Key input device

Abstract

The invention provides a key input device. The key input device includes: a member provided with a hole portion that slidably penetrates a key portion; and a plurality of wall portions extending from the edge portion of the hole portion in the member in a direction perpendicular to the substrate of the device, and provided in a state of being separated from each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-159324 filed on September 25, 2023. In this specification, the specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-159324 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 with multiple key tops arranged on a surface is known. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-207594 discloses a keyboard having a press-in structure including a key top, a slider, a dome spring, and a housing (see Patent Document 1). The slider is arranged on the inner wall of the cylinder of the key top so that the key top slides along the housing. The dome spring bears on the key top and shows a positive or negative snap-in characteristic. The housing surrounds the key top and the dome spring. Summary of the invention

[0005] -Methods for solving the problem-

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one method of the key input device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a component, which is provided with a hole portion that can slide through the key portion; and a plurality of wall portions, which extend from the edge of the hole portion in the component in a direction perpendicular to the substrate of the device and are arranged in a state separated from each other. 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 Yes means Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the key.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a rear view showing the upper casing.

[0012] Figure 6 It is an enlarged stereoscopic view of area VI on the back side of the upper shell. 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 first end (the end of the housing in the -X direction) side to the second end (the end of the housing in the +X direction) side opposite to the first 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 first end side to the second end side of the shell in the key input unit 11, and are arranged in a roughly matrix shape from the third end (the end on the +Y direction side of the shell) side to the fourth 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 3As 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 second end side to the first end side in the row direction becomes a given inclination angle. Figure 3 As shown, the case surface 11 a is formed so that the angle θ2 formed with the case bottom surface (mounting surface M1 ) becomes a predetermined inclination angle from the fourth end side to the third end side in the row direction.

[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 right-inclined structure in which the height from the mounting surface M1 (substrate 40) of the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11 decreases as it goes from the first end side to the second 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 first 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 second end side.

[0027] With the structure of the electronic calculator 1 , when the user of the electronic calculator 1 operates with the right hand (right-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 his left hand (a left-handed user), the housing surface 11a of the key input unit 11 may be a left-inclined structure in which the height from the mounting surface M1 (substrate 40) decreases as it goes from the second end side to the first end side. That is, at least a portion of the operation surface 141t of the key 14 arranged on the second 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 first 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 first end side than on the second end side. Figure 2In the illustrated example, the height from the placement surface M1 is set to the same height for the first end side and the second 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 Figures 4 to 6 , describing the internal device structure of the electronic calculator 1. Figure 4 Yes means Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of key 14B. Figure 5 It is a rear view showing the upper housing 10. Figure 6 It is an enlarged perspective view of area VI on the back side of the upper case 10 .

[0032] like Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the electronic calculator 1 includes a display 16, a solar panel 17, a plurality of key tops 141, a rubber key 30 as an elastic part, a substrate 40, a non-woven fabric sheet 50 as a sheet part, etc. 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 protruding in a plane direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. When the key top 141 slides (stroke) in the vertical direction toward the substrate 40 by the user's pressing and then returns in the opposite direction, the flange 141f abuts against the upper case 10 (the end of the rib 130 on the substrate 40 side described later) through the non-woven fabric sheet 50 to block the key top 141.

[0035] 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.

[0036] like Figure 4 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.

[0037] 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 .

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The nonwoven fabric sheet 50 is a sheet of nonwoven fabric installed between the flanges 14f of the plurality of keys 14 and the upper case 10 (the ribs 130 described later). After the key top 141 is pressed in, when 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 upper case 10, the contact sound becomes louder. The nonwoven fabric sheet 50 prevents the flange 141f from directly hitting the upper case 10, absorbs the impact force, and reduces the contact sound (key-clicking sound) when the key top 141 returns. In addition, the electronic calculator 1 may be configured without the nonwoven fabric sheet 50.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 , the structure of the upper housing 10 is described. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the upper housing 10 has holes 101 as openings arranged on the housing surface 11a corresponding to the key tops 141 of the plurality of keys 14. The key tops 141 penetrate through the holes 101 to guide the key tops 141 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.

[0044] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the upper housing 10 integrally includes a boss portion 110, rib portions 120, 130, etc. as rib portions on the housing surface 11b on the back side (-Z direction side) of the housing surface 11a. The boss portion 110, rib portions 120, 130 are not provided in the key spacing portion 11p of the side region (side portion) between the plurality of hole portions 101 adjacent in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, but are provided in the intersection portion 11c of the region including the intersection region (four corners) where the extended region of the key spacing portion 11p intersects.

[0045] The boss portion 110 is an internal thread portion for threading the substrate 40 or the lower shell 20 to the upper shell 10 through an external thread (not shown). Each boss portion 110 has a boss 111 and a plurality of ribs 112. The boss 111 extends axially from the shell surface 11b to 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 rib 112 is a plurality of planar ribs connected in the radial direction of the axis of the boss 111. For example, when four ribs 112 are connected to one boss 111, the boss portion 110 becomes a boss portion having ribs 112 that are cross-shaped when viewed from the back side.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Each rib 120 has one support 121 and a plurality of ribs 122. The support 121 extends in an axial direction 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 rib 122 is a planar rib having a plurality of ribs connected in the radial direction of the axis of the support 121. For example, when four ribs 122 are connected to the support 121, the rib 120 has a cross-shaped rib 122 when viewed from the back side.

[0048] The rib 122 is configured to fix the rubber key 30 or sandwich the rubber key 30 with the substrate 40. Therefore, the rib 122 has a function of fixing the rubber key 30 or sandwiching and fixing the rubber key 30 with the substrate 40.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The ribs 130 are arranged in correspondence with the four corners of the adjacent hole portions 101 in the intersection portion 11c, and extend from the shell surface 11b in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 40, for example, including an R-shaped wall-shaped edge. In this way, a plurality of ribs 130 extend in a state of being separated from each other from the edge of the hole portion 101 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 40. In addition, the upper shell 10 has a space portion 11s between the ribs 130 separated from each other in the edge of a hole portion 101. For example, the upper shell 10 has a space portion 11s between the ribs 130 on the first end side and the third end side and the ribs 130 on the second end side and the third end side. Similarly, the upper shell 10 has a space portion 11s between the ribs 130 on the first end side and the third end side and the ribs 130 on the first end side and the fourth end side. Similarly, the upper case 10 has a space 11s between the rib 130 on the first and fourth ends and the rib 130 on the second and fourth ends. Similarly, the upper case 10 has a space 11s between the rib 130 on the second and third ends and the rib 130 on the second and fourth ends. In addition, the space 11s is arranged between adjacent holes 101 (key tops 141 inserted therethrough) in the row direction or column direction (key spacing portion 11p).

[0051] The rib 130 is configured to sandwich the nonwoven fabric sheet 50 between the rib 130 and the flange 141f. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in the row direction, in one hole portion 101, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the first end side of the hole portion 101 is higher than the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the second end side of the hole portion 101. In addition, in the row direction, throughout the plurality of holes 101, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the first end side of the hole portion 101 is higher than the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the second end side of the hole portion 101. Figure 3 As shown, in the column direction, in one hole portion 101 or throughout a plurality of hole portions 101, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the third end side of the hole portion 101 is substantially the same as the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the edge of the fourth end side of the hole portion 101. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the heights from the plane of the substrate 40 to the ends of the ribs 130 on the substrate 40 side are substantially the same in the row direction and the column direction.

[0052] In addition, the heights of the ribs 130 provided on the first end side of the upper case 10 from the edge of the hole 101 to the end on the substrate 40 side (the long side in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 40) are substantially the same. Thus, in the same row from the first end side to the second end side, the heights of the ribs 130 from the edge of the hole 101 to the end on the substrate 40 side are substantially the same. Furthermore, the height of the ribs 130 provided on the second end side of the upper case 10 is lower than the height of the ribs 130 on the first end side. Thus, the heights of the ribs 130 in the upper case 10 become lower as they go from the first end side to the second end side in the same row.

[0053] When the key top 141 is pressed, the rib 130 guides the key top 141 in the sliding direction. The side surface of the key top 141 is opposite to the side surface of the inner side of the hole portion 101 and the rib 130 with a small gap. The side surface of the key top 141 described in the present embodiment is inclined at a given angle (for example, 1.5°) to the side surface of the inner side of the hole portion 101 and the rib 130, but may also be approximately parallel. In addition, when the key top 141 is pushed back, the rib 130 receives the flange 141f via the non-woven fabric sheet 50. The rib 130 extends from the hole portion 101 to the sliding direction of the key top 141, so that when the key top 141 slides, the shaking of the key top 141 is suppressed within the range of the small gap.

[0054] Conventional electronic calculators have ribs similar to the ribs 130 not only in the intersection portion but also in the key spacing portion (for example, the key spacing portion extending in the column direction). Therefore, the contact area between the key top 141 and the key top 141 when the key top 141 is pressed is relatively large. The ribs 130 are not located in the key spacing portion 11p but only in the intersection portion 11c, so the contact area between the key top 141 and the key top 141 when the key top 141 is pressed is relatively small. Furthermore, the upper housing 10 eliminates components that contribute to sound reflection, such as the ribs on the key spacing portion 11p. Therefore, the keystroke sound of the key top 141 can be reduced compared to the past. The reduction in the keystroke sound means that the volume and pitch of the keystroke sound become inaudible to the user.

[0055] 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 first end side to the second 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 shell 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 14A> the height of key 14B> the height of key 14C> the height of key 14D> the height of key 14E according to the angle θ1.

[0056] Furthermore, in the row direction, the height difference from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operation 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 is such that the height of key 14A is greater than the height of key 14B, greater than the height of key 14C, greater than the height of key 14D, and greater than the height of key 14E. Thus, in the row direction, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of each key 14 can be configured to be stepped according to the angle θ1 of the housing surface 11a.

[0057] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation surfaces 141 t of the key tops 141 are formed to be parallel to the plane of the substrate 40. Figure 2 In the row direction, the movable range of the rubber key top 32 of each key top 141 of the keys 14A to 14E, which has a common (same) structure (material / shape (mass)), and the sliding length (stroke length) defined by the rib 130 are the same. Therefore, in the row direction, the operation feeling of the keys 14A to 14E is substantially the same, and the difference in the keystroke sound of each key 14 is also reduced.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In the cross section in the row direction of , the keys 14 arranged in the row direction from the fourth end side to the third 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.

[0059] In each key top 141 of the keys 14F to 14K, the height from the housing surface 11a to the operating surface 141t is made substantially the same. In addition, the height of each key top 141 of the keys 14F to 14K in the +Z direction is made substantially the same. Therefore, in the column direction, the height from the plane of the substrate 40 to the operating surface 141t of the keys 14F to 14K is substantially the same regardless of the angle θ2. In addition, the ribs 130 corresponding to each key top 141 of the keys 14F to 14K have substantially the same height in the +Z direction from the plane of the substrate 40.

[0060] 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 has a common (same) structure (material / shape (mass)), and the sliding length defined by the rib 130 are the same. Therefore, in the row direction, the differences in the operational feel and keystroke sound of the keys 14F to 14K are substantially the same.

[0061] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic calculator 1 includes the upper case 10 and the plurality of ribs 130. The upper case 10 is provided with the hole 101 through which the key top 141 can slidably pass. The plurality of ribs 130 are provided in a state of extending from the edge of the hole 101 in the upper case 10 in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 40 of the present device (electronic calculator 1) and being separated from each other.

[0062] Therefore, since the contact area between the upper housing 10 and the key top 141 is reduced by the rib 130 , the key hitting sound of the key top 141 can be reduced compared with the related art.

[0063] In addition, the electronic calculator 1 has a space portion 11s between the ribs 130 in the upper case 10. The upper case 10 has a plurality of holes 101. The space portion 11s is disposed between adjacent key tops 141 in the row direction or the column direction. Therefore, since the contact area between the upper case 10 and the key top 141 is smaller than before due to the ribs 130, the key hitting sound of the key top 141 can be reduced compared to before, and the material cost of the upper case 10 can be reduced.

[0064] In addition, the key top 141 has a flange 141f. When the key top 141 is pressed, the flange 141f contacts the end of the rib 130 on the substrate 40 side. Therefore, since the contact area between the upper housing 10 and the key top 141 is smaller than before due to the flange 141f and the rib 130, the key hitting sound of the key top 141 can be reduced compared with the past.

[0065] In addition, the heights of the ribs 130 provided on the first end side of the upper case 10 from the edge of the hole 101 to the end on the substrate 40 side are substantially the same. The height of the ribs 130 provided on the second end side opposite to the first end in the upper case 10 is lower than the height of the ribs 130 on the first end side. Therefore, in the electronic calculator 1, a structure can be adopted in which the height from the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of the key top 141 on the first end side is higher than the height from the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of the key top 141 on the second end side. Furthermore, the keystroke sound of the key top 141 on the first end side and the key top 141 on the second end side can be reduced, and the difference in their keystroke sound can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, the height from the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of the key top 141 at the first end is higher than the height from the substrate 40 to the operation surface 141t of the key top 141 at the second end. Therefore, in the electronic calculator 1, the key top 141 can fit the user's hand or finger better than before.

[0067] Furthermore, the electronic calculator 1 includes a nonwoven fabric sheet 50 disposed between the base plate 40 and the plurality of ribs 130. Therefore, the collision of the key tops 141 with the ribs 130 when being pushed back is reduced, so that the key hitting sound when the key tops 141 are pushed back can be reduced compared to the conventional ones. Furthermore, in a structure in which the heights from the base plate 40 to the ends of the ribs 130 on the base plate 40 side are substantially the same, the nonwoven fabric sheet 50 can reduce the difference in the key hitting sound when the plurality of key tops 141 are pushed back compared to the conventional ones.

[0068] Furthermore, the electronic calculator 1 includes the rubber key 30 that receives the depression of the key top 141 and returns to its original state, and the boss 110 and rib 120 that sandwich the rubber key 30 between the base plate 40. Therefore, the rubber key 30 can be accurately and appropriately fixed to the base plate 40 by the boss 110 and rib 120.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 inputs 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.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the disclosure described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. A key input device, characterized in that: have: A member having a hole portion through which the key portion can slidably pass; and A plurality of wall portions are provided so as to extend from the edge of the hole portion in the member in a direction perpendicular to the substrate of the device and to be separated from each other.

2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein: The member has a space portion between the wall portions.

3. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein: The member includes a plurality of holes. The space portion is disposed between adjacent key portions.

4. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein: The key portion has a flange portion, The flange portion abuts against an end portion of the wall portion on the substrate side.

5. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heights of the wall portion on the first end side of the component from the edge of the hole portion to the end portion on the substrate side are substantially the same, and the height of the wall portion on the second end side of the component opposite to the first end is lower than the height of the wall portion on the first end side.

6. The key input device according to claim 5, wherein: A height from the substrate to the operation surface of the key portion on the first end side is higher than a height from the substrate to the operation surface of the key portion on the second end side.

7. The key input device according to claim 5, wherein: The key input device includes a sheet portion disposed between the substrate and the wall portion.

8. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein: The key input device comprises: an elastic part that receives the pressing of the key part and recovers; and The rib sandwiches the elastic portion between the rib and the substrate.

Images