JP2002298681A - Members for keytop and switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide members for keytops and switches with which function of a push button switch can be recognized clearly even in a dark place needless to say in a light place, color tones of ink layers are not restricted, and design flexibility and production yield as a product is good. SOLUTION: An ink layer 2 on which a switch function is marked is partly formed at a rear surface 4 of a keytop 3 made of translucent resin. A translucent substrate 6 is formed to fill the concave part of the rear surface other than the ink layer part 2 of the keytop 3. And a permeable and reflexive half- mirror layer 9 is formed at an almost flat part 8 made by the rear surface of the translucent substrate 6 and the ink layer 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone,
The present invention relates to a key top member used for a push button switch of a mobile information terminal such as an HS or a car phone or an audio device, and a switch member provided with the key top member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of main devices such as mobile information terminals and audio devices, the pushbutton switches used for them have been focused on improving the visibility and design of a display section displaying the functions thereof. Have been.

[0003] In addition, it is required to be able to be used in various environments due to the diversification of usage forms, and it is required that the function display of the push button switch can be clearly confirmed not only in a bright place but also in a dark place.

Therefore, in a conventional push button switch,
An elastic switch made of a translucent silicone having an ink layer as a display unit on the surface of the translucent resin keytop and having an ON / OFF function via a transparent adhesive layer on the back of the translucent resin keytop. In addition to being fixed to the member, a light emitting diode was provided in a part of the elastic switch member.

Thus, in the conventional push-button switch, the display portion (ink layer) of the translucent resin keytop can be clearly illuminated by external light in a bright place, and can be clearly seen in a dark place. By irradiating the display section (ink layer) with the light such as transmitted through the elastic switch member and the translucent resin key top to the outside, the display section becomes a so-called shadow, so that the contents can be visually recognized.

[0006]

However, in the above-described conventional push-button switch, the ink in the display unit is light-shielding for visibility in backlighting (lighting) with a light-emitting diode or the like in a dark place. Need
For this reason, the lightness and saturation of the ink are limited, and the black color tone is rather high in many cases. As a result, visibility in non-illumination and recent demands for colorful color tone cannot be met, and there is a problem in design.

In order to solve the drawback, the inventor of the present invention provided a new layer having a property of transmitting light and reflecting light on the back surface of the ink layer, so that the back surface of the ink layer can be formed in a bright place. External light is reflected by the reflection function of the new layer, and in a dark place, the light from the light emitting diode provided on the substrate side is irradiated by the light transmission function of the new layer on the back side of the ink layer, so that its visibility and design Came to think about improving the quality.

In order to realize this, as shown in FIG. 4, a transfer film 1 having both light transmission and reflection properties is used, and the transfer film 1 is used as an ink layer as a display unit. 2. A method of transferring a material other than the release film to the back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3 so as to cover from the back surface of the light-transmitting resin key top 3 was tried. Obstructs the side of the display section (ink layer 2) and the transfer film 1
In this case, the air 5 is entrapped between them, causing a problem such that the adhesiveness is reduced, the transfer layer is sometimes cut, and pinholes are formed, the appearance is significantly reduced, and the yield as a product is poor. Did not reach. In order to improve the product yield, it is conceivable to make the ink layer 2 thin so as to reduce the effect on the transfer film 1. The color becomes lighter, and the visibility of the display part is reduced due to the lowering of the concealing property of the display part at the time of backlighting. I can't say.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is to provide an ink layer on the back surface of a translucent resin key top and to form a new layer having both light transmissivity and reflectivity. Therefore, the function of the push button switch can be clearly confirmed not only in a bright place but also in a dark place, the color tone of the ink layer is not restricted, the design is excellent, and a key top member with a good yield as a product and a switch provided with this key top member It is an object to provide a member for use.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an ink layer for displaying a switch function is partially formed on the back surface of a transparent resin key top, A light-transmitting underlayer is formed to fill a concave portion on the back of the translucent resin keytop other than the ink layer, and a substantially flat portion including the back of the light-transmitting underlayer and the back of the ink layer has a light transmitting property. And a semi-mirror layer having both reflectivity and reflectivity.

As a result, there is no step between the back surface of the translucent resin keytop and the back surface of the ink layer, and the ink layer and the translucent base layer form a substantially flat portion extending over the entire back surface of the translucent resin keytop. You.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ink layer for displaying a switch function is partially formed on the back surface of the translucent resin keytop, and a concave portion on the rear surface of the translucent resin keytop other than the ink layer. A light-transmitting underlayer capable of covering the ink layer by embedding is formed on the entire back surface of the light-transmitting resin key top, and the back surface of the light-transmitting underlayer has both light transmittance and reflectivity. It is characterized in that a semi-mirror layer is formed.

Thus, by forming the light-transmitting underlayer having a thickness covering not only the side surface but also the back surface of the ink layer, the entire back surface of the light-transmitting underlayer becomes a substantially flat portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first or second aspect.
In addition to the configuration described in the above, the semi-mirror surface layer has a light-transmitting adhesive layer made of a thermoplastic resin that can be bonded to the light-transmitting resin key top, the visible light transmittance on the upper surface of the light-transmitting adhesive layer Has a metal-deposited layer of 5 to 60%, has a light-transmitting surface layer on the upper surface of the metal-deposited layer, and has an upper surface of the light-transmittable surface layer as a base material of a release film for protecting the light-transmitting surface layer. It is characterized by having a light-transmitting release layer.

Thus, the semi-specular surface layer can be easily formed by bonding the tape-like or sheet-like material to the translucent resin key top.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the pressing portion and the base supporting the periphery of the pressing portion are connected by an elastically deforming portion, and the movable contact provided in the base is formed by depressing the pressing portion. 4. The key top according to claim 1, wherein the switch portion is a switch member capable of achieving a target switch function by coming into contact with a fixed contact on a substrate disposed opposite to the contact. It is characterized in that the members are bonded.

As a result, a switch member in which the number of keytops required by the apparatus body in which the push button switch is incorporated is integrated is completed.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[First Embodiment of the Invention] First, a first embodiment of the key top member of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a key portion of a key top member according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, a hard translucent resin key top 3 such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin is used.
An ink layer 2 as a display section for displaying a switch function is formed on the back surface of.

The ink layer 2 is not attached to the entire back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3 but includes characters, symbols,
The size is limited to a partial range having a shape that accurately represents the switch function of each key top such as a picture.

In FIG. 1A, the translucent base layer 6 is formed so as to fill the concave portion on the back surface of the translucent resin key top 3 other than the ink layer 2, and the translucent resin key top is formed. The level difference between the back surface 4 of the light-transmitting resin key top 3 and the back surface of the ink layer 2 is eliminated, and the ink layer 2 and the light-transmitting underlayer 6 form a substantially flat portion 8 covering the entire back surface 4 of the light-transmitting resin key top 3.

Next, in the structure shown in FIG. 1B, the light-transmitting base layer 6 not only fills the concave portions on the back surface of the light-transmitting resin key top 3 except for the ink layer 2, but also covers the rear surface of the ink layer 2. A light-transmitting underlayer 6 thicker than the thickness of the ink layer 2 is formed so as to cover the entire surface. In this case, not only is the level difference between the back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3 and the back surface of the ink layer 2 eliminated, but also the entire back surface of the translucent base layer 6 becomes a substantially flat portion 8.

On the back surface of the light-transmitting underlayer 6, a semi-specular layer 9 having both light transmittance and light reflectivity is formed.

The semi-specular surface layer 9 is formed by transferring a transfer film 90 having a composite layer shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG.

The transfer film 90 has the following configuration.

The base film 14 is used as a carrier film at the time of transfer processing, and various synthetic resin films can be used according to the application. However, a polyester film having a thickness of 12 to 50 μm is mainly used from the viewpoints of heat resistance, flexibility, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability in view of suitability at the time of forming a metal film and at the time of transfer processing.

At the time of transfer processing,
A release layer 15 (approximately 0.5 to 3 μm) made of a wax-based material is formed by a roll coating method, an offset coating method, or the like so as to be easily transferred. Further, an acrylic epoxy-based protective layer 13 is formed on the release layer 15 for the purpose of protecting the metal vapor-deposited layer 12 described later and coloring as required.

A metal deposition layer 12 is formed on the protective layer 13, and aluminum, which is generally relatively inexpensive and easily gives a silver color, is continuously deposited by a vacuum deposition method, in particular, a high frequency induction heating deposition method. Is formed.

The metal deposition layer 12 has a visible light transmittance of 5
If it is less than 5%, the translucency becomes insufficient, the visibility at the time of illumination is reduced,
If it exceeds 60%, the required metallic luster cannot be obtained, and as a result, the visibility in daylight decreases. In order to ensure the transmittance of these visible rays, it depends on the metal type, the material of the key top, the shape, the printing color, and the like.
5 to 80 nm as the thickness of the metal deposition layer (nanometer: 1
0 ^-9 m) is selected.

The metal used is appropriately selected depending on the required appearance and the like. In addition to aluminum, gold, silver, copper, chromium, nickel, titanium, nickel-chromium alloy, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide And the like, and those utilizing sulfides such as zinc sulfide.

As the film forming method, in addition to the above, an electron beam heating vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method and the like are exemplified, and are appropriately selected according to the type of metal used.

Finally, a light-transmitting adhesive layer 10 made of an adhesive suitable for the product to be transferred is applied. The translucent adhesive layer 10 is activated by external factors such as heat and pressure, and has a function of adhering to a product part to be decorated. In the case of the transfer film 90, an acrylic adhesive is used for adhesion to the acrylic / polycarbonate or urethane ink surface. The light-transmitting adhesive layer 10 includes a release layer 15
In the same manner as described above, the coating is performed with a thickness of about 0.5 to 2 μm by a roll coating method or a gravure coating method.

When the transfer film 90 having the light-transmitting adhesive layer 10 as described above is used, when the light-transmitting resin key top 3 is attached to the switch member provided with the movable contact, an adhesive is separately applied. Since there is no need to prepare, a switch member can be easily manufactured.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the first embodiment according to the key top member of the present invention is incorporated in a main body device.

A movable contact 1 is attached to a switch member 16 for bonding a key top member 30 provided with an ink layer 2, a light transmitting base layer 6 and a semi-mirror surface layer 9 on the back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3.
The thin portion 20 of the switch member 16 is elastically deformed by depressing the pressing portion 19 of the translucent resin key top 3 protruding from the case 18 of the main body device. And the fixed contact 22 on the side of the substrate 21 arranged opposite to the movable contact 17 so as to realize a target switch function.

A part of the switch member 16 includes:
A storage section 23 for the light emitting diode 11 is provided, and the storage section 23 stores the light emitting diode 11 attached to the substrate 21. In a dark place, by irradiating light from the back surface of the key top member 30 by the light emitting diode 11, the display portion formed of the ink layer 2 of the translucent resin key top 3 can be brightly illuminated.

A procedure for manufacturing the key top member according to the first embodiment will be described below.

First, an acrylic / polycarbonate or urethane-based ink layer 2 as a display portion is formed on the back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3 by screen printing, and a display portion having translucency is formed thereon. The translucent underlayer 6 is formed by screen printing using the same type of ink.

Since the light-transmitting underlayer 6 is formed by screen printing, it may not always be a flat surface depending on the size of the screen mesh and the drying speed, and fine irregularities may occur. Therefore, it is preferable that the translucent base layer 6 has a certain degree of elasticity. Therefore, a urethane-based ink is more preferable.

At this time, it is necessary to form a light-transmitting underlayer 6 having a thickness at least substantially equal to the thickness of the ink layer 2 so as to fill the concave portions on the rear surface of the light-transmitting resin key top 3. The light-transmitting underlayer 6 may be formed so as to completely cover it.

The back surface of the light-transmitting underlayer 6 does not need to be a perfect flat surface. Even if there are slight irregularities, the degree to which the semi-specular surface layer 9 adapts to the irregularities, and the ink layer 2 is formed of the translucent resin key top 3 , As long as the display contents of the ink layer 2 are not distorted when viewed from the pressing portion 19 side.

The degree to which the semi-specular surface layer 9 adapts to the transfer surface depends on the thickness and material of the film and each layer.
Generally, absorption can be made up to a step of about 0.5 to 2 μm, which is the thickness of the translucent adhesive layer 10 of the transfer film.
Therefore, it is necessary that the thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer 6 formed on the transfer surface by the screen printing method be at least 0.5 μm, and at most 2 μm at a maximum, relative to the thickness of the ink layer 2 as a display portion. is there.

When the ink layer 2 serving as a display portion is formed on the back surface of the resin key top 3 so as to fill in a concave portion generated, that is, when the translucent base layer 6 is formed on a plane portion other than the display portion. The flatness of the transfer surface is good, and the transferability of the semi-specular layer 9 is very good. On the other hand, in consideration of the variation of the printing film thickness by the screen printing, it is necessary to set the printing condition of the translucent base layer with the aim of the same film thickness as the ink layer 2. Further, it is necessary to accurately position the ink layer 2 and the translucent base layer 6 without any gaps, and the work of setting screen printing conditions is complicated.

On the other hand, in the method of screen-printing the translucent base layer 6 with the same film thickness as the ink layer 2 in a state of being superimposed on the ink layer 2, the setting of printing conditions is extremely simple, but slight. However, it is inevitable that gradual unevenness occurs, and the transferability of the semi-specular layer 9 is slightly lower than that of the former. However, this point can be solved by setting the thickness of the translucent base layer 6 to be 1 μm to 10 μm thicker than the thickness of the ink layer 2. Even if the thickness is 10 μm or more,
There is no change in transferability, workability for thick film printing,
For example, multiple printing is required, increasing the frequency of problems such as workability, productivity and adhesion of foreign matter,
There are many adverse effects such as appearance defects due to a decrease in translucency. In consideration of these conditions, it is preferable that the thickness of the translucent base layer 6 is set to be 1 μm to 10 μm thicker than the thickness of the ink layer 2.

Next, when the light-transmitting underlayer 6 is completed, the light-transmitting adhesive layer 10 of the transfer film 90 as the semi-specular surface layer 9 is bonded to the substantially flat portion 8 of the light-transmitting underlayer 6, The semi-specular surface layer 9 is transferred to the substantially flat portion 8 of the translucent underlayer 6 by heating under pressure from the 15 side. According to the experiment by the inventor, the transfer processing pressure was about 1 kg / cm ² , and the transfer roll temperature was about 2 kg / cm ² .
Good results were obtained at 00 ° C.

As described above, like the transfer film 90 having the adhesive layer 10 having the semi-specular surface layer 9 previously described,
By preparing in the form of tape or sheet,
If necessary, the semi-specular surface layer 9 can be transferred to the translucent base layer 6 by a so-called hot stamping method, so that the semi-specular surface layer 9 can be easily formed on the back surface 4 of the translucent resin key top 3.

The key top member 30 is replaced with the switch member 16 without using the transfer film 90 having the adhesive layer 10.
When mounting the switch member 16 on the translucent resin key top 3, a transparent adhesive 24 is applied to the translucent surface layer 13 of the semi-mirror surface layer 9. What is necessary is just to adhere and fix the translucent resin key top 3 to a specific location.

Since the semi-specular surface layer 9 is formed on the back surface 4 side of the translucent resin key top 3, the substrate 11 is pressed from the pressing portion 19 side (outside the main unit) of the translucent resin key top 3 in a bright place. When the user looks into the side, the ink layer 2 serving as a display part floats up due to the reflection, and the pressing part 19 side of the translucent resin key top 3 (outside the main unit) in a dark place.
When the substrate 11 is viewed from above, the light of the light emitting diode 11 provided on the substrate 11 has an effect of illuminating the ink layer 2 from the back surface due to its translucency.

The light-transmitting underlayer 6 described in the first embodiment does not need to be colorless and transparent as long as the light-transmitting property is ensured. It is free to add color. Therefore, the translucent base layer 6 can be effectively used as a means for enhancing the contrast with the color of the ink layer 2 in addition to the function as the base material of the semi-specular surface layer 9.

[0052]

[Example 1] Using a polycarbonate resin (NOVAREX 7020A, manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation), 12 key tops were connected by a runner and side gates by an injection molding method. We prepared a transparent key top for mobile phones.

Next, a screen plate (nylon mesh, mesh size # 30)
0, manufactured by Murakami Screen Industry Co., Ltd.) and urethane-based ink (Sericol VAR, manufactured by Teikoku Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd.), and yellow-green numbers of 1 to 12 were printed by a screen printing method. Next, the display unit ink is left at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and dried and solidified so as to withstand the next step.
In order to print the light-transmitting underlayer serving as the background color, solid printing of a light-transmitting brown smoke color was applied to the entire back surface of the keytop except for the display portion, similarly to the display portion printing. The printed film thickness at this time is about 1
It was 0 μm.

After printing, it was dried and solidified in a circulating hot air drying oven at 80 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Next, in order to form a semi-specular surface layer, a hot stamping device (# 25, DP-115-S, manufactured by Toyo Metallizing Co., Ltd., light transmittance 25%) was used. (RT-150D, manufactured by Navista Co., Ltd.), the metal thin film of the half mirror was transferred to the back surface of the key top printed by the hot stamping method. The conditions at this time are as follows: a transfer roll having a rubber hardness of 80 degrees is used, the transfer roll temperature is 200 ° C., the transfer pressure is about 1 kg / cm ² (the pressing amount is about 1.5 mm), and the transfer speed (roll moving speed) is 30.
At mm / sec, transfer with good appearance without pinholes or wrinkles was possible.

The yellow-green color used in the printing of the display portion is insufficient in color developing property and light concealing property when the printing film thickness is thin, and is inferior in visibility in daytime and nighttime backlighting.
By making the printed film thickness at this time approximately 10 μm,
Yellow-green coloring and light hiding were improved. On the other hand, due to steps (irregularities) due to thick film printing, during hot stamping, the steps cannot be followed, and pinholes and wrinkles are generated, which is a serious adverse effect. For this reason, by adding a light-transmitting underlayer to the entire back surface except for the display portion, the surface was made almost flat, and the productivity of hot stamping could be improved.

Example 2 Using a polycarbonate resin (Calibur 301-22, manufactured by Sumitomo Dow Co., Ltd.), 12 key tops were transparently connected by a runner and side gates by an injection molding method. A key top for mobile phones was prepared.

Next, a screen plate (nylon mesh, mesh size # 30) is printed on the back surface for printing the display section.
0, manufactured by Murakami Screen Industry Co., Ltd.) and an acrylic / polycarbonate ink (CAV Mayvan, manufactured by Seiko Advance Co., Ltd.), and orange numbers 1 to 12 were printed by a screen printing method. The printed film thickness at this time was about 10 μm.

Next, the display portion ink is allowed to stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes, dried and solidified to the extent that it can withstand the next step, and then printed on a light-transmitting underlayer serving as a background color. , A screen plate (nylon mesh, mesh size # 270, manufactured by Murakami Screen Kogyo Co., Ltd.) and a urethane-based two-liquid reactive ink (SG740, manufactured by Seiko Advance Co., Ltd.) are prepared, and are translucent gray by a screen printing method. Smoke solid printing was applied to the entire back surface of the key top including the display unit. The printed film thickness at this time was about 10 μm. Then, after drying and solidifying at room temperature for about 15 minutes, a colorless and transparent solid print is similarly printed on the entire back surface with the same ink as that of the light-transmitting underlayer. did. This film thickness was about 5 μm.

After printing, it was dried and solidified in a circulating hot air drying oven at 80 ° C. for 30 minutes.

Next, in order to form a semi-specular layer, a transfer foil for hot stamping (PL61G half silver, manufactured by Reiko Co., Ltd., light transmittance 30%) was used and a hot stamping device (RT-150D, ( The metal thin film of the half mirror was transferred by hot stamping to the back surface of the key top printed by Navista Co., Ltd.). The conditions at this time were as follows: using a transfer roll having a rubber hardness of 80 degrees, a transfer roll temperature of 200 ° C.,
Transfer pressure about 1 kg / cm ² (pressing amount about 1.5 m
m), transfer speed (roll transfer speed 30 mm / sec), transfer with good appearance without pinholes, wrinkles, etc. was obtained.

The orange color used in the printing of the display part is insufficient in color developing property and light concealing property when the printed film thickness is thin, and is inferior in visibility during daytime and nighttime backlighting. By making the print film thickness of about 10 μm, orange color development and light concealment were improved. On the other hand, due to steps (irregularities) due to thick film printing, during hot stamping, the steps cannot be followed, and pinholes and wrinkles are generated, which is a serious adverse effect. For this reason, by adding two light-transmitting underlayers to the entire back surface including the display unit, the surface was made almost flat, and the productivity of hot stamping could be improved.

Next, in order to manufacture a switch member, a silicone rubber compound KE-951U (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and a crosslinking agent C-8B (manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Was added, and the mixture was kneaded well and processed into a sheet shape.
Under the condition of kg / cm ² , press molding with a mold is performed,
A silicone rubber switch member was obtained in which twelve pressing portions and a base supporting the periphery were connected by elastically deforming portions.
This was dried with a hot air circulating drier at 200 ° C. for 60 minutes.

Next, the surface (adhesive surface) of the switch member made of silicone rubber was applied to a batch type ultraviolet irradiation furnace VUM-307.
184.9 nm with 3-B (manufactured by Oak Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
And 253.7 nm ultraviolet rays at 1200 mJ /
cm ² , and 20 g of a solution obtained by mixing Primer Chemloc 607 (manufactured by Lord Far East, Inc.) and methanol at a ratio of 1: 1 on the surface thereof at an atomizing pressure of 300 mm from above. 1.4
It was applied by a spray method under the condition of kg / cm ² .

Then, after cutting and removing the gate and the runner portion of the previously prepared key top member, the key top member is set in a jig.
It is aligned at a predetermined pitch, and the surface is preliminarily UV-curable translucent adhesive ChemiSeal 5X845C (manufactured by Chemitech Corporation).
Was applied to the adhesive surface, and was adhered and integrated with a silicone rubber switch member. The adhesive curing condition at that time is 300 ~
The UV light at 450 nm and the integrated light amount were 4000 mJ / cm ² .

[Experimental Example 1] In Experimental Example 1 shown in Table 1, the display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin and hot stamped directly on the resin portion, and the print thickness of the display portion was changed to 2 to 20 μm. This is to confirm the status of the seven test specimens.

In this experimental example 1, the test No. having a display portion printed film thickness of 2 μm was used. Only 1 was good in appearance, and the printed film thickness of the display portion was 5 μm (Test No. 2), 8
μm (Test No. 3), 10 μm (Test No. 4), 1
2 μm (Test No. 5), 15 μm (Test No. 6),
With respect to 20 μm (test No. 7), pinholes and wrinkles around the display section were observed, and the result was a poor appearance.

[0068]

[Table 1]

[Experimental Example 2] In Experimental Example 2 shown in Table 2, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, a single transparent base layer was printed on the entire back surface except the display portion, and then hot stamping was performed. Then, the condition of seven test pieces in which the thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 10 μm and the print thickness of the display portion was changed to 2 to 20 μm was confirmed.

In Experimental Example 2, the display portion printed film thickness was 8 μm (Test No. 3) and 10 μm (Test No. 3).
4) and 12 μm (test No. 5) were good in appearance, and the printed film thickness of the display portion was 2 μm (test N
o. 1) 5 μm (test No. 2) and 15 μm (test No. 6), 20 μm thicker display portion printed film
In the case of μm (test No. 7), the result was judged as poor appearance.

[0071]

[Table 2]

[Experimental Example 3] In Experimental Example 3 shown in Table 3, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, a single transparent base layer was printed on the entire back surface except for the display portion, and then hot stamping was performed. Then, the situation was confirmed for seven specimens in which the display portion print thickness was fixed at 10 μm and the light-transmitting underlayer print thickness was changed to 2 to 20 μm.

In Experimental Example 3, the printed thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer was 8 μm (Test No. 3) and 10 μm (Test No. 3).
4) and 12 μm (Test No. 5) were good in appearance, and the printed thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer was 2 μm (Test No. 1), 5 μm (Test No. 2), and more. Optical underlayer printing thickness is 15 μm (Test No.
6) and those having a thickness of 20 μm (test No. 7) showed poor appearance.

[0074]

[Table 3]

[Experimental Example 4] In Experimental Example 4 shown in Table 4, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, a single transparent base layer was printed on the entire back surface including the display portion, and then hot stamping was performed. Then, the situation of eight specimens in which the thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 10 μm and the print thickness of the display portion was changed to 2 to 25 μm was confirmed.

In Experimental Example 4, the printed film thickness of the display portion was 2 μm (Test No. 1), 5 μm (Test No. 2),
Three of 8 μm (test No. 3) had good appearance, and 10 μm (test no.
4), 12 μm (Test No. 5), 15 μm (Test N)
o. 6), 20 μm (Test No. 7), and 25 μm (Test No. 8) were judged to have poor appearance.

[0077]

[Table 4]

[Experimental Example 5] In Experimental Example 5 shown in Table 5, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, a single transparent base layer was printed on the entire back surface including the display portion, and then hot stamping was performed. Then, the situation was confirmed for eight specimens in which the display portion print thickness was fixed at 10 μm and the light-transmitting underlayer print thickness was changed from 2 to 25.

In Experimental Example 5, the printing thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer was 12 μm (Test No. 5) and 15 μm (Test N).
o. 6), 20 μm (Test No. 7) and 25 μm (Test No. 8) have good appearance, and the thickness of the light-transmitting underlayer printing is thinner than this, 2 μm (Test No. 1) and 5 μm.
(Test No. 2), 8 μm (Test No. 3), 10 μm
(Test No. 4) showed the result of poor appearance.

[0080]

[Table 5]

[Experimental Example 6] In Experimental Example 6 shown in Table 6, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, two layers of the transparent base layer were printed on the entire back surface including the display portion, and then hot stamping was performed. The conditions of eight specimens in which the thickness of the first light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 10 μm, the thickness of the second light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 5 μm, and the print thickness of the display portion was changed from 2 to 25 were described. It was confirmed.

In Experimental Example 6, the printed film thickness of the display portion was 2 μm (Test No. 1), 5 μm (Test No. 2),
8 μm (Test No. 3), 10 μm (Test No. 4),
Five of 12 μm (test No. 5) had good appearance,
From this, the display portion printed film thickness was 15 μm (Test No.
6), 20 μm (Test No. 7), 25 μm (Test N)
o. In the case of 8), the result was judged as poor appearance.

[0083]

[Table 6]

[Experimental Example 7] In Experimental Example 7 shown in Table 7, a display portion was printed on the back surface of the resin, a two-layer light-transmitting underlayer was printed on the entire back surface including the display portion, and hot stamping was performed. The situation of eight specimens in which the thickness of the first light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 10 μm, the thickness of the second light-transmitting underlayer was fixed at 10 μm, and the display portion print thickness was changed from 2 to 25 μm was described. It was confirmed.

In this experimental example 7, the display portion printed film thickness was 2 μm (Test No. 1), 5 μm (Test No. 2),
8 μm (Test No. 3), 10 μm (Test No. 4),
12 μm (Test No. 5), 15 μm (Test No. 6)
Are good in appearance, and the printed film thickness of the display portion is 20 μm (test No. 7) and 25 μm (test no.
In the case of 8), the result was judged as poor appearance.

[0086]

[Table 7]

[0087]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the ink layer for displaying the switch function is partially formed on the back surface of the translucent resin key top, and the ink layer other than the ink layer is formed. A translucent underlayer is formed to fill the concave portion on the back surface of the translucent resin keytop. A substantially flat portion including the back surface of the translucent underlayer and the back surface of the ink layer has both light transmittance and reflectivity. Since the semi-mirror layer is formed, the light-transmitting resin key top side of the ink layer easily transmits light, and the back side of the ink layer has a reflective function of the semi-mirror layer. In addition, the light of the light emitting diode emitted from the back side of the ink layer can be transmitted to the pressing part side of the translucent resin key top by the transmission function of the semi-mirror surface layer, so the function of the push button switch even in dark places Can be clearly confirmed

Further, a semi-mirror layer is formed on a substantially flat portion formed by the light-transmitting base layer and the ink layer regardless of the step between the ink layer and the back surface of the light-transmitting resin key top. Even when a manufacturing method based on transfer processing in which the semi-mirror surface layer is formed into a tape shape or a sheet shape is adopted, the translucent resin key top and the semi-mirror surface layer are well integrated, thereby improving the product yield. I do.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, an ink layer for displaying a switch function is partially formed on the back surface of the light-transmitting resin keytop, and the light-transmitting resin keytop other than the ink layer is formed. A light-transmitting underlayer capable of covering the ink layer by filling the concave portion on the back surface is formed on the entire back surface of the light-transmitting resin key top, and the light-transmitting and reflecting properties of the rear surface of the light-transmitting base layer are reduced. A semi-mirror surface layer is also provided, so that the function of the push button switch can be clearly confirmed not only in a bright place but also in a dark place, and it is transparent under the light regardless of the step between the ink layer and the back of the translucent resin key top. Since the semi-specular surface layer is formed on the substantially flat portion on the back surface of the formation layer, even if the semi-specular layer is manufactured by a transfer method using a tape-shaped or sheet-shaped transfer process, the translucent resin key is used. Top and semi-mirror layer are well integrated Because it is, also to improve the yield of the product.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
Or in addition to the effect described in 2, the semi-specular surface layer has a light-transmitting adhesive layer that can be bonded to the light-transmitting resin keytop, and has a visible light transmittance of 5 to 60% on the upper surface of the light-transmitting adhesive layer. Having a light-transmitting surface layer on the upper surface of the metal-deposited layer, and a light-transmitting release layer as a base material of a release film for protecting the light-transmitting surface layer on the upper surface of the light-transmitting surface layer. As a result, the semi-specular surface layer can be prepared as a tape or a sheet, whereby the semi-specular surface layer is transferred to the rear surface of the translucent resin key top in the manner of hot stamping. The key top member having the semi-specular surface layer can be easily manufactured.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the pressing portion and the base supporting the periphery of the pressing portion are connected by the elastically deforming portion, and the movable contact provided in the base by pressing down the pressing portion is movable. A key top member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the switch member capable of realizing a target switch function by contacting a fixed contact on the substrate side disposed opposite to the contact, the pressing portion is provided. In addition to the effects of claims 1 to 3, the required number of keytop members are integrally provided on the switch member having a plurality of movable contacts, so that the mobile information terminal and the audio Incorporation into a main unit such as a device is further simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a key top member according to the present invention.
(A) shows the case where the thickness of the light transmitting base layer is the same as the thickness of the ink layer, and (b) shows the case where the thickness of the light transmitting base layer is larger than the thickness of the ink layer. Is shown.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a semi-specular layer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a state where the key top member of the first embodiment is incorporated in a main body device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part showing an example of a conventional key top member in which a transfer foil is directly adhered on an ink layer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 ink layer 3 translucent resin key top 4 back surface 6 translucent base layer 8 substantially flat portion 9 semi-mirror surface layer

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5G006 AA02 BB07 JA01 JB03 JC01 JD03 JF02 JF21 JF27 5G023 AA06 AA11 CA24 CA30 CA41

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An ink layer for displaying a switch function is partially formed on the back surface of a light-transmitting resin keytop, and a light-transmitting underlayer that fills a concave portion on the back surface of the light-transmitting resin keytop other than the ink layer is provided. A key top member, wherein a semi-mirror layer having both light transmittance and light reflectivity is formed on a substantially flat portion formed by a back surface of the light-transmitting underlayer and a back surface of the ink layer. 2. An ink layer for displaying a switch function is partially formed on the back surface of the translucent resin keytop, and the ink layer is filled by filling the recesses on the back surface of the translucent resin keytop other than the ink layer. A translucent underlayer that can be covered is formed on the entire back surface of the translucent resin key top, and a semi-mirror layer having both light transmittance and reflectivity is formed on the back surface of the translucent underlayer. Key top member characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The semi-specular surface layer has a light-transmitting adhesive layer that can be bonded to the light-transmitting resin keytop, and a metal vapor deposition having a visible light transmittance of 5 to 60% on an upper surface of the light-transmitting adhesive layer. Having a light-transmitting surface layer on the upper surface of the metal-deposited layer, and having a light-transmitting release layer as a base material of a release film for protecting the light-transmitting surface layer on the upper surface of the light-transmitting surface layer. The key top member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. A pressing portion and a base supporting the periphery of the pressing portion are connected by an elastically deforming portion, and a movable contact provided in the base by pressing down the pressing portion is arranged to face the movable contact. 4. A switch member capable of achieving a target switch function by contacting a fixed contact on the substrate side, wherein the key top member according to claim 1 is adhered to the pressing portion. A switch member characterized by the above-mentioned.