Operating device, keyboard device, and electronic device

Abstract

To provide an operating device which makes it easy to connect wiring for illuminating an operating member, and to provide a keyboard device and electronic device.SOLUTION: An operating device provided herein is a stick-type operating device that can be operated by tilting, and comprises a support plate, a sensor board supported by a surface of the support plate, a column member configured to erect from one surface of the sensor board, a translucent operating member attached to the column member, a light source for irradiating the operating member with light, a first wiring line connected to the light source at a first end and fed through a back side of the support plate, a second wiring line connected to the sensor board at a first end and fed through a front side of the support plate, and a control board having a second end of the first wiring line and a second end of the second wiring line connected thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In electronic devices such as notebook PCs, there are configurations in which a stick-type operating device is provided in a keyboard device to enhance the convenience of input operations (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The operating device is highly operable when it is located, for example, near the center of the keyboard device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6719605 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] Incidentally, in an operating device, for example, the operating members that are manually operated are colored red. This allows the operating device to exhibit a unique design that can also serve as icons for keyboard devices or electronic devices. Therefore, if the operating members of the operating device could be made to emit light, it would not only be possible to improve the design but also further improve the user experience and link with various functions.

[0006] However, such operating devices are often very small and have limited space around them, so if the operating device were to be equipped with a light-emitting module, handling the wiring would be a problem.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and aims to provide an operating device, a keyboard device, and an electronic device that allow easy connection of wiring when illuminating an operating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The operating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a stick-type operating device that can be operated by tilting, and includes a support plate, a sensor board supported on the surface of the support plate, a support member that is arranged to stand up from one side of the sensor board, a light source that is optically transparent and can irradiate light onto the operating member, a first wiring that has the light source mounted on a first end and is passed through the back side of the support plate, a second wiring that has a first end connected to the sensor board and is passed through the front side of the support plate, and a control board to which a second end of the first wiring and a second end of the second wiring are respectively connected.

[0009] A keyboard device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a plate-shaped member, a plurality of key tops supported on the upper surface of the plate-shaped member, and a stick-type operating device supported by the plate-shaped member and having an operating member positioned at a position surrounded by the key tops, the operating member being operable by tilting the operating member. The operating device comprises a support plate, a sensor board supported on the surface of the support plate, a support member arranged to stand upright from one surface of the sensor board, the operating member being optically transparent and attached to the support member, a light source capable of irradiating light onto the operating member, a first wiring having a first end mounted with the light source and extending from the back surface side of the support plate to the underside side of the plate-shaped member, a second wiring having a first end connected to the sensor board and extending from the surface side of the support plate to the underside side of the plate-shaped member, and a control board to which the second end of the first wiring and the second end of the second wiring are respectively connected.

[0010] An electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a motherboard mounted thereon, and a keyboard device mounted on a surface of the housing, the keyboard device comprising a plate-shaped member, a plurality of key tops supported on an upper surface of the plate-shaped member, and a stick-type operating device supported on the plate-shaped member and having operating members arranged at positions surrounded by the key tops, the operating members being operable by tilting the operating members, the operating device comprising a support plate, a sensor substrate supported on the surface of the support plate, and a stick-type operating device standing upright from one surface of the sensor substrate. a support member provided as above; an operating member having optical transparency and attached to the support member; a light source capable of irradiating light onto the operating member; a first wiring having a first end on which the light source is mounted and extending from the back surface side of the support plate to the underside side of the plate-shaped member; a second wiring having a first end connected to the sensor board and extending from the front surface side of the support plate to the underside side of the plate-shaped member; and a control board electrically connected to the motherboard and to which a second end of the first wiring and a second end of the second wiring are respectively connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily connect the wiring when making the operation member emit light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the operating device shown in FIG. 2 assembled. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the keyboard device including the operating device and its peripheral portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of the keyboard device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a light emitting operation of the operating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a light emitting operation of the operating device according to the second configuration example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a light emitting operation of the operating device according to the third configuration example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a light emitting operation of an operating device according to a fourth configuration example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an operating device, a keyboard device, and an electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a top view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is a clamshell notebook PC. The electronic device 10 has a configuration in which a cover 11 and a housing 12 are connected by a hinge 14 so that the cover 11 and housing 12 can rotate relative to each other.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The housing 12 is a thin, flat box. The housing 12 is equipped with a keyboard device 20 equipped with an operation device 18 according to one embodiment. The keyboard device 20 is installed facing the top surface (surface 12a) of the housing 12. Reference numeral 22 in FIG. 1 denotes a touchpad.

[0017] Hereinafter, the housing 12 and each of the components mounted thereon will be described based on the posture of the operator operating the operation device 18 and keyboard device 20, with the width direction (left and right) of the housing 12 referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the depth direction (front and back) of the housing 12 referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction (top and bottom) of the housing 12 referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions. The X1 and X2 directions may be collectively referred to as the X direction, and the Y1, Y2 directions and the Z1, Z2 directions may similarly be referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. These directions are defined for the sake of convenience and may naturally change depending on the usage state or installation posture of the electronic device 10, etc.

[0018] The housing 12 is made up of a first cover material 24 and a second cover material 25 stacked in the thickness direction and detachably connected to each other. The first cover material 24 forms, for example, the top surface (surface 12a) and all four side surfaces of the housing 12, and has a roughly bathtub shape. The first cover material 24 has a large, roughly rectangular opening 24a. The keyboard device 20 faces the Z1 side through the opening 24a. The second cover material 25 forms, for example, the bottom surface of the housing 12, and has a roughly flat plate shape. The hinge 14 is installed in a concave hinge placement groove 12b formed in the rear edge of the housing 12, and connects the housing 12 and the lid 11.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operation device 18. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled portion of the operation device 18 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 20 including the operation device 18 and its peripheral portion.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the operating device 18 can include a support plate 28, a sensor board 30, a support member 32, an operating member 34, a light source 36, and two wires 38 and 39.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation device 18 is attached near the center of the keyboard device 20. The operation device 18 is a pointing device also known as a pointing stick or a TrackPoint (registered trademark). In other words, the operation device 18 is a stick-type input device that can be operated by manually tilting an operation member 34. The operation device 18 can operate a cursor (mouse pointer) displayed on the display 16 in place of a mouse. The operation device 18 works in conjunction with a plurality of function buttons assigned to the touchpad 22, for example, and can perform operations similar to those of a mouse. These function buttons correspond, for example, to the left, right, and center buttons of a mouse.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the support plate 28 is a member that serves as the base of the operation device 18. The support plate 28 also serves as a bracket for attaching the operation 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, for example, a substantially triangular shape tapering toward the Y2 side in a plan view. The support plate 28 may also have a rectangular shape, for example. The plate thickness of the support plate 28 is, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0023] A through-hole 28a and multiple support holes 28b are provided in the center of the support plate 28, slightly toward the Y1 side. The through-hole 28a penetrates the support plate 28 in the plate thickness direction. The through-hole 28a has an inner diameter that allows the light source 36 to be inserted therein. For example, four support holes 28b are provided surrounding the periphery of the through-hole 28a. The support holes 28b are used to fix the sensor board 30 to the support plate 28.

[0024] A pair of mounting holes 28c, 28c and an engaging portion 28d are provided near each corner of the support plate 28. The mounting holes 28c and the engaging portion 28d are used to mount the operation device 18 to the keyboard device 20. Each mounting hole 28c is a screw hole into which a screw 53 (see FIG. 5) is fastened to fix the support plate 28 to the keyboard device 20. The engaging portion 28d is engaged with an engaging piece 54 formed on a plate-like member 50 of the keyboard device 20, which will be described later.

[0025] The sensor board 30 is a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) that mounts sensors 30a that detect tilting operations on the operating member 34. As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor board 30 has a plurality of sensors 30a, recesses 30b, through-holes 30c, and a plurality of support holes 30d. The recesses 30b and the like are not shown in Fig. 4.

[0026] For example, four sensors 30a are provided surrounding a recess 30b located at the center of the sensor substrate 30. The sensors 30a are arranged in four directions along the X and Y directions when viewed from the center of the sensor substrate 30. The sensors 30a may be any sensor capable of detecting the tilting of the operating member 34, and may be, for example, a strain gauge type load sensor.

[0027] The recess 30b is a shallow 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 the recess 30b and adhesively fixed thereto. For this reason, the inner peripheral shape of the recess 30b corresponds to the outer peripheral shape of the support member 32. In this embodiment, the recess 30b is rectangular.

[0028] The through-hole 30c is formed in the center of the sensor substrate 30 and penetrates the sensor substrate 30 in the plate thickness direction. In other words, the through-hole 30c penetrates the bottom surface of the recess 30b. The through-hole 30c is arranged coaxially with the through-hole 28a of the support plate 28, and the two are in communication with each other. The inner diameter of the through-hole 30c can be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole 28a of the support plate 28, into which the light source 36 is inserted.

[0029] For example, four support holes 30d are provided surrounding the recess 30b at the center of the sensor substrate 30. Each support hole 30d penetrates the sensor substrate 30 in the plate thickness direction. Each support hole 30d is disposed between adjacent sensors 30a, 30a. The support holes 30d are used to fix the sensor substrate 30 to the support plate 28.

[0030] The sensor board 30 is supported on the support plate 28 via, for example, a ring-shaped metal washer 40. Four holes 40a corresponding to the support holes 30d are formed through the ring-shaped portion of the metal washer 40. Each hole 40a is coaxial with the corresponding support hole 30d and communicates with one another. A shallow recess in the shape of a recess is formed around one surface 30e of the support hole 30d.

[0031] The support member 32 constitutes the operating lever of the operating device 18. The support member 32 has, for example, a prismatic shape (quadrilateral shape) consisting of two upper and lower surfaces and four outer periphery surfaces. The support member 32 can also be formed as, for example, a polygonal prism with an outer periphery formed with six surfaces. The support member 32 can also be formed as a cylinder.

[0032] The support member 32 is provided to stand upright from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30. The lower end (Z2 side end) of the support member 32 is fitted into and adhesively fixed to the recess 30b of the sensor substrate 30. As a result, the support member 32 stands upright in the Z1 direction from the one surface 30e at a position that covers the through-hole 30c.

[0033] The support member 32 is made of a material that can transmit light (light-transmitting material). The support member 32 can be made of, for example, transparent or translucent polycarbonate. The support member 32 is fixed to the sensor substrate 30 using, for example, a heat-curing adhesive. Therefore, the support member 32 is preferably made of a heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures of, for example, about 180°C.

[0034] The operating member 34 is a member that is actually operated by an operator with a fingertip or the like. The operating member 34 is, for example, a cylindrical member with an umbrella formed in a substantially dome shape or a substantially mushroom shape. The operating member 34 has a fitting hole 34a opening in the center of the bottom 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 into the fitting hole 34a from the upper end (Z1 side end) and fitted into it. The operating member 34 can also be fixed to the support member 32 by adhesive or the like.

[0035] The top surface (Z1 side surface) of the operating member 34 can be formed in a dome or umbrella shape to make it easy to operate with your fingertips. This top surface (operating surface 34b) can also have a plurality of protrusions 34c arranged in a circular pattern, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 4. The protrusions 34c function as a non-slip surface for the fingertips, improving the operability of the operating member 34.

[0036] The operating member 34 is made of, for example, a rubber material. The operating member 34 is colored, for example, red. The operating member 34 is a thin-walled rubber cap, partly because it has a fitting hole 34a formed in its center. This allows the operating member 34 to be light-transmitting in the thickness direction.

[0037] The light source 36 is, for example, an LED element. The light source 36 may emit white light or may emit light of a color that matches the color of the operation member 34 (for example, red).

[0038] 4, the light source 36 is installed in a through-hole 28a of the support plate 28. For example, the upper surface (Z1 side surface) of the light source 36 serves as the light irradiation surface 36a. The light irradiation surface 36a faces the Z1 direction (the support member 32 side) within the through-hole 28a, and can thereby irradiate light onto the support member 32 through the through-hole 28a and through-hole 30c. As will be described in detail later, the light that enters the support member 32 is guided and diffused within the support member 32, causing the operating member 34 to emit light.

[0039] The wiring (first wiring) 38 is a wiring for controlling light emission that electrically connects the light source 36 to a control board 42 (see FIG. 5) described later. The wiring (second wiring) 39 is a wiring for controlling stick operation that electrically connects the sensor board 30 to the control board 42. The wirings 38 and 39 can be configured, for example, by a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0040] One end (first end 38a) of the wiring 38 is passed through the back surface (Z2 side surface) 28e of the support plate 28 and is disposed so as to cover the through-hole 28a. The light source 36 is mounted on the surface of the portion of the first end 38a that covers the through-hole 28a. As a result, at least a portion of the light source 36 is disposed within the through-hole 28a.

[0041] One end (first end 39a) of the wiring 39 passes from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 to the front surface (Z1 side surface) 28f of the support plate 28. The first end 39a of the wiring 39 is formed, for example, in a circular shape having an outer shape substantially identical to that of the sensor substrate 30. The first end 39a has an opening 39c and multiple notches 39d (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The opening 39c is a rectangular cutout hole through which the support member 32 is inserted. The notches 39d are portions cut out so as to recess the outer periphery of the first end 39a, and are arranged coaxially with each support hole 30d.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the assembly structure of the operating device 18 is such that the sensor board 30 is disposed on the surface 28f of the support plate 28 via a metal washer 40. The through holes 28a, 30c are disposed coaxially, and the inner peripheral opening of the metal washer 40 is disposed between them. A crimping pin 44 is inserted into each of the through holes 28a, 30c, for example, from the Z1 side toward the Z2 side (see FIG. 3). The crimping pin 44 connects the sensor board 30 and the support plate 28 by, for example, crimping both the upper and lower ends into a flange shape.

[0043] A first end 29a of a wire 39 is connected to one surface 30e of the sensor board 30 connected to the support plate 28. The wire 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. Second ends 38b, 39b of the wires 38, 39 are connected to a control board 42 (see FIG. 5). That is, at least two wires 38, 39 branch out and extend from the control board 42. The assembly structure of the operating device 18 is constructed as described above.

[0044] Next, an example of a mounting structure for the operation device 18 to the keyboard device 20 will be described.

[0045] 1 and 4, the keyboard device 20 includes a plurality of key tops 46 arranged side by side in the X and Y directions. Adjacent key tops 46 are separated by an isolation frame 48. The isolation frame 48 is a mesh plate having a plurality of holes formed therein into which the key tops 46 are inserted so as to be movable up and down. The isolation frame 48 may be molded integrally with the first cover material 24 that forms the surface 12a of the housing 12, or may be formed separately from the first cover material 24.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 , the keyboard device 20 includes a plate-like member 50 that serves as a mounting plate for each keycap 46. The plate-like member 50 is, for example, a three-layer laminated plate 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 configured by cutting out or cutting out various portions of a thin metal plate such as stainless steel. The membrane sheet can be configured as a switch sheet that closes the contacts by bringing the fixed contact and the movable contact into close contact when the overlapping position of the fixed contact and the movable contact is pressed. The waterproof sheet can be provided to cover the underside of the base plate. Instead of the waterproof sheet, a light guide plate can be installed that guides and reflects light emitted from a light source such as a specified LED element and illuminates each keycap 46 from below.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic bottom view of the keyboard device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the plate-like member 50 is fixed to the isolation frame 48 by screws 52 that penetrate from its lower surface (Z2 side surface) in the Z1 direction, and is thereby attached to the housing 12.

[0049] 4 and 5, the plate-shaped member 50 has a hole 50a penetrating through it in the plate thickness direction. The operation device 18 is installed in the hole 50a. The operation device 18 is attached to the keyboard device 20 by fixing the support plate 28 to the lower surface 50b of the plate-shaped member 50. For example, the attachment hole 28c of the support plate 28 is fixed to the plate-shaped member 50 with a screw 53, and the engagement portion 28d is engaged with an engagement piece 54 cut and raised in the support plate 28.

[0050] The support member 32 is passed through the hole 50a from the Z2 side to the Z1 side, and protrudes toward the upper surface 50c of the plate-shaped member 50. The sensor board 30 can be placed inside the hole 50a. The operation member 34 is attached to the top of the support member 32 that has passed through the hole 50a. In this way, the operation device 18 is attached to the keyboard device 20. In other words, the keyboard device 20 is configured with the operation device 18 assembled thereto. The operation member 34 is placed near the center of the keyboard device 20, and is surrounded by key tops 46 (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0051] The wiring 38 is provided so as to extend from the rear surface 28e side of the support plate 28 to the lower surface 50b side of the plate-shaped member 50. A second end 38b of the wiring 38 is connected to a control board 42 that is installed below or to the side of the keyboard device 20, for example.

[0052] The wiring 39 is arranged to pass from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 to the front surface 28f of the support plate 28 and extend to the lower surface 50b of the plate-shaped member 50. The two wirings 38, 39 can be stacked so that portions of the wirings 38, 39 near first ends 38a, 39a on the support plate 28 side overlap each other. The second end 39b of the wiring 39 is connected to the control substrate 42 separately from the wiring 38.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, the keyboard device 20 is connected to a motherboard 56 using a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 55. The motherboard 56 is a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) that performs main control of the electronic device 10. Various electronic components such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a storage device, and a communication module can be mounted on the motherboard 56. The control board 42 of the operating device 18 can be joined to the flexible board 55 using a flexible board 58 that is different from the wiring 38, 39, for example, and connected to the motherboard 56.

[0054] Next, the light emitting operation and effects of the operating device 18 will be described.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the light-emitting operation of the operating device 18. Cross-sectional hatching of the support member 32 and the operating member 34 is omitted in Fig. 6, and the same is true in Figs. 7 and 8. The arrows shown by dashed dotted lines in Fig. 6 schematically show the trajectory of light emitted from the light source 36, and the same is true in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0056] 6 (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 beyond the through-hole 30c.

[0057] In the operating device 18, light emitted from the light irradiation surface 36a passes through the through-hole 28a and into the through-hole 30c, and simultaneously passes through the through-hole 30c while being reflected by the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 30c. The light that passes through the through-hole 30c is guided and diffused by the support member 32, which is made of a light-transmitting material. In this manner, the support member 32 functions as a light guide member. Because the support member 32 has a rectangular columnar shape, the introduced light is reflected by the outer peripheral side surface 32b of the support member 32 and efficiently diffused. The light guided by the support member 32 then passes through the Z1-side surface (top surface 32a) of the support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing the operating member 34 to emit light from the inside. Because the operating member 34 is made of a thin rubber member, the light guided by the support member 32 widely illuminates the entire operating member 34.

[0058] As described above, the operating device 18 can include a support member 32 formed from a light-transmitting material and arranged to stand up from one surface 30e of the sensor substrate 30 in a position that blocks the through-hole 30c, an operating member 34 that is light-transmitting and attached to the support member 32, and a light source 36 that irradiates light onto the support member 32 through the through-hole 30c.

[0059] In this way, the operation device 18 uses the support member 32 on which the operation member 34 is attached as a light-guiding member. This allows the operation device 18 to illuminate the operation member 34 with light that passes through the through-hole 30c of the sensor board 30. Therefore, the operation device 18 can efficiently illuminate the operation member 34, even though it has a simple configuration in which a light source 36 is essentially added to a conventional pointing stick. In particular, when the operation device 18 is mounted on the keyboard device 20, the diameter of the operation member 34 becomes very small, for example, about 8 mm. Even in this case, the operation device 18 can illuminate the operation member 34 because of its simple configuration as described above.

[0060] In the electronic device 10 equipped with such a keyboard device 20, the operation members 34 emit light, which not only improves the design but also enables a further improvement in the user experience and cooperation with various functions.

[0061] For example, after the power button is pressed, the electronic device 10 can notify that the device has been powered on or that memory training is in progress by emitting light from the operation member 34 before the display 16 is displayed. For example, the electronic device 10 can notify that the speaker or microphone is muted by emitting light from the operation member 34. For example, the electronic device 10 can notify that it is in a sleep state by emitting light from the operation member 34.

[0062] The operating device 18 may also include a wiring 38 having a light source 36 mounted on a first end 38a and passing through the back surface 28e side of the support plate 28, a wiring 39 having a first end 39a connected to the sensor board 30 and passing through the front surface 28f side of the support plate 28, and a control board 42 to which the second ends 38b, 39b of each wiring 38, 39 are respectively connected.

[0063] In this way, in the operation device 18, the wiring 38, 39 connected to the light source 36 and the sensor board 30 are branched at the control board 42 and run to the back surface 28e and front surface 28f of the support plate 28, respectively. This allows the operation device 18 to be connected to the wiring 38, 39 while having a simple configuration in which the wiring 38 mounting the light source 36 is essentially added to a conventional pointing stick. In particular, when the operation device 18 is mounted on the keyboard device 20, the operation member 34 is very small and the surrounding space is limited. Even in this case, by providing the above-mentioned wiring 38, 39 in the operation device 18, the wiring 39 required for the control signal and the wiring 38 required for light emission can be easily connected.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the light emitting operation of operating device 18A according to the second configuration example. In Fig. 7, the same reference symbols as those shown in Figs. 1 to 6 indicate the same or similar configurations, and therefore have the same or similar functions and effects, so detailed description will be omitted, and the same applies to Figs. 8 and 9 below.

[0065] The operating device 18A shown in Fig. 7 includes a light source 60 that is taller in the Z direction than the light source 36 shown in Fig. 6. The light source 60 has a height in the Z direction that is taller than, for example, the height of the through-hole 28a in the Z direction, i.e., the thickness of the support plate 28. As a result, 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.

[0066] In the operating device 18A, light emitted from the light irradiation surface 36a passes through the through-hole 30c, and at the same time, is reflected by the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 30c before passing through the through-hole 30c. The light that passes through the through-hole 30c is guided by the support member 32 made of a light-transmitting material, and is diffused while being reflected by the outer peripheral side surface 32b. The light guided by the support member 32 then passes through the upper surface 32a of the support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing the operating member 34 to emit light from the inside.

[0067] 7, the light irradiation surface 36a is offset upward (toward Z1) compared to the operation device 18 shown in FIG. 6. That is, the light irradiation surface 36a of the operation device 18A is closer to the light guide member (the support member 32) than the operation device 18. Therefore, the operation device 18A can widen the range of light diffused from the support member 32, and the light-emitting range of the operation surface 34b is expanded. As a result, the operation member 34 of the operation device 18A emits light more evenly over a wider range.

[0068] For example, when the diameter of the operation member 34 is 8 mm, the diameter of the light-emitting area on the operation surface 34b of the operation device 18 is 3.6 mm. In contrast, the diameter of the light-emitting area on the operation surface 34b of the operation device 18A is 4.4 mm.

[0069] As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7, the height of the light source 60 may be set so that the light irradiation surface 36a is located above (on the Z1 side of) the through-hole 28a of the support plate 28, for example.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the light emitting operation of an operating device 18B according to the third configuration example.

[0071] The operating device 18B shown in Figure 8 differs from the operating devices 18, 18A shown in Figures 6 and 7 in that the support member 32 has a concave hole 32c. The hole 32c is a rectangular column-shaped hole similar to the shape of the support member 32. The hole 32c opens to the lower surface (Z2 side surface) of the support member 32 and communicates with the through-holes 30c, 28a. The innermost portion (upper portion) of the hole 32c is closed.

[0072] In the operating device 18B, light emitted from the light irradiation surface 36a passes through the through-hole 30c and is simultaneously reflected by the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 30c before passing through the through-hole 30c. The light that passes through the through-hole 30c is guided into the hole 32c of the support member 32. The light that is guided into the hole 32c is reflected and refracted by the inner peripheral wall surface of the hole 32c. The light that passes through the hole 32c is then guided by the support member 32, which is made of a light-transmitting material, and is diffused while being reflected by the outer peripheral side surface 32b. The light guided by the support member 32 then passes through the upper surface 32a of the support member 32 and is appropriately refracted, causing the operating member 34 to emit light from the inside.

[0073] 8, compared to the above-described operating devices 18 and 18A, the operating device 18B has holes 32c in the support members 32, which allows light to be dispersed more horizontally. As a result, the operating device 18B can further widen the range of light diffused from the support members 32, and the light-emitting range of the operating surface 34b is further expanded. As a result, the operating members 34 of the operating device 18 emit light more evenly over a wider range.

[0074] 8 illustrates a configuration using a light source 60 that is taller than the light source 36 shown in FIG. 6. However, the hole 32c of the support member 32 can also be used in combination with the light source 36 shown in FIG.

[0075] For example, when the diameter of operation member 34 is 8 mm, the diameter of the light-emitting area on operation surface 34b of operation device 18B is 6.8 mm. Note that when operation device 18B using support member 32 with hole 32c is used and the light source is changed to a low-profile light source 36, the diameter of the light-emitting area on operation surface 34b is 5.4 mm.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a light emitting operation of an operating device 18C according to the fourth configuration example.

[0077] 6 to 8 in that the support member 32 has texture 32d on the top surface 32a. The texture 32d is a minute unevenness formed on the top surface 32a. As a result, the top surface 32a of the support member 32 is formed like frosted glass by the texture 32d.

[0078] In the operating device 18C, light emitted from the light irradiation surface 36a passes through the through-hole 30c and is simultaneously reflected by the inner peripheral wall of the through-hole 30c before passing through the through-hole 30c. The light that passes through the through-hole 30c is guided into the hole 32c of the support member 32. The light that enters the hole 32c is reflected and refracted by the inner peripheral wall surface of the hole 32c. The light that passes through the hole 32c is then guided by the support member 32, which is made of a light-transmitting material, and is diffused while being reflected by the outer peripheral side surface 32b. Then, as the light guided by the support member 32 passes through the top surface 32a of the support member 32, it is diffusely reflected by the grain 32d and appropriately refracted, causing the operating member 34 to emit light from the inside.

[0079] 9, the support member 32 has grain 32d, which diffuses light, compared to the above-described operation devices 18, 18A, and 18B. Therefore, the operation device 18C can suppress unevenness in the light diffused from the support member 32, and the operation member 34 emits light more evenly.

[0080] Fig. 9 illustrates a configuration using a light source 60 that is taller than the light source 36 shown in Fig. 6. However, the embossing 32d can also be used in combination with the light source 36 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 also illustrates a configuration using a support member 32 having the hole 32c shown in Fig. 8. However, the embossing 32d can also be formed on a support member 32 that does not have the hole 32c shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

[0081] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0082] In the above, the operation devices 18, 18A to 18C are illustrated as being mounted on the keyboard device 20, but the operation devices 18, 18A to 18C can also be used as standalone operation devices. Also, the keyboard device 20 including the operation devices 18, 18A to 18C can be used as a standalone keyboard device without being mounted on the electronic device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Electronic equipment 11 Lid 12. Case 16 Display 18,18A~18C Operating device 20 Keyboard Device 28 Support Plate 28a,30c through hole 30 Sensor board 32 Support member 32c hole 32d Grain 34 Operating member 36,60 light source 36a Light irradiation surface 38,39 Wiring 42 Control board 46 keycaps 50 Plate-shaped member 56 Motherboard

Claims

1. A stick-type operating device that can be tilted and operated, A support plate; a sensor substrate supported on a surface of the support plate; a support member provided to stand upright from one surface of the sensor substrate; an operating member that is optically transparent and attached to the support member; a light source capable of irradiating light onto the operation member; a first wiring having the light source mounted at a first end and passing through a rear surface side of the support plate; a second wiring having a first end connected to the sensor substrate and passing through the front surface side of the support plate; a control board to which the second end of the first wiring and the second end of the second wiring are connected, respectively; Equipped with An operating device characterized by:

2. The operating device according to claim 1, the sensor substrate has a first through hole in a plate thickness direction; the support plate has a second through hole in a plate thickness direction that communicates with the first through hole, At least a portion of the light source is disposed within the second through hole. An operating device characterized by:

3. The operating device according to claim 2, the light source has a light irradiation surface that irradiates light, the support member is made of a light-transmitting material and is provided to stand upright from one surface of the sensor substrate at a position that closes the first through-hole; The light irradiation surface is disposed within the first through-hole or the second through-hole so as to face the support member. An operating device characterized by:

4. A keyboard device, comprising: a plate-like member; a plurality of key tops supported on an upper surface side of the plate-like member; a stick-type operating device having an operating member supported by the plate-like member and arranged at a position surrounded by the key tops, the operating member being tiltable; Equipped with The operating device is A support plate; a sensor substrate supported on the surface of the support plate; a support member provided to stand upright from one surface of the sensor substrate; an operating member that is optically transparent and attached to the support member; a light source capable of irradiating light onto the operation member; a first wiring having the light source mounted on a first end portion thereof and extending from the rear surface side of the support plate to the lower surface side of the plate-shaped member; a second wiring having a first end connected to the sensor substrate and extending from the front surface side of the support plate to the lower surface side of the plate-like member; a control board to which the second end of the first wiring and the second end of the second wiring are connected; have A keyboard device characterized by:

5. 5. The keyboard device according to claim 4, the plate-like member has a hole penetrating in a plate thickness direction, In the operating device, the support plate is fixed to the lower surface side of the plate-like member, and the support member protrudes to the upper surface side of the plate-like member through the hole portion. A keyboard device characterized by:

6. 6. The keyboard device according to claim 5, the sensor substrate has a first through hole in a plate thickness direction; the support plate has a second through hole in a plate thickness direction that communicates with the first through hole, The light source is at least partially located within the second through hole. A keyboard device characterized by:

7. An electronic device, A chassis with a motherboard, a keyboard device mounted on a surface of the housing; Equipped with The keyboard device a plate-like member; a plurality of key tops supported on an upper surface side of the plate-like member; a stick-type operating device having an operating member supported by the plate-like member and arranged at a position surrounded by the key tops, the operating member being tiltable; and The operating device is A support plate; a sensor substrate supported on the surface of the support plate; a support member provided to stand upright from one surface of the sensor substrate; an operating member that is optically transparent and attached to the support member; a light source capable of irradiating light onto the operation member; a first wiring having the light source mounted on a first end portion thereof and extending from the rear surface side of the support plate to the lower surface side of the plate-shaped member; a second wiring having a first end connected to the sensor substrate and extending from the front surface side of the support plate to the lower surface side of the plate-like member; a control board electrically connected to the motherboard and to which the second end of the first wiring and the second end of the second wiring are respectively connected; have An electronic device characterized by:

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