WO2007111113A1

WO2007111113A1 - Switching apparatus and electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2007111113A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/054796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yukiharu Miyamura
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-03-27
Filing date: 2007-03-12
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

A switching apparatus (200) is provided with a pair of buttons (221B) which can be protruded/retracted in a pressing direction by pressing an operation surface (221E), and a protruding section (232) which is arranged between the buttons (221B) and has a protruding surface (232B) which is protruded from the operation surface (221E) in a direction opposite to the pressing direction. Thus, an operational error of the buttons (221B) can be prevented and operability of the switching apparatus (200) is improved.

Description

Specification

Switch device and electronic device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a switch device and an electronic device including the switch device.

Background art

Conventionally, a switch device for operating an electronic device, which is provided on the back and side surfaces of the electronic device such as a television device, is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The device described in Patent Document 1 covers a flexible member having three holding portions having movable contacts that can come into contact with fixed contacts on a printed circuit board provided with three fixed contacts. In addition, it is a two-stage action “sea sauce switch” in which a pair of actuators capable of pressing the upper force holding portion of the flexible member is fixed. These actuators are provided with comb-like portions formed at the edges facing each other, and biting these comb-like portions so as not to contact each other, so that the upper surfaces are substantially flush with each other. The sea source switch is configured such that when one end of these actuators is pressed, the movable contact of the holding portion provided at the lower portion of the pressed position comes into contact with the fixed contact of the printed circuit board. Yes.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Registration No. 2520841 (see pages 2 to 3, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2)

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] By the way, in the conventional sea sauce switch as described above, the pair of actuators are installed so as to have substantially the same plane. If the shape part is pressed, either of the actuators will be pressed, causing a malfunction. In particular, the use of the above-mentioned Sea Source switch as a blind touch type switch placed on the side or back of an electronic device where it cannot be seen increases the number of erroneous operations, resulting in poor operability. It is done.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a switch device and an electronic device with good operability. Means for solving the problem

[0007] The switch device according to the present invention includes a button unit in which at least two buttons that can be advanced and retracted in the pressing direction by pressing the operation surface are arranged close to each other, and the button portion of the button unit. And a projecting portion provided with a projecting surface that projects and is fixed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction than the operation surface of the button.

[0008] The electronic device of the present invention is provided with the above-described switch device of the present invention and the switch device so that the operation surface of the button protrudes outward, and in accordance with the operation of the switch device. And an apparatus main body in which an electronic control unit that performs predetermined processing is housed.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view schematically showing an outline of an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the switch device.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the switch device.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a button frame constituting the switch device.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a cover constituting the switch device.

Explanation of symbols

[0010] 100 ... Image display device as electronic device

110..Case body as device body

120 "display

200 ··· Switch device

222 "Switch frame as frame

221Β button

221Ε ··· Operation surface

223 ... Reinforcement ribs as reinforcement

230 ··· Kanoichi

231Β ··· Second button hole as opening 232

232B ... Protruding surface

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view schematically showing an outline of an image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the switch device. Fig. 3 is a side sectional view of the switch device. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a button frame constituting the switch device. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a cover constituting the switch device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image display device as an electronic device, and this image display device 100 includes a case body 110 as an apparatus body, and electronic control not shown in the case body 110. The part is stored. Further, a substantially rectangular opening 111 force S is formed on the front surface of the case body 110, and a display 120 is provided in the opening 111. Examples of the display 120 include a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an organic EL panel, an FED, and an electrophoresis panel.

A switch device 200 is provided on the side surface of the case body 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, the switch device 200 includes a switch board 210, a switch frame 222 as a frame for holding a plurality of buttons 221 and a cover 230.

The switch substrate 210 is fixed at a predetermined position on the side surface of the case body 110, for example, and is electrically connected to an electronic control unit stored in the case body 110. The switch substrate 210 is a printed circuit board in which a conductive pattern (not shown) is electrodeposited on an insulating substrate, and a plurality of switch bodies 211 connected to the conductive pattern are provided on the switch substrate 210. The switch body 211 is provided with a contact surface 211A that contacts the button 221 and is urged toward the button 221. Then, when the button 221 is pressed and the contact surface 211A moves to the switch substrate 210 side, the switch body 211 transmits a predetermined signal to the electronic control unit.

As shown in FIG. 4, the switch frame 222 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a horizontal frame 222A and a vertical frame 222B facing each other. Further, reinforcing ribs 223 as a plurality of reinforcing portions are provided between the mutually opposite horizontal frames 222A of the switch frame 222. The button installation port 224 is formed by being bridged and surrounded by the reinforcing rib 223 and the horizontal frame 222A, or the reinforcing rib 223, the horizontal frame 222A and the vertical frame 222B. The width dimension of these button installation openings 224, that is, the distance dimension between the reinforcing ribs 223 adjacent to each other is not particularly limited, and can be arbitrarily set according to the size of the button 221 and the like.

[0017] Further, the vertical frame 222B is provided with installation pieces 222C each having a screw hole. The installation piece 222C is screwed through the screw hole and screwed into the case body 110, thereby fixing the switch frame 222 to a predetermined position of the case body 110.

[0018] Then, a button 221 is attached to the button installation port 224 so as to be movable back and forth in a direction substantially orthogonal to the opening surface of the button installation port 224. The button 221 may be formed as a separate body that may be integrally formed by injection molding when the switch frame 222 is molded, and may be bonded and fixed by, for example, an adhesive.

[0019] The button 221 has a substantially cylindrical button 221A, a substantially rectangular shape whose cross section has a longitudinal direction, an arc portion 22 IB 1 having an arc shape on one end side, and a linear portion 221 having a linear shape on the other end side. A button 221B on which B2 is formed. The buttons 221B are formed as a pair, and these buttons 221B are arranged such that the straight portions 221B2 face each other with a predetermined dimension. The reinforcing ribs 223 are arranged between the straight portions 221B2 of the buttons 221B.

Here, the button 221A is used as, for example, a power switch, an input switching switch for switching an image signal input to the image display device 100, a mute switch for switching a sound muting setting, and the like. The pair of buttons 221B are used as, for example, a channel change switch for sequentially switching input image signals, a volume change switch for sequentially changing sound volume, and the like. The pair of buttons 221B constitutes the button portion of the present invention.

[0021] These buttons 221 include a button body 221C and a button holding portion 221D. The button body 221C has an operation surface 221E formed on the upper surface. The operation surface 221E is a surface protruding outward of the switch device 200. When the operation surface 221E is pressed, the button 221 moves in the pressing direction. [0022] The button holding portion 221D is provided integrally on the case body 110 side of the button body 221C. The button holding portion 221D is formed in a substantially plate shape, and two button installation portions 221F are formed at one end facing the horizontal frame 222A. The button installation portion 221F is connected to one horizontal frame 222A of the switch frame 222, and the button 221 can move forward and backward with respect to the button installation port 224 with this connection position as a fulcrum. Further, as described above, the button holding portion 221D is in contact with the contact surface 211A of the switch body 211, and when the button body 221C is not pressed, the switch body 211 has a contact surface 211A. It is biased away from the substrate 210.

Thereby, the button holding portion 221D biases the button main body 221C in a direction in which the button main body 221C protrudes from the button installation port 224. When the button 221 is pressed, the button holding unit 221D pushes the contact surface 211A of the switch body 211 toward the switch substrate 210, and a predetermined signal is input to the switch body 211 electronic control unit. The button 221 is separated from the switch board 210 by the biasing force by providing a biasing member such as a plate spring on the horizontal frame 222A or by providing a biasing member such as a coil spring on the switch board 210. Energize in the direction.

[0024] The cover 230 is a member that is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin and forms the exterior of the switch device 200. The cover 230 includes a switch surface 230A from which the button 221 protrudes and an exterior portion 230B that constitutes a part of the case body 110 of the image display device 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the exterior part 230B includes a plurality of fixing holes 230B1. These fixing holes 230B1 fix the cover 230 to the case body 110 by passing screws through and screwing into the case body 110.

In addition, the switch surface 230A is formed in a substantially planar shape, and a plurality of button insertion holes 231 that communicate with the inside of the switch device 200 on the outside are formed. These button insertion holes 231 include a first button insertion hole 231A for inserting a button 221A having a circular cross section and a second button insertion hole 231B as an opening for passing a button 221B having a rectangular cross section. I have. The first button hole 231A is formed in a substantially circular shape that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the button 221A. The second button hole 231B has a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction, and is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the shape of both end positions of each button 221B. It is formed so that both of the pair of buttons 221B can pass through!

[0026] In addition, a projecting portion 232 that bridges both side edges along the longitudinal direction of the second button through hole 231B is provided at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction of the second button through hole 231B. That is, the protrusion 232 is fixed relatively to the button 221B. Specifically, the protruding portion 232 has a rising portion 232A that rises in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cover 230, and a protruding portion that connects these rising portions 232A. It is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section with the surface 23 2B.

The upright portions 232A and the protruding surfaces 232B are formed to have substantially the same thickness as the thickness of the cover 230, and are formed integrally with the cover 230. Further, the protruding surface 232B of the protruding portion 232 is formed so as to protrude on the same plane as the operating surface 221E of the button 221B or slightly outward of the switch device 200 from the operating surface 221E. Further, the width dimension of the projecting portion 232 is formed to be approximately the same as the distance dimension between the linear portions 221B2 facing each other of the pair of buttons 221B.

[0028] It should be noted that a label that describes the function of each button 221 such as "power switch", "input switch", "volume", "channel switch", "mute", etc. is provided on the switch surface 230A of the cover 230. As a configuration to paste 構成.

[Operation of Image Display Device]

Next, the operation of the switch device 200 in the image display device 100 will be described. In the image display device 100 as described above, for example, when the power switch button 221A of the switch device 200 is pressed, power is supplied to the electronic control unit, and the display An image corresponding to the image signal is displayed at 120. In addition, when the button 22 1B for adjusting the volume of the switch device 200 or the channel to be displayed on the display 120 is pressed, the image signal transmitted to the display 120 is changed, or the volume from a speaker (not shown) is changed. . Here, since the protruding portion 232 is formed between the pair of buttons 221B as described above, the user force S is used when operating these buttons 221B. Each button 221B can be operated.

[Operation and Effect of Image Display Device] As described above, in the switch device 200 of the image display device 100 of the above-described embodiment, the pair of buttons 221B are provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the button installation port 224, and the second button through hole 231B of the cover 230 is provided. Is formed between the pair of buttons 221B, and a protruding portion 232 having a protruding surface 232B protruding substantially on the same plane as the operating surface 221E of the button 221B or beyond the operating surface 221E is formed. Therefore, when each button 221B is operated, each button 221B is separated by the protruding portion 232. Therefore, even if the user accidentally presses the middle position between the pair of buttons 221B, the button 221B B cannot be pushed. Accordingly, malfunction of the button 221B can be prevented.

[0031] Further, by operating the button 221B with the protruding portion 232 projecting from the cover 230 as a mark or a fulcrum, the switch device 200 cannot be viewed from the front as in the above embodiment, for example. Even when it is provided on the side surface of the display device 100, the target button 221B can be easily recognized by groping. Therefore, even when used as a blind touch type switching device 200, it is possible to prevent the button 221B from being erroneously operated and to improve the operability.

In addition, the projecting portion 232 is formed integrally with the cover 230. For this reason,

When the cover 230 is formed, the protrusion 232 can be easily formed by providing the protrusion 232 integrally by injection molding or the like. Further, by providing the protrusion 230 on the cover 230, the gap between the straight portions 221B2 of the button 221B can be reduced, and the protrusion 232 corresponding to the gap can be formed.

Further, the protruding portion 232 includes an upright portion 232A and a protruding surface 232B, and the upright portion 232A and the protruding surface 232B are formed to have substantially the same thickness as the thickness of the cover 230. For this reason, when the cover 230 and the projecting portion 232 are formed by, for example, injection molding, deformation due to a difference in thickness can be prevented. Therefore, processing such as polishing and cutting the cover 230 and the protrusion 232 formed by injection molding or the like is unnecessary, and the productivity can be improved.

[0034] Further, the pair of buttons 221B are arranged with a space between the straight portions 221B2 by the width dimension of the protruding portion 232. For this reason, the reinforcing rib 223 can be provided at a position corresponding to the straight portion 221B2 of the switch frame 222, that is, at a position facing the protruding portion 232. The strength of the ram 222 can be improved.

[0035] As described above, in the image display device 100 including the switch device 200, the button 221B can be easily operated as described above, and an erroneous operation can be prevented. The operability of the device 100 can be improved.

In addition, since switch device 200 is provided on the side surface of case body 110, switch device 200 is not exposed to the front surface where display 120 is disposed, and appearance of image display device 100 is improved. Can do. In this case, the switch device 200 is arranged at a position where it cannot be seen from the front. Therefore, when the switch device 200 is also operated by the front side force of the image display device 100, the force that acts as a so-called blind touch that operates the button 221 by groping. As described above, since the protruding portion 232 is provided between the buttons 221B, an erroneous operation can be prevented and the operability in the blind touch can be improved.

[0037] Further, as described above, in the image display device 100 in which the display 120 is provided on the front surface, by providing the switch device 200 on the side surface of the case body 110, the display area of the display 120 can be set large. Can do.

[Modification of Embodiment]

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes the following modifications as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, the force indicating the configuration for attaching the switch device 200 to the image display device 100 is not limited to this. For example, the switch device 200 can be attached to other electronic devices such as radios, stereo devices, and personal computers!

[0040] Further, the configuration in which the switch device 200 is attached to the side surface of the case body 110 of the image display device 100 has been described. For example, the switch device 200 may be attached to the back of the case body 110 that may be attached below the front display 120. Also good. Even when the button 221B is attached to the back surface, as described above, the protruding portion 232 is provided between the pair of buttons 221B. Therefore, even when the button 221B is operated by, for example, a blind touch, an erroneous operation of the button 221B can be prevented.

Further, although the projecting portion 232 is described as being configured to be provided in the second button insertion hole 231B of the cover 230, it may be configured to be provided integrally with the reinforcing rib 223 of the switch frame 222, for example. Even in such a configuration, as in the above-described embodiment, the protruding portion is interposed between the pair of buttons 221B. The protruding arrangement can be made, and the malfunction of the button 221B can be prevented.

[0042] Further, a structure in which the protruding portion 232 is provided between the pair of buttons 221B may be configured such that the protruding portion 232 is provided between the three or more buttons 221B.

For example, the two buttons 221B are arranged side by side so that the straight portions 221B2 face each other, and further, the two buttons 221B are arranged so that the straight portions 221B2 face each other so as to be orthogonal to these buttons 221B. The four button 221 may be a cross-shaped button switch in which a protruding portion 232 is provided at a position facing the linear portion 221B2.

[0043] Even with such a configuration, when the center position of these buttons 221B, that is, in the vicinity of the protrusion 232, is pressed, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation in which any of these buttons 221B is not pressed. Further, since each button 221B can be pressed using the protruding portion 232 as a fulcrum, even if the switch device 200 is provided at a position where it cannot be seen, the button 221B can be easily operated by the blind touch.

[0044] In addition, the configuration in which the reinforcing rib 223 is provided in the switch frame 222 may be configured such that the reinforcing rib is not provided. Even in such a configuration, since the protruding portion 232 can be provided between the pair of buttons 221B, an erroneous operation can be prevented and operability can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the switch body 210 is provided on the switch board 210, and a predetermined signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit by pressing the contact surface 211A of the switch body 211 with the button 221. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fixed electrode portion connected to the conductive pattern is provided at a predetermined position on the switch substrate 210, and a movable electrode portion is provided on the surface of the button holding portion 221D of the button 221 facing the switch substrate 210. A switch that transmits a predetermined signal to the electronic control unit when the button 221 is pressed and the movable electrode unit comes into contact with the fixed electrode unit may be used. In addition, V can be used for the configuration of the switch body 211, and a different configuration can be used!

[0046] Further, a force indicating a configuration in which the projecting surface 232B of the projecting portion 232 is a flat surface, for example, the projecting surface 232B may be formed in another shape such as an arc shape, and the projecting surface 232B may project. It is good also as a structure which provided the raising part. Furthermore, the shape of the protruding surface 232B may be changed according to the type of the button 221A. For example, a pair of buttons 221B to change the volume The projecting surface 232B of the projecting portion 232 disposed between the projections 232B is formed in an arc shape, and the projecting portion 232 between the pair of buttons 221B for changing the channel is provided with a projection on the projecting surface 232B of the projecting portion 232 It is good also as a structure of these. With such a configuration, each button 221 can be easily identified, and the operability in the blind touch can be further improved.

[0047] The shape of the button 221B is not limited to the long shape as described above, and may be other shapes such as a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, and a substantially elliptical shape.

In addition, the specific structure for carrying out the present invention can be appropriately changed to other structures and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[Effect of the embodiment]

As described above, in the switch device 200 of the image display device 100 of the above-described embodiment, the pair of buttons 221B are provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the button installation port 224, and the second button insertion hole 231B of the cover 230 is provided. Is formed between the pair of buttons 221B, and a protruding portion 232 having a protruding surface 232B protruding substantially on the same plane as the operating surface 221E of the button 221B or beyond the operating surface 221E is formed. For this reason, when each button 221B is operated, each button 221B is separated by the protruding portion 232, so that the malfunction of the button 221B can be prevented. In addition, by operating the button 221B using the projecting portion 232 protruding from the cover 230 as a mark or fulcrum, even if the switch device 200 is operated by blind touch, the target button can be easily searched. 221B can be recognized, and operability can be improved.

Industrial applicability

[0050] The present invention can be used as a switch device and an electronic apparatus equipped with the switch device.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A button unit in which at least two buttons that can be advanced and retracted in the pressing direction by pressing the operation surface are arranged close to each other;

And a protrusion provided with a protrusion surface that is provided between the buttons of the button portion and is fixed to protrude in a direction opposite to the pressing direction from at least the operation surface of the button. Switch device.

[2] The switch device according to claim 1,

A cover having an opening through which the button is inserted;

The protrusion is provided in the opening of the cover.

A switch device characterized by that.

[3] The switch device according to claim 1 or claim 2,

A frame-like frame that holds the button part so that the button can be advanced and retracted in the pressing direction;

The frame includes a reinforcing portion that connects the frames between the positions where the buttons are held.

A switch device characterized by that.

[4] The switch device according to any one of claims 1 and 3, and

An apparatus main body in which the switch device is provided so that the operation surface of the button protrudes outward, and an electronic control unit that performs predetermined processing in accordance with the operation of the switch device is housed therein;

An electronic device characterized by comprising

[5] The electronic device according to claim 4,

The switch device is provided on a side surface of the device main body.

Electronic equipment characterized by that.

[6] The electronic device according to claim 4 or claim 5,

The apparatus body includes a display that displays an image according to an image signal under the control of the electronic control unit, The switch device is provided on a side surface adjacent to a surface on which the display of the device body is provided.

Electronic equipment characterized by that.