Operation device, keyboard device, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

Provided are an operation device, a keyboard device, and an electronic apparatus capable of causing an operation member to emit light. The operation device is a lever-type operation device capable of performing a dumping operation, and is provided with: a support plate; a sensor substrate that has a first through-hole in the plate thickness direction and is supported on the surface of the support plate; a pillar member which is formed of a light-transmitting material and which is provided so as to rise from one surface of the sensor substrate at a position where the pillar member closes the first through-hole; an operating member which has translucency and is attached to the pillar member; and a light source that irradiates the pillar member with light through the first through-hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device, a keyboard device and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Some electronic devices, such as notebook PCs, have a structure that improves the convenience of input operations by providing a lever-type operating device on a keyboard device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The operating device is, for example, located near the center of the keyboard device, thereby providing high operability.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6719605

[0004] Typically, an operating device is used only for input operations such as operating a cursor displayed on a display.

[0005] However, the operating device, for example, colors the manually operated operating member red. This allows the operating device to exhibit unique design qualities, potentially serving as an icon for a keyboard device or electronic device. Therefore, it is believed that if the operating member of the operating device could be illuminated, it would not only enhance the design, but also further improve the user experience and enable collaboration with various functions.

[0006] However, there is a problem that most of the above-mentioned operating devices are very small and it is not easy to mount the light emitting module thereon due to the structure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device, a keyboard device, and an electronic device capable of emitting light from an operating member.

[0008] The operating device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is a rod-type operating device capable of performing a tilting operation, and is equipped with: a support plate; a sensor substrate, which has a first through hole in the plate thickness direction and is supported at the surface of the above-mentioned support plate; a support member, which is formed of a light-transmitting material and stands up from one surface of the above-mentioned sensor substrate at a position blocking the above-mentioned first through hole; an operating member, which is light-transmitting and is mounted on the above-mentioned support member; and a light source, which allows light to pass through the above-mentioned first through hole and irradiate the above-mentioned support member.

[0009] The keyboard device involved in the second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plate-like member; a plurality of keycaps, which are supported at the upper surface side of the above-mentioned plate-like member; and a rod-type operating device, which has an operating member, the above-mentioned operating member is supported by the above-mentioned plate-like member and is arranged at a position so that the periphery of the above-mentioned operating member is surrounded by the above-mentioned keycaps, and in the above-mentioned rod-type operating device, the operating member can be tilted, and the above-mentioned operating device comprises: a supporting plate; a sensor substrate, which has a first through hole in the plate thickness direction and is supported at the surface of the above-mentioned supporting plate; a pillar member, which is formed of a light-transmitting material and stands up from one surface of the above-mentioned sensor substrate at a position blocking the above-mentioned first through hole; the operating member, which has light transparency and is installed on the above-mentioned pillar member; and a light source, which allows light to pass through the above-mentioned first through hole and irradiate the above-mentioned pillar member.

[0010] The electronic device involved in the third embodiment of the present invention comprises: a shell; and a keyboard device, which is mounted to face the surface of the above-mentioned shell, the above-mentioned keyboard device having: a plate-shaped member; a plurality of keycaps, which are supported at the upper surface side of the above-mentioned plate-shaped member; and a rod-type operating device, which has an operating member, the above-mentioned operating member is supported by the above-mentioned plate-shaped member and is arranged at a position so that the periphery of the above-mentioned operating member is surrounded by the above-mentioned keycaps, and in the above-mentioned rod-type operating device, the operating member can be tilted, the above-mentioned operating device having: a support plate; a sensor substrate, which has a first through hole in the plate thickness direction and is supported at the surface of the above-mentioned support plate; a pillar member, which is formed of a light-transmitting material and stands up from one surface of the above-mentioned sensor substrate at a position blocking the above-mentioned first through hole; the operating member, which has light transparency and is mounted on the above-mentioned pillar member; and a light source, which allows light to pass through the above-mentioned first through hole and irradiate the above-mentioned pillar member.

[0011] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the operation member can be illuminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment viewed from above.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the operating device.

[0014] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a partially assembled operating device is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 1 is a schematic side sectional view of the keyboard device including the operating device and its peripheral portion.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic bottom view of the keyboard device.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the lighting operation of the operating device.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light emitting operation of the operating device involved in the second structural example.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light emitting operation of the operating device involved in the third structural example.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light-emitting operation of the operating device involved in the fourth structural example.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 10...electronic device; 11...cover; 12...housing; 16...display; 18, 18A to 18C...operating device; 20...keyboard device; 28...support plate; 28a, 30c...through hole; 30...sensor substrate; 32...support member; 32c...hole portion; 32d...pattern; 34...operating member; 36, 60...light source; 36a...light irradiation surface; 38, 39...wiring; 42...control substrate; 46...keycap; 50...plate-shaped member; 56...motherboard. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an operating device, a keyboard device, and an electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments thereof.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is a clamshell notebook PC having a structure in which a cover 11 and a housing 12 are connected to each other by a hinge 14 so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0025] The cover 11 has a thin, flat, box-shaped housing. The cover 11 is equipped with a display 16. The display 16 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

[0026] The housing 12 is a thin, flat box. The housing 12 carries a keyboard device 20 having an operating device 18 according to one embodiment. The keyboard device 20 is provided so as to face the upper surface (surface 12 a ) of the housing 12 . Figure 1 Reference numeral 22 in the figure is a touch panel.

[0027] In the following, with respect to the housing 12 and the various structural elements mounted thereon, the width directions (left and right) of the housing 12 are referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the depth directions (front and back) of the housing 12 are referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness directions (up and down) of the housing 12 are referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions, respectively, based on the posture of the operator operating the operating device 18 and the keyboard device 20. The directions are sometimes collectively referred to as the X direction, and sometimes the Y1 and Y2 directions and the Z1 and Z2 directions are also referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. The above directions are determined for the convenience of explanation and may of course vary depending on the usage status or setting posture of the electronic device 10.

[0028] The housing 12 is formed by connecting a first cover part 24 and a second cover part 25 in a manner that they overlap in the thickness direction and can be detached from each other. The first cover part 24 forms, for example, the upper surface (surface 12a) and the four sides of the housing 12, and has a roughly bathtub shape. The first cover part 24 has a relatively large opening 24a that is roughly rectangular. The keyboard device 20 passes through the opening 24a and faces the Z1 side. The second cover part 25 forms, for example, the lower surface of the housing 12 and has a roughly flat plate shape. The hinge 14 is provided in a concave hinge configuration groove 12b formed at the rear edge of the housing 12, and connects the housing 12 to the cover body 11.

[0029] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the operating device 18 . Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The operating device 18 is shown in a partially assembled exploded perspective view. Figure 4 1 is a schematic side sectional view of the operation device 18 and the keyboard device 20 in its surrounding area.

[0030] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the operating device 18 can include a support plate 28 , a sensor substrate 30 , a support member 32 , an operating member 34 , a light source 36 , and two wirings 38 and 39 .

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating device 18 is mounted near the center of the keyboard device 20. The operating device 18 is a pointing device also known as a pointing stick or trackpoint (registered trademark). In other words, the operating device 18 is a stick-type input device that can manually tilt the operating member 34. The operating device 18 can operate the cursor (mouse pointer) displayed on the display 16 as a substitute for a mouse. The operating device 18 can cooperate with a plurality of function buttons assigned to the touchpad 22, for example, to perform the same operations as a mouse. These function buttons correspond to, for example, the left and right buttons and the center button of a mouse.

[0032] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the support plate 28 is a member that serves as the base of the operating device 18. The support plate 28 also serves as a bracket for attaching the operating device 18 to the keyboard device 20. The support plate 28 can be formed from a metal plate such as a thin steel plate, a stainless steel plate, or an aluminum plate. The support plate 28 can have a generally triangular shape that tapers toward the Y2 side when viewed from above. The support plate 28 can also have a rectangular shape. The thickness of the support plate 28 is, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0033] A through-hole 28a and a plurality of support holes 28b are provided in a position slightly closer to the Y1 side than the center of the support plate 28. The through-hole 28a extends through the support plate 28 in the thickness direction. The through-hole 28a has an inner diameter sufficient to accommodate the light source 36. For example, four support holes 28b are provided to surround the through-hole 28a. The support holes 28b are used to secure the sensor substrate 30 to the support plate 28.

[0034] A pair of mounting holes 28c, 28c and a snap-fit portion 28d are provided near each corner of the support plate 28. The mounting holes 28c and the snap-fit portion 28d are used to mount the operating device 18 on the keyboard device 20. Each mounting hole 28c is for a screw 53 (see FIG. 5 ) for fixing the support plate 28 to the keyboard device 20. Figure 5 The engaging portion 28d engages with an engaging piece 54 formed on a plate-shaped member 50 of the keyboard device 20 described below.

[0035] The sensor substrate 30 is a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) on which a sensor 30a for detecting a tilting operation of the operating member 34 is mounted. Figure 2 As shown, the sensor substrate 30 includes a plurality of sensors 30 a , recesses 30 b , through holes 30 c , and a plurality of support holes 30 d . Figure 4 The recessed portion 30b and the like are not shown in the figure.

[0036] For example, four sensors 30a are provided to surround the recess 30b located at the center of the sensor substrate 30. The sensors 30a are arranged at four locations along the XY directions when viewed from the center of the sensor substrate 30. The sensors 30a only need to be able to detect the tilting of the operating member 34 and can be, for example, strain gauge load cells.

[0037] The recess 30b is a shallow countersunk recess formed in the center of the Z1-side surface (one surface 30e) of the sensor substrate 30. The lower end of the support member 32 is fitted into and bonded to the recess 30b. Therefore, the inner periphery of the recess 30b is shaped to correspond to the outer periphery of the support member 32. In this embodiment, the recess 30b is rectangular.

[0038] Through-hole 30c is formed in the center of sensor substrate 30 and extends through sensor substrate 30 in the thickness direction. In other words, through-hole 30c extends through the bottom surface of recess 30b. Through-hole 30c is coaxially arranged with through-hole 28a of support plate 28 and communicates with each other. The inner diameter of through-hole 30c can be smaller than the inner diameter of through-hole 28a of support plate 28, into which light source 36 is inserted.

[0039] Four support holes 30d are provided, for example, to surround the recessed portion 30b at the center of the sensor substrate 30. Each support hole 30d penetrates the sensor substrate 30 in the thickness direction. Each support hole 30d is positioned between adjacent sensors 30a. The support holes 30d are used to secure the sensor substrate 30 to the support plate 28.

[0040] The sensor substrate 30 is supported by the support plate 28, with, for example, an annular metal washer 40 interposed therebetween. Four holes 40a corresponding to the support holes 30d are formed through the annular portion of the metal washer 40. Each hole 40a is coaxially arranged with each support hole 30d and communicates with each other. Shallow recesses are formed around one surface 30e of the support hole 30d.

[0041] The support member 32 constitutes the operating lever of the operating device 18. The support member 32 has, for example, a prism shape (quadrangular prism) consisting of two upper and lower surfaces and four outer peripheral surfaces. The support member 32 can also be formed, for example, as a polygonal prism with six outer peripheral surfaces. The support member 32 can also be formed as a cylinder.

[0042] The support member 32 is provided so as to rise from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30. The lower end portion (the Z2-side end portion) of the support member 32 is fitted into and bonded to the recess 30b of the sensor substrate 30. Thus, the support member 32 rises from one surface 30e in the Z1 direction at a position blocking the through-hole 30c.

[0043] The support member 32 is formed from a material that allows light to pass through (translucent material). For example, the support member 32 can be formed from transparent or translucent polycarbonate. The support member 32 is secured to the sensor substrate 30 using, for example, a heat-curable adhesive. Therefore, the support member 32 is preferably formed from a heat-resistant material having a thermal resistance of approximately 180°C.

[0044] The operating member 34 is a member that the operator actually operates with their fingertips, etc. The operating member 34 is a cylindrical member with an umbrella, for example, formed in a roughly dome-shaped or mushroom-shaped shape. The operating member 34 has a fitting hole 34a at the center of its lower surface (Z2-side surface). The fitting hole 34a is a concave hole that does not penetrate the operating member 34 in the Z direction. The support member 32 is inserted from the upper end (Z1-side end) and fits into the fitting hole 34a. The operating member 34 can also be fixed relative to the support member 32 by bonding, etc.

[0045] The upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the operating member 34 can be formed into a dome shape or an umbrella shape that is easy to operate with the fingertips. Figure 4 The plurality of protrusions 34c are shown as the two-dot chain lines. The protrusions 34c function as anti-slip portions for fingertips and the like, thereby improving the operability of the operation member 34.

[0046] The operating member 34 is formed of, for example, a rubber material. It is colored, for example, red. The operating member 34 may also have a central engagement hole 34a formed therein, and is a thin-walled rubber cap as a whole. This allows the operating member 34 to be light-transmissive in the thickness direction.

[0047] The light source 36 is, for example, an LED element and may emit white light or light of a color that matches the color of the operation member 34 (for example, red).

[0048] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated configuration, light source 36 is disposed within through-hole 28a of support plate 28. For example, the upper surface (Z1-side surface) of light source 36 serves as light irradiation surface 36a. Light irradiation surface 36a faces the Z1 direction (towards support member 32) within through-hole 28a, allowing light to pass through through-hole 28a and through-hole 30c and irradiate support member 32. While details will be described below, light incident on support member 32 is guided and diffused within support member 32, causing operating member 34 to illuminate.

[0049] The wiring (first wiring) 38 is a wiring that connects the light source 36 to the control substrate 42 (see Figure 5 ) is a wiring for light emission control that electrically connects the sensor substrate 30 and the control substrate 42. The wiring (second wiring) 39 is a wiring for lever operation control that electrically connects the sensor substrate 30 and the control substrate 42. The wiring 38 and 39 can be formed of, for example, flexible printed circuits (FPC).

[0050] Wiring 38 is arranged so that one end (first end 38a) passes through the back surface (Z2-side surface) 28e of support plate 28 and covers through-hole 28a. Light source 36 is mounted on the surface of the portion of first end 38a that covers through-hole 28a. Thus, at least a portion of light source 36 is disposed within through-hole 28a.

[0051] One end portion (first end portion 39a) of the wiring 39 passes through the surface (Z1 side surface) 28f of the support plate 28 from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30. The first end portion 39a of the wiring 39 is formed into a circular shape having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the sensor substrate 30. An opening 39c and a plurality of notches 39d (see FIG. 39d ) are formed in the first end portion 39a. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The opening 39c is a rectangular cutout hole through which the support member 32 is inserted. The notch 39d is formed by recessing the outer peripheral edge of the first end portion 39a and is coaxially arranged with each support hole 30d.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the assembly structure of the operating device 18, the sensor substrate 30 is arranged on the surface 28f of the support plate 28 via the metal washer 40. The through holes 28a and 30c are arranged coaxially, and the inner peripheral opening of the metal washer 40 is also arranged between them. A rivet pin 44 (see FIG. 1 ) is inserted through each through hole 28a and 30c, for example, from the Z1 side to the Z2 side. Figure 3 The rivet pin 44 is processed into a flange shape by rivet processing at its upper and lower ends, for example, to connect the sensor substrate 30 and the support plate 28.

[0053] The first end 29a of the wiring 39 is connected to one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 connected to the support plate 28. The wiring 38 is arranged on the back surface 28e of the support plate 28, and the light source 36 is inserted into the through hole 28a. In addition, the second end 38b, 39b of each wiring 38, 39 is connected to the control substrate 42 (see Figure 5 ) In other words, at least two wirings 38 and 39 are branched and extended from the control substrate 42. Based on the above, the component structure of the operating device 18 is constructed.

[0054] Next, an example of a mounting structure of the operating device 18 to the keyboard device 20 will be described.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the keyboard device 20 includes a plurality of keycaps 46 arranged side by side in the X and Y directions. Adjacent keycaps 46 are separated by a spacer frame 48. The spacer frame 48 is a mesh-like plate having a plurality of holes formed therein for vertically movably inserting each keycap 46. The spacer frame 48 may be integrally formed with the first cover member 24 forming the surface 12a of the housing 12, or may be formed separately from the first cover member 24.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the keyboard device 20 has a plate-like component 50 that serves as a mounting plate for each keycap 46. The plate-like component 50 is, for example, a laminated plate having a three-layer structure including a base plate, a membrane sheet laminated on the Z1 side surface of the base plate, and a waterproof sheet laminated on the Z2 side surface of the base plate. The base plate can be a structure in which various positions of a metal plate such as thin stainless steel are lifted and cut. The membrane can be composed of a switch sheet that closes the contacts by pressing the fixed contact and the movable contact at a position where the fixed contact and the movable contact overlap, thereby closing the contacts. The waterproof sheet can be provided to cover the lower surface side of the base plate. Instead of the waterproof sheet, a light guide plate can be provided, which guides light emitted from a predetermined light source such as an LED element and reflects the light, and illuminates each keycap 46 from below.

[0057] Figure 5 2 is a schematic bottom view of the keyboard device 20 .

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the plate-like member 50 is screwed and fixed to the spacer frame 48 by screws 52 that penetrate the plate-like member 50 from its lower surface (Z2 side surface) in the Z1 direction, thereby being attached to the housing 12.

[0059] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the plate-like member 50 has a hole 50a extending through the plate thickness. The operating device 18 is provided in the hole 50a. To mount the operating device 18 to the keyboard device 20, the support plate 28 is fixed to the lower surface 50b of the plate-like member 50. For example, the support plate 28 is secured to the plate-like member 50 via the mounting holes 28c using screws 53. The engaging portion 28d engages with an upturned engaging tab 54 on the support plate 28.

[0060] The support member 32 passes through the hole portion 50a from the Z2 side to the Z1 side, thereby protruding toward the upper surface 50c side of the plate-like member 50. The sensor substrate 30 can be arranged in the hole portion 50a. The operating member 34 is assembled on the upper portion of the support member 32 that is inserted through the hole portion 50a. Thus, the operating device 18 is mounted on the keyboard device 20. In other words, the keyboard device 20 assembled with the operating device 18 is constructed. The operating member 34 is arranged near the center of the keyboard device 20, and the operating member 34 is surrounded by the keycap 46 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ).

[0061] The wiring 38 is provided so as to extend from the back surface 28e of the support plate 28 toward the lower surface 50b of the plate-shaped member 50. The second end 38b of the wiring 38 is connected to a control board 42 provided below or to the side of the keyboard device 20, for example.

[0062] Wiring 39 is provided so as to pass from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 toward the surface 28f of the support plate 28 and extend toward the lower surface 50b of the plate-shaped member 50. The two wirings 38 and 39 can be stacked so that portions near first ends 38a and 39a on the support plate 28 side overlap. Second end 39b of wiring 39 is connected to the control substrate 42 separately from wiring 38.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, keyboard device 20 is connected to motherboard 56 using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 55. Motherboard 56 is a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) that performs the main control of electronic device 10. Motherboard 56 can be mounted with various electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a storage device, and a communication module. The control board 42 of operating device 18 can be connected to motherboard 56 using, for example, a flexible printed circuit board 58 that is separate from wiring 38 and 39, and can be joined to flexible printed circuit board 55.

[0064] Next, the lighting operation and effects of the operating device 18 will be described.

[0065] Figure 6 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light-emitting operation of the operating device 18 . Figure 6 In the figure, the hatching of the support member 32 and the operating member 34 is omitted. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same is true in . Figure 6 The arrows shown by the single-dot chain line in FIG. 3 schematically represent the trajectory of the light irradiated from the light source 36. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The same is true in .

[0066] exist Figure 6 In the operating device 18 of the illustrated configuration example (first configuration example), the light irradiation surface 36a of the light source 36 is disposed facing the Z1 side within the through-hole 28a of the support plate 28. In other words, the light irradiation surface 36a faces the through-hole 30c of the sensor substrate 30 and the support member 32 located in front of the through-hole 30c.

[0067] In the operating device 18, light emitted from the light irradiation surface 36a passes through the through-hole 28a and then passes through the through-hole 30c, while being reflected by the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 30c and passing through the through-hole 30c. The light that has passed through the through-hole 30c is guided and diffused by the support member 32 formed of a translucent material. In this way, the support member 32 functions as a light-guiding member. The support member 32 has a prismatic shape, so the introduced light is reflected by the outer peripheral side surface 32b of the support member 32 and diffused efficiently. Moreover, the light guided by the support member 32 passes through the Z1 side surface (upper surface 32a) of the support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing the operating member 34 to emit light from the inside. The operating member 34 is a thin-walled rubber member, so the light guided by the support member 32 causes the entire operating member 34 to emit light over a wide area.

[0068] As described above, the operating device 18 can include: a support member 32, which is formed of a translucent material and is arranged to stand upright from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 at a position blocking the through hole 30c; an operating member 34, which is translucent and is installed on the support member 32; and a light source 36, which passes through the through hole 30c and irradiates light to the support member 32.

[0069] In this way, operating device 18 utilizes support member 32, to which operating member 34 is mounted, as a light-guiding member. Thus, operating device 18 can illuminate operating member 34 using light that has passed through through-hole 30c of sensor substrate 30. Therefore, while operating device 18 has a simple structure, essentially simply adding light source 36 to a conventional pointing stick, it can still efficiently illuminate operating member 34. In particular, when operating device 18 is mounted on keyboard device 20, the diameter of operating member 34 is very small, for example, approximately 8 mm. In this case, operating device 18 also maintains the simple structure described above, and thus can illuminate operating member 34.

[0070] The electronic device 10 including such a keyboard device 20 can not only improve its design by emitting light from the operating member 34 but also further improve the user experience and achieve cooperation with various functions.

[0071] For example, after the power button is pressed and before the display 16 displays a message, the electronic device 10 can notify the user that the device is powered on or is in memory training by illuminating the operating member 34. For example, the electronic device 10 can notify the user that the speaker or microphone is muted by illuminating the operating member 34. For example, the electronic device 10 can notify the user that the device is in sleep mode by illuminating the operating member 34.

[0072] In addition, the operating device 18 can include: a wiring 38, which has a light source 36 installed at the first end 38a and passes through the back side 28e of the support plate 28; a wiring 39, whose first end 39a is connected to the sensor substrate 30 and passes through the surface 28f side of the support plate 28; and a control substrate 42, to which the second ends 38b and 39b of each wiring 38 and 39 are respectively connected.

[0073] In this way, operating device 18 branches the wiring 38 and 39 connecting light source 36 and sensor substrate 30 at control substrate 42 and passes them toward back surface 28e and surface 28f of support plate 28, respectively. This allows operating device 18 to adopt a simpler structure than conventional pointing sticks, essentially adding only wiring 38 for light source 36, and connect wiring 38 and 39. Especially when operating device 18 is mounted on keyboard device 20, operating member 34 is very small and the surrounding space is limited. In this case, operating device 18 also includes the aforementioned wiring 38 and 39, making it easy to connect wiring 39 required for control signals and wiring 38 required for light emission.

[0074] Figure 7 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light-emitting operation of the operating device 18A according to the second structural example. Figure 7 In, with Figures 1 to 6 The same reference numerals as shown in the figures represent the same or similar structures. Therefore, they are regarded as structures having the same or similar functions and effects, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The same is true in Chinese.

[0075] Figure 7 The illustrated operating device 18A has a Z-direction height ratio Figure 6 The light source 36 shown is larger than the light source 60. The Z-direction height of the light source 60 is greater than, for example, the Z-direction height of the through-hole 28a; in other words, it is greater than the thickness of the support plate 28. Thus, the light irradiation surface 36a of the light source 60 is disposed, for example, within the through-hole 30c of the sensor substrate 30 and faces the Z1 side.

[0076] In operating device 18A, light emitted from light-irradiated surface 36a passes through through-hole 30c, is reflected by the inner peripheral wall of through-hole 30c, and then passes through through-hole 30c. The light that has passed through through-hole 30c is guided by support member 32, which is formed of a translucent material, and is reflected and diffused by outer peripheral surface 32b. Furthermore, the light guided by support member 32 passes through upper surface 32a of support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing operating member 34 to emit light from the inside.

[0077] and Figure 6 Compared to the operating device 18 shown, Figure 7 In the illustrated operating device 18A, light irradiation surface 36a is positioned upward (toward the Z1 direction). In other words, compared to operating device 18, light irradiation surface 36a is located closer to the light guide member (support member 32). Therefore, operating device 18A can expand the range of light diffused from support member 32, thereby expanding the range of light emitted by operating surface 34b. As a result, operating member 34 of operating device 18A emits light more evenly over a wider range.

[0078] For example, when the diameter of the operating member 34 is 8 mm, the diameter of the light-emitting range of the operating surface 34 b in the operating device 18 is 3.6 mm. In contrast, the diameter of the light-emitting range of the operating surface 34 b in the operating device 18A is 4.4 mm.

[0079] It can also be, such as Figure 7 As indicated by the two-dot chain line, the height of the light source 60 is set so that the light irradiation surface 36 a is disposed, for example, above the through hole 28 a of the support plate 28 (on the Z1 side).

[0080] Figure 8 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light emitting operation of the operating device 18B according to the third structural example.

[0081] Figure 8 The operating device 18B shown is different from the operating device 18B in that the support member 32 has a concave hole portion 32c. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operating devices 18 and 18A shown are different. Hole 32c is a prismatic hole with the same shape as support member 32. Hole 32c opens on the lower surface (Z2 side) of support member 32 and communicates with through-holes 30c and 28a. The deep portion (upper portion) of hole 32c is blocked.

[0082] In operating device 18B, light emitted from light-irradiated surface 36a passes through through-hole 30c, where it is reflected by the inner peripheral wall of through-hole 30c and passes through through-hole 30c. The light that has passed through through-hole 30c is then directed into hole 32c of support member 32. The light directed into hole 32c is reflected and refracted by the inner peripheral wall of hole 32c. The light that has passed through hole 32c is then guided by support member 32, which is formed of a translucent material, and reflected and diffused by outer peripheral surface 32b. Furthermore, the light guided by support member 32 passes through upper surface 32a of support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing operating member 34 to emit light from the inside.

[0083] Compared with the above-mentioned operating devices 18 and 18A, Figure 8 The illustrated operating device 18B includes a hole 32c in the support member 32, further dispersing light laterally. Consequently, the operating device 18B can further expand the range of light diffused from the support member 32, further expanding the range of light emitted by the operating surface 34b. As a result, the operating member 34 of the operating device 18 emits light more uniformly over a wider range.

[0084] Figure 8 The example shows the use of Figure 6 The structure of the light source 60 is shown as the light source 36. However, the hole portion 32c of the support member 32 can also be Figure 6 The light sources 36 are shown for use together.

[0085] For example, if the diameter of the operating member 34 is 8 mm, the diameter of the light-emitting area of the operating surface 34 b of the operating device 18B is 6.8 mm. Furthermore, in the operating device 18B using the support member 32 having the hole 32 c, if the light source is replaced with a lower light source 36, the diameter of the light-emitting area of the operating surface 34 b is 5.4 mm.

[0086] Figure 9 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the light-emitting operation of the operating device 18C involved in the fourth structural example.

[0087] Figure 9 The operating device 18C shown is different from the one shown in FIG. 1 in that the support member 32 has a pattern 32d on the upper surface 32a. Figures 6 to 8 The operating devices 18, 18A, and 18B shown are different. The pattern 32d is a microscopic concave-convex pattern formed on the upper surface 32a. Thus, the upper surface 32a of the support member 32 is formed into a frosted glass shape by the pattern 32d.

[0088] In operating device 18C, light emitted from light-irradiated surface 36a passes through through-hole 30c, is reflected by the inner peripheral wall of through-hole 30c, and then passes through through-hole 30c. The light that has passed through through-hole 30c is guided into hole 32c of support member 32. The light guided into hole 32c is reflected and refracted by the inner peripheral wall of hole 32c. The light that has passed through hole 32c is then guided by support member 32, which is formed of a translucent material, and is reflected and diffused by outer peripheral surface 32b. Furthermore, the light guided by support member 32 passes through upper surface 32a of support member 32, diffusely reflected by pattern 32d and appropriately refracted, causing operating member 34 to illuminate from the inside.

[0089] for Figure 9 Compared to the aforementioned operating devices 18, 18A, and 18B, the illustrated operating device 18C has a pattern 32d on its support member 32, which diffuses light. Therefore, the operating device 18C can suppress uneven light diffusion from the support member 32, allowing the operating member 34 to emit light more uniformly.

[0090] Figure 9 In the example, the use of Figure 6 The structure of the light source 60 is shown as the light source 36. However, the pattern 32d can also be Figure 6 The light source 36 shown is used in combination. Figure 9 In the example, the use of Figure 8 The structure of the support member 32 is shown as the hole portion 32c. However, the pattern 32d can also be formed on a support member without Figure 6 and Figure 7 The support member 32 has a hole portion 32c as shown.

[0091] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it goes without saying that it can be freely modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0092] In the above description, the operating devices 18, 18A to 18C are shown as being mounted on the keyboard device 20. However, the operating devices 18, 18A to 18C can also be used as standalone operating devices. Furthermore, the keyboard device 20 including the operating devices 18, 18A to 18C can also be used as a standalone keyboard device instead of being mounted on the electronic device 10.

Claims

1. An operating device, which is a lever-type operating device capable of performing a tilting operation, characterized in that: have: Support plate; a sensor substrate having a first through hole in the thickness direction and supported on the surface of the support plate; a support member formed of a light-transmitting material and standing upright from one surface of the sensor substrate at a position blocking the first through hole; an operating member having light transmittance and mounted on the support member; as well as A light source transmits light through the first through hole and irradiates the light onto the support member.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support plate has a second through hole in the plate thickness direction communicating with the first through hole. At least a portion of the light source is disposed in the second through hole.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that The light source has a light irradiation surface for irradiating light, The light irradiation surface is arranged in the first through hole or the second through hole so as to face the support member side.

4. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support member has a pattern formed on an upper surface.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support member has a concave hole portion communicating with the first through hole.

6. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The pillar member has a prismatic shape.

7. A keyboard device, characterized in that: have: Plate-like components; a plurality of keycaps supported at an upper surface side of the plate-like member; and A lever-type operating device includes an operating member supported by the plate-shaped member and arranged at a position where the operating member is surrounded by the keycap. In the lever-type operating device, the operating member can be tilted. The operating device comprises: Support plate; a sensor substrate having a first through hole in the thickness direction and supported on the surface of the support plate; a support member formed of a light-transmitting material and extending from one surface of the sensor substrate at a position blocking the first through hole; an operating member having light transmittance and mounted on the support member; as well as A light source transmits light through the first through hole and irradiates the light onto the support member.

8. The keyboard device according to claim 7, wherein: The plate-like member has a hole portion penetrating in the plate thickness direction, In the operating device, the support plate is fixed to the lower surface side of the plate-shaped member, and the support member passes through the hole portion and protrudes toward the upper surface side of the plate-shaped member.

9. The keyboard device according to claim 8, wherein: The support plate has a second through hole in the plate thickness direction communicating with the first through hole. At least a portion of the light source is located in the second through hole. The keyboard device further includes wiring extending from the back surface side of the support plate to the lower surface side of the plate-shaped member, and the light source is mounted on the surface of the wiring.

10. The keyboard device according to claim 9, wherein The operating device includes a control substrate connected to the sensor substrate. The wiring is connected to the control substrate.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that: have: a housing; and a keyboard device mounted to face the surface of the housing, The keyboard device comprises: Plate-like components; a plurality of keycaps supported on the upper surface side of the plate-like member; as well as A lever-type operating device includes an operating member supported by the plate-shaped member and arranged at a position where the operating member is surrounded by the keycap. In the lever-type operating device, the operating member can be tilted. The operating device comprises: Support plate; a sensor substrate having a first through hole in the thickness direction and supported on the surface of the support plate; a support member formed of a light-transmitting material and extending from one surface of the sensor substrate at a position blocking the first through hole; an operating member having light transmittance and mounted on the support member; as well as A light source transmits light through the first through hole and irradiates the light onto the support member.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The support plate has a second through hole in the plate thickness direction communicating with the first through hole. At least a portion of the light source is located in the second through hole. The electronic device further comprises: wiring, on the surface of which the light source is mounted; a control substrate to which the wiring is connected; and A motherboard is electrically connected to the control substrate.

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