JP2000010710A - Resin-made key unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and securely fix a key top made of a synthetic resin to a film without using any adhesive and to deliver the key to a user the key top is fixed to the film by fixing the key top to the film by a mechanical fixing means such as caulking and press fitting fixation. SOLUTION: The key top 1 made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin and polycarbonate is fixed to the film 2 formed of polyethylene terephthalate and polyester by the mechanical fixing means such as caulking 3a and press fitting fixation without using any adhesive. When, however, each key top 1 is press-fitted and fixed to the film 2 or when a swelling part 2a serving as a working element is formed, the film 2 should be elastic. For the purpose, a swelling part 2a is formed on the film 2 itself or a filmy swelling part 2a is formed of UV-cured type resin on the reverse surface of the film 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is intended to reduce the weight and size of keys for various mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and automobile phones, and various terminal keys such as electronic notebooks and other portable personal computers, and to disperse each key top. The present invention relates to a resin key unit that can be delivered by being assembled into a set instead of the state described above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional silicone rubber keypad integrally forms a sheet-shaped non-operating portion and a key top, which is an operating portion bulging upward from the non-operating portion via a thin skirt portion. Was. This key top is entirely filled with silicone rubber from the skirt to the zenith surface.

In addition, a portion corresponding to a key top of a silicone rubber keypad is formed of resin, and the silicone rubber keypad and the resin keytop are bonded and fixed with an adhesive.
However, since the bonding between the resin and the silicone rubber is technically difficult and requires a high production cost, the technical development of an alternative method has been desired.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to stop adoption of a method of bonding a resin and a silicone rubber, which requires a high production cost, that is, a method of manufacturing a resin. When fixing the key top, it is possible to easily and securely fix it to the film by mechanical means without using an adhesive, and the user does not disassemble the resin key top and set it on the film It is an object of the present invention to provide a resin key unit which can be delivered to a general public.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a resin key top made of a film made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, or the like by mechanically fixing a key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate by crimping or press-fitting. It is fixed to.

The key top according to claim 1 is fixed to the film by mechanical fixing means such as crimping or press-fitting, and a bulging portion bulging downward at a position corresponding to the center of the key top bottom surface of the film. The dome-shaped switch is formed and is in contact with the bulging portion.

A film-shaped swelling portion which swells downward with an ultraviolet (UV) curable resin different from the material of the film is formed at a position corresponding to the center of the bottom surface of the key top of the film according to the second aspect. .

Further, the film is press-fitted and fixed in a hole formed in a flange formed on a lower peripheral edge of the keytop according to claim 1, and a bulging portion bulging downward at a position corresponding to the center of the keytop bottom surface of the film. And a dome-shaped switch that comes into contact with the bulging portion is installed.

Further, a projection is formed on the bottom surface of the synthetic resin key top according to claim 1, a hole smaller than the diameter of the projection is formed in the film, and a slit is formed connected to the small hole to form a small hole. The protrusion is inserted into the hole and fixed by press-fitting.

[0010] The film according to claim 1 is formed integrally with a holding leg corresponding to a spacer.

Further, the key top made of synthetic resin according to claim 1 is formed of a translucent material, and a character printing layer is formed on the bottom surface of the key top.

Further, the film according to the first aspect of the present invention has a structure in which notches are formed and connected to avoid interlocking during operation of adjacent key tops.

Further, the film according to claim 1 is transparent, and a black light non-transmissive film is formed on the upper surface of the film except for the portion corresponding to the key top, and the white film is formed on the lower surface of the film. And the like, on which a light-transmissive reflective colored film is formed.

A key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is placed on a film such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyester at a predetermined interval, and
The synthetic resin key top is fused or adhered or adhered and fixed on the film with an upper film made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin, etc. so as to press a flange formed on a lower peripheral edge of the key top. is there.

Further, a key top made of a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin or a polycarbonate is made of polyethylene terephthalate,
Placed on a film of polyester or the like at a predetermined interval, a hole formed in each of the flange and the opposite film formed on the lower peripheral edge of the synthetic resin key top,
An upper film made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluorine resin, vinyl chloride resin or the like is tightly pressed into the through hole, and the resin key top is fixed.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Reference numeral 1 denotes a key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin and polycarbonate. Polycarbonate has very strong mechanical strength, not only tensile strength and bending strength, but also shows very large impact strength, good molding accuracy, excellent properties such as high heat resistance, and Excellent electrical insulation at high temperatures. ABS resin has higher mechanical strength than polystyrene, and has increased impact resistance.
There are advantages such as good electrical insulation, good printability, and easy molding. Other resin materials are not limited to the above materials as long as they have good weather resistance, mechanical strength, printability, electrical insulation, and the like. In the case of the illumination type, a transparent, translucent or colored translucent material is used. From the viewpoint of weight reduction, a material having a small specific gravity is preferable. It is preferable that the resin key top 1 has a thin wall structure from the viewpoint of weight reduction.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a film made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester or the like, and its thickness is desirably about several tens to several hundreds of microns. Generally, the film 2 is preferably of a thickness and a material capable of maintaining the shape, but is not necessarily limited to this. In short, the key 2 can be delivered in a state where each required key top 1 is set without being separated. I just want it.
When fixing the key tops 1 to the film 2 without using an adhesive, a crimping stopper 3a or a press-fit fixing 3b is used.
And the like.

However, when each key top 1 is press-fitted and fixed to the film 2 or when the bulging portion 2a serving as an actuator or the like is formed, the film 2 itself must have a stiffness. Is done. Also, if necessary, key top 1
In some cases, the protrusion 1a formed in the film 2 is passed through the hole 2b formed in the film 2 and the crimping stop 3a is fixed from behind, or the film 2 itself having a stiffness may be preferable. Since the bottom surface of the key top 1 is formed in a flat shape, a rod-shaped or cross-shaped actuator cannot be formed on the key top 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1A, the bulging portion 2a is formed on the film 2 itself, or as shown in FIG. 2a may be formed. When the film-shaped bulging portion 2a is formed of a UV-curable resin, the mechanical strength of the bulging portion 2a is much higher than that of the material of the film 2, and the ON / OFF operation is ensured.

Further, the film 2 according to the first aspect is transparent, and the other film portions except for the portion corresponding to the key top are a black light non-transmissive film 2h on the upper surface of the film 2.
Is formed on the lower surface of the film 2 to form a partially light-transmissive reflective colored film 2i such as white. When the film 2 is formed of the black non-light-transmitting film 2h, it is possible to prevent light from leaking to unnecessary parts outside. Further, when the film 2i is a partially light-transmissive reflective colored film such as white,
Light scattering occurs below the film 2 and light can be transmitted effectively with low power.

Reference numeral 3 denotes mechanical fixing means for fixing the bottom surface 1b of the key top 1 by swaging or press-fitting.
1 and 2 (a) and 2 (b) show the case of the caulking stopper 3a, and FIG. 3 shows the case of the press-fit fixing 3b. Staking stop 3a
In the case of (1), the projection 1a is made to penetrate the hole 2b formed in the film 2, and mechanical pressure is applied from behind to fix the film 2 with the locking portion 1c larger than the hole diameter. As shown in FIG. 3, a hole 1e is formed in the flange 1d of the key top 1, and the boss 2c of the film 2 is firmly inserted into the hole 1e and fixed. In the figure, reference numeral 4 denotes a dome switch. FIG. 2 (a)
Is an illuminated type, and the bottom surface 1 of the translucent resin key top 1
The character printing layer 5 composed of blank characters or colored coloring characters is formed on b. FIG. 2B shows a non-illuminated type in which a character printing layer 5 is formed on the upper surface 1g of the resin key top 1, and a protective film layer (not shown) is formed thereon as required.

FIG. 4 shows a case where a projection 1a formed on an upper surface 1f of a flange 1d formed on a lower peripheral edge of the key top 1 is penetrated through a hole 2b of the film 2, and an upper portion thereof is caulked 3a by mechanical pressure. . On the bottom surface 1b of the resin key top 1, a character printing layer 5 of blank characters or colored characters is formed.

FIG. 3 shows another press-fit fixing means.
As shown in (b) to (d), a projection 1a is formed on the bottom surface of the key top 1, and a hole 2e smaller than the diameter of the projection 1a.
Is formed in the film 2, and one or more slits 2f are formed in connection with the small holes 2e.
The projection 1a is fixed in a state where the projection 1a is strongly pressed by the bent film piece 2g around the small hole 2e.

FIG. 5 shows a resin key top 1 placed on a film 2 made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester or the like at a predetermined interval so as to press down a flange 1d formed on a lower peripheral edge of the resin key top 1. The structure is such that the upper film 7 made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluorine resin, vinyl chloride resin or the like is fused or adhered or adhered and fixed on the film 2. The upper film 7 may be formed by bending so as to press the flanges 1d of the adjacent key tops 1 from above, and may be arranged in a lattice shape or may have a punched-out structure so that the key tops 1 project upward. Further, the dome-shaped switch 4 is installed at a position corresponding to the center of the key top 1 of the film 2 so as to abut on the bulging portion 2a bulging downward.

At predetermined positions of the film 2, holding legs 2d corresponding to spacers are integrally formed. This eliminates the need for spacers, reduces the number of parts, and is advantageous from the viewpoint of cost.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a resin key top 1 is placed on a film 2 at a predetermined interval.
Holes 1e and 2b are formed in the flange 1d of the resin key top 1 and the opposing film 2 respectively.
(e) The upper film 7 is press-fitted tightly into 2b and the resin key top 1 is fixed.

In FIG. 7, notches 6 are formed everywhere to prevent the adjacent key tops 1 from being operated in conjunction with each other via the film 2 when the adjacent key tops 1 are turned on / off.

[0027]

The resin key unit according to the present invention has
A key top made of a synthetic resin such as BS resin or polycarbonate is fixed to a film such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyester by mechanical fixing means such as crimping or press-fitting. The key pad made of resin and the key top made of resin are relieved of the complicated and time-consuming task, and the key top made of resin can be delivered to the user in a state of being set on a film without falling apart.

Further, since the resin key top is fixed by mechanical fixing means such as caulking or press-fitting, there is no trouble in selecting an adhesive in consideration of the combination of the material of the key top and the film. The two can be easily fixed mechanically.

Furthermore, a film-shaped swelling portion swelling downward with an ultraviolet (UV) curable resin different from the material of the film at a position corresponding to the center of the bottom surface of the key top made of synthetic resin of the film according to claim 2. Is formed, the mechanical strength of the bulging portion is much higher than that of the film material, and the on / off operation is ensured.

The film is press-fitted and fixed in a hole formed in a flange formed on the lower peripheral edge of the key top according to claim 1, and a bulging portion bulging downward at a position corresponding to the center of the key top bottom surface of the film. The key top is fixed to the film simply and reliably by installing a dome-shaped switch that comes into contact with the bulging portion.

Further, a projection is formed on the bottom surface of the key top made of synthetic resin according to claim 1, a hole smaller than the diameter of the projection is formed in the film, and a slit is formed connected to the small hole to form a small slit. Since the protrusions are inserted into the holes and fixed by press fitting, the key top can be securely fixed to the film easily without crimping.

Further, by integrally forming the holding legs corresponding to the spacers with the film according to the first aspect, it is not necessary to prepare a separate spacer, and the number of parts is reduced.
Assembly is easy and reliable.

Further, the key top made of a synthetic resin according to claim 1 is formed of a translucent material and a character printing layer is formed on the bottom surface of the key top, so that the character does not directly touch a finger or the like. , Can always be clearly seen. Also, the bottom surface of the key top is formed flat, so that character printing can be easily formed.

In the film according to the first aspect of the present invention, a cut-out portion is formed to connect the adjacent key tops in order to avoid interlocking at the time of operation. The other key tops do not operate in conjunction with each other, and the malfunction is eliminated.

The film according to the first aspect is transparent, and the other film portions except for the portion corresponding to the key top are:
A black light-impermeable coating is formed on the upper surface of the film, and a partially light-reflective reflective colored film such as white is formed on the lower surface of the film. The film is formed of a black light-impermeable film. Can prevent light from leaking to unnecessary parts outside, and if it is formed of a partially light-transmitting reflective coating such as white, light scattering may occur below the film. It can send light effectively with low power.

Further, according to the present invention, a key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is mounted on a film made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester or the like at a predetermined interval, and formed on the lower peripheral edge of the key top made of the synthetic resin. As the flange is pressed down, the upper film made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluorine resin, vinyl chloride resin or the like is fused or adhered or fixed on the film with the upper film, so that the films are easily fused or adhered or adhered and fixed. It is.

A key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is placed on a film such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyester at a predetermined interval, and
A through hole is formed in each of the flange formed on the lower periphery of the synthetic resin key top and the opposing film, and an upper film made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin, or the like is tightly pressed into the through hole. Since the resin key top is fixed, the fixing is easily and reliably performed in combination with the workability of the film.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic enlarged cross-sectional views showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 3C and 3D are schematic enlarged perspective views showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are schematic enlarged sectional views showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key top made of synthetic resin 1a Projection 1b Bottom 1c Engagement 1d Flange 1e Hole 1f Top 1g Top 2 Film 2a Swelling 2b Hole 2c Boss 2d Holding leg 2e Small hole 2f Slit 2g Film piece 2h Light transmission type Film 2i Partially light-transmitting reflective colored film 3 Mechanical fixing means 3a Stopping by crimping 3b Press-fit fixing 4 Dome switch 5 Character print layer 6 Notch 7 Upper film

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A resin key unit wherein a key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is fixed to a film of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester or the like by mechanical fixing means such as caulking or press-fitting. 2. The key top made of synthetic resin according to claim 1 is fixed to said film by mechanical fixing means such as caulking or press-fitting, and swells downward at a position corresponding to the center of the bottom surface of said key top. 2. The resin key unit according to claim 1, wherein a bulge is formed, and a dome-shaped switch is provided for contacting the bulge. 3. A film-shaped swelling portion swelling downward with an ultraviolet (UV) curable resin different from the material of the film at a position corresponding to the center of the bottom surface of the key top made of a synthetic resin of the film according to claim 2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The resin key unit as described. 4. A press-fitting and fixing means for the key top made of synthetic resin according to claim 1, wherein said film is press-fitted and fixed in a hole formed in a flange on a lower peripheral edge of said key top, and a center portion of the key top bottom surface of said film. The resin key unit according to claim 1 or 3, wherein a bulging portion that bulges downward is formed at a corresponding position, and a dome-shaped switch that contacts the bulging portion is installed. 5. A projection is formed on the bottom surface of the synthetic resin key top according to claim 1, a hole smaller than the diameter of the projection is formed in the film, and a slit is formed in connection with the small hole. The lightweight resin key unit according to claim 1, wherein the projection is inserted into a small hole and fixed by press-fitting. 6. The resin key unit according to claim 1, wherein a holding leg corresponding to a spacer is integrally formed with the film according to claim 1. 7. A key top made of a synthetic resin according to claim 1, wherein said key top is formed of a translucent material, and a character printing layer is formed on a bottom surface of said key top.
The resin key unit according to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. 8. The film according to claim 1, wherein a notch portion is formed and connected to avoid interlocking during operation of adjacent synthetic resin key tops.
The resin key unit according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. 9. The film according to claim 1, which is transparent,
Except for the synthetic resin key top equivalent part, a black light-impermeable coating is formed on the upper surface of the film and a partially light-reflective colored coating such as white is formed on the lower surface of the film. Claims 1, 2, 3,
The resin key unit according to 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. 10. A key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is placed on a film such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyester at a predetermined interval,
That the upper part made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluororesin, vinyl chloride resin or the like is fused or adhered or adhesively fixed on the film by pressing a flange formed on a lower peripheral edge of the synthetic resin key top. Characterized resin key unit. 11. A key top made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin or polycarbonate is placed on a film made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, or the like at a predetermined interval, and a flange formed on a lower peripheral edge of the key top made of the synthetic resin and an opposing flange. A hole is formed in each of the films to be formed, and an upper film made of polyethylene terephthalate, fluorine resin, vinyl chloride resin or the like is tightly pressed into the hole, and the resin key top is fixed. Key unit made of resin.