 come into contact with the circuit board 6 provided with the switch body 5 only when the operation key 4b is pressed,
When the operation key 4b is not pressed, the operation key 4b is released from the circuit board 6.

The operation key 4b is formed in a horizontally long oval shape having a circular shape on both sides, and is provided inside the switch hole 1a provided in the housing 1 by two elastic springs 1b.
And is connected and held. Each elastic spring 1b is provided in a gap formed between the inner edge of the switch hole 1a of the housing 1 and the operation key 4b, and the outer periphery of the circular portion on both sides of the operation key 4b (or the outer periphery of the switch hole 1a). Along the inner circumference) and is formed in an arc shape having a length of about a half arc, one end of which is connected to the peripheral edge of the operation key 4b and the other end is connected to the inner edge of the switch hole 1a, that is, not adjacent to each other. Connected at different locations. That is, the elastic spring 1b is provided substantially in the circumferential direction of the operation key 4b and the operation key 4b.
It extends in the direction crossing the pushing direction of b. Also, 2
The two elastic springs 1b, 1b are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship, thereby maintaining the holding balance of the operation key 4b. Further, the housing 1, the elastic spring 1b, and the operation key 4b
Are formed by integral molding. Each elastic spring 1b
Holds the operation key 4b at a position slightly protruding from the surface of the housing 1, elastically deforms in response to a pressing force of a finger or the like on the operation key 4b, follows the displacement of the operation key 4b, An elastic force is generated by deforming the spring 1b in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. When the pressing force disappears, the operation key 4b is returned to the original position by the elastic return force.

At the time of the non-pressing operation shown in FIG. 1, the operation keys 4 are operated in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
b, the operation display section 2b is deformed as shown in FIG.
, So that the switch body 5 can be turned on and off. At this time, the stoppers 8, 8 come into contact with the circuit board 6 to prevent the operation keys 4b from being displaced even if an additional overload is applied to the operation keys 4b, thereby preventing the switch body 5 itself from being overloaded. The main body 5 itself can be prevented from being destroyed. When the manual pushing operation is stopped and the force in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
The operation key 4b returns to the original position by the elastic return force of b.

FIGS. 4 to 9 show the switches A and C. FIG. The switches A and C are different from the switch B in that the shape of the operation keys 4a and 4c is circular and that there is no configuration corresponding to the stopper 8. Others are the same as the switch B.

The operation key 4a of the switch A is held at a position slightly protruding from the surface of the housing 1, and the operation key 4c of the switch C is It is configured to be kept in one state. That is, the switch C can be operated in a state where the switch cannot be operated so that the switch C can be easily handled even if the number and the arrangement of the switches are different, for example, in the case of the same series of products having different functions for each device. This is so that it can be changed. That is, the operation key 4c
If the operation display unit 2c is not formed at a location corresponding to and the operator does not know that the switch is hidden, even if the operator presses the switch, the decorative nameplate 2 is deformed enough to displace the operation key 4c. Since the switch main body 5 cannot be turned on and off, the switch C can be turned on and off. To enable the switch C to be turned on and off, the switch C is replaced with a decorative nameplate 2 having an operation display section 2c formed at a position corresponding to the operation key 4c. Between the operation display section 2c of the nameplate 2 and the operation keys 4c,
With the spacer 9 inserted, the decorative nameplate 2 is attached and fixed to the housing 1. In this manner, the switch A can be easily changed to a state where it can be turned on / off or cannot be turned on / off by replacing the decorative nameplate 2 and inserting / removing the spacer 9.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the operation keys 4a (or 4).
FIG. 3C is a diagram showing the operation key 4a.
(Or 4c) is formed in a circular shape, and is connected to and held by the housing 1 by two elastic springs 1b inside a switch hole 1a provided in the housing 1. Each elastic spring 1b is provided in a gap formed between the operation key 4a (or 4c) and the inner edge of the switch hole 1a of the housing 1, and is provided with a circumference (or switch) of the operation key 4a (or 4c). Along the inner circumference of the hole 1a), and is formed in an arc shape having a length slightly shorter than a substantially half arc.
a (or 4c), and the other end is connected to the inner edge side of the switch hole 1a, that is, connected at different positions that are not adjacent to each other. That is, the elastic spring 1b extends in a substantially circumferential direction of the operation key 4a (or 4c) and a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the operation key 4a (or 4c). Further, the respective elastic springs 1b are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship, whereby the operation keys 4a (or 4c)
The balance is maintained. The housing 1, the elastic spring 1b, and the operation keys 4a (or 4c) are formed by integral molding. Each of the elastic springs 1b includes an operation key 4
a (or 4c) by elastically deforming in response to a pressing force of a finger or the like, following the displacement of the operation key 4a (or 4c), and deforming in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the elastic spring 1b.
Generates elastic force. When the pressing force disappears, the operation key 4a (or 4c) is returned to the original position by the elastic return force.

FIGS. 8 and 9 differ only in the presence or absence of 1c, but 1c is a hole for an LED (light emitting diode) to be turned on or off in accordance with the operation of the switch A.
That is, the switch A according to FIG. 8 and the switch A according to FIG. 9 differ only in whether or not an LED is attached.

In the switches A, B, and C of the above embodiment, the operation keys 4a, 4b having the elastic spring 1b for return are provided.
4b, 4c can be easily formed integrally with the housing 1. That is, it is not only integrally formed, but also provided by using a gap formed between the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c and the inner edge side of the switch hole 1a of the housing 1, and the outer periphery (or the switch) of the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c. Hole 1
13 along the inner periphery of "a", for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation keys for easily removing the die K (only the main part, not the whole die) during the die molding. 4a, 4
The shapes of b, 4c and the elastic spring 1b are advantageous in that they can be easily integrated. Of course, Figure 1
The same applies to the switches A and C for the die removal of No. 3. Note that the mold K in FIG. 13 is an example, and other configurations are possible. However, as shown in FIG. 13, a mold that pulls the mold up and down can easily be integrally formed.

Further, the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the housing 1, and the effect of reducing the number of assembling steps of the switch portion is great. Also, the elastic spring 1b
Since the operation keys 4a, 4b, and 4c having the above-mentioned structure can be easily integrally formed with the housing 1, the number of parts is reduced, so that the assembling is facilitated.

Further, a plurality of elastic springs 1b, 1b are extended substantially in the circumferential direction of the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c.
b at both ends with operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c and switch hole 1
a, the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c can be displaced straight in the direction of the switch body 5 and can be pressed with a sufficient stroke amount. The operation feeling can be kept good. In other words, in a configuration other than the above, for example, the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c and the switch hole 1
a can be conceived to be connected only at one position adjacent to each other. However, when the operation keys 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed, the operation keys 4a, 4b, and 4c are drawn in the direction of drawing an arc around the connected portion.
Since a, 4b, and 4c are displaced, the operation keys 4a, 4b,
4c is displaced straight in the direction of the switch body 5 and cannot be pushed. Further, in another configuration other than the above, for example, a configuration in which the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c and the switch hole 1a are connected to each other at adjacent positions and a plurality of connection portions are provided is considered. , 4b, 4c and the switch hole 1a are too short to move the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c in the direction of the switch body 5 with a sufficient stroke amount. In the above embodiment according to the present invention, the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c can be displaced straight in the direction of the switch body 5 and can be pressed with a sufficient stroke amount, so that the operation feeling can be kept good. . Note that the meaning of “substantially circumferential direction” in the present specification is not limited to the direction of the circumference of an absolute vertical plane with respect to the pressing direction of the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c.
It means that the direction of the circumference of the plane intersecting at an acute angle or an obtuse angle with respect to the pressing directions of b and 4c is sufficient.

Also, since the return elastic springs 1b, 1b are arranged in a symmetrical positional relationship, the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c are depressed even though there are only two elastic springs 1b. A good balance can be maintained. The number of the elastic springs 1b is not limited to two, and two or more elastic springs 1b may be provided.

In the switch B provided with the stopper 8, the switch body 5 can be protected from an overload at the time of pushing operation. Of course, a similar stopper 8 may be provided for the circular switches A and C.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the shape of the operation keys 4a, 4b, 4c is not limited to a circular shape or a horizontally long circular shape, but can be various shapes such as a square. The spring 1b may also be provided, for example, along the outer periphery of a square operation key or the inner periphery of the switch hole 1a.

[0028]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation key having the elastic spring for return can be easily formed integrally with the housing. Therefore, assembling is facilitated by the reduction in the number of parts. Further, since a plurality of elastic springs are provided to extend substantially in the circumferential direction of the operation key, and both ends of the elastic spring are connected at different positions not adjacent to each other, the operation key is displaced straight in the direction of the switch body. In addition, since the push can be performed with a sufficient stroke amount, the operation feeling can be kept good.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the balance at the time of pressing the operation key is good despite the fact that there are only two elastic springs for return.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the switch can be protected from an overload during the pushing operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (at the time of non-pressing operation) showing a switch B of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch B in the above (during pressing operation).

FIG. 3 is a plan view (a) and a rear view (b) showing the operation key 4b and its periphery in the same.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (at the time of non-pressing operation) showing the switch A of the embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch A (at the time of a pressing operation) in the same as above.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view (at the time of non-pressing operation) showing the switch C of the embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a switch C (at the time of a pressing operation) in the above.

FIG. 8 is a plan view (a) and a rear view (b) showing the operation key 4a (or 4c) and the periphery thereof.

FIG. 9 shows an operation key 4a (or 4) having a different form from that of FIG.
3C is a plan view (a) and a rear view (b) showing the periphery thereof.

FIG. 10 is an external view showing an example of an electronic device 100 using the switch structure of the present invention. .

FIG. 11 is a view showing a decorative nameplate 2;

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the housing 1 before a decorative nameplate 2 is attached to and fixed to the housing 1 of the same.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mold configuration of a switch B.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a switch of the first conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a switch of a second conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 1b Elastic spring 2 Decorative nameplate 2a Operation display part 2b Operation display part 2c Operation display part 4a Operation key 4b Operation key 4c Operation key 5 Switch body 6 Circuit board 8 Stopper A switch B switch C switch

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic device comprising: a housing constituting an electronic device; an operation key for manual pressing operation; and a switch main body housed in the housing and turned on and off by pressing the operation key. In the switch structure of the electronic device held in the switch hole provided in, a plurality of elastic springs for connecting the operation key and the housing are integrally formed in a gap between the operation key and the switch hole, A switch structure for an electronic device, wherein each elastic spring extends in a substantially circumferential direction of an operation key, and both ends of the elastic spring are connected at different positions not adjacent to each other. 2. The switch structure according to claim 1, wherein two elastic springs are provided, and each elastic spring is provided in a symmetrical positional relationship. 3. The operation key according to claim 1, wherein a stopper that contacts the circuit board provided with the switch body when the operation key is pressed is provided on the operation key.
The switch structure of the electronic device according to any one of the above.