Control device, control panel

Abstract

An operation device 30 is equipped with a case 31, a selector switch 33 provided to the case 31, and a flip card 34 capable of rotating around a shaft 35, wherein the flip card 34 depresses the selector switch 33 using a projection 36 provided to the shaft 35. An operation panel 100 is equipped with the operation device 30, a display panel 10, a touch panel 20 and a control unit 40. As a result, the present invention provides an operation device and operation panel which prevent damage to a protruding part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation device and an operation panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for switching functions assigned to buttons on an operating device are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. The operating panel device in Patent Document 1 switches modes by having a protrusion on the back of an attachment panel press a push switch on the operating surface of the operating panel. The digital controller in Patent Document 2 switches the functions of the panel switch between two types depending on whether the panel switch cover is open or closed, using a cover open / close detector to detect whether it is open or closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-277077 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-37913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the structure with a protruding rod-shaped protrusion disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the risk of the protrusion breaking when handled by an operator or when a strong force is applied to the operating surface. Also, the structure with a protruding switch disclosed in Patent Document 2 has the risk of breakage, as well as the risk of the panel switch function being erroneously operated if an operator accidentally touches the cover opening / closing detector.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to address the above-mentioned problem and to provide an operating device and an operating panel that prevent damage to the protruding portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The operating device is Case and A selector switch on the case, a flip card that is rotatable around an axis, The flip card has a protrusion on the shaft that presses the changeover switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an operating device and an operating panel that prevent damage to protruding portions. Some other effects of the present disclosure will be described later. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an operation device and an operation panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operating device of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of a changeover switch and a protrusion of the operating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch and a protrusion of the operating device of FIG. 1 taken along the line AA. [Figure 6A] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch and a protrusion in which the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case of the operating device of FIG. 1 is 40°. [Figure 6B] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch and a protrusion in which the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case of the operating device of FIG. 1 is 20°. [Figure 6C] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch and the protrusion when the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case of the operating device of FIG. 1 is 0°. [Figure 6D] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch and the protrusion when the angle formed between the flip card of the operating device of FIG. 1 and the surface of the case is continuously changed from 40° to 0°. [Figure 7A]1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch and a protrusion in another example of the operating device of FIG. 1, in which the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case is 70°. [Figure 7B] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a changeover switch and a protrusion in another example of the operating device of FIG. 1, in which the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case is 50°. [Figure 7C] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch and the protrusion when the angle formed between the flip card and the surface of the case is continuously changed from 70° to 0° in another example of the operating device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the operating device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example an operating device applied to an operating panel of an office machine.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of an operation panel 100 including an operation device 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the operation panel 100 includes a display panel 10, a touch panel 20, an operation device 30, and a control unit 40. The operation panel 100 is also connected by wire or wirelessly to an office machine 200, which is an apparatus to be operated, so as to be able to communicate with the office machine 200.

[0011] The display panel 10 displays various information under the control of the control unit 40, and may be a known display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0012] The touch panel 20 can be a known touch panel that detects the operation position (position of a finger, pen, etc.) of an operator (user), and in this case, is arranged to cover the front surface of the display panel 10. The touch panel 20 transmits the detection result (coordinate information) of the operation position to the control unit 40 as an operation signal.

[0013] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the operating device 30, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the operating device 30. The operating device 30 includes a case 31, an operating button 32, a changeover switch 33, and a flip card .

[0014] The case 31 is made of resin, metal, or the like, and is configured so that the operation button 32 can be pressed from the front side (the operator side).

[0015] The operation buttons 32 are push button switches provided in plurality on the case 31, and transmit the detection result of pressing (the position, type, etc. of the pressed button) to the control unit 40 as an operation signal.

[0016] The selector switch 33 is a push button switch provided on the case 31, and transmits the detection result of pressing the switch as an operation signal to the control unit 40. This allows the operation panel 100 to switch between multiple control patterns depending on whether the selector switch 33 of the operation device 30 is pressed or not. There may also be provided a plurality of changeover switches 33. The operation button 32 and the changeover switch 33 may be formed on a circuit board (not shown) on the back side of the case 31.

[0017] The flip card 34 is configured to be rotatable around an axis 35, and a protrusion 36 provided on the axis 35 presses the changeover switch 33. In this way, the operating device 30 integrates the axis 35 and the protrusion 36, thereby improving the strength of the protrusion 36 and preventing breakage of the protrusion 36. Furthermore, the flip card 34 is formed with a plate-like member 37 extending from the shaft 35, and this plate-like member 37 is provided with a hole 37A corresponding to the operation button 32, allowing the operator to press the operation button 32. The flip card 34 may also be formed by bundling a plurality of cards together.

[0018] The operation device 30 may be provided integrally with the operation panel 100 from the beginning, or may be configured so as to be able to be added later as an option.

[0019] The control unit 40 is, for example, a microcomputer having an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, a timer circuit, etc. The control unit 40 controls the display panel 10 based on the detection results (operation signals) of the touch panel 20 and the operation device 30, and outputs a device control signal for causing the office equipment 200 to perform a predetermined operation.

[0020] The office machine 200 is a multifunction machine equipped with, for example, a printing function, a copying function, a fax function, and the like. The office machine 200 can determine from the machine control signal whether the operation button 32 and the changeover switch 33 have been pressed, and can perform control based on this. This allows the operator to turn over the flip card 34 to press the changeover switch 33, and by pressing any of the operation buttons 32, the operator can call up multiple print settings all at once (favorite function) or send a fax to a preset destination. Note that the case 31 and the flip card 34 may have a sheet 31A attached to their surfaces indicating the functions and destinations.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 taken along line AA. The selector switch 33 is configured so that a portion of it is exposed from the surface F of the case 31. This makes it possible for the operating device 30 to press the selector switch 33 without making the protrusion 36 larger, thereby preventing damage to the protrusion 36. Furthermore, by not exposing the entire selector switch 33 from the surface F of the case 31, the operating device 30 can prevent damage to the selector switch 33.

[0022] The selector switch 33 is formed in a mountain shape with an apex 33B and slopes 33A on both sides of it. By having slopes 33A, the selector switch 33 can be positioned so that the apex 33B is close to the axis 35, making it difficult for the operator to press the switch with their finger. This allows the operating device 30 to prevent the selector switch 33 from being pressed accidentally, and can prevent damage to and erroneous operation of the selector switch 33. Furthermore, in operation device 30, when selector switch 33 is pressed down by flip card 34, shaft 35 serves as the fulcrum, plate-like member 37 serves as the force point, and the contact point between protrusion 36 and vertex 33B serves as the point of application. Therefore, operation device 30 can shorten the distance between the fulcrum and the point of application, and selector switch 33 can be smoothly pressed down even when plate-like member 37 is configured to be thin and lightweight.

[0023] Furthermore, since the selector switch 33 has the slope 33A, it is difficult to apply a downward force to the slope 33A even when trying to press it with a pen tip or stylus, making it difficult to press it. This allows the operating device 30 to prevent the selector switch 33 from being pressed accidentally, and to prevent damage to and erroneous operation of the selector switch 33.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 6A-D. Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and protrusion 36 when the angle formed between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is 40°. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and protrusion 36 when the angle formed between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is 20°. Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and protrusion 36 when the angle formed between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is 0°. Figure 6D shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and protrusion 36 when the angle formed between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is continuously changed from 40° to 0°. Note that other components and hatching are omitted in Figures 6A-D. The protrusion 36 has a slope 36A corresponding to the apex 33B. In Fig. 6D, the locus L1 of the contact point between the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 moves almost straight down.

[0025] 7A-7C. Figures 7A-7C show another example in which the protrusion 36 has a flat surface 36B without the inclination 36A. Figure 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 when the angle between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is 70°. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 when the angle between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is 50°. Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 when the angle between the flip card 34 and the surface F of the case 31 is continuously changed from 70° to 0°. Note that other components and hatching are omitted in Figures 7A-7C. In FIG. 7C, the locus L2 of the contact points between the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 moves downward while shifting left and right.

[0026] As described above, in the operating device 30, the protrusion 36 has the slope 36A corresponding to the apex 33B, so that the changeover switch 33 can be smoothly pressed down.

[0027] More preferably, the operating device 30 is configured so that the angle θ between the slope 33A and the inclination 36A is less than 45° when the selector switch 33 and the protrusion 36 come into contact. This allows the operating device 30 to reduce the horizontal force and increase the downward force generated at the contact point between the selector switch 33 and the protrusion 36, allowing the selector switch 33 to be pressed down smoothly.

[0028] The above-described aspect provides the following advantages.

[0029] The operating device 30 is Case 31 and A changeover switch 33 provided in the case 31; a flip card 34 rotatable around an axis 35; The flip card 34 presses the changeover switch 33 by means of a protrusion 36 provided on a shaft 35 .

[0030] In the operating device 30, the shaft 35 and the protrusion 36 are integrally formed, which improves the strength of the protrusion 36 and prevents the protrusion 36 from being damaged.

[0031] In the operation device 30, A part of the changeover switch 33 is exposed from the surface F of the case 31.

[0032] The operating device 30 allows the changeover switch 33 to be pressed without enlarging the protrusion 36, preventing damage to the protrusion 36, and also prevents damage to the changeover switch 33 by not exposing the entire changeover switch 33 from the surface F of the case 31.

[0033] In the operation device 30, The changeover switch 33 is formed in a mountain shape having a vertex 33B and slopes 33A on both sides of the vertex 33B.

[0034] In the operating device 30, the changeover switch 33 has the slope 33A, which makes it difficult to press the changeover switch 33 with a pen tip or a stylus, thereby preventing damage to the changeover switch 33 and misoperation.

[0035] In the operation device 30, The apex 33B is located proximate to the axis 35.

[0036] In the operating device 30, the apex 33B of the changeover switch 33 is disposed close to the axis 35, thereby preventing damage to the changeover switch 33 and misoperation, and enabling the changeover switch 33 to be pressed smoothly.

[0037] In the operation device 30, The protrusion 36 has a slope 36A corresponding to the apex 33B.

[0038] In the operating device 30, the protrusion 36 has an inclination 36A corresponding to the apex 33B, so that the changeover switch 33 can be pressed smoothly.

[0039] In the operation device 30, When the changeover switch 33 and the protrusion 36 come into contact with each other, The angle between the inclined surface 33A and the inclination 36A is less than 45°.

[0040] The operating device 30 can reduce the horizontal force and increase the downward force generated at the contact point between the selector switch 33 and the protrusion 36, allowing the selector switch 33 to be pressed down smoothly.

[0041] Any of the above-described operation devices 30; A display panel 10; Touch panel 20 and A control unit 40 Operation panel 100.

[0042] The operation panel 100 can switch between a plurality of control patterns depending on whether or not the changeover switch 33 of the operation device 30 is pressed.

[0043] The target devices to be operated by the operation device 30 and operation panel 100 of the present disclosure are not limited to the office equipment 200, but may also be air conditioners, water heaters, audio equipment, etc. The operation device of the present disclosure may also be applied to wall-mounted or handheld remote control devices.

[0044] Although the operating device of the present disclosure has been described using the above-mentioned aspects and other example configurations as examples, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications are possible in other configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Display panel 20 Touch Panel 30 Operating device 31 cases 32 Operation buttons 33 Switch 33A slope 33B Vertex 34 Flip Card 35 axes 36 Protrusion 36A slope 40 Control Unit 100 Operation Panel 200 Office equipment F surface L1, L2 trajectory θ angle

Claims

1. Case and A changeover switch provided in the case; a flip card that is rotatable around an axis, The flip card presses the changeover switch with a protrusion provided on the shaft, a part of the changeover switch is exposed from the surface of the case; The changeover switch is formed in a mountain shape having a vertex and slopes on both sides of the vertex, The protrusion has a slope corresponding to the apex, When the selector switch and the protrusion are in contact with each other, the angle between the inclined surface and the inclination is less than 45°; The locus of contact between the apex of the changeover switch and the protrusion moves almost directly downward. Operating device.

2. The vertex is located proximate to the axis. The operating device according to claim 1 .

3. An operating device according to claim 1 or 2; A display panel; Touch panel and a control unit; Operation panel.

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