Key input device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a key input device including: a plurality of key parts; and a member having a plurality of parallel surfaces, each of which is provided with at least one first through-hole, the plurality of key portions being inserted into the first through-holes corresponding to the key portions, the member being provided with the plurality of surfaces flatly from a first end side to a second end side facing the first end side, and the member being provided with at least one second through-hole corresponding to the plurality of key portions. A height difference is provided between a surface located on a third end side orthogonal to the first end and a surface located on a fourth end side facing the third end among the plurality of surfaces.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-159325 filed on September 25, 2023. In this specification, the specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-159325 are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a key input device. Background Art

[0004] In the past, a key input device in which a plurality of key tops are arranged on a surface is known. For example, in the microfilm of Jiyuan Zhao 59-29404 (Jikai Zhao 60-141035), a keyboard is disclosed, in which an operation panel having a panel flat portion and a panel inclined portion is provided with: a plurality of key switches as key tops arranged in a direction from the panel flat portion to the panel inclined portion; and an elastic sheet supporting the key switches. Summary of the invention

[0005] -Methods for solving problems-

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method of a key input device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a plurality of key parts; and a component having a plurality of surfaces that are respectively in a parallel relationship, and at least one first through hole is respectively provided on the plurality of surfaces, and the plurality of key parts are respectively inserted into the first through holes corresponding to the key parts, and the component arranges the plurality of surfaces flatly from a first end side to a second end side opposite to the first end, and a height difference is provided between a surface located on a third end side orthogonal to the first end and a surface located on a fourth end side opposite to the third end among the plurality of surfaces. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a top view showing an electronic calculator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an electronic calculator taken along line II-II.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an electronic calculator taken along line III-III.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a rear view showing the upper casing.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a back perspective view showing the upper case and the nonwoven fabric sheet.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of an electronic calculator showing the contact position of each key top of the keys in the row direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the drawings.

[0014] First, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 4 , an overall device structure of an electronic calculator (electronic desktop computer) 1 as an electronic device according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the electronic calculator 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electronic calculator 1 taken along line II-II. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the electronic calculator 1 taken along line III-III.

[0015] The electronic calculator 1 is a small computer that receives key input from a user and performs calculations using a built-in electronic circuit. The electronic calculator 1 described in this embodiment is designed in such a way that the height of the key tops (as viewed from the user) is inclined in a step-like manner in the horizontal direction, and the key tops are adapted to the hand and fingers of the user's dominant hand. The components related to key input in the electronic calculator 1 are referred to as key input devices.

[0016] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the electronic calculator 1 includes an upper case 10 and a lower case 20 as components, and is placed on a placement surface M1 such as a desk. Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the above diagram, the mounting surface M1 is used as a reference, and the three-dimensional X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are taken with the vertically upward direction being the +Z direction. The mounting surface M1 is a two-dimensional XY plane. The X-axis is taken in the horizontal direction (short side direction) of the electronic calculator 1 on the mounting surface M1, and the Y-axis is taken in the vertical direction (long side direction).

[0017] The upper case 10 is a case made of resin or the like on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the electronic calculator 1. The electronic calculator 1 includes a key input unit 11 and a display unit 12 in the upper case 10. The key input unit 11 includes a plurality of keys 14 and a selector switch 15.

[0018] The plurality of keys 14 include, for example, number keys, operation keys, and function keys. The number keys include, for example, a plurality of keys for inputting numerical values ​​of

[00] , [0] to [9], and [.] (decimal point). The operation keys include keys for inputting operators used in normal calculations based on the four arithmetic operations, such as [+] (addition), [-] (subtraction), [×] (multiplication), [÷] (division), and [=] (calculation execution). The function keys include, for example, a clear all key ([AC] key), a clear key ([C] key), a plurality of storage keys ([MC][MR][M-][M+]), a square root key ([√] key), a [%] key, and the like.

[0019] The selector switch 15 is a slide switch including, for example, a rounding selector and a decimal point selector. The rounding selector is a switch for specifying a calculation method after the decimal point. The decimal point selector is a switch for specifying the number of digits after the decimal point.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic calculator 1 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the top (+Z direction side). A key input unit 11 is provided on the -Y direction side of the upper case 10 when viewed from the top. Similarly, a display unit 12 is provided on the +Y direction side of the upper case 10.

[0021] The display unit 12 has a display 16 and a solar panel 17 on the housing surface 12a in the area on the +Y direction side of the top surface of the housing. The display 16 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the housing surface 12a. The display 16 has, for example, a horizontally long rectangular display surface. The long side direction of the display surface of the display 16 extends from the third end (the end of the housing in the -X direction) side to the fourth end (the end of the housing in the +X direction) side opposite to the third end. The solar panel 17 is arranged on the +Y direction side of the housing surface 12a. The solar panel 17 is an electronic component that converts light energy into electrical energy (electricity) using the photovoltaic effect.

[0022] The key input unit 11 has a plurality of keys 14 on a shell surface 11a in an area on the -Y direction side of the top surface of the shell. The plurality of keys 14 are arranged in a roughly matrix shape from the third end side to the fourth end side of the shell in the key input unit 11, and are arranged in a roughly matrix shape from the first end (the end on the +Y direction side of the shell) side to the second end side (the end on the -Y direction side of the shell). The plurality of keys 14 each have a key top 141 as the top of the key. The key top 141 has an operation surface 141t on the top surface. The operation surface 141t is a surface on which the user's finger presses to input. Among the plurality of keys 14, for example, Figure 1 The direction parallel to the upper side / lower side of the key input unit 11 is set as the row direction ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 ), will be Figure 1 The direction parallel to the left / right side of the key input unit 11 is set as the column direction ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 ). The plurality of keys 14 are arranged at predetermined intervals (key pitches) in the row direction and the column direction.

[0023] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the lower case 20 is a case made of resin or the like that is matched with the upper case 10 from the lower side (-Z direction side), and has a foot portion 21. The bottom surface (case bottom surface) of the lower case 20 other than the foot portion 21 is formed to be parallel to the mounting surface M1. The foot portion 21 is made of an elastic body such as rubber, and contacts the mounting surface M1 when the electronic calculator 1 is placed on the mounting surface M1. The foot portion 21 has the effect of preventing the mounted electronic calculator 1 from slipping and silencing the noise when it is placed.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11 is formed so that the angle θ1 formed with the housing bottom surface (mounting surface M1, substrate 40 described later) from the third end side to the fourth end side in the row direction becomes a given inclination angle. Figure 3 As shown, the casing surface 11 a is formed so that the angle θ2 formed with the casing bottom surface (mounting surface M1 ) from the second end side to the first end side in the row direction becomes a predetermined inclination angle.

[0025] The angle θ1 is preferably in the range of, for example, 1° to 9°. Furthermore, the angle θ1 is more preferably in the range of 1° to 3°, for example, 3°. Furthermore, the angle θ2 is, for example, 3°.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic calculator 1 has a left-inclined structure in which the height from the mounting surface M1 (substrate 40) of the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11 becomes lower as it goes from the fourth end side to the third end side. The heights of the operation surfaces 141t of the keys 14 in the +Z direction from the housing surface 11a are substantially the same. That is, at least a portion of the operation surface 141t of the key 14 arranged on the fourth end side is formed so that the height from the mounting surface M1 is higher than at least a portion of the operation surface 141t of the key 14 arranged on the third end side.

[0027] With the structure of the electronic calculator 1 , when the user of the electronic calculator 1 operates with his left hand (a left-handed user), the hand and fingers fit on the operation surface 141 t of the plurality of keys 14 , thereby achieving a structure with good operability and less fatigue for the user.

[0028] In addition, assuming that the user of the electronic calculator 1 operates with the right hand (a right-handed user), the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11 may be a right-inclined structure in which the height from the mounting surface M1 (substrate 40) decreases as it goes from the third end side to the fourth end side. That is, at least a portion of the operation surface 141t of the key 14 arranged on the third end side is formed so that the height from the mounting surface M1 is higher than at least a portion of the operation surface 141t of the key 14 arranged on the fourth end side.

[0029] On the other hand, the display surface of the display 16 of the display unit 12 is formed so that the height from the mounting surface M1 is not higher on the fourth end side than on the third end side. Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the height from the placement surface M1 is set to the same height on the third end side and the fourth end side of the display unit 12 .

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing of the electronic calculator 1 is bent at the boundary between the key input unit 11 and the display unit 12 to raise the position of the upper side of the housing top surface. That is, the display unit 12 is configured such that the housing surface 12a is tilted at a given tilt angle in the +Z direction relative to the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11. As a result, the housing surface 12a of the display unit 12 is tilted in the column direction, so that the visual recognition of the display surface of the display 16 is improved.

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 6 , describing the internal device structure of the electronic calculator 1. Figure 4 It is a rear view showing the upper casing. Figure 5 It is a rear perspective view showing the upper case and the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, and 50E. Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic calculator 1 showing contact locations of the key tops 141 of the keys 14A to 14E in the row direction.

[0032] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the electronic calculator 1 includes a display 16, a solar panel 17, a plurality of key tops 141, a rubber key 30, a substrate 40, non-woven fabric sheets 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, etc. as a sheet part inside the housing (upper housing 10, lower housing 20). The key top 141 is composed of a base 1411 and an engraved part 1412. The base 1411 is an outer layer made of resin of the background color of the text on the operation surface 141t. The engraved part 1412 is an inner layer made of resin of the text color of the operation surface 141t, and is formed to penetrate the base 1411 and be exposed as text (engraving) on ​​the operation surface 141t. The background color is different from the text color.

[0033] That is, the key top 141 is formed by two-color molding of the base 1411 and the engraved portion 1412. Through two-color molding, even if the operation surface 141t is physically worn due to the user's pressing, the characters on the operation surface 141t can be prevented from disappearing. In addition, the key top 141 may not have the engraved portion 1412, and may be a single-color molded member.

[0034] The key top 141 has an operation surface 141t and a flange 141f as a flange portion. The key top 141 is configured so that the operation surface 141t is parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. The flange 141f is a convex edge portion that protrudes in a planar direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. When the key top 141 slides (stroke) in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 40 due to the user's pressing and then returns to the opposite direction, the flange 141f abuts against the upper shell 10 (the end of the rib 130 on the substrate 40 side described later) through the non-woven fabric sheets 50A to 50E to block the key top 141. The flange 141f of one key top 141 makes the height from the bottom surface (the height in the vertical direction from the substrate 40) the same.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the cross section in the row direction of the key 14, the keys 14 arranged in the row direction from the third end side to the fourth end side are sequentially set as keys 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E. In each key top 141 of the keys 14A to 14E, the height from the frame surface 11a to the operating surface 141t in the +Z direction is made substantially the same. Therefore, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operating surface 141t of each key top 141 of the keys 14A to 14E becomes the height of key 14E> the height of key 14D> the height of key 14C> the height of key 14B> the height of key 14A according to the angle θ1.

[0036] Furthermore, in the row direction, the difference in height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operating surface 141t of the key top 141 of two adjacent keys 14 is substantially the same. Furthermore, in the row direction, in the vertical direction from the plane of the substrate 40, the height of the key top 141 of each key 14 itself is such that the height of key 14E>the height of key 14D>the height of key 14C>the height of key 14B>the height of key 14A. Furthermore, in the row direction, in the vertical direction from the plane of the substrate 40, the height of the flange 141f of each key 14 itself is such that the height of key 14E>the height of key 14D>the height of key 14C>the height of key 14B>the height of key 14A. Thus, in the row direction, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operating surface 141t of each key 14 can be configured to be stepped according to the angle θ1 of the housing surface 11a.

[0037] Here, the row of the plurality of keys 14 extending in the row direction of the key 14A is referred to as row A. The row of the plurality of keys 14 extending in the row direction of the key 14B is referred to as row B. The row of the plurality of keys 14 extending in the row direction of the key 14C is referred to as row C. The row of the plurality of keys 14 extending in the row direction of the key 14D is referred to as row D. The row of the plurality of keys 14 extending in the row direction of the key 14E is referred to as row E.

[0038] exist Figure 3 In the cross section in the row direction of , the keys 14 arranged in the row direction from the second end side toward the first end side are sequentially set as keys 14F, 14G, 14H, 14I, 14J, and 14K. The height of the operation surface 141t from the mounting surface M1 to each key top 141 of the keys 14F to 14K is set according to the angle θ2 as the height of key 14K>the height of key 14J>the height of key 14I>the height of key 14H>the height of key 14G>the height of key 14F.

[0039] The rubber key 30 is a generally plate-shaped member made of an elastic member such as rubber, and has a plane portion 31 and a plurality of rubber key tops 32. The plane portion 31 is a planar base of the rubber key 30 disposed on the plane of the substrate 40. Each rubber key top 32 is disposed corresponding to the position of each key top 141 on the plane of the substrate 40, and is a generally dome-shaped spring portion that receives the depressed key top 141. The key 14 includes a key top 141 and a rubber key top 32 corresponding to the key top 141.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the rubber key top 32 includes a mounting portion 321 and a supporting portion 322. The mounting portion 321 is mounted on the lower end of the engraved portion 1412 of the key top 141, and supports the pressed key top 141. The supporting portion 322 is connected to the plane portion 31, and supports the mounting portion 321 in a state where the mounting portion 321 is separated from the plane of the substrate 40 by a given distance in the vertical direction of the top surface. In addition, when the key top 141 does not have the engraved portion 1412, the mounting portion 321 may be mounted on the lower end of the key top 141 instead of the lower end of the engraved portion 1412.

[0041] The rubber key tops 32 are mounted on the key tops 141 via the mounting portions 321 so that the sliding directions (key stroke directions) of the corresponding key tops 141 are perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40 .

[0042] The mounting portion 321 is normally supported by the supporting portion 322 to be separated from the substrate 40 so as to provide operability when the key top 141 mounted on the upper portion is pressed, and is pressed into contact with the substrate 40 when pressed. A conductive member is provided at the bottom of the mounting portion 321. When the mounting portion 321 is pressed in by pressing the key top 141, the conductive member contacts the electrode wired on the substrate 40 for detecting the key pressing. Through this contact, the electrodes corresponding to the key 14 of the substrate 40 are electrically connected to each other, and the key 14 is pressed and inputted.

[0043] For the plurality of rubber key tops 32, the key tops 141 having the same operation surface 141t are common to the corresponding rubber key tops 32 so that the operability (click feeling) of the key tops 141 having the same operation surface 141t when pressed is the same. That is, the rubber key tops 32 corresponding to the key tops 141 having the same operation surface 141t are formed of the same material (raw material), the same shape, the same size, and are formed to have substantially the same mass and the like.

[0044] The click feeling refers to the feeling that the user feels when the key top 141 is pressed and the user recognizes the buckling of the rubber key top 32 or the restoring force (rebound force) of the elastic member generated when the rubber key top 32 is flattened.

[0045] The substrate 40 is a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that supports a plurality of keys 14 inside the housing, and is mounted with keys 14, circuit elements, etc. The housing surface 11a of the upper housing 10 is formed and configured to be parallel to the plane of the substrate 40 in the column direction cross section, and is formed and configured to be inclined at an angle θ1 relative to the substrate 40 in the row direction cross section.

[0046] The nonwoven fabric sheet 50A is a sheet of nonwoven fabric installed in the A column so as to be arranged between the flange 141f of the plurality of keys 14 including the key 14A and the later-described surface 102A of the upper shell 10. When the key top 141 is pressed in and the key top 141 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the rubber key top 32, if the flange 141f directly hits the surface of the upper shell 10, the contact sound increases. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50A prevents the flange 141f from directly hitting the surface 102A of the upper shell 10, absorbs the impact force, and reduces the contact sound (key-clicking sound) when the key top 141 returns. The reduction in the key-clicking sound means that the volume and pitch of the key-clicking sound become inaudible to the user.

[0047] Similarly, the nonwoven fabric sheet 50B is a nonwoven fabric sheet installed in the B column so as to be arranged between the flange 141f of the plurality of keys 14 including the key 14B and the later-described surface 102B of the upper shell 10. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50C is a nonwoven fabric sheet installed in the C column so as to be arranged between the flange 141f of the plurality of keys 14 including the key 14C and the later-described surface 102C of the upper shell 10. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50D is a nonwoven fabric sheet installed in the D column so as to be arranged between the flange 141f of the plurality of keys 14 including the key 14D and the later-described surface 102D of the upper shell 10. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50E is a nonwoven fabric sheet installed in the E column so as to be arranged between the flange 141f of the plurality of keys 14 including the key 14E and the later-described surface 102E of the upper shell 10.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The structure of the upper housing 10 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a state where only the upper housing 10 is provided. Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing a state where the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E are installed on the upper housing 10. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the upper housing 10 has a plurality of holes 101 as first through holes on the housing surface 11a. The holes 101 are openings arranged corresponding to the key tops 141 of the plurality of keys 14. The holes 101 penetrate the key tops 141 and guide them to slide, so that the operation surface 141t is exposed on the top surface side (approximately on the +Z direction side). The hole 101 corresponds to the shape of the operation surface 141t, for example, a rectangular shape with four R-shaped corners.

[0049] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the upper housing 10 integrally includes a boss portion 110, a rib portion 120, and surfaces 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, and 102E on the housing surface 11b on the back side (-Z direction side) of the housing surface 11a. The boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120 as a protruding portion are not provided in the key spacing portion 11p of the side area (side area) between the plurality of hole portions 101 adjacent in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, but are provided in the intersection area 11c of the area including the intersection area (four corners) where the extended area of ​​the key spacing portion 11p intersects. That is, the boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120 are provided to span across the surfaces 102A to 102E (the plurality of hole portions 101 in the row direction).

[0050] The boss portion 110 is an internal thread portion for threading the substrate 40 or the lower shell 20 to the upper shell 10 by means of an external thread (not shown). The boss portion 110 has a boss 111 as a support and a plurality of ribs 112. The boss 111 extends in an axial direction (a protruding direction) from the shell surface 11b in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40. The boss 111 has a relatively low height boss for threading to the substrate 40 and a relatively high height boss for threading to the lower shell 20. The plurality of ribs 112 are planar ribs connected to the boss 111 and protruding in radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the boss 111. The plurality of ribs 112 protrude from the boss 111 in respective orthogonal directions. For example, in a case where four ribs 112 are connected to the boss 111, the boss portion having the ribs 112 in a cross shape when viewed from the back side is formed. In addition, the ribs 112 extend from the intersection 11c ( Figure 4 The dotted line (imaginary line) extends out.

[0051] The rib 112 is disposed so as to sandwich the rubber key 30 between the rib 112 and the substrate 40. The rib 112 has a function of reinforcing the boss 111 so as not to fall down, and a function of sandwiching and fixing the rubber key 30 between the rib 112 and the substrate 40.

[0052] The rib portion 120 includes a support 121 and a plurality of ribs 122. The support 121 extends axially from the housing surface 11b in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40. The support 121 includes a support of a relatively low height corresponding to the plane of the rubber key 30 and a support of a relatively high height for passing through the plane of the rubber key 30 to position the rubber key 30 on the substrate 40. The plurality of ribs 112 are planar ribs connected to the support 121 and protruding in radial directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the support 121. The plurality of ribs 122 protrude in respective orthogonal directions. For example, when four ribs 122 are connected to the support 121, the rib portion 120 becomes a rib portion having ribs 122 in a cross shape when viewed from the back side. In addition, the ribs 122 extend from the intersection 11c ( Figure 4 The dotted line (imaginary line) extends out.

[0053] The rib 122 is arranged to fix the rubber key 30 or sandwich the rubber key 30 between the rib 122 and the substrate 40. Therefore, the rib 122 has a function of fixing the rubber key 30 or sandwiching the rubber key 30 between the rib 122 and the substrate 40 to fix the rubber key 30.

[0054] The bosses 110 or the ribs 120 are respectively arranged at the plurality of intersections 11c of the upper housing 10. The positions and numbers (proportion of the arrangement) of the bosses 110 and the ribs 120 are designed to be appropriate positions and numbers in consideration of the shape and weight balance of each part of the electronic calculator 1, lightness, reliable fixation, etc.

[0055] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the upper shell 10 has a surface 102A corresponding to column A, a surface 102B corresponding to column B, a surface 102C corresponding to column C, a surface 102D corresponding to column D, and a surface 102E corresponding to column E on the shell surface 11b. In this way, the surfaces 102A to 102E are arranged in sequence from the third end side to the fourth end side in the row direction. The surfaces 102A to 102E each have a plurality of hole portions 101. In addition, the surfaces 102A to 102E are respectively formed to be parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. Therefore, the surfaces 102A to 102E and the plane of the substrate 40 are respectively in a parallel relationship. In addition, the surfaces 102A to 102E are respectively flat in the column direction (from the first end side to the second end side).

[0056] In the vertical direction from the plane of the substrate 40, the heights of the surfaces 102A to 102E are as follows: the height of the surface 102E> the height of the surface 102D> the height of the surface 102C> the height of the surface 102B> the height of the surface 102A. That is, a height difference is provided between the surface located on the third end side and the surface located on the fourth end side among the surfaces 102A to 102E so that the height from the plane of the substrate 40 increases toward the fourth end side. In addition, the surfaces 102A to 102E are formed so that the heights in the vertical direction from the plane of the substrate 40 are substantially the same in the column direction (the direction between the first end and the second end).

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the nonwoven fabric sheet 50A is mounted (arranged) on the surface 102A. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50B is mounted on the surface 102B. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50C is mounted on the surface 102C. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50D is mounted on the surface 102D. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50E is mounted on the surface 102E. The flange 141f of the key top 141 is arranged to face the surfaces 102A to 102E via any one of the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E in the normal state (unpressed state).

[0058] The nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E respectively have a plurality of holes 501 and cutouts 502 as second through holes. The hole 501 is arranged corresponding to the hole 101 of the upper shell 10 and is a through hole for the key top 141 that passes through the hole 101. The cutout 502 is a cutout that is cut inwardly in the X-axis direction at the end of the third end side or the fourth end side between two adjacent hole portions 501. The cutout 502 is engaged with the rib 112 of the boss 110 or the rib 122 of the rib 120. The nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E are positioned on the upper shell 10 by the boss 110 or the rib 120 engaged with the cutout 502.

[0059] In addition, the structure (material, thickness, etc.) of the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E is made common (same). By using the divided nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E instead of a single nonwoven fabric sheet, the contact area between the surfaces 102A to 102E, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E, and the flange 141f is increased. In addition, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E can be arranged on the surfaces 102A to 102E without bending.

[0060] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the operation surfaces 141t of the key tops 141 are respectively formed parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. In the row direction, the movable range of the rubber key tops 32 having the same (same) structure (material / shape (mass)) and the sliding length (stroke length) defined by the surfaces 102A to 102E (non-woven fabric sheets 50A to 50E) of the key tops 141 of the keys 14A to 14E are the same.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the figure, 0 represents the contact part when each key top 141 contacts other parts when the user presses each key top 141 of the key 14A to 14E in the row direction. In addition, the elastic deformation of the rubber key cap 32 and the like when pressing is omitted. The contact part is the upper end of each key top 141 and the housing surface 11a or the end of the surface 102A to 102E. This contact occurs, for example, when the sliding direction of the pressing of each key top 141 deviates from the vertical direction of the plane of the substrate 40, and a contact sound is generated.

[0062] However, if Figure 2 As shown, in the row direction, the upper housing 10 has stepped surfaces 102A to 102E, and the heights of the flanges 141f of the plurality of key tops 141 are stepped. Figure 2 The sliding surface 141s of the key top 141 shown and the hole side surface 101s which is the side surface of the hole portion 101 of the upper shell 10 are arranged opposite to each other with a slight gap set. The sliding surface 141s of each key top 141 and the corresponding hole side surface 101s are inclined at a given angle (for example, 1.5°), but may also be approximately parallel. The sliding direction of the key top 141 is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40. The hole side surface 101s is the side surface on the inner side of the hole portion 101. In addition, in the row direction, the positional relationship between the sliding surface 141s and the hole side surface 101s is the same in all columns A to E. In other words, in Figure 6 The difference in distance between the contact portion of each key top 141 and the substrate 40 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40, represented by the distance h between the contact portions, is equal in each key top of all columns A to E. Therefore, in the row direction, when the user presses the key top 141, the operation feeling of the keys 14A to 14E is substantially the same, and the contact sound (key tapping sound) of each key 14 is also uniform.

[0063] Furthermore, by making the distance h between the contact parts of key 14E the same as that of key 14A, when the same part of key 14E is pressed with the same force, the distance h between the contact parts of key 14E is the same as that of key 14A. Figure 6 Compared with the structure in which the length of the hole side surface 101s of the key 14E is set longer in the example shown, the speed of the key 14E immediately before contacting other parts is slowed down and the impact at the time of contact is reduced, so the contact sound of each key 14 is reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the divided nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E are attached to the stepped surfaces 102A to 102E, and the sliding lengths of the key tops 141 are also substantially the same. Therefore, in the row direction, when the key tops 141 are pushed back, the operation feeling of the keys 14A to 14E is substantially the same, and the contact sound (key-clicking sound) of each key 14 is also uniform. In addition, the electronic calculator 1 may be configured without the nonwoven fabric sheet.

[0065] Furthermore, in the column direction, the heights from the frame surface 11a to the operation surface 141t of each key top 141 of the keys 14F to 14K are made substantially the same. Furthermore, the heights of the key tops 141 of the keys 14F to 14K in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40 are made substantially the same, and the heights of the flanges 141f in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40 are made substantially the same. Therefore, in the column direction, the heights from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of the keys 14F to 14K are substantially the same regardless of the angle θ2.

[0066] In the keys 14F to 14K, the movable range of the rubber key top 32 of each key top 141 of the plurality of keys 14, which is common (same) in structure (material / shape (mass)), and the sliding length defined by the surfaces 102A to 102E (non-woven fabric sheets 50A to 50E) are the same. In addition, in the column direction, the positional relationship between the sliding surface 141s and the hole side surface 101s is also a positional relationship that is parallel to each other at a predetermined distance, and is the same in all rows. Therefore, in the column direction, the operating feel of the keys 14F to 14K is roughly the same, and the contact sound (keystroke sound) of each key 14 is also uniform.

[0067] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic calculator 1 includes a plurality of key tops 141 and an upper housing 10. The upper housing 10 has surfaces 102A to 102E that are in parallel relationship, and at least one hole 101 is provided on each of the surfaces 102A to 102E. The plurality of key tops 141 are respectively inserted into the hole 101 corresponding to each key top 141. The upper housing 10 has surfaces 102A to 102E that are flatly provided from the first end side to the second end side opposite to the first end. Furthermore, the upper housing 10 has a height difference between a surface located on the third end side orthogonal to the first end and a surface located on the fourth end side opposite to the third end among the surfaces 102A to 102E.

[0068] Therefore, since the plurality of key tops 141 are arranged on the surfaces 102A to 102E, it is possible to reduce differences in operability of the plurality of key tops 141 which are arranged flat in the direction between the first end and the second end and have a height difference in the direction between the third end side and the fourth end side.

[0069] In addition, the electronic calculator 1 further includes nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E provided corresponding to the surfaces 102A to 102E, respectively. The nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E are provided with holes 501 corresponding to the holes 101 of the surfaces 102A to 102E. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E divided corresponding to the height difference can be accurately arranged corresponding to the surfaces 102A to 102E having a height difference in the direction between the third end side and the fourth end side, and a plurality of key tops 141 can be arranged using the holes 101 and 501. In addition, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E can be prevented from being bent compared to the past.

[0070] In addition, the key top 141 has a flange 141f. The flange 141f is provided to face the surfaces 102A to 102E via the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E. Therefore, compared with the past, it is possible to prevent the key top 141 from directly hitting the surfaces 102A to 102E when being pushed back, thereby reducing the key-clicking sound of the key top 141. In addition, compared with the past, it is possible to increase the contact area between the surfaces 102A to 102E, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E, and the flange 141f.

[0071] In addition, the upper case 10 of the electronic calculator 1 also includes a plurality of bosses 110 and ribs 120 which are arranged to span across the surfaces 102A to 102E and have bosses 111 and pillars 121. The bosses 110 and ribs 120 have a plurality of ribs 112 and 122 which protrude in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the bosses 111 and pillars 121 protrude. The plurality of ribs 112 and 122 protrude in the orthogonal directions, respectively. The plurality of ribs 112 and 122 are engaged with the cutouts 502 of the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric sheets 50A to 50E can be accurately positioned and fixed on the surfaces 102A to 102E by the bosses 110 and ribs 120.

[0072] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the sliding surface 141s of the key top 141 and the hole side surface 101s of the hole portion 101 corresponding to the key top 141 is the same from the third end side to the fourth end side in each key top 141. Therefore, compared with the past, the operation feeling of the key top 141 can be made the same from the third end side to the fourth end side, and the key hitting sound of the key top 141 can be made uniform.

[0073] In addition, the description in the above-mentioned embodiment is an example of the key input device involved in this disclosure, and is not limited to this.

[0074] For example, in the above embodiment, the electronic device is a structure of an electronic calculator 1, but it is not limited to this. The electronic device may also be other devices in which a user can input keys with one hand and a plurality of keys are arranged in a step-like shape. More specifically, the electronic device may also be a remote controller of various devices, a handheld terminal, an external numeric keypad device of a PC (Personal Computer), an input device for passwords, etc.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, in the boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120, the ribs 112 and 122 are configured to extend from the intersection portion 11c ( Figure 4 For example, the boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120 may be configured such that the ribs 112 and 122 are provided at the intersection portion 11c ( Figure 4 That is, the boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120 are provided with a protruding amount that does not touch the imaginary surface, wherein the cross section ( Figure 4 In addition, the boss portion 110 and the rib portion 120 may be configured to be provided with a protruding amount that is not in contact with the imaginary surface, wherein the imaginary surface is in contact with the cross section ( Figure 4 In addition, the two structures may be combined. According to these structures, the ribs 112 and 122 reduce the components that contribute to the reflection of sound, such as the ribs on the key spacing portion 11p, compared with the past. Therefore, the keystroke sound of the key top 141 can be reduced compared with the past.

[0076] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments but includes the scope of disclosure described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. A key input device, characterized in that: have: a plurality of key portions; and The component has a plurality of surfaces that are respectively in parallel, and each of the plurality of surfaces is provided with at least one first through hole, The plurality of key portions are respectively inserted into the first through holes corresponding to the key portions, The member has the plurality of surfaces arranged flatly from a first end side to a second end side opposite to the first end, and a height difference is provided between a surface located on a third end side orthogonal to the first end and a surface located on a fourth end side opposite to the third end.

2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein: The key input device further comprises: a plurality of sheet parts, which are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of surfaces; The sheet portion is provided with second through holes corresponding to the first through holes of the surface.

3. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein: The key portion has a flange portion, The flange portion is provided so as to face the surface with the sheet portion interposed therebetween.

4. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein: The key input device further comprises: a protrusion, which is arranged to span across the plurality of surfaces and has a support column, The protrusion has a plurality of ribs protruding in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the support column protrudes. The plurality of ribs protrude in orthogonal directions respectively. The plurality of ribs mesh with the cutouts of the sheet portion.

5. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The positional relationship between the sliding surface of the key portion located on the third end side and the side surface of the first through hole corresponding to the key portion is the same as the positional relationship between the sliding surface of the key portion located on the fourth end side and the side surface of the first through hole corresponding to the key portion.

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