Patent ID: 7875819
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A panel operator structure for electronic equipment, comprising: a plurality of operator units; a base plate; an operation panel formed with fitting holes to each of which a corresponding one of the plurality of operator units is fitted, said operation panel being disposed in parallel to said base plate; and switches each having a driven portion, said switches being disposed on a side of said base plate close to said operation panel so as to correspond to the plurality of operator units, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of operator units includes a casing having a frame portion with an outer side surface, a key top adapted to be pivoted relative to the casing in a direction not parallel to said base plate when subjected to a depression/release operation, and an actuator adapted to be moved in unison with the key top to depress and drive the driven portion of a corresponding one of the switches, wherein the outer side surface of the frame portion of one of the plurality of operator units and a portion of the operation panel defining the fitting holes to which the one of the plurality of operator units is fitted are engaged with each other and constitute a horizontal position restricting unit that is adapted to restrict a position of the operator unit in a direction parallel to said base plate, and wherein the frame portion of the one of the plurality of operator units is integrally formed with the casing of the one of the plurality of operator units.