WO2014118992A1

WO2014118992A1 - Electronic device and detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2014118992A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/052513
Authority: WO
Inventors: 純一村社; 木村　浩一
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2013-02-04
Filing date: 2013-02-04
Publication date: 2014-08-07

Abstract

A portable electronic device (80) is equipped with a case (12) having a front aperture part (18). Furthermore, the portable electronic device (80) is equipped with a touch panel module (52) arranged in the front aperture part (18). Furthermore, the portable electronic device (80) is equipped with a transparent elastic sheet (60), which overhangs the outer peripheral part (52A) of the touch panel module (52), thereby covering the gap (D) between the outer peripheral part (52A) and the aperture edge part (18A) of the front aperture part (18), and which supports the touch panel module (52) in the case (12) in a suspended state.

Description

Electronic equipment and detection device

The technology disclosed by the present application relates to an electronic device and a detection device.

A housing having an opening formed on the front surface, a holder that is accommodated in the opening of the housing and supported by an elastic body at the bottom of the opening, and holds a touch panel module including a display; and a holder; A portable terminal equipped with a so-called dome sheet key or dome switch that is disposed between the bottom of the opening and functions as a push button equivalent to a physical key that actually has a stroke and is frequently used in a portable terminal is known. It has been. In this portable terminal, when the touch panel module is pressed by the operator, the elastic body that supports the holder is compressed and deformed. As the operator touches down the touch panel module, the dome sheet key or dome switch undergoes compression buckling deformation, thereby giving the operator a feeling of pressing and clicking.

As this type of portable terminal, there is known a device that gives a pseudo push feeling to the operator by vibrating the touch panel module with a piezoelectric element when the touch panel module is pressed by the operator (for example, (See Patent Document 1)

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of waterproofness, a portable terminal is known in which an opening of a housing in which a touch panel module is stored is closed with a protective sheet separate from the touch panel module (see, for example, Patent Document 2). From the viewpoint of waterproofness, an imaging device is known in which the outer periphery of the touch panel module is adhered to the rear surface of the decorative panel that covers the outer periphery of the touch panel module from the front side (for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2010-282665 A JP 2011-215867 A JP 2011-171924 A

By the way, in the portable terminal which gives the operator a feeling of pressing and clicking by the sinking of the holder of the touch panel module and the compression buckling deformation of the dome sheet key, the outer periphery of the touch panel module is removed from the holder from the viewpoint of waterproofness. When it sticks out and adheres to the back of the decorative panel, the following may be a concern. That is, since the outer peripheral part of the touch panel module is fixed to the decorative panel, it is difficult for the touch panel module to sink when the touch panel module is pressed by the operator.

The technology disclosed by the present application is intended to provide an operator with a feeling of indentation as one aspect.

In the technology disclosed in the present application, an electronic device includes a housing having an opening. Further, the electronic device includes a touch panel module disposed in the opening. Furthermore, the electronic device includes an elastic suspension member that protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the touch panel module, covers the gap between the outer peripheral portion and the opening edge of the opening, and supports the touch panel module while being suspended from the housing. Yes.

According to the technology disclosed in the present application, as one aspect, it is possible to give the operator a feeling of pushing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing the capacitor. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing a hanging portion of the transparent elastic sheet. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing the restriction wall portion. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing the portable electronic device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 8 showing the cover portion. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a detection device showing a modification of the elastic sheet. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6 showing the reinforcing sheet. 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the partially enlarged view of FIG. 3 showing the dome switch.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology disclosed in the present application will be described. In addition, the arrow X suitably shown in each figure has shown the upper side of the up-down direction of the electronic device. An arrow Y indicates the front side of the electronic device in the front-rear direction (one side in the thickness direction). Furthermore, the arrow W indicates the width direction of the electronic device.

First, the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable electronic device 10 as an example of an electronic device includes a housing 12 and a detection device 50 accommodated on the front side of the housing 12. The housing 12 is formed in a rectangular box shape whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction as a whole.

3 and 4, the housing 12 includes a frame body 14, a rear case 26, a rear cover 30, and a front case 36. The frame body 14 is formed in a frame shape with resin. The opening of the frame body 14 is partitioned into a front opening 18 and a rear opening 20 by a partition plate 16. The partition plate 16 is formed of a metal plate such as aluminum or stainless steel, and is integrally formed (insert mold) with the frame body 14. The front opening 18 is an example of an opening. The partition plate 16 forms the bottom of the front opening 18.

A display 70 and a touch panel module 52 which will be described later are disposed in the front opening 18. On the other hand, the rear opening portion 20 is provided with a battery housing 22 and a circuit housing portion 24 in which a control circuit or the like that functions as a vibration control portion 74 described later is housed.

A rear case 26 is disposed on the rear surface side (the other side in the thickness direction) of the frame body 14. The rear case 26 is made of resin and covers the outer peripheral portion of the frame body 14 and the circuit storage portion 24 from the rear surface side. An imaging device (camera device) 28 that captures an image or the like is attached to the rear case 26 on the circuit housing portion 24 side.

Furthermore, a rear cover 30 that covers the battery 22 from the rear side is detachably attached to the rear case 26. The rear cover 30 around the battery 22 is provided with a sealing material 32 such as rubber packing that seals a gap between the rear case 26 and the rear cover 30. The sealing material 32 suppresses the entry of water or the like into the battery 22 side. The rear cover 30 is formed with an opening 34 that exposes the imaging device 28.

On the other hand, a front case 36 is disposed on the front side (one side in the thickness direction) of the frame body 14. The front case 36 is formed in a frame shape with resin, and has a window portion 38 that exposes an operation surface 56A1 of a touch panel module 52 described later. The front case 36 covers the frame body 14 from the front side, and the outer peripheral portion is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the rear case 26 via a sealing material 40 such as rubber packing. The sealing material 40 prevents water and the like from entering the housing 12 through the gap between the front case 36 and the rear case 26. An operation button 42 that is operated by an operator is provided at the lower end of the front surface of the front case 36.

The detection device 50 includes a touch panel module 52 and a transparent elastic sheet 60 as an example of an elastic suspension member. The touch panel module 52 is disposed in the front opening 18 in a non-contact state with the housing 12. That is, a gap is formed over the entire surface between the touch panel module 52 and the front surface of the partition plate 16 (the bottom of the front opening 18), and between the touch panel module 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the front opening 18. A gap is formed over the entire circumference. The touch panel module 52 includes a touch panel 54 and a transparent rigid panel 56 that forms an operation surface 56A1.

The touch panel 54 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The touch panel 54 is of a capacitive type, and detects the contact and the contact position of the operator's fingertip or the like with respect to the operation surface 56A1 by a change in the capacitance. The touch panel 54 is not limited to a capacitance type, and may be a resistance film type or the like. The touch panel 54 is made of a transparent material.

A transparent hard panel 56 is disposed on the front side of the touch panel 54. The transparent hard panel 56 is formed in a rectangular plate shape from transparent hard glass or transparent hard plastic. The transparent hard panel 56 is formed to have substantially the same width as the touch panel 54, and is joined to the front surface by bonding or welding (thermal welding) or the like in a state of being superimposed on the front surface of the touch panel 54. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the transparent rigid panel 56 is longer in the vertical direction than the touch panel 54, and the upper end portion (one end portion in the vertical direction) 56 B is directed upward (one side in the vertical direction) from the touch panel 54. It is overhanging. Of the front surface 56A of the transparent hard panel 56, an area overlapping the transparent hard panel 56 in the front-rear direction is an operation surface 56A1.

A vibrator 58 for vibrating the transparent hard panel 56 is attached to the rear surface of the upper end portion 56B of the transparent hard panel 56. The vibrator 58 has a piezoelectric element that generates vibration by expanding and contracting according to the applied voltage. The vibrator 58 is disposed along the upper end portion 56B of the transparent rigid panel 56 so that the operation surface 56A1 vibrates over the entire surface. The vibrator 58 is an ERM (Eccentric Rotating Mass), that is, an eccentric rotating mass (eccentric vibration motor), or a spring, which has been conventionally used as an incoming notification vibrator and an operation feedback vibrator. It may be a device such as an LRA (Linear Resonant Actuator) that obtains vibration by vibrating the weight suspended by the principle of a voice coil motor, that is, a linear vibration actuator.

Further, the vibration controller 74 is electrically connected to the vibrator 58. The vibration control unit 74 controls the vibration of the vibrator 58. Specifically, the vibration control unit 74 vibrates the vibrator 58 by applying a voltage controlled so that the piezoelectric element vibrates with respect to the piezoelectric element of the vibrator 58, thereby The vibration of the vibrator 58 is stopped by stopping the application of. Note that the vibration control unit 74 controls the vibrator 58 so as to vibrate at a vibration frequency or vibration waveform that is easily perceived by an operator who operates the operation surface 56A1 with a fingertip or the like, for example.

As shown in FIG. 6, the front surface 56A of the transparent rigid panel 56 protects the operation surface 56A1 and elastically supports the touch panel module 52 in a suspended state (suspended state) in the housing 12 (frame body 14). A transparent elastic sheet 60 is attached. The transparent elastic sheet 60 is formed of a transparent resin sheet or a transparent resin film (for example, a polyester film) that is transparent and has a smaller elastic modulus (Young's modulus) than the transparent hard panel 56. Further, the surface area of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is larger than the surface area of the transparent hard panel 56. The transparent elastic sheet 60 is attached to the front surface 56A of the transparent hard panel 56 by adhesion or welding in a state where the outer peripheral portion 60A protrudes from the transparent hard panel 56 over the entire periphery.

The outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 projects from the outer peripheral portion 52A of the touch panel module 52 (transparent rigid panel 56) toward the opening edge 18A, and is bonded to the opening edge 18A via an elastic seal material 62. . The touch panel module 52 is elastically supported by the transparent elastic sheet 60 in a state where the touch panel module 52 is suspended from the opening edge 18A. Thereby, when the operator presses the touch panel module 52 via the transparent elastic sheet 60, vibration transmitted from the transparent elastic sheet 60 to the frame body 14 is reduced, and the operator's fingertip has a feeling of pressing and a clicking feeling. Is granted.

Further, the transparent elastic sheet 60 covers the gap D between the opening edge portion 18A and the outer peripheral portion 52A of the touch panel module 52 over the entire circumference, and closes the gap D. Furthermore, when the suspension part 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60 located in the gap D expands and contracts (elastically deforms), the touch panel module 52 moves in the vertical direction (thickness direction) with respect to the opening edge 18A.

The opening edge 18A is a step that is one step lower than the outer peripheral side 14A on the front surface of the frame body 14. An elastic sealing material 62 is adhered to the opening edge 18A with a waterproof adhesive or the like without a gap. The elastic sealing material 62 is formed in a frame shape from an elastic and waterproof gel, silicon, or the like, and is disposed along the opening edge 18A. The elastic sealing material 62 may be formed of a waterproof double-sided tape having elasticity (cushioning properties) and waterproofness.

The outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is adhered to the front surface of the elastic sealing material 62 with a waterproof adhesive or the like without a gap. The elastic sealing material 62 seals the gap between the opening edge 18A and the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60, and the entry of water or the like into the gap is suppressed.

The elastic sealing material 62 elastically supports the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 with respect to the opening edge portion 18A. Thereby, the vibration of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is attenuated by the elastic sealing material 62, and the vibration transmitted from the transparent elastic sheet 60 to the frame body 14 is reduced. Further, the elastic sealing material 62 is elastically deformed (shear deformation) along with the expansion and contraction of the suspension 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60, so that the touch panel module 52 is perpendicular to the opening edge 18A (in the arrow Y direction). It becomes easy to move.

As shown in FIG. 7, a restriction wall portion 64 is disposed in the front opening 18. The restriction wall portion 64 is formed in a frame shape along the inner peripheral surface of the front opening 18, and is disposed in a state where a gap is left between the outer peripheral portion 52 A of the touch panel module 52. The front surface 64A of the regulation wall portion 64 is located on the rear surface side (partition plate 16 side) of the suspension portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60, and faces the suspension portion 60B with a space therebetween. When the suspension part 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60 contacts the front surface 64A of the regulation wall part 64, deformation of the suspension part 60B toward the partition plate 16 is suppressed. The front surface 64A of the restriction wall portion 64 is an example of a displacement restriction portion. Further, the restriction wall portion 64 may be formed integrally with the frame body 14.

A mask portion 66 having a light shielding property is provided on the outer peripheral portion 60 A and the hanging portion 60 B of the transparent elastic sheet 60. The mask portion 66 is a portion of the transparent elastic sheet 60 that is made non-transparent by applying or printing a light-shielding paint or the like, for example. The mask portion 66 hides the elastic sealing material 62 and the inside of the front opening 18. Further, the mask portion 66 is also provided at a portion of the transparent elastic sheet 60 that overlaps with the vibrator 58. The vibrator 58 is hidden by the mask portion 66.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the rear surface side of the touch panel module 52, a display device 70 for displaying an image, a video or the like on the operation surface 56A1 is disposed. The display device 70 is a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, or the like, and is attached in a state of being superimposed on the front surface of the partition plate 16. The display device 70 is formed in the same shape and size as the touch panel 54. The display device 70 is disposed to face the touch panel 54, and a capacitor (capacitor circuit) 72 as an example of a press detection unit is formed between the display device 70 and the touch panel 54.

Specifically, transparent conductive films (transparent vapor deposition conductive thin films) 72A and 72B having transparency and conductivity are formed on the front surface of the display 70 and the rear surface of the touch panel 54, respectively. A capacitor 72 is formed by applying a voltage to these transparent

conductive films

72A and 72B. The capacitance C of the capacitor 72, a transparent conductive film 72A, and increased clearance _{E 0} between 72B becomes narrow, decreases with the gap _{E 0} is increased.

Further, the above-described vibration control unit 74 is electrically connected to the capacitor 72. The vibration control unit 74 detects the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitor 72, and activates the vibrator 58 when the detected electrostatic capacitance C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, the vibration control unit 74 operates the vibration exciter 58 when the touch panel module 52 is displaced by a predetermined value or more toward the bottom side (partition plate 16 side) of the front opening 18. Specifically, the vibration control unit 74 includes a CPU, a memory, a control circuit, and the like. The memory, the threshold C ₁ of the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor 72 is stored in advance. The vibration control unit 74 compares the threshold value C ₁ stored in the detected capacitance C and memory. As a result, when the electrostatic capacitance C becomes the threshold value C ₁ or more, and applies a predetermined time voltage to the piezoelectric element of the vibrator 58. On the other hand, if the capacitance C is less than the threshold value C _1, it detects the electrostatic capacitance C is repeated again compared with the capacitance C and the threshold value C _1.

Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the portable electronic device 10 will be described.

4 shows the frame body 14 to which the display 70, the battery 22, the rear case 26, and the like are attached. As shown in FIG. 4, first, an elastic sealing material 62 is bonded to the opening edge 18 A of the front opening 18 in the frame body 14.

Next, the touch panel module 52 of the detection device 50 is inserted into the front opening 18, and the outer peripheral portion 60 A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is bonded to the front surface of the elastic seal material 62 with a waterproof adhesive or the like. Thereby, the clearance gap between the outer peripheral part 60A and the opening edge part 18A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is sealed. Further, the touch panel module 52 is elastically supported by the transparent elastic sheet 60 in a state of being suspended from the opening edge 18A.

Next, the front case 36 is attached to the frame body 14 from the front side, and the outer peripheral portion of the front case 36 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the rear case 26 via the sealing material 40. Thereby, the clearance gap between the front case 36 and the rear case 26 is sealed.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the portable electronic device 10 is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the touch panel module 52 may be attached to the frame body 14 after the front case 36 is attached to the frame body 14. For example, the rear case 26 may be attached to the frame body 14 after the touch panel module 52 is attached to the frame body 14.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the touch panel module 52 is elastically supported by the transparent elastic sheet 60 while being suspended from the opening edge 18 A of the front opening 18. Therefore, for example, when the operation surface 56A1 is pressed to the bottom side (partition plate 16 side) of the front opening 18 by the operator's fingertip or the like, the following occurs. That is, the suspension portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is stretched as indicated by a two-dot chain line while being bent toward the partition plate 16 and the elastic seal material 62 is elastically deformed, so that the touch panel module 52 is slightly moved toward the partition plate 16 side. Move (submerge). As a result, the operator feels as if the button has been pressed.

Further, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, when the touch panel module 52 moves to the partition plate 16 side, the gap E ₀ between the touch panel 54 and the display device 70 becomes narrower (gap E ₁ ). As a result, the capacitance C of the capacitor 72 formed between the touch panel 54 and the display 70 increases. When the electrostatic capacitance C of the capacitor 72 becomes the threshold value C ₁ or more, the vibration control unit 74 operates the vibrator 58. As a result, the touch panel module 52 is vibrated for a predetermined time by the vibrator 58, and the operation surface 56A1 vibrates in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction). As a result, vibration is transmitted to the operator's fingertip or the like via the operation surface 56A1, and the operator is given a pseudo pressing feeling and clicking feeling as if the button was pressed. It should be noted that the vibration of the vibrator 58 is controlled to have a waveform that artificially gives a feeling of pressing and a feeling of clicking when a button is pressed to the fingertip of the operator. From this state, when the operator removes the fingertip or the like from the operation surface 56A1, the hanging portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is restored by the elastic force, and the touch panel module 52 moves to the original position (initial position).

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to give a pseudo push feeling and click feeling to the operator by the vibration of the operation surface 56A1.

In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is in close contact with the opening edge portion 18A via the elastic seal material 62. The elastic sealing material 62 closes the gap D (see FIG. 6) between the touch panel module 52 and the opening edge 18A. Thereby, it is suppressed that water etc. permeate into the housing from the gap D between the touch panel module 52 and the opening edge 18A. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the portable electronic device 10 is improved. That is, in this embodiment, the waterproof performance of the portable electronic device 10 can be improved while giving the operator a feeling of pushing and a feeling of clicking.

Here, in a general terminal in which the transparent hard panel is directly attached to the front case, the vibration of the touch panel module 52 is directly transmitted to the housing 12, so that vibration is applied to the hand of the operator holding the housing 12. Is transmitted, and the vibration transmitted from the operation surface 56A1 to the operator's fingertip or the like becomes relatively small. In this case, there is a possibility that a sufficient pressing feeling and clicking feeling cannot be given to the operator's fingertip or the like.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the vibration transmitted from the touch panel module 52 to the transparent elastic sheet 60 is attenuated (absorbed) by the suspension portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60 and is also attenuated by the elastic sealing material 62. Thereby, the vibration transmitted from the touch panel module 52 to the housing 12 is reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vibration of the touch panel module 52 can be relatively increased with respect to the vibration transmitted to the housing 12. In other words, the vibration ratio of the touch panel module 52 to the housing 12 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the pseudo pressing feeling and clicking feeling given to the operator's finger or the like by the vibration of the operation surface 56A1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a regulation wall portion 64 is provided on the partition plate 16 side of the suspension portion 60 B of the transparent elastic sheet 60. Thereby, for example, when the hanging portion 60B is pushed from the front side of the transparent elastic sheet 60 to the partition plate 16 side (arrow K direction) by a nail or the like, the following is performed. That is, as indicated by a two-dot chain line, the hanging portion 60B comes into contact with the front surface 64A of the regulating wall portion 64, and deformation of the hanging portion 60B is suppressed. Therefore, damage or the like due to plastic deformation of the hanging portion 60B is suppressed.

Further, a mask portion 66 is provided on the outer peripheral portion 60A and the hanging portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60. The mask portion 66 prevents the inside of the elastic seal material 62 and the front opening 18 from being seen from the outside of the housing 12. Further, a mask portion 66 is also provided at a portion of the transparent elastic sheet 60 that overlaps with the vibrator 58. With this mask portion 66, the vibrator 58 is not visible from the outside of the housing 12. Therefore, the appearance of the portable electronic device 10 is improved.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the thing of the structure similar to 1st Example attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits suitably and demonstrates.

8 and 9, the portable electronic device 80 according to the second embodiment includes a detection device 82. The detection device 82 includes a touch panel module 84 and a transparent elastic sheet 90 as an example of an elastic suspension member. The touch panel module 84 includes a touch panel 54, a first transparent rigid panel 86, and a second transparent rigid panel 88.

The first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88 are formed in a rectangular plate shape by transparent hard glass, transparent hard plastic, or the like, like the transparent hard panel 56 of the first embodiment. The first transparent hard panel 86 is joined to the front surface by adhesion or welding in a state where the first transparent hard panel 86 is overlaid on the front surface of the touch panel 54. A vibrator 58 is attached to the rear surface of the first transparent hard panel 86.

On the other hand, on the front surface of the first transparent hard panel 86, a second transparent hard panel 88 is overlaid through a transparent elastic sheet 90. The first transparent hard panel 86, the second transparent hard panel 88, and the transparent elastic sheet 90 are joined to each other by adhesion or welding. Of the front surface 88A of the second transparent hard panel 88, an area overlapping with the touch panel 54 in the front-rear direction is an operation surface 88A1.

Further, a mask portion 92 is provided at a portion of the second transparent hard panel 88 that overlaps with the vibrator 58 in the front-rear direction. The mask portion 92 is a portion of the second transparent hard panel 88 that is made non-transparent by applying or printing a light-shielding paint or the like, for example. The exciter 58 is hidden by the mask portion 92. The mask portion 92 may be formed of colored hard glass or colored hard plastic colored with a light-shielding paint or the like. Further, a protective film or the like may be appropriately attached to the operation surface 88A1 of the second transparent hard panel 88.

The transparent elastic sheet 90 has the same configuration as the transparent elastic sheet 60 in the first embodiment. The transparent elastic sheet 90 is disposed between the first transparent rigid panel 86 and the second transparent rigid panel 88. The central portion 90C of the transparent elastic sheet 90 overlaps the operation surface 88A1 in the front-rear direction (arrow Y direction) and the width direction (arrow W direction). On the other hand, the outer peripheral portion 90 A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 projects over the entire circumference from between the first transparent rigid panel 86 and the second transparent rigid panel 88. The transparent elastic sheet 90 is an example of an elastic sheet.

The outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 is in close contact with the opening edge portion 18A and the front case 36 via a pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B. The transparent elastic sheet 90 supports (elastically supports) the touch panel module 84 in a state where it is suspended from the opening edge 18 A and the front case 36.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the pair of elastic sealing materials 94 A and 94 B are arranged over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion 90 A of the transparent elastic sheet 90. The pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B and the outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 are adhered to each other without any gap by a waterproof adhesive or the like. Further, the elastic sealing material 94A disposed on the rear surface side of the transparent elastic sheet 90 is adhered to the opening edge 18A without a gap by a waterproof adhesive or the like.

On the other hand, the elastic sealing material 94B disposed on the front surface side of the transparent elastic sheet 90 is adhered to the front wall portion 36A of the front case 36 that covers the outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 from the front side with a waterproof adhesive or the like. Yes. The pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B seal the gaps between the outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90, the opening edge portion 18A, and the front wall portion 36A. Further, the gap D between the outer peripheral portion 84A of the touch panel module 84 and the opening edge portion 18A is covered by the suspension portion 90B of the transparent elastic sheet 90. The front wall portion 36A of the front case 36 is an example of an opening edge portion of the opening portion.

The front wall portion 36A of the front case 36 is provided with a cover portion 96 that projects from the frame body 14 to the front opening 18. The cover portion 96 covers the suspension portion 90B of the transparent elastic sheet 90 from the front side over the entire circumference. Further, a gap G is formed between the cover portion 96 and the second transparent hard panel 88 over the entire circumference. By this gap G, the touch panel module 84 can be moved in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) with respect to the cover portion 96. The gap G is set to a size that makes it difficult for nails, sharp blades, and the like to enter the gap G.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. Note that the same operation as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 10, the outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 is in close contact with the opening edge portion 18A and the front wall portion 36A of the front case 36 via a pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B. Therefore, for example, when the operation surface 88A1 is pressed toward the bottom side (partition plate 16 side) of the front opening 18 by the operator's fingertip or the like, the following occurs. That is, the suspension portion 90B of the transparent elastic sheet 90 is extended to bend toward the partition plate 16 and the pair of

elastic seal materials

94A and 94B is elastically deformed, and the touch panel module 84 is moved toward the partition plate 16 (sinks). ).

Further, waterproof performance is imparted to the portable electronic device 80 by bringing the outer peripheral portion 90A of the transparent elastic sheet 90 into close contact with the opening edge portion 18A and the front case 36 via a pair of

elastic seal materials

94A and 94B.

Further, the vibration transmitted from the touch panel module 84 to the transparent elastic sheet 90 is attenuated (absorbed) by the suspension portion 90B of the transparent elastic sheet 90 and the pair of

elastic seal materials

94A and 94B. Thereby, the vibration transmitted from the touch panel module 84 to the front case 36 and the frame body 14 is reduced. Therefore, the vibration of the operation surface 88A1 becomes relatively large, so that it is possible to increase the pseudo pressing feeling and clicking feeling given to the fingertip of the operator.

In addition, the transparent elastic sheet 90 with respect to the casing 12 is brought into close contact with the opening edge 18A and the front wall 36A of the front case 36 through the pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B. The bonding strength of the is increased. Further, by sandwiching the transparent elastic sheet 90 between the first transparent rigid panel 86 and the second transparent rigid panel 88, the bonding strength between the touch panel module 84 and the transparent elastic sheet 90 is increased. Therefore, the durability of the portable electronic device 80 is improved.

The front case 36 is provided with a cover portion 96 that covers the suspension portion 90B of the transparent elastic sheet 90 from the front side. Due to the cover portion 96, a part of the suspension portion 90B is not visible from the outside. Therefore, the appearance of the portable electronic device 80 is improved. Further, the gap G between the cover portion 96 and the second transparent hard panel 88 is set to a size that makes it difficult for nails, sharp blades, and the like to enter the gap G. Therefore, damage to the hanging portion 90B is suppressed.

Furthermore, a mask portion 92 is provided at a portion of the second transparent hard panel 88 that overlaps with the vibrator 58. Due to this mask portion 92, the vibrator 58 cannot be seen from the outside of the housing 12. Therefore, the appearance of the portable electronic device 80 is improved.

In this embodiment, the transparent elastic sheet 90 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a non-transparent elastic sheet 98 may be used. Specifically, the elastic sheet 98 is formed in a frame shape using non-transparent silicon rubber having a smaller elastic modulus than the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88, butyl rubber having a large vibration damping effect, or the like. Yes.

The elastic sheet 98 is disposed between the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88 so as not to overlap the operation surface 88A1 in the vertical direction. The inner peripheral portion 98C of the elastic sheet 98 is joined to the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88 by adhesion or welding.

Further, a transparent sheet 100 is disposed between the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88. The transparent sheet 100 is formed of transparent glass, transparent plastic, a transparent resin film, or the like. The transparent sheet 100 is disposed in the opening 102 of the elastic sheet 98 and fills a gap formed between the first transparent rigid panel 86 and the second transparent rigid panel 88 by the elastic sheet 98. That is, the transparent sheet 100 functions as a spacer that fills the gap between the first transparent rigid panel 86 and the second transparent rigid panel 88. The transparent sheet 100 is bonded to the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88 by adhesion or welding.

The outer peripheral part 98 A of the elastic sheet 98 projects from between the first transparent hard panel 86 and the second transparent hard panel 88. The outer peripheral portion 98A of the elastic sheet 98 is in close contact with the opening edge portion 18A and the front case 36 via a pair of

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B (see FIG. 10). Accordingly, the touch panel module 84 is elastically supported by the elastic sheet 98 in a state where the touch panel module 84 is suspended from the opening edge 18 A and the front case 36. In addition, when the suspension portion 98B of the elastic sheet 98 is expanded and contracted (elastically deformed), the touch panel module 84 moves in the vertical direction (arrow Y direction) with respect to the opening edge portion 18A.

The elastic sheet 98 can be formed of a non-transparent material (non-transparent elastic sheet) by attaching the elastic sheet 98 to the touch panel module 84 so as not to overlap with the operation surface 88A1 in this manner.

In addition, when the elastic sheet 98 is formed of a transparent material, it is desirable to provide the above-described mask portion 92 (see FIG. 10) in a portion overlapping the vibrator 58 in the second transparent hard panel 88. Moreover, you may apply the control wall part 64 (refer FIG. 7) mentioned above to a present Example. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply the mask part 66 (see FIG. 6) described above to the transparent elastic sheet 90.

Next, modifications of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. In the following, various modified examples will be described using the first embodiment as an example, but these modified examples are also applicable to the second embodiment as appropriate.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the restriction wall portion 64 is provided in the front opening 18 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the restriction wall portion 64 may be omitted, and the reinforcing sheet 104 may be attached to the front surface of the hanging portion 60 B of the transparent elastic sheet 60. Specifically, the reinforcing sheet 104 is formed of, for example, a sheet-like or film-like material obtained by impregnating a tough resin fiber woven in a cloth shape with a wettable and flexible resin (for example, polypropylene). Has been. Examples of tough resin fibers include carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and Kevlar (registered trademark) fibers.

By sticking the reinforcing sheet 104 to the front surface of the hanging portion 60B of the transparent elastic sheet 60, breakage of the hanging portion 60B due to a nail, a sharp blade or the like is suppressed. Further, the reinforcing sheet 104 is affixed not only to the hanging portion 60B but also to the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 and the portion overlapping the vibrator 58 in the transparent elastic sheet 60 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the elastic sealing material 62, the inside of the front opening 18, and the vibrator 58 are hidden by the reinforcing sheet 104, so that the appearance of the portable electronic device 80 is improved.

The reinforcing sheet 104 is not limited to the resin fiber described above, and natural fiber may be used. Moreover, the resin fiber and the natural fiber are not limited to those woven in a cloth shape. Further, the reinforcing sheet 104 can be formed of a material other than the above. Further, the reinforcing sheet 104 may be integrally formed with the transparent elastic sheet 60.
Moreover, although the example which abbreviate | omitted the regulation wall part 64 was shown in the present Example, the regulation wall part 64 does not necessarily need to be abbreviate | omitted. When the restriction wall portion 64 is not omitted, breakage of the hanging portion 60B can be suppressed.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the pressing of the operation surface 56A1 by the operator or the like is detected by the capacitor 72 (see FIG. 5) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressure on the operation surface 56A1 by the operator or the like may be detected by a pressure sensor or a dome switch 110 as shown in FIG. Specifically, a dome switch 110 is provided on the rear surface side of the touch panel module 106. The dome switch 110 has a movable contact 112 and a fixed contact 114. The movable contact 112 is formed in a dome shape with an elastic metal plate or the like, and is fixed to the front surface of the partition plate 16. The fixed contact 114 is disposed in the movable contact 112 and is fixed to the front surface of the partition plate 16. The front side of the movable contact 112 is covered with an insulating sheet such as a rubber sheet.

On the other hand, a display device 70 is attached to the rear surface side of the touch panel 54 of the touch panel module 106. On the rear surface of the display device 70, a protrusion 108 is formed to face the movable contact 112. Then, when the touch panel module 106 moves to the partition plate 16 side and the movable contact 112 is crushed by the protrusion 108, the movable contact 112 comes into contact with the fixed contact 114. The electrical contact between the movable contact 112 and the fixed contact 114 can detect the depression of the operation surface 56A1 by the operator or the like. In addition, the restoring force of the movable contact 112 can also give the operator a feeling of operating a button.

In the first embodiment, the touch panel module 52 is vibrated in the front-rear direction (thickness direction) by the vibrator 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The vibration direction of the touch panel module 52 can be appropriately changed. For example, the touch panel module 52 may be vibrated in the vertical direction (arrow X direction) by the vibrator 58.

Further, the timing at which the vibration control unit 74 operates the vibrator 58 is not limited to the above. For example, the vibrator 58 may be activated by the vibration control unit 74 when an operator's finger or the like touches the operation surface 56A1. The touch panel module 52 may be integrated with the display device 70 as described above.

In the first embodiment, the touch panel module 52 is vibrated by the piezoelectric element of the vibrator 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the touch panel module 52 may be vibrated by an eccentric motor or the like. Further, the touch panel module 52 can be vibrated by an actuator that generates a shock wave. It is also possible to omit the vibrator 58 and give the operator a feeling of depression by sinking the touch panel module 52.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is in close contact with the opening edge portion 18A via the elastic sealing material 62 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastic sealing material 62 may be omitted, and the outer peripheral portion 60A of the transparent elastic sheet 60 may be brought into close contact with the opening edge 18A with a waterproof adhesive or the like. In the second embodiment, at least one of the

elastic sealing materials

94A and 94B can be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the transparent elastic sheet 60 as an example of the elastic suspension member is attached to the front surface 56A of the transparent hard panel 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. The arrangement of the elastic suspension member can be appropriately changed. For example, the elastic suspension member may be disposed between the transparent hard panel 56 and the touch panel 54, or the elastic suspension member may be attached to the rear surface of the touch panel 54. The elastic suspension member may be formed of, for example, a stainless steel leaf spring. Furthermore, the shape of the elastic suspension member is not limited to a sheet shape or a film shape, and can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, the front surface of the transparent elastic sheet 60 is made easy to see the operation surface 56A1 even if, for example, a coating process that makes the operator's finger or the like slip easily, an oil repellent process that makes it difficult to attach a fingerprint or the like, and dirt such as fingerprints adhere. An oleophilic process, a water repellent process that makes it difficult to sweat, and the like may be applied as appropriate. Further, for example, when the portable electronic device 10 is used in a bathroom or the like, hydrophilic processing may be performed on the front surface of the transparent elastic sheet 60 to make the operation surface 56A1 easy to see. Further, in addition to the above, the front surface of the transparent elastic sheet 60 may be appropriately subjected to processing for making the operation surface 56A1 easy to see or for easily adhering dirt and the like.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the portable electronic device 10 has been described as an example of the electronic device. However, the first embodiment is, for example, a portable terminal, a notebook personal computer, a DVD player, a portable device. The present invention can also be applied to electronic devices such as game machines and electronic dictionaries.

As mentioned above, although 1st Example and 2nd Example of the technique which this application discloses were described, the technique which this application discloses is not limited to the said 1st Example and 2nd Example. In addition, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and various modifications may be combined as appropriate, and of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the technology disclosed in the present application. .

Claims

A housing having an opening;
A touch panel module disposed in the opening;
An elastic suspension member that projects from the outer periphery of the touch panel module, covers a gap between the outer periphery and the opening edge of the opening, and supports the touch panel module in a state of being suspended from the housing;
With electronic equipment.
The outer peripheral part of the elastic suspension member projects from the outer peripheral part of the touch panel module toward the opening edge part, and is in close contact with the opening edge part.
The electronic device according to claim 1.
Attached to the touch panel module, and equipped with a vibrator for vibrating the touch panel module,
The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.
The outer peripheral part of the elastic suspension member is in close contact with the opening edge part through an elastic sealing material,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
In the housing, a displacement restricting portion is provided to face the suspension portion of the elastic suspension member.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A reinforcing sheet is attached to the front surface of the suspension portion of the elastic suspension member.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The touch panel module includes a touch panel and a transparent hard panel that is disposed on the front side of the touch panel and forms an operation surface.
The elastic suspension member is a transparent elastic sheet affixed to the operation surface.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
On the outer periphery of the transparent elastic sheet, a mask portion having a light shielding property is provided,
The electronic device according to claim 7.
The touch panel module includes a touch panel, a first transparent rigid panel disposed on the front side of the touch panel, and a second transparent rigid panel disposed on the front side of the first transparent rigid panel and forming an operation surface. Have
The elastic suspension member is an elastic sheet whose outer peripheral portion projects from between the first transparent rigid panel and the second transparent rigid panel.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The casing is provided with a cover portion that covers the suspension portion of the elastic sheet from the front side.
The electronic device according to claim 9.
The elastic sheet is a transparent elastic sheet that is disposed between the first transparent rigid panel and the second transparent rigid panel, and a central portion overlaps with the operation surface in the front-rear direction.
The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10.
The elastic suspension member protrudes from the outer periphery of the touch panel module over the entire circumference.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The display device is provided in the opening and faces the touch panel module, and displays an image on the front surface of the touch panel module.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
The electronic device is a portable electronic device;
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
A touch panel module disposed in the opening of the housing;
An elastic suspension member that protrudes from the outer periphery of the touch panel module and supports the touch panel module in a suspended state on the housing;
A detection device comprising: